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2024 Triumph Daytona 660 launched at Malaysia Auto Show 2024, priced at RM49,500
Now in Malaysia is the 2024 Triumph Daytona 660, priced at RM49,500 with a two-year or 16,000 km warranty against manufacturing defects. Triumph’s smallest modern sportsbike was launched at the on-going Malaysia Auto Show 2024.
Powered by the same inline-triple that powers the Triumph Street Triple 600 and Triumph Tiger 660, the Daytona 660 gets 95 PS at 11,520 rpm and 69 Nm of torque at 8,250 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox equipped with slip and assist clutch with chain final drive.
Suspension is done with Showa upside-down big piston 41 mm diameter front forks and Showa preload adjustable monoshock at the back. Braking is done with radial-mount four-piston brakes with twin 310 mm discs with a 220 mm fixed disc with single piston sliding calliper in the rear, and two-channel ABS is standard.
There are three ride modes – Sport, Road and Rain – with optimised throttle response and traction control settings for road conditions – while traction control is switchable for riding on the track. A new Emergency Deceleration Warning system activates the Daytona’s hazard lights under heavy braking to alert road users.
A digital LCD gauge is found inside the cockpit, displaying all the necessary information while the My Triumph Connectivity System for connecting to the rider’s smartphone is an optional extra, as is Triumph Shift Assist up-and-down quickshifter.
With 14-litres of fuel in the tank, the Daytona 660 weighs in at 201 kg, while the seat places the rider 810 off the ground with a low seat height option set at 785 mm. Three colour options are available, with prominent “660” graphics.
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Jetour Dashing makes Malaysian debut – launch in H2 2024; 5-seat SUV with 156 PS 1.5T; CKD; two variants
Chinese automaker Jetour has made its public debut at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 and is currently previewing the Dashing. This is one of two SUVs set to be launched here in the second half of his year, with the other being the X70 Plus – both will be locally assembled (CKD) models.
The Dashing is a five-seat SUV built on the Kunlun architecture that is sized between a Honda CR-V (4,691 mm long) and Toyota Corolla Cross (4,460 mm long), measuring in at 4,590 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, 1,685 mm tall and with a wheelbase of 2,720 mm.
Two variants are offered, namely the Prime and Signature, both powered by a 1.5 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine delivering 156 PS (154 hp) at 5,500 rpm and 230 Nm of torque from 1,750 to 4,000 rpm.
Drive is sent to the front wheels via six-speed dual-clutch transmission and drivers will have three drive modes (Economy, Comfort, Sport) to cycle through. The base Prime rides on 18-inch wheels (235/60 profile tyres) while the range-topping Signature comes with 19-inch units (235/55 profile tyres).
In terms of other standard equipment, the Prime gets LED headlamps, LED DRLs, LED taillights, a powered tailgate, keyless entry and start, remote engine start, leather seat upholstery, a six-way powered driver’s seat, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, a 50W wireless charging pad, four speakers and automatic air-conditioning with rear vents and CN95 filter.
As for safety and driver assistance systems, the base variant of the Dashing comes with passive cruise control, a reverse camera, ABS, EBD, brake assist, ESC, traction control, six airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system, ISOFIX child seat anchors, overspeed warning and four reverse sensors.
The Signature improves upon the Prime’s kit list by gaining a panoramic sunroof, a four-way powered front passenger seat, ambient lighting, lane change assist, blind spot monitoring, lane change warning, rear cross traffic alert and a 360-degree around view monitor.
Curiously there’s no mention of autonomous emergency braking in the spec sheet provided to us. However, it is stated there are five colours available: Vanilla Blue, Khaki White, Star Black, Phantom Grey and Tech Grey.
Pricing for the Dashing, even estimated, is not available for now, so we’ll have to wait until the second half of the year to find out how much you’ll be paying. Are you looking forward to the Dashing going on sale here?
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Jetour X70 Plus previewed in Malaysia – 7-seat D-segment SUV, 156 PS/230 Nm 1.5T, 6-speed DCT
Making its debut at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 is the Chery group brand Jetour, which has revealed the two cars it will sell on our shores initially. Here, we’re focusing on the X70 Plus, a seven-seater D-segment SUV that competes with the Proton X90 and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro (it’s a size larger than the car that shares the same name, the Proton X70).
Two variants will be made available in the second half of the year, these being the Prime and Signature. No matter which version you go for, the X70 Plus measures 4,724 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,720 mm tall, with a wheelbase spanning 2,720 mm. Ground clearance is fairly modest at 144 mm.
Just one engine has been earmarked for Malaysia – a 1.5 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 150 PS at 5,500 rpm and 230 Nm of torque between 1,750 and 4,000 rpm. This is the same mill that powers the Chery Omoda 5, albeit with a six-speed wet dual-clutch transmission instead of a CVT.
The X70 is quite an old car now, having been around since Jetour’s formation in 2018. The Plus suffix denotes a comprehensive facelift (not the latest one shown in Beijing last month) that adds shapely headlights, a large hexagonal grille, full chrome window surrounds, full-width taillights and (fake) quad tailpipes. Both models come with automatic LED headlights, red exterior highlights, roof rails and 19-inch two-tone alloy wheels.
On the inside, you get a Mercedes-style widescreen panel with twin 10.25-inch displays, plus a slimmer separate screen for the air conditioning. As standard, you get keyless entry, push-button start, paddle shifters, cruise control, a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather upholstery, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 50-watt Qi wireless charger, four speakers, a 360-degree camera system and a powered tailgate.
Stepping up to the Signature nets you a panoramic glass sunroof, driver’s side seat memory and metal pedals. In terms of safety, the Prime comes with four airbags and autonomous emergency braking, with the Signature adding curtain airbags (six airbags in total), blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, rear cross traffic alert and a door opening warning.
Last but not least, there’s the elephant in the room that is the fact that the X70 Plus shares its name with a certain national SUV. A Jetour rep has previously intimated that the car will likely be renamed for the Malaysian market, but no word on the new moniker since then.
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2024 BMW Motorrad R1300GS launched at Malaysia Auto Show, pricing starts at RM140,000
Launched at the 2024 Malaysia Auto Show is the 2024 BMW Motorrad R1300GS, priced at RM140,000. Also available in Malaysia is the R1300GS Option 719, Tramuntana, with a price tag of RM149,500.
A complete makeover ofBMW Motorrad’s legendary adventure motorcycle, the G1300GS comes with an all new boxer-twin displacing exactly 1,300 cc. Power output is claimed to be 145 hp at 7,750 rom with a maximum torque of 6,500 rpm, making this BMW Motorrad’s most powerful twin ever.
The six-speed gearbox is located under the engine to decrease engine package size while the trellis frame is eliminated, contributing to a weight reduction of 12 kg, the R1300GS tipping the scales at 237 kg compared to the R1250GS’ 249 kg.
The redesigned suspension incorporates BMW Motorrad’s Evo Telelever front suspension and Evo Paralever rear, giving better steering precision and ride stability. BMW’s electronic Dynamic Suspension Adjustment (DSA) is an option.
DSA combines dynamic adjustment of the front and rear damping with a corresponding adjustment of the spring rate, or stiffness. This allows for automatic load compensation no matter if the R1300GS is ridden solo, two-up or loaded with luggage.
Optional on the R1300GS is adaptive vehicle height control and the sports suspension. With adaptive vehicle height control, the rider gets fully automatic adjustment of ride height depending on operating conditions while sports suspension offers 20 mm more suspension travel front and rear for off-roading.
There are four riding modes – Road, Rain, Eco and Enduro. Road and Rain modify power delivery of the R1300GS for prevailing conditions while Eco mode gets the maximum range out of a single tank of fuel, Enduro mode giving optimum power delivery for off-road riding.
Primary focus of change for the R1300GS is the headlight, a matrix lED headlight replacing the previous two element headlight. The light unit consists of two LED units for low and high beam along with four additional LED units for DRLs and side lights. while cornering lights is an option.
Riding aids include Active Cruise Control (ACC), Front Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Change Warning (SWW) to aid safety and rider awareness. Riding conveniences include a smartphone charging compartment with integrated USB socket and additional 12 V on-board power socket as standard, and BMW Keyless Ride while heated seats are an extra cost option.
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ETCM previews Nissan e-Power hybrid at Malaysia Autoshow 2024 – coming to sixth-gen Serena MPV?
At the Malaysia Autoshow 2024, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) is showcasing Nissan’s e-Power hybrid system in a Nissan Kicks. Both were never offered in Malaysia, with the latter previously teased in ETCM’s Chinese New Year greeting video over two years ago.
In the time since then, the Kicks entered its second generation in March this year. However, the car shown at the event is not the latest but the facelifted first-generation model that first made its debut back in May 2020.
It’s not known if the Kicks will ever be launched here and we honestly don’t expect that to happen given the age of the model being previewed. As such, true focal point of ETCM’s showcase is the e-Power hybrid system.
In the Kicks, the setup consists of a HR12DE 1.2 litre three-cylinder petrol engine rated at 79 PS and 103 Nm of torque that acts solely as a generator for a 1.57 kWh battery located under the front seats.
Said battery powers a front-mounted EM57 electric motor with 129 PS (95 kW) and 260 Nm. Unlike other hybrid systems, the engine does not drive the wheels, with the electric motor being the primary means of getting the crossover moving.
The e-Power system is also used in other Nissan models such as the Serena, which is due for an update here. The MPV entered its sixth generation in November 2022 and was spotted undergoing testing in Malaysia last March.
Perhaps ETCM’s e-Power showcase at the Malaysia Autoshow is an indicator we will finally get Nissan’s unorthodox hybrid system in the Serena in the (hopefully) near future? We did suggest this in a post from earlier this year, so we’ll have to wait and see.
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Perodua hit all-time record sales in 2023 with 330,325 units, up 17.1% – aims to maintain level for 2024
Perodua achieved all-time high sales last year and you’re only hearing about it a few days before the second half of 2024 starts? Us too, via Perodua president and CEO Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad’s speech at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024, which opens to the press today. For reasons unbeknownst to us, P2 skipped its annual year-end review this year.
Usually, when companies keep quiet, or try to hide figures, it’s a sign of decline. But no such thing from the perennial market leader, which sold a record 330,325 in 2023, up 17.1% from the 282,019 units registered in 2022. By the way, 282k was itself a record, a huge 48.2% jump from the 190,291 vehicles sold in 2021.
In November 2023, P2 revised its sales target upwards to 325,000 units from the original 314,000 announced in January, and that higher figure – set because P2 managed to ramp up production (they usually sell whatever they can make without lag) – was comfortably surpassed as well. Most popular model? The Bezza.
“For 2023, we were also the third largest car manufacturer in ASEAN,” Zainal declared.
This year, Perodua’s target is to maintain sales at the 330,000 units level, and it’s off to a good start – for the first quarter of 2024, P2 registered 112,845 vehicles, an increase of 15.8% from the 97,438 units it sold from January to April 2023.
As always, sales corresponds with production, which saw an increase of 15% to 118,547 units from January to April 2024, up from the 103,041 cars that rolled out of Sg Choh in Q1 2023. As for waiting period, a common question when it comes to Perodua, Zainal said that it’s now from one to five months, an improvement over the eight to 10 months wait last year.
By the way, Perodua is showing off a Myvi EV called the emo-1 and the outdoor-themed Aruz X-Cape at the ongoing Malaysia Autoshow at MAEPS. Click on the links to see the showcars.
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Perodua emo-1 EV concept – all-electric Myvi study with 68 PS/220 Nm, 55.7 kWh battery, 350 km range
A year after showing its Electric Motion Online (emo) concept, Perodua is back with another electric vehicle study, but there’s a difference in the emo-1, as the vehicle is called. Where the original visualisation was offered as a 1:6 scale clay model, this one is presented in full-size form, with supposedly running mechanicals.
The emo-1, which is on display at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024, is an electric hatchback underpinned by a 2021 D51A Myvi serving as a donor vehicle. The conversion project is powered by a three-phased permanent magnet synchronous motor offering 68 PS (50 kW rated; 120 kW peak) and 220 Nm of twist (quoted as 315 Nm on the large info panel at the display), and this is good enough to get the electric Myvi to 100 km/h in around seven to nine seconds.
The motor is juiced by a NMC lithium-ion battery with an energy capacity of 55.7 kWh (listed as 57.6 kWh on the info panel), which the automaker says will offer 350 km of travel (400 km quoted on the display panel spec sheet) on a single charge. As for charging, it takes over five hours to get the unit to full via 11 kW AC charging, while charging at 50 kW DC takes just over an hour.
The specs on the prototype are different from that ventured for the EV study from last year, when 95 PS and 121 Nm was quoted from its electric motor, and performance figures included a 0-100 km/h time of 10 seconds and a 160 km/h top speed (there’s no mention of the latter with this one, but 150 km/h was intimated during the presentation). The actual battery is also slightly up in terms of capacity from the 50 kWh stated previously.
According to the company, the project to develop the emo-1 – which tips the scales at more than 1,400 kg – started back in Sept 2022, but actual construction only began nine months ago, with the final build completed with the assistance of an Australian partner.
The conversion is very much a precursor for further development, with the company saying that an updated concept will be shown at the end of this year, which means it’s likely to be at KLIMS.
Click to enlarge. Meanwhile, production is slated to take place sometime next year, and there’s even a price point ventured for its first EV offering – the automaker says that it will be below RM100k, but above RM50k. It added that there will be a new mechanism to ensure better resale value for Perodua EVs too.
Info panels placed in the showcase area offer highlights of the electrification project, so if you’re heading to the Malaysia Autoshow 2024, be sure to check them out.
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2024 MINI Countryman in Malaysia – U25 SE EV with up to 432 km range, 300 PS JCW, priced from RM260k
In addition to the 520i and i5 M60, BMW Group Malaysia has also launched the all-new U25 MINI Countryman in Malaysia. Larger and much more closely related to Bavaria than the outgoing second-generation F60 (it’s even built there, in nearby Leipzig), the SUV is being offered in petrol and, for the first time, fully-electric guise.
The range starts with the electric Countryman SE All4, with estimated pricing of RM260,000, around RM26,000 cheaper than its sibling, the BMW iX1 xDrive30. Meanwhile, the sole petrol variant is the hot John Cooper Works Countryman, set to be offered at RM399,000. Deliveries are set to kick off in the third quarter of the year.
MINI Countryman SE All4
On the SE, the All4 suffix denotes the presence of twin motors, producing a sum total of 313 PS (230 kW) and 494 Nm of torque. Those are identical figures to the iX1 xDrive30, enabling it to get from zero to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds (a tenth of a second quicker than the BMW) on its way to a top speed of 180 km/h.
What the MINI gains in performance it loses in range – equipped with the same 66.5 kWh battery as the iX1, it nevertheless returns a slightly lower figure of 432 km on the WLTP cycle. On the flip side, the Countryman not only accepts the same 130 kW of DC fast charging (topping up the battery from 10 to 80% in 30 minutes) but has double the maximum AC charging input of 22 kW, which should lead to much shorter charge times.
Built on the same front-wheel-drive UKL2 platform as the iX1, the new Countryman is much bigger than the car it replaces, being 130 mm longer and having a 22 mm longer wheelbase. The size increase is most noticeable in the longer rear overhang, meaning that the car loses the typical MINI four-square stance.
Highlights include squarish LED headlights with perimeter daytime running lights, a large hexagonal front grille, chunky fender flares, flush pull-up door handles, customisable “matrix” LED taillights and a peculiar C-pillar trim piece that drops downwards from the roof. Some typical MINI design cues, such as the front fender “side scuttles” and clamshell bonnet, have been dropped for a more minimalist look.
The Malaysian-spec model comes in the range-topping Favoured trim, which adds gloss black exterior trim, decorative skid plates and a choice of either Piano Black or Vibrant Silver roof and door mirrors. It also rides on 20-inch Windmill Spoke two-tone alloy wheels.
Inside, MINI promises greater passenger space, including a significant increase in shoulder room; there’s also a 460 litre boot expandable to 1,350 litres with the 40:20:40-split rear seats folded (no front boot, unfortunately). The minimalist aesthetic continues on the inside, with a wraparound dashboard design covered in Dark Petrol (ironic) houndstooth fabric, a three-spoke sports steering wheel with a fabric lower spoke, vertical air vents and a wide centre console with a variety of storage compartments.
Taking centre stage (literally) is a distinctive 9.4-inch circular OLED touchscreen that integrates not only the air-con controls but also the speed readout, much like the Volvo EX30. It runs on the Android-based MINI Operating System 9 and comes with a “Hey MINI” voice control system, visualised by a dog avatar called Spike. The deletion of the instrument cluster has been compensated by the addition of a head-up display.
Behind the display sit two projectors that display patterns onto either side of the dashboard, depending on the drive mode selected. You also get the smartphone-based MINI Digital Key Plus, MINI Driving Sounds and a 360-degree camera system with Remote 3D View. Below the screen, the trademark toggle switches have been simplified to just two for the gear selector and drive modes, plus a volume knob, parking brake button and a unique key-like starter twist knob.
On the inside, the Favoured trim adds JCW sport seats made of Vescin Beading faux leather in either Vintage Brown or Dark Petrol. Other bits of standard kit include power-adjustable front seats with driver’s side memory and massage functions, black headlining and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system.
Safety-wise, the Countryman comes as standard with the Driving Assistant Plus package, adding autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane centring assist, evasive steering assist, blind spot monitoring and traffic sign recognition. Also fitted is Parking Assistant Professional, throwing on remote parking assist via a smartphone app, a Manoeuvring Assistant and a Reversing Assistant.
MINI John Cooper Works Countryman All4
Despite being positioned as the performance model, the JCW actually has less power than the EV variant, its B48 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine only making 300 PS and 400 Nm of torque. Even so, with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive at its disposal, this not-so-pocket rocket is able to complete the century sprint two tenths of a second quicker at 5.4 seconds, while its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. Adaptive dampers are also fitted.
Setting the JCW apart from the SE is a full exterior package that consists of a more aggressive front bumper (with a chequered flag grille pattern and twin fake “air intakes” up top), a large rear diffuser with quad round tailpipes and a red roof and door mirrors. The car rolls on 21-inch JCW Flag Spoke alloys with Pirelli P Zero tyres, hiding JCW Performance Brakes with red callipers.
There are more changes on the inside, including a JCW steering wheel, JCW-specific fabric interior trim in red, a black fabric accent strip and JCW Black Vecsin faux leather upholstery with red and grey accents.
This being a petrol model, the boot is larger at 505 litres and can be expandable to 1,530 litres by folding the rear seats. The JCW is also the only model to feature manually-adjustable rear seats, including six positions for the back seat recline.
GALLERY: MINI Countryman SE All4 at Malaysia Autoshow 2024
GALLERY: MINI John Cooper Works Countryman All4 at Malaysia Autoshow 2024
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Perodua Aruz X-Cape in Malaysia – roof-mounted tent, awning, camping accessories, matte exterior wrap
The Perodua Aruz is popular among families, given its seven-seater layout and SUV form, especially for those who need the interior space on a regular basis. The national carmaker has shown a kitted-up example of the Aruz today at the 2024 Malaysia Autoshow, with camping accessories and aesthetic changes.
Along with a matte green full body wrap, the Aruz is outfitted with a roof rack for a roof-mounted tent, which is deployed from its own roof box. This is equipped with a ladder for access on the right-hand-side of the vehicle. This is complemented by an awning with supporting poles. Accompanying the display setup are camping furniture including chairs, a foldable trolley that doubles as a table, along with cases.
According to Perodua personnel at show stand, the Aruz X-Cape shown serves as a display concept in terms of what is possible in an outdoors-lifestyle capacity, and there are currently no plans to offer any variant of the Aruz for sale with this equipment specification, nor as any individual parts for the Aruz.
In addition to the lifestyle accessories, the Aruz gets a gloss black finish for its alloy wheels, and the vehicle’s headlamp and tail lamp lenses have been darkened to to with the darkened trim theme. Meanwhile, a set of mountain range decals are applied to the sides of the Aruz X-Cape.
Equipment unique to the Aruz X-Cape appears to be confined to aesthetics and accessories, and so its mechanical specifications appear unchanged. As standard from its launch in 2019, the Aruz packs a 1.5 litre 2NR-VE Dual VVT-i naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 102 PS at 6,000 rpm and 133 Nm at 4,200 rpm, driving the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic gearbox.
In top variant form, the AV gets automatic headlamp function, roof rails, SmartLink smartphone mirroring, leather upholstery (the X gets fabric), a driving video recorder (dashcam) and Advance Safety Assist 2.0 (ASA 2.0) systems (Pre-collision Warning, Pre-collision Braking, Front Departure Alert and Pedal Misoperation Control).
The Perodua Aruz continues to be on sale in Malaysia in two variants – the 1.5 X at RM72,900, and the 1.5 AV at RM77,900; prices for both are on-the-road without insurance.
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2024 MINI Cooper S debuts in Malaysia – new F66 with 204 PS/300 Nm 2.0T, 7DCT; estimated price at RM280k
BMW Group Malaysia today introduced the new F66 MINI Cooper at the Malaysia Autoshow alongside a bevy of other vehicles. Set to be delivered to customers in the Q3 of this year, the new F66 MINI Hatch is being offered in a sole Cooper S variant that currently carries an estimated price of RM280,000.
Now, it’s important to note the F66 is not the fully electric version of MINI’s iconic hatchback that we saw last September (codenamed J01) but is instead a heavily revised version of the previous F56 MINI Hatch that maintains an internal combustion engine – call it a big facelift.
In the case of the Cooper S, it is a B48 2.0 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol unit developing 204 PS (201 hp) and 300 Nm of torque. This is paired with the same seven-speed dual-clutch transmission as before that drives the front wheels, enabling a 0-100 kmh/ time of 6.6 seconds and top speed of 242 km/h.
While the underpinnings and powertrain are familiar, the exterior design of the F66 Cooper is noticeable different and takes inspiration from the minimalistic styling of the J01 electric vehicle (EV).
Highlights include circular LED headlamps with horizontal daytime running light elements within each cluster, while the grille has an octagonal shape. The simplified approach also sees the omission of the faux bonnet vent as well as the side scuttles on the fenders.
On that mention, one way to tell the F66 apart from the J01 is by the size of the fender piece near the clamshell bonnet, with the latter being small by comparison. The conventional door handles and black body cladding are F56 carryovers.
The F66’s continued emulation of the J01 continues in the rear, with triangular-shaped LED taillights linked by a trim piece that has the model script on it. Even the lower apron has a black section with reflector “posts” sticking out the ends. However, there are some cues to mark out the ICE car, including the positioning of the tow hook cover and the design of the C-pillars leading into the rear spoiler.
Inside, the F66 Cooper S gets the J01’s circular OLED display measuring 9.4 inches as well as a nearly identical dashboard layout. The former is driven by the Android-based MINI Operating System and provides access to almost all vehicle functions, climate system included.
You do get physical controls in the form of the latest MINI toggle bar, although that only includes gear selection, simple media controls and toggling through the MINI Experience modes.
A new steering wheel and a fabric-wrapped dashboard are other changes made for the F66, the latter now following a two-tone look. We’re getting the Cooper S in Classic guise, which sees black-blue fabric covering various services, accompanied by Vescin vegan leather for the steering wheel as well as sport seats that have a grey/black look and blue inserts.
The latest MINI Cooper with a petrol engine is still a four-seater and the boot space you get remains the same at a tiny 210 litres, although you can fold the 60:40-split rear seats to get a total cargo capacity of 725 litres.
Our Cooper S is equipped with 18-inch ‘Slide Spoke’ two-tone light-alloy wheels, MINI logo projections on both sides, a Harman Kardon sound system, a head-up display, Comfort Package Plus, Comfort Access, a wireless charging pad and MINI Interaction Unit.
Click to enlarge In terms of driver assistance systems, the Cooper S gets the Driving Assistant package which includes lane change warning with active lane return, lane departure warning with active steering intervention, speed limit info, manual speed limit assist, passive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, evasion assist, rear cross traffic alert with brake intervention and exit warning.
It was also stated that Driving Assistant Plus is available (presumably as a paid add-on like with the base iX1), which adds adaptive cruise control with stop and go, steering and lane control assist as well as automatic speed limit assist.
Standard here is Parking Assistant Plus that includes Park Assist (parallel and perpendicular parking assistance), Active Park Distance Control, a reverse camera, Reversing Assistant, Parking View, Remote 3D View and a dashcam.
Four colours are offered for the F66 Cooper S, including Ocean Wave Green, Legend Grey, Nanuq White and Chili Red.
GALLERY: 2024 F66 MINI Cooper S Malaysia spec sheet
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2024 BMW G60 520i in Malaysia – 208 hp/330 Nm 2.0T mild-hybrid, Driving Assistant Plus; RM340k estimated
Joining its battery-electric siblings in the G60 5 Series range – including the i5 M60 that was just launched in Malaysia today – is the BMW 520i, a locally-assembled (CKD) model that comes in at an estimated price of RM340,000, according to BMW Group Malaysia.
This serves as the entry point to the G60 BMW 5 Series range that packs a mild-hybrid powertrain, featuring the B48 2.0 litre inline-four turbocharged petrol engine that outputs 208 hp and 330 Nm of torque, incorporating 48-volt architecture that brings the electric component to its propulsion.
Driveline is to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, and thus equipped the G60 520i does the 0-100 km/h sprint benchmark in 7.5 seconds, and a top speed of 230 km/h.
Rolling stock is by 19-inch aero alloy wheels in the 934 bicolour grey design/colour scheme, here shod in tyres measuring 245/45R19 in front and at the rear. Suspension layout is common across both combustion-engined 5 Series and i5 EV variants, being a double wishbone setup for the front suspension and a five-link layout for the rear suspension.
Inside, the 520i marks a departure from the M Sport kit as seen on the Malaysian-market i5, with the cabin of the 2.0 litre mild-hybrid petrol featuring a two-spoke, flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel.
Instrumentation and infotainment is provided by the BMW Curved Display that brings a 12.3-inch instrument panel and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, which is also accessed via the iDrive controller, and front seat occupants in the 520i get access to a wireless charging tray.
Driver assistance systems in the G60 520i come in the form of Driving Assistant Plus, which packs camera- and radar-based assistance systems including Active Cruise Control, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, and Lane Departure Warning.
In Malaysia, the G60 BMW 520i is offered in a choice of four exterior colours – Black Sapphire Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Phytonic Blue Metallic, and Cape York Green Metallic, along with two interior Veganza perforated trim upholstery options, in quilted black or espresso brown.
2024 G60 BMW 520i with M Performance parts
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smart #1 EV prices reduced in Malaysia – Pro RM169k, Premium RM209k, 4-yr free service for existing buyers
During the local debut of the smart #3 earlier this morning, smart Malaysia also unveiled what it terms “a new, more affordable pricing structure” for the smart #1 Pro and Premium models. The price adjustment follows the global price realignment made by the brand last month.
The new price for the regular smart #1 variants in Malaysia are (on-the-road without insurance, but with SST):
- smart #1 Pro single-motor – RM169,000
- smart #1 Premium single-motor – RM209,000
In the case of the Pro, this is RM20,000 cheaper than the RM189,000 price asked for it previously. As for the Premium, the new price is RM10,000 less than before, when it was priced at RM219,000. The price of the Brabus dual-motor variant remains unchanged, at RM249,000.
No mechanical or specification changes, with the base #1 Pro and #1 Premium continuing to be powered by a rear-mounted electric motor producing 272 PS (200 kW) and 343 Nm of torque, enabling both to get from zero to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds on the way to a 180 km/h top speed.
As part of the price restructuring exercise, smart Malaysia is offering existing smart #1 Premium and Pro owners a complimentary four-year service package.
“We are constantly striving to provide value to our customers. By lowering the smart #1’s price, we aspire to integrate customers into the smart community, fostering togetherness and enabling full immersion in our provided ecosystem, thus enhancing the premium ownership experience for buyers. Additionally, our special offer for existing customers reinforces our commitment to outstanding customer service and support,” said smart Malaysia CEO Zhang Qiang.
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smart #3 debuts in Malaysia – Pro, Premium, Brabus; up to 455 km range, 0-100 in 3.7s; open for booking
Here we go again, the smart #3. This time, we can show you the new EV in full as the media preview embargo lifts in conjunction with the car’s public debut and opening of order books at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024, which opens for the press today at MAEPS.
We gave you a briefing on the the smart #3 last week, but here are the full specs and galleries for all three variants of the EV – Pro, Premium and Brabus. It looks very different, but the #3 is a sister to the smart #1, the first model of the reborn brand (now co-owned by Geely and Mercedes-Benz, with the latter in charge of design), which now exclusively sells EVs.
Like the #1, the #3 sits on the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform, which also underpins EVs under the Geely umbrella like the Zeekr X and Volvo EX30. At 4,400 mm long and 1,844 mm wide, the #3’s footprint is 130 mm longer and 22 mm wider than the #1, but it’s not all extra overhangs, as the 2,785 mm wheelbase is 35 mm longer than the #1’s.
But the most obvious stat is the #3’s lower roof – 1,556 mm is a substantial 80 mm less than the #1’s height, and the #3’s low and curved roofline defines the coupe SUV bodystyle (smart calls it ‘coupe fastback’). We’re familiar with SUV offshoots like the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and BMW X4, but to these eyes, the #3 shape looks better as it’s much less tall – they very clearly didn’t just take a normal SUV and shave an angle off the back of the roof.
Emphasising that near-perfect curve of a roof (broken up by a small spoiler) is a small bridge connecting the daylight opening and the rear glass – this also creates the now de rigueur floating roof effect. smart says that the #3’s design ‘articulates muscle at no loss to sensibility and elegance’.
smart’s marketing collateral comes on strong with the Mercedes-Benz connection, but if you’re familiar with today’s Mercs, the ‘Styled by Mercedes-Benz’ bit is obvious, even more so here than on the #1. IMO, if Stuttgart’s own EQ SUVs were more fun and daring, they’d look like smart cars!
Full-width LEDs at both ends aren’t super unique these days, but flush door handles, frameless windows and an illuminated logo – all of which are also on the #1 – are premium/surprising design highlights. The latter has moved from the #1’s rear pillar to the #’3 front wing. The boot release button is neatly hidden into the ‘a’ of the logo, and there are smart logos as welcome lights.
By the way, the #3 looks more aerodynamic than the #1 and it actually is more slippery – Cd is 0.27 versus 0.29 for the taller car. Which brings us to slight gains in range and acceleration.
Variants and powertrains mirror the #1. The Pro and Premium have a rear-mounted electric motor producing 272 PS (200 kW) and 343 Nm of torque, good for a 0-100 km/h time of 5.8 seconds. Top speed is capped at 180 km/h. The Brabus adds on a front motor to make it AWD, and the setup offers 428 PS (315 kW) and 543 Nm – this reduces the 0-100 km/h sprint time down to 3.7 seconds, a tenth quicker than the #1 Brabus. There’s a ‘Rocket’ launch mode.
In the base Pro’s floorpan is a 49 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, good for a quoted WLTP range of 325 km, 10 km more than the equivalent #1. Both the Premium and Brabus get a 66 kWh nickel cobalt manganese (NMC) battery, which provides 455 km of claimed range for the Premium and up to 415 km for the dual-motor Brabus. Both WLTP range figures are 15 km more than the corresponding #1.
Charging is a smart trump card. There’s always plenty of focus on DC fast charging, but an EV’s primary source of juice is AC, and the #1 stands out in the field with a 22 kW AC onboard charger. For context, Chinese EVs typically max out at 7 kW, while premium brand EVs like the Mercedes-Benz EQA and BMW iX1 suck 11 kW, as per all Tesla and Hyundai EVs.
With 22 kW AC and a compatible source, going from 10-80% SoC takes just three hours. This means that you can have a long lunch break or rest time at home and when you’re done, your smart is replenished, all without paying DC rates. While EVs are typically left to charge overnight, the smart’s high AC rate gives owners more flexibility, including the option to pick AC over DC when on the move.
Of the EVs currently sold in Malaysia, only the ’55 quattro’ variants of the Audi Q8 e-tron/e-tron GT and the Porsche Taycan support 22 kW AC, so the smart’s charging game is strong. As for DC, 150 kW is nearly double the rate of the EV SUVs from BYD and Chery, and beats the EQA (100 kW) and iX1 (130 kW). smart claims 10-80% SoC in 30 minutes.
However, these stats are for the Premium and Brabus – the Pro does 7.4 kW AC/130 kW DC. By the way, the #3 gets an extra, milder level of energy regeneration for those who want a smoother drive with less ‘engine braking’ feel.
On the topic of charging, smart’s navigation function has charger locations from the top CPOs in Malaysia, covering 70% of charge points in the country. This is also found in the Hello smart app, which you can use to pay for charging via debit/credit card, keeping everything in-house.
We move on to the #3’s interior, which at is glance is identical to that of the #1. But look closely and you’ll find that the #1’s pill shaped centre AC vents have been swapped for three circular vents, which doubles down on the Mercedes-Benz feel. The front seats are completely different from the pair in the #1 – the integrated headrests are prominent, there’s a smart logo on the backs, there’s more support, and you’ll find little rivets on the surface.
Other differences include grooves on the lid of the glove box cubby, and the lack of a blind (electric on the #1) for the panoramic ‘halo’ glass roof, which smart says has a hollow silver coating that blocks 99% of UV rays and improves heat insulation efficiency. Whether this is strong enough for our climate remains to be seen; a manual clip-on sunshade exists, although we’re not certain if this accessory will be made available.
Two ‘cute’ details on the #1 have been swapped for ‘sportier’ items – the gloss white trim in the non-Brabus #1 is now a gunmetal-like grey, and the fox that lives in the UI is now a cheetah. These, plus the turbine-style AC vents make the #3’s cabin more universal in appeal.
The equipment list for the variants mirror that of the #1. The entry-level Pro gets a panoramic glass roof, ‘CyberSpark’ LED headlamps, a 12.8-inch central screen, 9.2-inch instrument cluster, powered front seats with heating, single-zone climate control, electric flush door handles, powered tailgate and 19-inch ‘Flux’ wheels with 245/45 tyres.
The Premium adds on niceties like adaptive highbeam assist for the LED headlamps, a 10-inch head-up display, a thumping 13-speaker Beats sound system, Automatic Parking Assistant (APA), a kick sensor for the auto tailgate, ambient lighting and distinctive ‘Torque’ rims in the same 19-inch size as the Pro.
Pro buyers get to choose between Digital White and Meta Black. The white is also available for the Premium, but you’ll also get to oft for interesting tones such as Ceramic Cream, Future Green, Electron Blue (matte), Cyber Silver and Quantum Blue. The interior can be had in black, grey or brown.
The high-performance Brabus model is the Photon Orange car you see here, and it adds on 20-inch ‘Synchro’ wheels (245/40 tyres) with red brake calipers, a slightly more prominent rear spoiler, Brabus badging around the lower body, a slit above the front smart logo, aluminium sports pedals, microfibre suede seats with red seatbelts, Alcantara wrap on the steering wheel (illuminated Brabus logo instead of smart), two B logos on the headrests (front and back) and black headlining for an all-black cabin.
If the Brabus’ signature orange is too loud for you, have it in matte Atom Grey (red roof optional), Meta Black (red roof) or Digital White (black roof). Last but definitely not least is the (passive) sport suspension with a more dynamic tune.
As mentioned, the smart #3 is now open for booking and the first 333 customers who put their name down along with a refundable RM1,000 booking fee will receive smart official merchandise worth up to RM1,500. Price? Expect the #3 to be slightly pricier than the #1, which by the way gets a new and lowered RRP of RM169k for the Pro (RM20k less) and RM209k for the Premium (RM10k less). So, what do you think of the #3’s looks and package? For more, read our first impressions of the #3 and review of the #1, which we think is a good EV landing point for those coming from premium ICE cars.
GALLERY: smart #3 Brabus
GALLERY: smart #3 Premium
GALLERY: smart #3 Pro
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Proton S70 R3 Malaysian Touring Car for S1K: bodykit, carbon rear wing, to use NA version of 1.5L 3-cylinder?
Also revealed at the Proton stand at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 is the S70 R3 Malaysian Touring Car, the national carmaker’s first all-new race car since the Saga in 2019. It’s also the first to be built on a Geely-based model and will compete at the Sepang 1,000 km (S1K) endurance race for the first time since that year.
The S70 race car will debut a new aero package, which appears to be based on the bodykit currently offered as an option (and fitted to the first 3,000 units of the range-topping Flagship X), along with a large carbon fibre rear wing. It also rides on 15-inch Raxer RP10X flow-formed alloy wheels wrapped in Hankook Ventus TD semi-slick tyres.
If it appears that the car you see here is simply a kitted-up Flagship with R3’s signature black and yellow graphics, you’re absolutely right – it’s missing the regulation roll cage, stripped-out cabin and larger track-biased brakes, and it still sports the ADAS windscreen-mounted camera that is obviously not necessary for racing.
So it’s no surprise that technical details are thin on the ground. The retail S70 uses a 1.5 litre port-injected turbocharged three-cylinder engine that pushes out 150 PS and 226 Nm of torque, mated to a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. However, there will be some changes necessitated by regulations and the punishing nature of racing.
The S1K race uses Malaysian Touring Car (MTC) regulations comparable to the M-Production (Modified) category of the Malaysia Championship Series (MCS), which forbids the use of forced induction. This means Proton will have to remove the turbo from the three-pot and modify it for race use – likely with increased stroke to bump up the engine capacity to the 1,600 cc limit.
The alternative would be to use the 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated four-pot from the S70’s donor car, the Geely Emgrand; in China, this engine makes 114 PS and 147 Nm. The DCT will also have to be swapped out for a hardier race gearbox, likely a sequential unit.
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BMW i5 M60 launched in Malaysia – up to 601 PS, 0-100 km/h 3.8 secs, up to 516 km range, RM480k est
Six months after the launch of the regular BMW i5 comes the high-output M Performance variant, the i5 M60 xDrive. Sporting double the driven wheels and almost double the horsepower, this more potent model fleshes out the G60 5 Series range alongside the also-new 520i petrol.
Being that it’s more powerful than the standard eDrive40, it’s no surprise that the M60 is quite a bit dearer, with an estimated price of RM480,000, around RM80,000 more than the eDrive40. This includes the optional five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty and five years of scheduled maintenance.
The M60 retains the eDrive40’s 340 PS (250 kW) rear electric motor but throws in a second 261 PS (192 kW) front motor for a total system output of 517 PS (380 kW) and 795 Nm of torque. That’s in normal driving – you can access significantly more power by selecting Sport mode and activating either M Sport Boost (accessed by pulling on the “Boost” steering paddle) or M Launch Control, which dial the powertrain to 11.
Here, the motors produce a sum total of 601 PS (442 kW) and 820 Nm, flinging the M60 from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 230 km/h. Meanwhile, an 83.9 kWh battery delivers a claimed range of between 455 and 516 km of WLTP-rated range; given the high specs and the fitment of the largest available wheels, expect the range of the Malaysian-spec model to trend towards the lower end.
As per the eDrive40, the M60 can support up to 205 kW of DC fast charging, taking 34 minutes to top up the battery from zero to 80% and delivering up to 156 km of range every ten minutes. It can also accept up to 22 kW of AC charging power – something first added to the eDrive40 earlier this year – to provide a full charge in 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Power isn’t all that makes an M Performance model, so of course there are a few chassis upgrades as well. In Malaysia, the car comes as standard with the top-dog Adaptive M Suspension Professional, which not only adds M-tuned dampers but also introduces 48-volt active roll stabilisation (with an Active Roll Comfort function that keeps the car level over uneven surfaces) and rear-wheel steering.
On the outside, the M60 initially looks very similar to the eDrive40, wearing that car’s M Sport bodykit. But extra M badging and some subtle tweaks help a discerning eye to differentiate it, including a more open double kidney grille (still with the illuminated Iconic Glow surrounds) and distinctive M dual-arm door mirrors.
Added to that is the M Sport Pro package, adding a gloss black grille and door mirrors on top of the usual window trim, plus black M Shadow Line adaptive LED headlights, darkened taillights and a boot lid lip spoiler. Red M Sport brakes hide behind 21-inch BMW Individual style 954 two-tone alloy wheels – the same ones fitted to the eDrive40 before being deleted earlier in the year (presumably to make space for this car).
Click to enlarge Inside, the M60 continues to feature the Live Cockpit Professional, outfitting the curved widescreen display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen and a head-up display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto of course comes as standard, as does an 18-speaker, 655-watt Bowers & Wilkins sound system.
In terms of safety, the M60 is fitted with the Driving Assistant Professional package, adding autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane centring assist, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring with collision prevention, front and rear cross traffic alert with auto brake, emergency lane assist and emergency stop assist. You also get the Parking Assistant Plus with a 360-degree camera and Remote 3D View.
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