GIIAS 2023

GIIAS 2023: Nissan Magnite on show – sub-4m SUV to rival Raize, Rocky, Sonet; 1.0T 3-cylinder; from RM84k

In Cars, International News, Nissan / By Gerard Lye / 18 August 2023 5:30 pm / 10 comments

The Nissan Magnite was launched in Indonesia back in December 2020, just two months after its global debut in India. At the time, the Magnite competed against the Kia Sonet, both of which arrived long before the Toyota Raize and Daihatsu Rocky arrived in Indonesia.

Positioned below the Kicks, the Magnite is the brand’s smallest global SUV, measuring in at just 3,994 mm long, 1,758 mm wide, 1,572 mm tall and with a wheelbase of 2,501 mm. In Indonesia, the front-wheel drive SUV is powered by a sole 1.0 litre turbocharged inline-three petrol engine that makes 100 PS at 5,000 rpm and 160 Nm of torque from 2,800 to 3,600 rpm.

Two grade levels are offered, namely the Upper and Premium, each available with a five-speed manual gearbox or CVT. The Upper grade come standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, LED DRLs, combination LED taillights, ABS, EBD, brake assist, hill start assist, VDC, keyless entry and engine start, 60:40 split-folding rear seats, manual air-conditioning, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Meanwhile, the Premium improves upon the Upper by adding two-tone alloys of the same size, an around view monitor, a tyre pressure monitoring system, rear air vents and a front armrest. The Premium grade with a CVT is the only one that comes with passive cruise control.

In terms of colours, the Upper grade is offered with three monotone options: Storm White, Blade Silver and Onyx Black. The manual version of the base grade retails for 277 million rupiah (RM83,968), while the CVT is 300 million rupiah (RM90,940).

The Premium grade also comes in the same hues as the Upper, retailing at 288 million rupiah (RM87,429) for the MT, or 308 million rupiah (RM93,501) for the CVT. The top grade can also be optioned with two-tone themes, which pairs an Onyx Black roof with either Flare Garner Red or Pearl White, for an additional two million rupiah (RM606).

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GIIAS 2023: Kia Sonet on display – Raize and Magnite rival; six variants; 1.5L NA; IVT, 6MT; priced fr RM69k

In Cars, International News, Kia / By Gerard Lye / 18 August 2023 3:59 pm / 5 comments

From a big three-row MPV, we now move on to something smaller. This is the Kia Sonet, which isn’t exactly new in Indonesia as it was launched back in November 2020, but this is the first time we’re getting up close with it at this year’s Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS).

The Sonet is a compact five-seat SUV that competes against models like the Toyota Raize and Nissan Magnite in Indonesia. Built on the K2 platform, the Sonet measures 4,120 mm long, 1,790 mm wide, 1,615 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,500 mm. For context, the Perodua Ativa, which is closely related to the Raize, is 4,065 mm long, 1,710 mm wide, 1,635 mm tall and its wheelbase spans 2,525 mm.

In Indonesia, only one engine is offered for the Sonet, which is a Smartstream Gamma II 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder producing 115 PS at 6,300 rpm and 144 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. This is the same engine used in the larger Carens, with drive sent to the front wheels via an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) – Kia’s version of a CVT – or a six-speed manual gearbox.

Six variants are offered, starting with the Standard MT that is priced at 227.6 million rupiah (RM69,020). For the money, the Sonet comes with 16-inch steel wheels, halogen headlamps and taillights, a standard multi-info instrument cluster display, a urethane steering wheel, fabric seat upholstery, two airbags, ABS, EBD, brake assist, rear parking sensors, a 3.8-inch head unit with Bluetooth and four speakers.

The next step up is the Active MT at 238.6 million rupiah (RM72,342), which adds 16-inch alloys, automatic halogen headlamps, LED taillights, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a reverse camera, plus two tweeters for a six-speaker setup.

Moving up higher, we arrive at the Smart variant that builds upon the Active MT by gaining automatic LED headlamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, hill start assist as well as keyless entry and start. The Smart with a manual transmission costs 278.8 million rupiah (RM84,538), while with the IVT, it is 303 million rupiah (RM91,876) and adds on remote engine start.

After the Smart is the Dynamic IVT at 320 million rupiah (RM97,031) that improves on the Active with artificial leather seat upholstery, a 4.2-inch driver multi-info display, a wireless charging pad, a powered sunroof, a tyre pressure monitoring system and passive cruise control. At the very top is the Premiere IVT that sells for 346 million rupiah (RM104,902) and comes with six airbags and a Bose sound system that includes a subwoofer.

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GIIAS 2023: Kia Carens 3-row SUV-like MPV on display – 1.4T, 1.5L NA; BR-V, Xpander, Veloz rival; fr RM124k

In Cars, International News, Kia / By Gerard Lye / 18 August 2023 12:51 pm / 7 comments

Launched in Indonesia last August, the Kia Carens is currently on display at this year’s Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS). The three-row MPV with SUV-like styling is built a on stretched version of the Seltos’ platform and competes against cars like the Honda BR-V, Toyota Veloz and Mitsubishi Xpander.

Measuring 4,540 mm long, 1,800 mm wide, 1,700 mm tall and with a wheelbase of 2,780 mm, the Carens is offered with a choice of two engines. The first is a Smartstream Gamma II 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder with 115 PS at 6,300 rpm and 144 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. This drives the front wheels via an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), which is Kia’s take on a CVT.

Meanwhile, the second option is a Kappa 1.4 litre turbocharged four-cylinder that serves up 140 PS at 6,000 rpm and 242 Nm from 1,500-3,200 rpm mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. A drive mode selector with three options (Sport, Eco and Normal) is included with both engines.

The Carens is only offered in one grade level called the Premiere, but there is a difference when it comes to seating configurations. With the 1.5MPI engine, buyers can get the MPV with either six (2-2-2 layout) or seven (2-3-2 layout) seats, while the 1.4T mill only comes with six seats. The car pictured here is a six-seater.

The Premiere grade includes 16-inch alloy wheels (with 205/65 profile tyres), multi-reflector LED headlamps, LED DRLs, LED fog lamps, LED taillights, power-folding side mirrors as well as a powered sunroof as standard.

Inside, the Carens comes with ventilated front seats, artificial leather upholstery, mood lighting, second-row sunshades, a Supervision 4.2-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster display, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), an eight-speaker Bose premium sound system, automatic air-conditioning (with vents for the second and third row; manual controls for the rear) and a Qi wireless charger.

Rounding off the kit list are keyless entry and engine start, remote engine start, passive cruise control, six airbags ESC, ABS, EBD, brake assist, hill start assist, Downhill Brake Control, a tyre pressure monitoring system as well as front and rear parking sensors – the Carens doesn’t come with any advanced driver assistance systems like AEB.

The Carens is offered with a seven-year warranty and a choice of six colours, including Intense Red, Glacier White Pearl, Aurora Black Pearl, Sparkling Silver, Moss Brown and Gravity Grey. Pricing-wise, the 1.4T Premiere (6 seats) retails for 467 million rupiah (RM141,694), while the 1.5MPI Premiere is 414.6 million rupiah (RM125,745) for the six-seat model, or 407.6 million rupiah (RM123,622). for the seven-seat model.

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GIIAS 2023: Subaru Outback 2.5i Touring EyeSight launched in Indonesia – dual-function X-Mode; RM236k

In Cars, International News, Subaru / By Mick Chan / 17 August 2023 7:08 pm / 6 comments

The 2023 Subaru Outback facelift has been given its Indonesian market launch at the 2023 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS 2023), where the lifted station wagon – even if Subaru calls it an SUV – goes on sale with a single variant offered, the 2.5i Touring EyeSight priced at 779.5 million rupiah (RM235,941).

Powertrain for the Outback is a 2.5 litre naturally aspirated horizontally opposed, or boxer four-cylinder petrol engine producing 185 PS and 245 Nm of torque, transmitted to all four wheels via a Lineartronic CVT gearbox. The SI-Drive mode selector offers the driver a choice of two throttle maps – Intelligent and Sport, while the dual-function X-Mode offers driveline mode selection of Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud.

Exterior kit on the Outback 2.5i Touring EyeSight includes 18-inch two-tone, machined aluminium alloy wheels, along with cross bars mounted atop the roof rails. As befitting the Outback nameplate, the lifted wagon gets black plastic cladding over its wheelarches, as well as on the front and rear bumpers and sills. Lighting is by LED headlights with LED fog lamps, while the rear gets combination tail lights, and the tailgate gets a roof spoiler.

As its model name indicates, this Outback is kitted with the EyeSight driver assistance system, where the wide-angle mono camera augments the base setup of the dual-camera Eyesight system. The third camera unit further expands the field of view to recognise pedestrians and bicycles sooner when the vehicle is about to enter an intersection at low speed, Subaru has said of the system previously.

The advanced driver assistance systems in the 2023 Outback include adaptive cruise control, lane departure prevention, lane centring control and preceding vehicle adaptive steering control, lead vehicle start alert, Pre-collision throttle management, pre-collision braking system, autonomous emergency steering, emergency lane keep assist, and Traffic sign recognition with intelligent speed limiter.

Access to the luggage compartment is via a hands-free, powered tailgate, and the second-row seats offer 60:40 split-folding for longer cargo; luggage capacity is 561 litres with the rear seats upright, and 1,848 litres with them folded.

Inside, front row occupants get access to infotainment via an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented screen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upholstery is with Nappa leather for the seats, and soft-touch panels also feature in the cabin of the Outback.

Seven exterior colours are offered, including the Brilliant Bronze Metallic pictured on the show car here, for the 2023 Subaru Outback 2.5i Touring EyeSight in Indonesia.

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GIIAS 2023: Toyota Rangga Concept – multi-purpose pick-up truck; production version due by year end

In Cars, International News, Toyota / By Gerard Lye / 17 August 2023 2:10 pm / 6 comments

The Toyota Rangga Concept is multi-purpose pick-up truck that has made its debut at this year’s Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS). If it looks familiar, that’s because it is a slightly modified version of the IMV 0 concept which was presented by Akio Toyoda in Thailand last December.

The idea behind the concept is to provide buyers with a platform that can be outfitted according to their needs. At GIIAS 2023, Toyota showed off its own variants of the Rangga, including the Mobile Cafe, Ambulance, Mobile Service Station for EVs (pictured here) and Pace Car.

To get the public involved to generate new variants, Toyota Astra Motor (TAM) organised a contest where the participants can create digital renderings of the vehicle based on three different themes – business, lifestyle and public service – starting with a template featuring the Rangga sporting a rear truck bed.

Looking at the contest website, there are no shortage of ideas, including an ice cream truck, a fire-fighting vehicle, a camper, an ambulance, a mobile cafe and oh so many pace trucks. In addition to monetary prizes, nine winners will see their renderings come to life as mockups that will be presented during the Rangga’s official launch.

Yes, the Rangga will enter series production and is expected to go on sale sometime in late 2023 or early 2024, with reports suggesting Thailand will be the initial rollout location before it is expanded to Indonesia and other markets. Anton Jimmi Suwandy, TAM’s marketing director, told Indonesia’s Kompas that the production Rangga would be priced below the Hilux at between 200 million and 300 million rupiah (around RM60,461 to RM90,691), suggesting it to be a smaller model in the process.

First- and second-generation Toyota Kijang

According to a report by Top Gear PH, the production Rangga will also be sold in the Philippines, with turbodiesel and petrol engines being offered initially before hybrid and fully electric options are added in the future. It is also claimed that the vehicle will come in cab and chassis models. Toyota has yet to provide any official technical details for now.

In a release, it’s mentioned that the name ‘Rangga’ takes inspiration from the Javanese word ‘ronggo’, which refers to a hero and symbolises strong and tough. The name was also used for a variant of the Kijang sold in the 1990s in Indonesia. Also worth noting is earlier generations of the Kijang are known as the Tamaraw in the Philippines and were mainly multi-purpose pick-ups before gradually transforming to become more passenger-focused MPVs.

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GIIAS 2023: Porsche Cayenne facelift debuts with more power, upgraded equipment list, revised styling

In Cars, International News, Porsche / By Gerard Lye / 16 August 2023 12:12 pm / 3 comments

The Porsche Cayenne facelift has made its debut at this year’s Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) several months after the refreshed model was revealed globally back in April. Available in SUV and coupe body styles, the former being what you see here, the new Cayenne is identified by the few styling changes made.

As a start, the front of the vehicle boasts a redesigned bonnet, wings and headlamps to visually emphasise its width. The headlamps are now matrix LED units by default, and they continue to have a four-point look, albeit with more prominent lighting units within each cluster. Moving to the rear, the Cayenne gets new three-dimensional taillights with a light bar, while the tailgate has been simplified so the number plate recess sits further down than before.

Inside, the gear selector that was previously a lever on the centre console has been made into a toggle switch that sits on the dashboard. Other changes involve screens, with a 12.6-inch digital instrument cluster display joined by a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen as well as an optional 10.9-inch touchscreen for the front passenger.

Besides the increased digitalisation of the cabin, the SUV also gains an air quality monitoring system that uses predictive navigation data to detect when the vehicle is approaching a tunnel, and will automatically switch on air recirculation. Finer filtration of airborne dust is also available, along with an onboard ioniser to cut down on germs and pollutants.

For powertrains, the Cayenne S brings the V8, with a 4.0 litre turbocharged unit replacing the previous 2.9 litre biturbo V6. The eight-cylinder mill makes 474 PS and 600 Nm, which is 34 PS and 50 Nm more than the V6, allowing for a 0-100 km/h time of 4.7 seconds and top speed of 273 km/h.

If you want the V6, the base Cayenne (pictured here) sports a 3.0 litre turbocharged unit producing 353 PS and 500 Nm, which is 13 PS and 50 Nm more than before. This V6 is also used in the plug-in hybrid variant dubbed the Cayenne E-Hybrid that gets an upgraded electric motor rated at 176 PS for a total system output of 476 PS.

The PHEV option also gets an improved battery pack with an energy capacity of 25.9 kWh (up from 17.9 kWh), so the pure electric driving range is up to 90 km following the WLTP cycle. The battery can be charged in under 2.5 hours by using the 11-kW onboard AC charger.

At the top of the heap is the Cayenne Turbo GT with an even more powerful 4.0 litre biturbo V8 making 19 PS more for 659 PS – 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and 305 km/h top speed. All variants come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Chassis revisions bring revised dampers with two-valve technology for separate compression and rebound sections, which Porsche says will help offer a wider range of performance between ride comfort and handling. Steel springs are standard, while adaptive air suspension can be optioned with a scope of adjustment that offers wider differentation between the available Normal, Sport and Sport Plus driving modes.

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GIIAS 2023: Toyota Corolla Cross Hydrogen Concept – SUV powered by H2 with 1.6L turbo from GR Corolla

In Cars, International News, Toyota / By Gerard Lye / 16 August 2023 10:09 am / 7 comments

The Toyota Corolla Cross Hydrogen Concept is one of vehicles currently on display at this year’s Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) to showcase the Japanese carmaker’s multi-technology approach to achieving carbon neutrality.

First revealed last December, the concept doesn’t feature a fuel cell stack to generate electricity to power a motor. Instead, the SUV is powered by a 1.6 litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine from the GR Corolla, albeit re-engineered with high-pressure hydrogen direct injection technology.

In a hydrogen internal combustion engine, hydrogen is mixed with air and compressed in the engine’s cylinders. A spark plug then ignites the mixture, causing a controlled explosion that generates mechanical power which then drives the engine’s pistons to ultimately power the vehicle.

As pure hydrogen does not contain carbon, no CO2 is produced, eliminating the main greenhouse gas emission of a conventional petrol-powered engine. The concept has two hydrogen fuel tanks, with one being under the rear seats and another under the boot floor. Aside from clean combustion, other benefits of vehicles with a hydrogen internal combustion engine are quick refuelling times and a reduction in the need for limited-supply resources such as lithium and nickel to make batteries.

While the presence of the hydrogen fuel tanks does rob underfloor storage in the boot, efficient packaging means the concept is still able to offer seating for up to five passengers and space for things above the boot floor – the interior looks pretty standard too. Even so, the low density of hydrogen means a large volume is necessary to store enough hydrogen to provide adequate range. Another downside is the energy density of a hydrogen and air mixture is reduced, which lowers power output.

The Corolla Cross Hydrogen Concept is currently undergoing real-world testing in Japan, with Toyota claiming it is around 40% along the path to commercialisation of products previewed by the concept. The carmaker has also performed testing of hydrogen internal combustion engines in competitive settings, as it entered the GR Corolla H2 in all Super Taikyu endurance races in Japan last year. Before that, the GR Yaris H2 was put through its paces in a demonstration run at the WRC.

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GIIAS 2023: GWM Ora 03 debuts – Good Cat EV by another name to be launched in Indonesia in 2024

In Cars, Great Wall Motor, International News / By Gerard Lye / 15 August 2023 5:18 pm / 4 comments

Great Wall Motor (GWM) chose this year’s Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) to showcase the Ora 03, which we know here as the Good Cat. According to Indonesian media outlets, the electric vehicle (EV) is expected to go on sale in the country in the first quarter of 2024.

The Chinese automaker is partnering with Inchcape and Indomobil to handle local distribution, but there’s no word on official pricing or specifications for now. In Malaysia, the Good Cat comes in two variants, both with a front-mounted electric motor rated at 143 PS (141 hp or 105 kW) and 210 Nm of torque.

The first is the 400 Pro, which has a 47.8-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that can provide up to 400 km of range following NEDC cycle (around 20% less on the WLTP test protocol). There’s also the 500 Ultra with a 63.1-kWh ternary lithium battery for up to 500 km (NEDC; WLTP should be less).

For charging, the 03/Good Cat supports a max AC input of 6.6 kW, with a full charge taking eight hours for the 400 Pro, or 10 hours for the 500 Ultra. DC fast charging is also standard at 60 kW, with a 0-80% state of charge reached in either 46 minutes (400 Pro) and an hour (500 Ultra).

Indonesian media outlets also pointed out the 03 will be offered with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and more.

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GIIAS 2023: DSFK Seres E1 launched – small city EV to fight Wuling Air; up to 41 PS, 220 km range; fr RM57k

In Cars, Dongfeng, International News / By Gerard Lye / 15 August 2023 2:47 pm / 4 comments

The Seres E1 has made its launch debut at this year’s Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) and is priced at 189 million rupiah (RM57,067) for the Standard Range variant, while the Long Range retails for 219 million rupiah (RM66,140).

Sold by Sokonindo Automobile, a joint venture between Sokon Group and Kaisar Motorindo Industri, the E1 is marketed under the DSFK Indonesia banner. In the country, the small city EV competes against the similarly-sized Wuling Air EV, the latter carrying a higher starting price of 243 million rupiah (RM73,380).

The two-door, four-seat EV is compact in size, measuring in at just 3,030 mm long, 1,495 mm wide, 1,640 mm tall and with a wheelbase of 1,960 mm. Both available variants are equipped with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and a rear-mounted electric motor.

With the Standard Range, the battery has an energy capacity of 13.8 kWh that is good for a range of around 180 km. Upgrade to the Long Range and the capacity and range go up to 16.8 kWh and 220 km respectively. For charging, the E1 supports a maximum AC input of 3.3 kW, with a full charge taking around 3.5 to four hours with the Standard Range, while the Long Range needs between four to 4.5 hours.

It should be noted the Long Range has a slightly more powerful electric motor rated at 41 PS (40 hp or 30 kW) compared to the Standard Range’s 34 PS (34 hp or 25 kW), although both deliver the same peak torque of 100 Nm. The Wuling Air EV comes with higher-capacity battery options and more range, in addition to higher outputs.

In terms of kit, the E1 come standard with electric power steering, LED projector headlamps, LED DRLs, 13-inch wheels (145/60 profile tyres), a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, a tyre pressure monitoring system, a reverse camera, hill start assist and cruise control.

The Long Range is the only one that comes with roof rails, an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an electronic parking brake (with auto brake hold), ESC, traction control as well as brake assist.

Four exterior colours are offered, namely Elegant White, Mist Rose, Oxygen Blue and Fairy Green. The interiors of the two variants are identical, with a colour/material combination of Senna Gray, Sky Blue, wood grain, Ceramic White, Ivory White, Matte Brass, Matte Bronze, Matte Black and Piano Black.

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GIIAS 2023: Daihatsu Terios facelift – Aruz sister gets revised styling, same 1.5L NA; priced from RM71k

In Cars, Daihatsu, International News / By Gerard Lye / 15 August 2023 1:00 pm / 11 comments

The Daihatsu Terios received a facelift earlier in June, and here it is being presented at this year’s Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS). The refreshed three-row SUV, which is related to the Toyota Rush and Perodua Aruz we have here, has a price range of between 236,050,000 rupiah (RM71,260) and 303,250,000 rupiah (RM91,547).

Visual changes from the pre-facelift model include a much slimmer upper grille that connects the smoked headlamps. The lower grille is also more prominent now and has a trim piece in the middle, while the fog lamps are reshaped and placed at the corner of the bumper.

Compared to the exterior, the interior sees minimal revisions aside from some trim and upholstery tweaks as well as the addition of a wireless charger and smartphone mirroring for the touchscreen head unit. As an option, the Terios can be specified with the ADS package (pictured here) that adds more chrome to the outside, along with 17-inch gunmetal wheels and additional interior trimmings.

On the safety front, the Terios now comes with six airbags, bolstering that kit list that saw the standard fitment of VSC across the range in 2021. There are now six exterior colours to choose from too, with Silver Metallic and Greenish Gun Metal being new additions.

Under the bonnet, the SUV continues to be powered by a 2NR-VE 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated inline-four with Dual VVT-i. The mill makes an unchanged 104 PS (103 hp or 76 kW) and 136 Nm of torque, with a five-speed manual and four-speed automatic being the available transmission pairings.

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GIIAS 2023: Toyota Agya GR Sport, G on display – Axia sister from RM53k; TGRI racing versions also present

In Cars, International News, Toyota / By Gerard Lye / 15 August 2023 11:16 am / 10 comments

Here are some live photos of the all-new Toyota Agya in G and GR Sport guises at this year’s Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) alongside racing versions that are currently being fielded by the Toyota Gazoo Racing Indonesia (TGRI) race team.

The Agya, which is the sister model to the Daihatsu Ayla as well as the Perodua Axia we have here, was launched back in March this year, with the range-topping GR Sport variant retailing for 237.5 million rupiah (RM71,726).

The GR-S comes with a sporty front bumper with prominent faux air intakes, a different rear bumper and side skirts, a roof-mounted spoiler and 15-inch machined alloy wheels. Compared to our Axia, the Agya’s face features a hexagonal-shaped grille, reshaped headlamps (with guide lights at the top) and vertical LED running lights at the corners of the bumper. Inside, there are GR seats and scuff plates.

Mechanically, the GR-S’s steering and suspension come with model-specific tuning, but the engine is the same as lesser variants, with a WA-VE 1.2 litre naturally-aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine providing 88 PS (87 hp or 65 kW) and 113 Nm of torque. This replaces the previous 3NR-VE four-cylinder powerplant and is paired with either a five-speed manual or CVT.

The GR-S is the basis for the TGRI racers, albeit modified with racing suspension as well as new wheels and tyres. The team competes in both the slalom and touring divisions, which is why there are two versions on display.

The touring race car undergoes a more extensive transformation with a full roll cage, a stripped-out interior including a rear seat delete, front bucket seats and a very trippy forged carbon-covered cabin. As for the slalom race car, it largely appears stock on the inside save for the steering wheel and exposed gear shifter assembly.

Joining the GR Sport and TGRI race cars is the mid-spec G, which sells for 175.4 million rupiah (RM52,961). This comes with LED headlamps, keyless engine start, paddle shifters (for CVT-equipped cars), a digital control panel for the manual air-conditioning system, a multi-info instrument display, steering tilt adjustment, on-wheel steering controls, a seven-inch touchscreen head unit with Mirrorlink and fabric seats.

Unlike the GR-S, the G misses out on an eight-inch touchscreen head unit with Mirrorlink, a reverse camera, a seven-inch TFT instrument cluster display, a wireless charger, a leather steering wheel and shift knob, keyless entry, a premium horn, a digital video recorder (dashcam) as well as a T Intouch telematics system.

GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Agya GR Sport

GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Agya G

GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Agya TGRI Touring

GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Agya TGRI Slalom

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GIIAS 2023: Daihatsu Vision-F concept debuts – fully electric Gran Max; 28 kWh battery, 200 km EV range

In Cars, Concept Cars, Daihatsu, International News / By Gerard Lye / 15 August 2023 9:42 am / 7 comments

Astra Daihatsu Motor (ADM) has presented the Daihatsu Vizion-F at this year’s Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS). The concept, which is based on the existing Gran Max, serves to preview a future light commercial van with an electric powertrain, although the company has not confirmed if a production version is on the way.

While the general shape is still a van, meaning it’s boxy, the Vizion-F does come with some specific design cues for a more futuristic look. For starters, the handles for the front doors and rear sliding doors are flush with the bodywork, which itself has prominent wheel arches and a creased section between the aero-style wheels.

You’ll also notice the ultra-slim headlamps and taillights, while the A-pillars and frames of the front windows have blacked out for a wraparound appearance. Being an electric vehicle (EV), the concept doesn’t get a conventional grille, with a blocked-off panel occupying that space instead.

It’s properly futuristic on the inside too, with a large touchscreen occupying the centre stack, while putting the van in drive is done via a panel on the centre console. There’s also an entirely new, more upright dashboard with slim air vents, along with a redesigned steering wheel.

According to Indonesian media outlets, the Vizion-F features an electric motor rated at 48 PS (47 hp or 35 kW), which is powered by a battery with an energy capacity of 28 kWh. This setup is good for a range of 200 km, with a full charge taking about nine hours using an AC input, or an hour with DC fast charging – charging capacities weren’t disclosed.

The Vizion-F isn’t the only EV concept presented by ADM, as the company also revealed the Ayla EV at last year’s GIIAS. These show cars are a sign of intent that electrification will not just involve passenger vehicles, but also those serving the commercial sector.

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GIIAS 2023: Chery Omoda 5 EV now in RHD, open for booking in Indonesia – coming to Malaysia next year

In Cars, Chery, International News / By Danny Tan / 11 August 2023 10:33 pm / 8 comments

Chery is aggressive not only in Malaysia, but in Indonesia too. In fact, the outward thinking Wuhu-based carmaker made its return to the Indonesia market before the brand was relaunched in Malaysia, and it has an assembly plant in the republic too.

At the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2023, Chery displayed the two SUVs that were recently launched in Malaysia – the Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro – although the latter is an older version of what we’re getting. On the main stage at ICE BSD is the Omoda 5 EV, and Chery Indonesia has announced that the electric SUV is now open for booking.

This is essentially the same car that we showed you from Auto Shanghai 2023 in April, where the Omoda 5 EV made its debut, down to the blue/pale wood interior that I like. There’s one vital difference though – while the Shanghai showcar was a left-hand drive example, the car at GIIAS is right-hand drive, which means that LHD-to-RHD conversion work is complete ahead of sales in Indonesia and Malaysia.

Elsewhere, only the front badging is different. It now reads Chery instead of Omoda because the Omoda sub-brand exists in China whereas main brand Chery is just starting to re-establish itself in ASEAN. The rear end has also been filled with with badges, production car-style – there’s Chery bridging the tail lamps, Omoda 5 and the all-important EV badge.

We understand that the Omoda 5 EV will enter Malaysia as a CBU China import, taking advantage of our country’s current duty-free incentives for imported EVs. This is in contrast to the CKD local assembly route for the internal combustion engined Omoda 5.

The Omoda 5 EV has a 61 kWh battery in the floorpan powering a 221 hp (165 kW) motor. The 0-100 km/h sprint is done in 7.8 seconds, and Chery claims power efficiency of 15 kWh per 100 km. As for DC fast charging, Chery quotes 35 minutes to get from 0-80% SOC. Claimed range is 450 km per full charge, but note that Chinese carmakers usually use the domestic CLTC, which typically gives bigger numbers than NEDC, never mind the more real-world WLTP.

Compared to the ICE Omoda 5, the EV has a very different face. Gone is the elaborate patterned grille that’s a love-or-hate affair, and in comes a cleaner, more conventional nose that’s blocked off, as cooling is not required. No logo, as Chery is spelled out on the nose above the charging flap. There are also aero wheels rendered in two-tone.

Inside, both the GIIAS and Shanghai show cars have a very interesting colour scheme with blue as the main hue, contrasted by yellow stitching and pale wood trim – very refreshing. The steering boss has an Omoda logo, and the modern dashboard’s co-joined screens and angled phone slots remain. The ICE car’s gear lever has been deleted.

The Omoda 5 EV is coming to Malaysia next year. What do you think of the electric version’s cleaner face versus the elaborate ICE look, and the tech specs?

GALLERY: Chery Omoda 5 EV at GIIAS 2023

GALLERY: Chery Omoda 5 EV at Auto Shanghai 2023

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GIIAS 2023: Lexus LM 350h previewed – 2.5L hybrid with 250 PS; four-seat config with 48-inch rear display

In Cars, International News, Lexus / By Gerard Lye / 11 August 2023 5:32 pm / 12 comments

The all-new Toyota Alphard was launched at this year’s Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS), but it wasn’t the only luxury MPV to be present at the event. Also celebrating its premiere at Toyota Astra Motor’s (TAM) booth is the second-generation Lexus LM, which first made its global debut back in April, well before the latest Alphard (and Vellfire).

The LM is being presented as part of an official preview, and the vehicle you see is here is badged as the LM 350h that features an A25A-FXS 2.5 litre naturally-aspirated inline-four mated to an E-CVT, augmented by an electric motor that provides a total system output of 250 PS (247 hp or 184 kW).

In this series-parallel hybrid setup, the engine alone makes 190 PS (188 hp or 140 kW) and 236 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, a 5NM electric motor accompanies the engine to drive the front wheels and is rated at 182 PS (180 hp or 134 kW) and 270 Nm.

It should be noted there’s also a more powerful LM 500h variant that uses a T24A-FTS 2.4 litre turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission, the former making 272 PS (268 hp or 200 kW) and 460 Nm.

The LM 500h has two electric motors, with 1ZM unit at the front providing 83 PS (82 hp or 61 kW) and 292 Nm. This variant also comes with Toyota’s E-Four all-wheel drive system, which is completed by a 1YM electric motor at the rear with 80 PS (79 hp or 59 kW) and 169 Nm. Altogether, the turbo hybrid powertrain provides a total system output of 354 PS (349 hp or 260 kW).

The preview car comes with a four-seat configuration, making it the fanciest version of the LM you can buy. Thanks to a partition between the front and rear seats, those in the latter can completely isolate themselves from their chauffeur and bodyguard, although there’s a retractable smoked glass window if communication is needed.

The individual rear seats are electrically adjustable and include an ottoman function, with sensors actively controlling the climate system to maintain a comfortable temperature inside at all times. Further creature comforts include a retractable table and dedicated tablets to adjust the amenities for the rear. If that isn’t enough, there’s also a 48-inch widescreen display to consume media or conduct online business meetings. A refrigerator and extra storage space are located under the display.

In terms of safety, the new Lexus LM features a full Lexus Safety System+ suite which includes Pre-crash Safety, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (with all-speed follow function), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Abnormal Driver Response System, and Proactive Driving Assist (PDA).

For now, TAM is not providing a price tag, but you can expect the LM to cost a lot more than the Alphard. In Indonesia, the Toyota MPV starts from 1,356,100,000 rupiah (RM408,299) and peaks at 1.657 billion/miliar rupiah (RM498,895), with the range-topping 2.5 HEV Type sharing the same powertrain with the LM 350h.

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GIIAS 2023: Kia EV9 GT-Line launched – 1st Southeast Asian debut; 385 PS, 497 km EV range; from RM595k

In Cars, International News, Kia / By Gerard Lye / 11 August 2023 3:49 pm / 17 comments

Indonesia is the first Southeast Asian market to welcome the Kia EV9, which first made its global debut back in March this year. The large, all-electric SUV, which is built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), is being offered in a sole GT-Line variant that is priced at 1.975 billion/miliar rupiah (RM594,888).

In GT-Line guise, the three-row EV9 measures 5,015 mm long, 1,980 mm wide, 1,780 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 3,100 mm. With these figures, the EV9 is much larger than the Hyundai Palisade (also sold in Indonesia and the cousin to the Telluride), which is 4,980 mm long, 1,975 mm wide, 1,750 mm tall and with a wheelbase of 2,900 mm.

Power is provided by a lithium-ion battery with a usable energy capacity of 99.8 kWh (105 kWh gross), with the quoted range being 497 km following the WLTP cycle. The Long Range battery is connected to two electric motors – one for each axle – that provide a total system output of 385 PS (380 hp or 283 kW) and 600 Nm of torque. Despite weighing in at around 2.6 tonnes, the GT-Line will get from 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds.

For charging, there’s an 11-kW onboard charger that will fully charge the battery in 10 hours and 45 minutes. With DC fast charging at the max of 250 kW, a 10-80% state of charge is achieved in just 23 minutes thanks to the 800-volt electrical architecture. There’s also a vehicle-to-load (V2L) system capable of outputting 3.68 kW to power appliances.

This GT-Line variant of the EV9 is differentiated from the Air and Earth by its specific front end that features a sportier bumper design with more black trim and prominent air inlets. There are also rugged rocker panels on the sides and the rear bumper has a different bottom trim as well.

Other exterior bits worth mentioning are the 21-inch wheels and cameras in place of conventional side mirrors, with the latter sending a live video feed to monitors mounted on the top of door cards inside the vehicle.

On that mention, the cabin has room for six passengers split across its three rows, with the second row having two powered Relaxation Seats with Dynamic Body Care massaging functions. Ventilation and heating functions are also available for the first- and second-row seats, with the former also being electrically adjustable units.

Other features include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system which flank a smaller 5-inch screen that serves to display current climate settings. The Indonesian-spec EV9 also comes with a 14-speaker Meridian sound system, dual panoramic sunroofs, a head-up display, a wireless charging pad, ambient lighting and a full complement of advanced driver assistance systems.

These include Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (AEB) with Junction Turning and Crossing, Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Blind Spot View Monitor, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Safe Exit Assist, Safe Exit Warning, Highway Driving Assist and Highway Driving Pilot.

While Indonesia is the first Southeast Asian country to get the EV9, back home in Malaysia, the all-electric SUV was recently spotted in Glenmarie, suggesting we might get it as well. How much do you think it will be priced at here?

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