Bodytype – Page 4 – MalaysianMotoring

REVIEWED: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4 – Justified Premium

24 August, 2020/0 Comments/in Reviews, SUV, Toyota, Video Review /by Aiman I. Abdullah

The Toyota RAV4 made quite a splash when it was launched here earlier this year for all the wrong reasons – while the size, safety, and refinement of the RAV4 were all pros, its price was what got all the attention. With two variants on offer, differentiated only by their powertrain, prices started at a little over RM200k – marking a gap of over RM100k from its main rival, the PROTON X70.

However, the RAV4 does claw back some brownie points. For starters, its inclusion of Toyota’s Safety Sense suite of advanced driver assistance systems (bundling Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Pre-Collision Warning) makes it one of the most comprehensively-equipped entrants in that regard, and its offering of a large naturally-aspirated engine will no doubt appeal to buyers looking for a low-stress low-maintenance option in their large SUV.

Speaking of large, the use of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-K) platform also means there’s acres of space inside for people and things, who can all enjoy the added refinement and comfort offered by it. It claims the largest boot in its class, and its rear seat space is arguably one of the better showings we’ve seen. And when you add to that features like Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, ventilated front seats, and a two-stage reclining rear bench, you realise that UMW Toyota’s been very smart about how it’s packaged the 5th-generation RAV4 for our market.

Would it be more attractive as a locally-assembled proposition? Sure, of course it would be. But does it suffer as a result of being fully imported? Well…

GALLERY: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4 2.5

2020 Mercedes-Benz C200 Coupé AMG-Line – 2.0-litre Turbo, 204hp, 300Nm, RM337k

19 August, 2020/0 Comments/in Mercedes-Benz, News, Premium, Sports/Cabreiolet /by Aiman I. Abdullah

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has today introduced an updated version of its C200 Coupé AMG-Line, which offers even more live connectivity as well as a new powertrain. There’s a new engine under the bonnet – a 4-cylinder turbo unit now replaces the 1.5-litre EQ Boost mild-hybrid engine, and there’s more smarts in the cabin too. And all of this, for RM336,129.38 (with SST tax exemption).

We’ll talk about the exterior first – the C200 Coupé continues to put its foot forward in AMG-Line trim, with its more aggressive bumpers on either end and a diamond-pin grille between the full-LED headlights. 18-inch twin-five spoke alloys in a bi-tone finish sit in every corner (with run-flat tyres), and full-LED taillights round up the exterior features.

Under the bonnet there’s a new engine – it’s now ‘upgraded’ with a 2.0-litre turbocharged mill producing 204hp and 300Nm, with power going to the rear wheels via a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission. The century sprint is now completed in just 7.2-seconds, with V-max rated at 245km/h.

Previously, the C200 Coupé AMG-Line used to hit 100km/h in 7.9-seconds and tapped out at 239km/h. Rated fuel consumption for the ‘new’ engine is 6.8L/100km.

Inside, there’s still a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch central infotainment screen, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, while it continues to offer the same Audio 20 GPS system, there’s now full LTE connectivity – but that will require its own paragraph.

The biggest update to the C200 Coupé AMG-Line comes in the form of Mercedes me connect, allowing customers to be fully connected to the car at all times. With me connect via the app, you can lock & unlock the car, remote-start the engine (allowing you to pre-condition the cabin before entry), and locate the vehicle remotely.

The rest of the cabin remains unchanged, in the form of Artico faux-leather upholstery, a Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel, AMG floor mats & pedals, powered front seats with lumbar support, an extensive ambient lighting system, and anthracite open-pore wood trim.

They’ve also included a Qi wireless charging tray, though the purpose of that is unclear given that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both need wired connections…

The new C200 Coupé AMG-Line continues to offer features like cruise control, blind spot monitoring, active brake assist and pre-collision warning, active parking assist, and a reverse camera. We’ve actually driven the C300 Coupé AMG-Line – check out our review of the more powerful sibling here.

GALLERY: 2020 Mercedes-Benz C200 Coupé AMG-Line, with Mercedes me connect

2021 PROTON Perdana Render Proves The Relevance Of D-Segment Saloons

19 August, 2020/0 Comments/in Geely, Proton, Sedan/Saloon /by Aiman I. Abdullah

With the meteoric rise of SUVs, it seems like every other category of passenger car out there has been left by the wayside. Saloons especially have been heavily hit as SUVs become more and more prevalent, with buyers keen to associate with the more active and engaging image that comes with buying and driving a sport-utility vehicle.

Earlier this week however, Chinese carmaker Geely unveiled the production-ready version of its Preface saloon, a large D-segment three-box machine that would sit where the PROTON Perdana once was. With its bold design and assertive stance, the Geely Preface is a solid indicator of where the company intends to head design-wise for its saloons – and that’s important for the local market too.

Where SUVs have become the de rigeur accessory for up-and-coming families, the large saloon car still has its place, as shown expertly in these renders by image-manipulation whiz Theophilus Chin. The ‘2021 Perdana’ seen here is based on the Preface and incorporates various current PROTON design elements like the Ethereal Bow grille and Infinite Weave pattern into the overall car, and shows exactly why models like these remain appealing.

The Geely Preface is based on the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform, which was primarily engineered by Swedish marque (and Geely subsidiary) Volvo. CMA has since been employed notably on the Volvo XC40, and is designed to accommodate internal-combustion, petrol-electric hybrid, and full-electric powertrains.

GALLERY: ‘2021 PROTON PERDANA’ by Theophilus Chin

Porsche Taycan On Track For Introduction This Year – SDAP Celebrates A Decade With Porsche

18 August, 2020/0 Comments/in News, Porsche, Premium, Sedan/Saloon, Sports/Cabreiolet /by Aiman I. Abdullah

Sime Darby Auto Performance, the sole official distributor of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia, has reiterated its intent to launch the all-electric Porsche Taycan in our market this year. Despite the pandemic and global economic recession, SDAP is still keen on introducing the first-ever all-electric production Porsche this year, likely as a way to celebrate its 10th year as the official Porsche distributor in our market.

There were concerns about whether or not SDAP would be able to do it, given the current state of things. But via a short clip on their Facebook page, SDAP made clear that the new Taycan will be here before the year is up, but it hasn’t gone as far as to confirm when exactly it’ll do so.

However, while SDAP made clear that the new Taycan will be here before the year is up but it hasn’t gone as far as to confirm when exactly it’ll do so.

What’s also unclear is how the Taycan will arrive in our market – the Taycan is available globally as a standard model (dubbed ‘Taycan’), the Taycan 4S, the Taycan Turbo, and the Taycan Turbo S. The most powerful of the four models packs two electric motors (one on either axle) to produce 751hp and 1,050Nm, capable of rocketing the Taycan Turbo S from nought to 100km/h in just 2.8-seconds, and on to a top speed of 260km/h.

The Turbo and 4S also use a dual-motor setup but they’re down-tuned to produce 671hp/850Nm and 523hp/640Nm respectively. That said, the 4S can be upgraded to include the ‘Performance Battery Plus’ pack (which is standard on the Turbo & Turbo S models) which then upgrades performance to 563hp and 650Nm.

The Turbo, Turbo S, and the Performance Battery Plus-equipped models come with a 93.4kWh battery pack, while the Taycan & Taycan 4S make do with a 79.2kWh unit. All variants offer both AC and DC charging, with a 463km maximum range via WLTP testing standards.

In addition to the Taycan, it’s likely that Some Darby will be throwing out more goodies to mark its decade of cooperation with Porsche in Malaysia. Back in 2020, Porsche Asia Pacific (PAP) sought a new main distributor for the Porsche franchise here in Malaysia, and Sime Darby stepped in to fill the role.

GALLERY: 2020 PORSCHE TAYCAN TURBO S

Q by Aston Martin Creates New 007 Limited Edition Sports Cars to Celebrate ‘No Time To Die’

17 August, 2020/0 Comments/in Aston Martin, Premium, Sports/Cabreiolet, Supercars /by Aiman I. Abdullah

Aston Martin is celebrating the release of the 25th James Bond film, with two exclusive 007 special editions inspired by the cars featured in No Time to Die. This new collaboration between Aston Martin and EON Productions, the company that produces the James Bond films with Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios, delivers exciting new 007 editions of the Aston Martin Vantage and DBS Superleggera.

No Time To Die will be released around the world in November 2020 and will feature no fewer than four iconic Aston Martin sports cars: the iconic DB5; the classic Aston Martin V8; the brand’s latest super GT, DBS Superleggera; and the exceptional Aston Martin Valhalla – the company’s forthcoming mid-engined hypercar.

The two special editions that celebrate the release of No Time To Die, each of which is being offered in limited numbers to buyers around the world from today, have been carefully designed and crafted by the experts in Aston Martin’s bespoke division: Q by Aston Martin. Aspiring to offer the ultimate in bespoke personalisation services, Q by Aston Martin delivers both carefully curated special editions such as these, as well as the opportunity for individual owners to embark on the creation of utterly individual sports cars via the Q by Aston Martin – Commission service.

The first of the two models is the Vantage 007 Edition, inspired by the original Aston Martin V8 which made its 007 debut in The Living Daylights in 1987 and also features in No Time to Die. The movie sees James Bond uncover the car from his personal lock-up in London.

Building on the formidable sporting style and aggressive performance of the regular Vantage, the new car features unique exterior styling treatments led by a bespoke mesh grille with chrome bezel that references the look of the brand’s classic V8. Further styling details include a dashed yellow diffuser inspired by the hazard stripes on the film car’s rockets. The Vantage 007 Edition can even be delivered with a set of The Living Daylights inspired limited edition skis and ski rack – referencing the ‘winterised’ V8 saloon from the film.

The car will be delivered in authentic Cumberland Grey exterior paint colour, whilst the interior will be presented in obsidian black leather and dark chrome with 007 branding applied on the centre console of cars equipped with a manual gearbox. The sun visors of all the cars will carry another subtle film reference in the shape of an embroidered radio station frequency – 96.60 (FM) – which 007 buffs will know was the Russian police frequency Bond used to aid his escape in The Living Daylights.

The seats themselves feature unique heritage fluting reminiscent of that seen in the V8, along with carbon fibre seat backs and, in a particularly detailed nod to the 1980s film, the outline of cello ‘f holes’ inspired by the memorable cello chase scene featuring James Bond (Timothy Dalton) and Kara Milovy (Maryam D’Abo).

The driver can indulge themselves further with a laser-etched gadget plaque that references the various weapons and devices seen on the original film car. These included a rocket motor, missiles, lasers, a targeting display and ski outriggers. Cross hairs etched onto the car’s paddle shift gear levers allude to the missile guidance system seen in the film, too. Available as a manual or automatic, the Vantage 007 Edition also boasts a side strake Vantage badge and is limited to 100 units globally.

“Creating a 007 Edition is always an exciting challenge as we work to develop and style a car that embodies the legend of James Bond. It is an honour to apply the carefully-judged 007-inspired styling to our sports cars, which gives our customers the opportunity to own a unique piece of both cinematic and automotive history.”
Marek Reichman, Vice President & Chief Creative Officer, Aston Martin

To celebrate the James Bond debut of the range-topping Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, a second unique 007 Edition has been created.

Strictly limited to just 25 production cars available worldwide and featuring the same specification as the muscular DBS Superleggera featured in the upcoming film, the car has a suitably menacing road presence.

The 715bhp provided by the DBS Superleggera’s 5.2-litre V12 twin-turbocharged engine is befitting of the car’s range-topping status while its torque peak, at 900Nm, is not only substantial in its own right but, as things currently stand, the greatest torque figure for any roadgoing Aston Martin yet produced.

To this potent mix, the DBS Superleggera 007 Edition adds a raft of styling and design enhancements that further elevate its appeal. The car sports special Ceramic Grey exterior paint with the roof, mirror caps, splitter, diffuser and rear Aeroblade II featured in black tinted carbon fibre. Also unique to the 007 Edition are visually striking Gloss Black diamond-turned Y-Spoke 21” wheels. This special edition also features a 007 fender badge, finished in chrome with a black enamel infill and Stainless Steel Silver 007 foil applied to the rear spoiler blade.

Inside, the cockpit of this DBS Superleggera is a dark, brooding, leather-clad environment with flashes of red detailing the outline of the seats. Subtle 007 branding can be found on the door cards, armrest buckle badge and on the rear sub-woofer cover. The car is finished with a sill plaque that recognises it is one of just 25 DBS Superleggera 007 Editions.

The DBS Superleggera 007 Edition with a recommended retail price from RRP £279,025 (RM1,530,763.75 before tax) and the Vantage 007 Edition with a recommended retail price from RRP £161,000 (RM883,264.81 before tax)are on sale separately now. First deliveries will begin in Q1 2021.

GALLERY: Q BY ASTON MARTIN CREATES NEW 007 LIMITED EDITION SPORTS CARS TO CELEBRATE ‘NO TIME TO DIE’

BMW X3 M Competition, X4 M Competition Arrive – 510hp, 600Nm, From RM887k

17 August, 2020/0 Comments/in BMW, News, Premium, SUV /by Aiman I. Abdullah

Not content with just the flagship M8 and M8 GranCoupe, BMW Group Malaysia also introduced two more accessible variants to the M lineup in the form of the X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition. These two machines are targeted more at customers who need a splash of practicality to go along with their driving thrills, as despite their raised ride heights and rooflines both the X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition are geared at the sort of owners who actually go to the track.

“For over two decades, the BMW X range has been unrivalled in the high-performance mid-size segments, having pioneered some of the most advanced four-wheel drive technology in the industry. Tonight, BMW Malaysia is thrilled to be introducing two additions not just to the BMW X fairy but also the high-performance lineup – the first-ever BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition.”
– Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director, BMW Group Malaysia

The BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition further expands the BMW X portfolio of powerful Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV) and Sports Activity Coupes (SAC) respectively. Both bring a whole new level of speed and performance to the segment, with their new BMW M TwinPower Turbo engines capable of 510hp.

In addition to power, the new high-powered SAV and SAC are also equipped with advanced driver assistance systems and intelligent in-car connectivity features. This includes the Driving Assistant Plus that offers optimal support during sporty driving.

The BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition both appear with the characteristically-M design elements, complemented by the sporty aesthetics of the BMW X. The powerful front section of the vehicles are made up of a distinctive front apron and a large, hexagonal air intake – built to ensure optimal ventilation for the front brakes under high thermal loads. The BMW M models also feature adaptive LED headlights with high-beam assistance, along with full-LED taillights as standard.

A long bonnet and wheelbase, steeply-raked windscreen, and slightly-rectangular wheel arches lend the new models an exceptionally sporty silhouette. The M Sport exhaust system – recognisable by its four black-chrome tailpipes, adds an unmistakable sound when going full-throttle and at high-revs. The new BMW M models also run on 21-inch bi-colour M light alloys equipped with Adaptive M suspension.

Black kidney grille surrounds, side gills and wing mirror caps are also standard to the models. Individually, the X3 M Competition features a slim rear diffuser in high-gloss black and an M-specific roof spoiler. The X4 M Competition on the other hand features a black spoiler at the rear.

Both the SAV and SAC feature a number of M-specific components for a more engaging driving experience, improving performance and handling dynamics. The strut brace up front improves stiffness when subjected to strong lateral acceleration. Complemented by adaptive dampers, stiffer stabilisers, an Active M Differential and M Compound Brakes, the X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition are some of the sharpest driving tools out there both on the road and on the track.

Both cars are powered by the same 3.0-litre straight-6 twin-turbocharged petrol engine, producing an identical 510hp and 600Nm. Power goes to all-four wheels via an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic gearbox capable of lightning-fast gearchanges.

Both cars can hit 100km/h from rest in just 4.1-seconds too – do bear that in mind if you have kids in the back.

The interiors of the X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition welcome passengers with an iconic M interior ambience that is both sporty and elegant. Front passengers are greeted with M-branded entry sills, as well as comfortable sports seats with active seat ventilation, lumbar support, and illuminated ‘M’ badging on the headrests. The M leather steering wheel reflects the “superior performance” of both these cars, with shift paddles, red M Drive buttons, and a red start/stop button. The sense of intensity are then complemented further by the redesigned M gear selector and three-level controls for the engine, damper, and steering responses.

Additionally, the new BMW M models include carbon fibre trim, contrast stitching in ‘M’ colours, M seatbelts, pedals, and kneepads. The digital instrument clusters in both cars are also unique to them, with M-specific layouts and formats that are designed to engage and excite.

As these two cars are still activity machines in nature, they’re still reasonably practical. The X3 M Competition offers about 550L with the seats up, but can be expanded up to 1600L with the seats down. On the swoopy-roofed sibling, standard luggage capacity measures in at 525L with a grand total of 1430L available with the rear seats down.

Speaking of the rear seats, the X3 M Competition offers backrest adjustment for the rear-seat passengers, as well as retractable sun-blinds for the rear side windows for added comfort.

Both cars offer a bevy of connectivity and convenience features, such as a colour heads-up display with M-specific displays, and Parking Assistant Plus with Surround View and Remote 3D Service. Infotainment is served up via a 10.25-inch Control Display that can be operated via a central iDrive controller, touch input, or Gesture control. They’re both also offered with ConnectedDrive services as standard, equipping Concierge Services, Teleservices, Remote Services, Intelligent Emergency Call, and Apple CarPlay as standard too. No Android Auto though, but music is played through a Harman Kardon audio system with a 600W amplifier, nine channels, and 16-speakers.

Intelligent assistance systems such as Driving Assistant Plus and Parking Assistant Plus are also bundled into both models, along with Comfort Access with an automatic tailgate. There’s also a wireless charger for smartphones somewhere in the cabin…

The X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition are both available in 6 exterior colours and, depending on the chosen finish, can be had in either black, orange (more like a light-tan), or grey Merino leather upholstery.

The new BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition are available from all authorised BMW dealerships from RM886,551.58 for the former, and RM904,276.60 for the latter. Retail pricing is on-the-road without insurance, as well as a 5-year unlimited-mileage warranty and free scheduled servicing.

GALLERY: BMW X3 M COMPETITION & X4 M COMPETITION MAKE DEBUT AT M TOWN

GALLERY: 2020 BMW X3 M COMPETITION

GALLERY: 2020 BMW X4 M COMPETITION

BMW Unveils M8, M8 GranCoupe – 4.4-Litre V8, 600hp, 700Nm, From RM1.45mil

17 August, 2020/0 Comments/in BMW, News, Premium, Sedan/Saloon, Sports/Cabreiolet /by Aiman I. Abdullah

BMW Group Malaysia decided to usher in the weekend with a bang with the arrival of no less than four new M cars in a bespoke setting they called ‘The Secret Garage at M Town,’ modelled after the secret garage in the M Division headquarters in Munich, Germany.

The flagship introductions of the night were the M8 Coupe and the M8 GranCoupe, the two- and four-door performance flagships of the BMW lineup. The former marks the first-ever ‘official’ M8, with only one prototype of a proposed ‘BMW M8’ in existence locked deep in the BMW M garage. The M8 GranCoupe arrives as an accompaniment for those who want the style, agility and performance, but need a couple of extra back seats as not to completely disregard the practicality demands of daily life.

“At the BMW Group, M is the Most Powerful Letter in the World, as it represents the high-performance vehicles born out of pure passion for motorsports. This fascination for power, speed, and dynamics has put M on the map since 1972. Today, we are pleased to bring together superior aesthetics and unimaginable power via the first-ever BMW M8 Coupe and first-ever BMW M8 GranCoupe, right here in the Secret Garage and M Town.” — Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director, BMW Group Malaysia

The arrival of the M8 marks a whole new level of performance, as it benefits from the most powerful engine developed by BMW M. The M8 Gran Coupe makes use of the same engine too: A 4.4-litre TwinPower Turbo V8 producing no less than 600hp and 750Nm, with power going to all-four wheels via an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic paired to an M xDrive all-wheel drive system. The Coupe can dispatch the century sprint in just 3.3-seconds, while the GranCoupe is only a blink slower.

Drivers of the M8 Coupe and M8 GranCoupe can choose between three different drive modes depending on the mood: There’s ‘Efficient,’ ‘Sport,’ and ‘Sport Plus’ to choose from, which are all pretty self-explanatory. Each mode changes the V8’s response to the pedal, and alters the sound of the flap-controlled exhaust system. There are also paddles behind the steering wheel too, to induce even more aural histrionics (or, you know, for greater control over the performance).

The M xDrive system is worth mentioning too, because it’s no rudimentary all-wheel drive system. It splits torque between the axles depending on the driving conditions and chosen settings, but it is rear-biased by default. The 4WD Sport mode will channel more power toward the rear, while the 2WD mode keeps the power on the rear wheels alone. The 2WD mode can only be activated with the stability control off, to ensure maximum engagement for drivers intent on raising their blood pressure.

Both cars also feature adaptive dampers and a double-wishbone front suspension, while the rear features a 5-point multilink setup. Both the Coupe and GranCoupe come with M Compound brakes with blue brake callipers, along with the M-exclusive integrated brake system (which bundles brake activation, brake boosting, and braking control all in one).

Compared to the cooking BMW 850i M-Sport (which has the same 4.4-litre V8 by the way), the M8 and M8 GranCoupe feature unique flourishes like twin-spar door mirrors, a carbon-fibre roof, flared front wheel arches with M vents (with ‘M8’ on them), an M8 rear diffuser replete with a unique twin-twin exhaust pipes with chrome finishers. The car also rides on 20-inch twin-colour alloys with staggered widths.

The interior of the M8 & M8 GranCoupe (we paraphrase but it’s described as the ‘confluence of luxury and performance’) comes with full Merino leather upholstery, M Sports seats with illuminated M8 logos in the headrests, replete with letter on the dashboard and door cards. There’s also a unique gear-lever and a red starter button (because it’s a performance car, obviously). You’ll also find the BMW Live Cockpit Professional system front and centre, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster ahead of the driver, accompanied by a high-resolution 10.25-inch touchscreen display in the centre, as well as a full-colour heads-up display projected onto the windscreen.

You’ll also find soft-closing doors on both M8s as well as an electric tailgate, while you can also get the car with a Digital Key if you have a supported smartphone from Samsung.

The BMW M8 and M8 GranCoupe also offer quite a bit in the way of active safety: Both cars are equipped as standard with the BMW Personal CoPilot system which bundles in Driving Assistant Professional & Parking Assistant Plus, offering lane-keep assist, side-collision protection, lane-charge warning, cross-traffic alert, reversing assistant, and other little helpful features.

The BMW M8 Coupe and BMW M8 GranCoupe are officially available in Malaysia priced from RM1,452,960 and RM1,455,145 respectively, both on-the-road without insurance and with an SST exemption (50% reduction, as these cars are both fully-imported). For the money you also get a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty, as well as free service throughout the same period.

Befitting a flagship, the new M8 and M8 GranCoupe can be had in as many as 7-colours, while the BMW Individual suite of customisation options also remains open for engagement and a sense of individuality.

If neither of these cars really tickle your fancy, owing to their nature as slinky-roofed style-focused machines, perhaps the BMW X3M Competition and X4M Competition might be more your speed. Launched on the same day, the two new compact M ‘Sports Activity Vehicles; may be more your speed.

But be sure to check out @MsianMotoring for more updates as they come.

GALLERY: BMW M8 COUPE & BMW M8 GRANCOUPE MAKE DEBUT AT M TOWN

GALLERY: 2020 BMW M8 COUPE

GALLERY: 2020 BMW M8 GRAN COUPE

2020 Perodua Myvi – ASA 2.0 On More Variants, Now From RM42k

15 July, 2020/0 Comments/in Hatchback, News, Perodua /by Aiman I. Abdullah

The Malaysian automotive darling that is the Perodua Myvi has received a mild update for 2020, bringing it up to par with its siblings in terms of safety and bumping it a little further in terms of desirability. With an average of 100,000 units sold per-year since its introduction, the Perodua Myvi has long held the title of being Malaysia’s most favoured ride – and now with the 2020 updates, it’s set to retain that honour for a little while longer.

Perodua has updated the Myvi with Advanced Safety Assist 2.0, which debuted first with the flagship Aruz SUV before trickling down into the 2019 Perodua Axia and the 2020 Perodua Bezza. ASA (1.0) first came about when the 3^rd generation Myvi was launched back in 2017, and consisted of Pre-Collision Warning & Pre-Collision Braking (up to 30km/h), Front Departure Alert, and Pedal Misoperation Control. With ASA 2.0, the latter two functions remain, but the pre-collision warning & braking are now effective at speeds of up to 100km/h and 80km/h respectively; Additionally, ASA 2.0 now tacks on Pedestrian Detection, at speeds of up to 50km/h.

Also new for 2020 is the ‘Electric Blue’ hue, as seen here, which is available across the range. The favourite ‘Granite Grey’ has now also been made available on all but the 1.3G variants too, allowing more choice for Perodua’s customers

There are no mechanical changes to report with the 2020 Perodua Myvi, which means there’s still an option between a 1.3-litre VVT engine and a 1.5-litre VVT engine, putting out 94hp/121Nm and 102hp/136Nm respectively, mated to a 4-speed automatic on all but the base 1.3G, which gets the option of a 5-speed manual as well.

Speaking of which, the range has been updated a bit here too. The new lineup now reflects the optional ASA 2.0 on the 1.3X variants, as well as its standard fitment on the 1.5H and 1.5AV.

Variant	Pricing (With Changes, No SST)
2020 Perodua Myvi 1.3G (MT)	RM41,292 (unchanged)
2020 Perodua Myvi 1.3G (AT)	RM43,029 (unchanged)
2020 Perodua Myvi 1.3X (AT)	RM44,959 (unchanged)
2020 Perodua Myvi 1.3X (AT), With ASA 2.0	RM46,959 (new variant)
2020 Perodua Myvi 1.5H (AT), With ASA 2.0	RM50,530 (+RM2,000)
2020 Perodua Myvi 1.5AV (AT), With ASA 2.0	RM52,697 (+500)

“With the inclusion of ASA 2.0, the Perodua Myvi takes advanced safety to a whole new level at this price point, and it’s nw more widely available within the lineup. The latest Myvi carries on the Perodua tradition of bringing advanced safety technology to the people, by making it more affordable and accessible to all.” – Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad, President and Chief Executive Officer, Perodua

The updated 2020 Perodua Myvi is available in showrooms nationwide, with order books open today.

2020 PERODUA MYVI – GALLERY

2020 PROTON Saga Anniversary Edition – Only 1,100 Units, RM39,300

9 July, 2020/0 Comments/in News, Proton, Sedan/Saloon /by Aiman I. Abdullah

National automotive flagbearer PROTON has today marked the 35th birthday of their inaugural Saga, the model that started it all, with a commemorative limited edition version of its compact saloon. With a production run of just 1,100 units, the 35th anniversary model will surely be a hot commodity – especially since its RM39,300 price means it asks no more than the model upon which it’s based.

On that subject, there are no major mechanical or specification changes, aside from the aesthetics. So under the bonnet still lies a 1.3L VVT engine producing 95PS and 120Nm, sending power to the front wheels via a Hyundai 4AT transmission. There are still things like electronic stability control, electronic brake distribution with brake assist, anti-lock brakes, hill-hold assist, and two airbags, as well as the LED daytime running lights that came as part of the facelift last year. The interior specification remains the same too – touchscreen infotainment unit, a smarter-designed meter cluster, and plusher fabrics used for the headlining and seat upholstery.

Now, onto the special bits. The 35th anniversary Saga marries a unique black paintjob with yellow accents, namely on the upper grille, the rear bumper garnish, and the wing mirrors. Not to be overlooked are the alloys – while they’re the same 15-inch units as before, they’ve now been given a matte-grey finish with a high-gloss silver lip, making them stand out quite a bit (and no doubt giving current owners ideas).

Inside, the air-conditioning surrounds on either side are done in gloss black, while the vent sliders are finished in the same matching yellow hue. Not to end there, the same colour is applied to the meter cluster surrounds, as well as to the little ‘tray’ that sits beneath the ‘PROTON’ script in the centre stack.

Unfortunately however, the snazzy bodykit you see here (door visors, front lip & side skirts) are an option, along with some new items like a boot tray, bonnet NVH insulator (called ‘NVH Guard’), and boot NVH insulator (also called ‘NVH Guard’). For the time being, these items can be bundled together on the Anniversary Edition or any facelifted PROTON Saga for RM2,035 – which represents a major savings given that individually-optioned they’d come up to RM2,350.

PROTON also took the opportunity to announce that the new Saga Anniversary Edition will come fitted with an N95-grade cabin air filter, which will now be offered on all new PROTON cars and be available for retrofitment on existing models. Retailing at RM59, these N95 filters will come in very handy to filter out smoke particulates, certain bacteria, and other harmful elements in the air. And between now and the 9th of October 2020, the N95 filter retrofit will be offered at a promotional price of just under RM52.

The Saga is an important model for PROTON, being the entry-level model into the lineup. Of the cars that were introduced through the course of 2019, the Saga was given the most attention by DRB-Hicom & Geely in its refresh. The new PROTON team made major upgrades to the Saga’s refinement, poise, and even its driving characteristics, enhancing a car that has was always impressive at its core but disappointed in the details.

With a more refined finish than ever before, plus the added emphasis by PROTON to keep customers excited and engaged, we’ve no doubt that there are many, many chapters to go in the story of the PROTON Saga.

What’s your Saga story? Let us know in the comments below!

2020 Perodua Myvi S-Edition Lands In Brunei?

4 July, 2020/0 Comments/in Hatchback, News, Perodua /by Aiman I. Abdullah

GHK Motors Sdn. Bhd., the sole authorised distributor of Perodua vehicles in the nation of Brunei, has launched the all-new Perodua Myvi at its showroom in Bandar Seri Begawan today via digital soft-launch, in keeping with COVID-19 preventative measures in place in Brunei to minimise social gatherings.

The soft-launching was to mark the official introduction of the all-new Perodua Myvi there, available as a 1.3G variant. However, there was the added surprise of the Perodua Myvi S-Edition, which comes equipped with a bodykit.

As far as we can tell, the bodykit is designed to look like what was first seen on the Perodua Myvi GT concept that debuted to the public at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motorshow, which has since sparked heavy speculation that the Sg. Choh company may be looking to introduce hotter variants of its popular Myvi in the future.

Very few photos of the Perodua Myvi S-Edition have surfaced, but it seems to us that the changes are purely cosmetic, marrying a bodykit and some black-painted alloys to an otherwise standard Myvi. We are certain that it is not the 1.5AV as it lacks the ASA camera module on the windscreen – we have strong reason to believe that it is based on the Perodua Myvi 1.3G, the standard model that’s been greenlit for sale there.

A video has surfaced showing that the interior matches that of the 1.3G, with fabric seats, a basic audio headunit, and a steering wheel without multifunction controls. We expect to see no changes to the mechanicals either.

We have contacted Perodua to ask for comment on the launch of the Perodua Myvi S-Edition in Brunei.