Peugeot Facelifts 3008 For 2021 – New Looks, Tech, PHEV

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With SUVs still all the rage, French marque Peugeot has unveiled its mid-life update to its popular 3008 SUV which now carries the very latest iteration of its design language as well as its most cutting-edge technological and engineering features. The 3008 now looks more in line with the updated 208, 2008, and 508 models, ensuring that it’ll remain relevant on showroom floors for some years to come.

The biggest update, naturally, is the frames grille – blending seamlessly into the bumper, the horizontal slats cut inward into the bumper itself to make it look properly integrated. This of course blends smoothly into the headlights and air intakes, with the former now featuring Peugeot’s vertical daytime running lights that also double up as indicators. 

Moving down the side you’ll notice that the ‘bonnet vent’ and side trims have now been finished in black rather than chrome like they used to be. This is to lend the 3008 a more youthful appearance, in keeping with its appeal to younger buyers.

At the rear you now get full-LED, fully tinted taillights with sequential indicators rounding off the exterior changes. You can now get the 3008 in various ‘packs’ like the ‘Active Pack,’ ‘Black Pack,’ and the ‘GT Pack,’ with the latter featuring a unique grille and large 19-inch alloys.

Inside there are more changes to be seen. The compact SUV has bundled in the very latest i-Cockpit suite inside, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster now offering the very latest graphics and rendering, while the touchscreen infotainment display now offers 10-inches of digital real estate (which still offers up CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorScreen). 

Standard across the range is the drive mode selector, which allows one to choose between Eco, Normal, and Sport. PHEV models get Electric and Hybrid modes, as well as Sport to choose from. You can have the cabin in a variety of interior upholstery options, though the GT model shown here gets red Nappa leather with faux-Alcantara lining.

You can deck out the cabin with ‘Dark Lime Wood’ trim with contrasting chrome, as well as a frameless central mirror. You can also option on a 515W Focal audio system with bronze speaker grilles as an option, along with things like massaging seats, a dual-pane sunroof, and others.

In terms of motive force, you get two turbo-petrols and one turbo-diesel, with the range beginning with the PureTech 130. The 1.2-litre three-pot puts out 130hp and 230Nm, and can be paired with either a 6MT or 8AT, with power going only to the front wheels. The PureTech 180 and its 1.6-litre engine may be more familiar to us here in Malaysia, with 180hp and 250Nm on offer, mated to an 8AT. The 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel engine (which we will probably never see here) makes 130hp but a sizeable 300Nm, with either an 8AT or 6MT pairing.

There are a couple of plug-in hybrid options now too, with the newest being the Hybrid 225. This front-wheel drive powertrain produces a total of 225hp and 360Nm by combining the PureTech 180 mill with an 80kW electric motor. The century sprint is dispatched in use 8.7-seconds, while official fuel consumption is rated at around 1.5L/100km.

This accompanies the Hybrid4 300 powertrain which uses the same engine but instead bundles in 2 electric motors (one on each axle to create an e-AWD system). So equipped, the 3008 can hit 100km/h in just 5.9-seconds, thanks to the 300hp and 520Nm on offer. 

Both Hybrid models come with a 90kWh battery pack, which offers a maximum of 59km range on the WLTP cycle. Via an 8A domestic plug socket, expect the battery to be recharged from 0-100% in 7-hours, though a 14A outlet will cut that down to 4-hours. With a 7.4kW wallbox, the same charge can be completed in just 1.45-hours. Peugeot assures that its Hybrid batteries are guaranteed for 8yrs/160,000km to retain 70% capacity.

On the safety front, the new Peugeot 3008 looks pretty comprehensively equipped. It offers adaptive cruise control, 360º cameras with auto-parking function, lane-keep assist, driver drowsiness alert, high-beam assistance, blind-spot monitoring, speed-sign recognition, advanced grip control, night vision, and autonomous emergency braking up to 140km/h. 

What do you think of the new Peugeot 3008? Reckon its latest styling updates are good enough to tempt you out of a PROTON X70, Mazda CX-5, or Honda CR-V perhaps? Let us know in the comments below. 

GALLERY: 2021 Peugeot 3008 GT

GALLERY: 2021 Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 300

2020 Hyundai Kona – 2.0L NA And 1.6-Turbo, Hyundai Smart Sense, Other Details Confirmed

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Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in Malaysia, confirmed a few more details surrounding their new Kona crossover, which is set to debut locally sometime in the fourth quarter of this year. Yesterday, HSDM opened the order books for the new Kona, confirming that its base price would begin at “RM11x,xxx.”

Since then, HSDM has gone on to confirm a few more details. The powertrain question has been answered, with HSDM confirming that there will be a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox (149PS/179Nm, 0-100km/h in 10s), alongside a 1.6-litre Turbo-Gasoline Direct Injection mill (177PS/265Nm, 0-100km/h in 7.7-seconds). The engines will be split across Standard, Mid, and High variants, with the Turbo engine limited for the flagship High model.

With the tree trims, there will (naturally) be a difference in specification. Standard cars will run on 17-inch alloys, while the Mid and High variants will run on 18-inch units. Standard models will also make do with halogen illumination at the front and bulb-type lights at the rear, while the Mid model will add LED headlights and taillights.

The High model will benefit from Hyundai’s Smart Sense suite of active safety kit, which will bundle in autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist, as well as intelligent high-beam.

Further differentiation will be inside, where the Standard model will make do with manually-adjustable front seats and basic air-conditioning, while the Mid and High models will add a powered driver’s seat and single-zone climate control. The Mid and High models also get a heads-up display as standard, though all models will get a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, mated to 6 speakers.

In a press release, HSDM has confirmed that the Kona will be arriving as a fully-imported model built in Hyundai’s plant in Ulsan, South Korea. With the Kona, Hyundai’s number of SUV offerings will rise to three, with the Kona joining the Tucson and Santa Fe. They have also confirmed that the Kona is set to go on sale in Q4 of this year. 

Measuring in at 4,165mm long, 1,800mm wide, 1,550mm tall sitting on a 2,600mm wheelbase, the Kona is shorter, lower, but wider than the segment-conquering Honda HR-V which it will have to compete with upon arrival.

Notably, HSDM has gone on to reveal that the new Kona will be offered with LED headlights, as well as a heads-up display projecting key driving information directly into the driver’s line of sight.

“We are excited about the launch of the Kona as it’s an entirely new product for us in this segment and we are reassured of a good response for the Kona. The Compact SUV is in great demand not only in Malaysia, but globally as well.”

Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director, Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia

Launched in 2017, the Kona has gone on to be a major sales success for the Korean marque, racking up more than 600,000 sales across the globe (excluding Hybrid and Electric variants). With multiple awards under its belt, the Kona is set to shake up the Malaysian market rather substantially upon arrival.

The question of price however remains unanswered. Hyundai has teased on its website that the Kona will go on sale for “RM11x,xxx” which suggests a price between RM110k and RM120k. This would put it above the Honda HR-V price-wise, but below the Mazda CX-3 and Toyota C-HR. That’s a pretty remarkable price-point given that the Kona is set to arrive as a CBU-import – the Toyota C-HR is also fully-imported, and its RM144k price tag doesn’t do it any favours. 

We expect to see the three variants range between RM110k and RM130k upon arrival, but of course, this is merely educated guessing at this point. 

The Hyundai Kona will certainly have a lot to contend with upon arrival. In addition to the Honda HR-V that’s dominated the segment since its launch, rivals like the aforementioned Mazda CX-3, Toyota C-HR, as well as other rivals like the Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008, as well as upcoming rivals like the Kia Seltos and PROTON X50. 

GALLERY: Hyundai Kona Turbo

2020 Hyundai Kona Now Open For Booking – Prices From RM11Xk, RM288 Booking Fee, Launch In Q4 2020

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Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in Malaysia, has just officially opened the order books on the Kona compact-crossover, a good two years after the car was first previewed locally in the metal. This development comes just a little while after an official interior teaser was shown off on their Facebook page, stirring interest in the sharply-styled crossover.

In a press release, HSDM has confirmed that the Kona will be arriving as a fully-imported model built in Hyundai’s plant in Ulsan, South Korea. With the Kona, Hyundai’s number of SUV offerings will rise to three, with the Kona joining the Tucson and Santa Fe. They have also confirmed that the Kona is set to go on sale in Q4 of this year. 

Measuring in at 4,165mm long, 1,800mm wide, 1,550mm tall sitting on a 2,600mm wheelbase, the Kona is shorter, lower, but wider than the segment-conquering Honda HR-V which it will have to compete with upon arrival.

Notably, HSDM has gone on to reveal that the new Kona will be offered with LED headlights, as well as a heads-up display projecting key driving information directly into the driver’s line of sight.

“We are excited about the launch of the Kona as it’s an entirely new product for us in this segment and we are reassured of a good response for the Kona. The Compact SUV is in great demand not only in Malaysia, but globally as well.”

Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director, Hyundai-Sime Darby Malaysia

Launched in 2017, the Kona has gone on to be a major sales success for the Korean marque, racking up more than 600,000 sales across the globe (excluding Hybrid and Electric variants). With multiple awards under its belt, the Kona is set to shake up the Malaysian market rather substantially upon arrival.

There does however remain two questions: Price, and Powertrain. On the latter front, sources are claiming that HSDM may offer the Kona with a 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (177PS/265Nm), paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch auto. This would be the same powertrain that was shown in the Kona when it was first locally previewed at the KL International Motor Show back in 2018. However, it is equally possible that the Kona may arrive with a 2.0-litre MPI mill instead, which is currently employed in the Hyundai Elantra.

And then of course there is the matter of price. Hyundai has teased on its website that the Kona will go on sale for “RM11x,xxx” which suggests a price between RM110k and RM120k. This would put it above the Honda HR-V price-wise, but below the Mazda CX-3 and Toyota C-HR. That’s a pretty remarkable price-point given that the Kona is set to arrive as a CBU-import – the Toyota C-HR is also fully-imported, and its RM144k price tag doesn’t do it any favours.

The Hyundai Kona will certainly have a lot to contend with upon arrival. In addition to the Honda HR-V that’s dominated the segment since its launch, rivals like the aforementioned Mazda CX-3, Toyota C-HR, as well as other rivals like the Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008, as well as upcoming rivals like the Kia Seltos and PROTON X50. 

GALLERY: Hyundai Kona

REVIEWED: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4 – Justified Premium

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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

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

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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

2020 Range Rover Evoque – 2 Variants, 2 Power Outputs, From RM427k

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Sime Darby, the official distributor of Land Rover vehicles in Malaysia, has today launched the all-new 2nd-generation Range Rover Evoque to much fanfare, marking the reintroduction of the incredibly successful ‘baby-Rangie’ to the lineup. Since it was introduced internationally in late 2018, the new Range Rover Evoque has won much acclaim from critics and buyers across the globe, and it is set to continue that trend here.

“The Range Rover Evoque has been a fundamental driver in Jaguar Land Rover’s global success. Since it first rolled off the Halewood production line, we have exported 80 per cent of all we have made. Our commitment to UK production remains firm and the new Evoque benefits from a £1bn investment. With this, we are introducing new technology and Range Rover refinement into the luxury compact SUV segment that the original model created.”

– Dr. Ralf Speth, Chief Executive Officer, Jaguar-Land Rover

Sitting on an all-new platform, the new Range Rover Evoque carries on the aesthetics first seen by the Velar. As such the headlights & taillights, which are full-LEDs, are now slimmer & wider than before. They now also feature scrolling indicators like the Velar, though the headlights now have an adaptive beam technology that ensure that full-beam can be used more often without dazzling other road users. The doors also feature retractable door handles like the Velar, which now sit flush against the door panels until the car is unlocked or if they are ‘made’ to appear.

The Evoque’s new platform features a longer & wider wheelbase than before, and dimensions have grown noticeably. At 4371mm long, 1966mm wide, and 1649mm tall, the Evoque is now larger than the outgoing model in every measurable way, which means that interior space has benefitted massively. For starters, the boot now features 591L of cargo room with the rear seats up, expandable to 1,383L with the seats folded, all of which is accessible via the all-electric one-piece tailgate.

And when you step inside, you discover that the new Evoque has more room for passengers too, with rear seat occupants entitled to more leg- and head-room than the previous model could have even dreamed of.

But the real kicker is up front, where the old Evoque is left for dead by the new kid on the block. The highlight of the cabin is no doubt the screens – innovatively called TouchPro Duo, the system comprises of two glass-fronted 10-inch infotainment screens placed atop each other, with the upper half dedicated to media functions while the lower one handles HVAC controls, TerrainResponse 2 (standard on the new Evoque) and so on. These screens work in tandem with the 12.3-inch digital drivers display that sits ahead of the driver, which clearly & elegantly display all the necessary driving information.

There’s actually one more screen that we have to talk about: Dubbed ClearSight Rear View, the centre rear-view mirror can now be turned into a screen (standard on R-Dynamic only) which activates a camera mounted above the car allowing for totally clear, unobstructed views rearward with a 50-degree viewing angle. This effectively overcomes the rather compromised rear view from within the cabin (owing to the sloping roofline and narrow rear window) and means that even if your Evoque is full of people and stuff, you’ll still be able to see out.

That’s not all – ClearSight Ground View now offers a full 180-degree view of the road ahead, and even between the two front wheels, essentially ‘eliminating’ the blind-spot created by your bonnet. As such, Land Rover says that this will make navigating the Evoque through tight city streets, compact parking spaces, and rough off-road terrain that much easier (notice how they mentioned the off-roading part last?).

Regardless of on- or off-road, and irrespective of Evoque or Evoque R-Dynamic, power still comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged Ingenium engine paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Both cars feature a nifty little thing called Active Driveline Disconnect that de-couples the rear-wheels during day-to-day driving to improve fuel economy, but is able to re-engage them almost instantly should the car demand extra traction. Outputs differ though: The base Evoque puts out 200PS and 320Nm, while the Evoque R-Dynamic offers 249PS and 365Nm. As such, the R-Dynamic is able to hit the century mark in just 7.5-seconds, while the base Evoque does the same a second slower at 8.5-seconds.

The R-Dynamic does add a few more bits and bobs too. While the standard car features things like Lane Keep Assist and Driver Drowsiness Alert, the R-Dynamic adds a full gamut of active safety kit like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, full-speed Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. This at least goes some way to soften the blow of the pricing, given that the compact-sized Evoque is priced against much larger rivals like the BMW X5 xDrive45e and the Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription Plus despite being the size of a BMW X3 or a Volvo XC60.

The Range Rover Evoque range starts at RM426,828 for the base model without SST, while the Range Rover Evoque R-Dynamic with its more comprehensive kit list and punchier engine goes for RM475,398 without SST. All new Evoques will be sold with a 5-year/150,000km warranty, a 5-year/65,000km free service package, as well as 3-years roadside assistance. The new Range Rover Evoque is available for viewing from today at Land Rover dealerships across the country.

For the best deals on a new Range Rover, check out our Facebook page where you can fill in your details and get the best deal & buying experience on a new Range Rover Evoque (or any car for that matter).

2020 Toyota RAV4 Revealed – 2.0 and 2.5, From RM196k

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UMW Toyota Malaysia has today unveiled their latest entrant into the burgeoning SUV space, in the form of the all-new Toyota RAV4. The RAV4 is an important nameplate not just for Toyota but for the crossover segment as a whole, as it’s widely credited for establishing the urban-focused high-riding utility vehicle that everyone so desperately wants today. And in this latest generation, Toyota has aimed to move forward with the sort of confidence that only they could have with the RAV4 brand, and they certainly have done.

The new RAV4 is underpinned by Toyota’s New Global Architecture or TNGA, which offers better packaging, more efficient use of material, and overall weight savings while also improving rigidity. TNGA also means that the new RAV4 can make full use of Toyota’s newest engines – the RAV4 is available with DynamicForce petrol engines in both 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre displacements, with a CVT automatic for the former and an 8-speed torque-converter automatic for the latter. Both are exclusively front-wheel drive.

While the engines offer some choice, the rest of the RAV4 packaging locally does not. Both cars are identically equipped: Both run on 18-inch alloy wheels, both cars get 6 exterior colour options, they feature LED headlights, the cabin trim are identical… We’re not sure what UMW Toyota is getting at here, but we’re sure that when we do get to ask them what was going through their minds, we’ll get a satisfactory answer.

What we certainly appreciate with the new RAV4 is the comprehensive list of safety features. The new SUV arrives with Toyota Safety Suite as standard, which comprises of adaptive cruise control, collision warning, lane departure warning with lane-keep assist, as well as an automatic high-beam function. This puts the RAV4 on par with segment stalwarts like the Honda CR-V and the PROTON X70; However, the RAV4 is a fully-imported model, which brings about its own issues that we’ll get to later.

Inside, we finally get to see Toyota getting a little more playful after they admitted to playing it safe for far too long. Major touchpoints within the cabin benefit from soft-touch materials to elevate the sensory experience, while key features such as a semi-digital instrument cluster, large infotainment screen with Apple & Android smartphone mirroring, Qi wireless charging, as well as an electrically-adjustable driver’s seat with memory functionality means that you’re certainly given a premium feel. There’s also dual-zone climate control & front-seat ventilation, which again puts it on par with the PROTON X70.

There’s masses of space for people and luggage alike: Toyota boasts class-leading bootspace, thanks to packaging ingenuity. A feature that we like alot is the reversible boot floor, that allows you to reverse the side used to floor the boot from either a carpeted surface (good for luggage bags & general day-to-day flotsam) to a waterproof, hard-wearing plastic surface that’s more suited to dirtier, or wet items. Further, the boot floor can be adjusted from a high position (offering a lip-less cargo space) to a lower position that can better accommodate taller items. Of course, the rear seats can also be folded 60:40 or completely flat, should you find yourself in IKEA over the weekend.

The new Toyota RAV4 will be available in showrooms this week, with prices starting at RM196,436 for the 2.0-litre model, and topping out at RM215,664.50 for the 2.5-litre model. All cars will benefit from a 5-year warranty as well as manufacturer-backed servicing & aftersales.

2020 BMW X5 xDrive45e Lands – 3.0 I-6, 394PS, RM441k Without SST

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A year after its pure-combustion sibling made its debut, BMW Group Malaysia has finally unveiled the long-awaited X5 xDrive45e PHEV, which will take the place of the mightily-successful F15 predecessor model. Dubbed the G05, the new X5 PHEV has big shoes to fill – thankfully, it seems to be intent on doing so just fine.

Under the skin you’ll find a brand new chassis, upon which sits a brand new powertrain. Gone is the strained 2.0-litre 4-cylinder that was the bugbear of many owners (of both the X5 as well as the pre-LCI G01 7-Series PHEV), and in its place stands a beefier 3.0-litre straight-6 mill. Aside from providing the soundtrack that any self-respecting BMW owner should demand, it also puts out a more meaty 286PS and 450Nm, making it a pretty brawny thing alone even before you consider the added pep that the plug-in hybrid side of the powertrain offers.

The X5 xDrive45e also comes with an electric motor, sandwiched between the 3.0-litre petrol mill up front and the ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox. That motor provides on its own an additional 113PS and 265Nm, though BMW claims the combined output looks like 394hp and 600Nm. Despite the sheer size of the G05, the plug-in hybrid X5 can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 5.6-seconds, before going on to a top speed of 235km/h.

The new G05 doesn’t just have performance stats to offer, but proper eco-friendly credentials too. Thanks to a new 24kWh battery, the G05 X5 can run zero-emissions for 77km on a full charge (according to BMW Malaysia). As a result, it is reasonable to assume that most Malaysian owners who keep their X5’s juiced-up will be able to complete most of their weekly runs on pure electric power alone, contributing to a low 2.5L/100km claimed fuel consumption figure. The only drawback to this is the charging times: Due to the enormity of the battery, the X5 xDrive45e requires 6.8-hours to charge from flat to full via a Type-2 3.7kW connector, but plugged into a standard 230V 3-point domestic plug it’ll take about 11-hours. Yikes.

Inside, the cockpit of the New BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport is stylishly fitted with Leather Vernasca upholstery for a touch of elegance. The interior also features M leather steering wheel, an electrically adjustable steering wheel, Sport front seats with memory function for the driver’s seat, four-zone automatic air conditioning and the instrument panel in Sensatec. Excellent music for driving is further boosted with the 464W 16-Speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system.

The new SAV comes with a boot capacity that can be easily increased from 500 litres to 1,720 litres. The new SAV also comes with automatic tailgate operation with contactless opening and closing functions, along with a two-section tailgate for ease of loading. The top section can be opened electrically, while the bottom section is released manually.

The highlight of the new BMW X5 xDrive45e M-Sport is the BMW Live Cockpit Professional with Gesture Control and Intelligent Personal Assistant. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional combines the 12.3-inch Fully Digital Instrument Display with an equally large touchscreen Control Display. Rear passengers will be able to enjoy the Rear Seat Entertainment Professional with a 10.2-inch touchscreen monitor. Wireless charging is also offered for added convenience on the road. Next-level driving assistance is offered via the BMW Personal CoPilot, which includes Lane Departure Warning and Lane Changing Warning. The system also features Frontal Collision Warning with braking intervention, Rear Crossing Traffic Warning, Rear Collision Prevention, as well as speed limit info.

The BMW X5 xDrive45e does a very good job of lowering the local cost of entry into the X5 range – at RM440,745 it is significantly cheaper than its pure-combustion brother, which debuted in Malaysia at RM618,888. That said, the greener sibling will face very, very stiff competition from the beloved & respected Volvo XC90, which was recently refreshed to improve its overall packaging as well as its price, which tops out at RM409,888 for the fully-loaded T8 TwinEngine Inscription Plus variant.

All new BMW X5 xDrive45e’s will be available with a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty, as well as a separate 8-year/160,000km warranty for the plug-in hybrid powertrain. Additionally, you get free scheduled services for the first 5-years of ownership too.

The 2020 BMW X5 xDrive45e is available with the Balloon Financing Plan via BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, with monthly installments starting from RM5,028 (based on an 80% loan over a 5-year tenure). The new X5 PHEV will be available for viewing in showrooms beginning this Saturday, the 20th of June.

ED: It’ll be interesting to pit the German newcomer with the steady and unflinching Swede, don’t you think? Let us know in the comments below, or on our Facebook page. Maybe that will get BMW Malaysia’s attention…

6 SST-Free Bargains You Must Snap Up – Peroduas, Toyotas, BMWs, Volvos

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Buy a new car, save the economy. Who could argue with that?

Earlier today, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that as part of the PENJANA COVID-19 economic stimulus package, new car purchases are set to see between a 50% reduction and 100% reduction of their sales & service tax as a way to stimulate sales in the automotive segment. This announcement came as a welcome move by the automotive sector, who are now hoping that things really can go back to normal for them.

As sales tax has long been part & parcel of any new car, many Malaysians are unaware of just how much SST they pay for on a new car. For reference, all new cars are subject to 10% SST – therefore, the ‘discounts’ on a new car can be easily calculated at 10% for locally-assembled or CKD vehicles, while there’ll be a 5% retail price reduction for fully-imported cars.

To give you an idea of what that looks like, we’ve listed down 6 excellent cars from across the spectrum, beginning with everyone’s favourite Perodua Myvi, all the way up to the segment-leading & benchmark-setting Volvo XC90, as well as a reference in between of what a fully-imported purchase would feel like right about now too.

It’s worth noting of course that as SST is applied only to the nett selling price, the figures that we’re suggesting here are likely a bit hopeful – based on what we saw during the last ‘tax holiday,’ we should expect to see decreases between 3%-5% at the most off retail selling prices. But given the current situation, car companies would be remiss not to put their best deals forward to lure customers back into showrooms and into new cars, no?

PERODUA MYVI 1.5 AV – RM48,681 (RM5409 expected reduction)

The Perodua Myvi is a firm favourite for all Malaysians, with the B-segment hatchback racking up an average of 100,000 annual sales every year since its introduction nearly 13 years ago. With lots of space, punchy performance, and levels of safety & convenience kit that would put most of its competitors to shame, the Perodua Myvi is a tough car to beat, which is why it dominates the sub-RM100k segment almost entirely.

Watch our review of the Perodua Myvi here.

PERODUA ARUZ 1.5 AV – RM70,110 (RM7790 expected reduction)

The Perodua Aruz is another one of the Sg. Choh company’s runaway successes, though while the Myvi is famously known as the surprise hit, the Aruz was far more calculated. Dominating the sub-RM100k SUV space and taking the cake as Malaysia’s most popular SUV, the Aruz provides acres of space & practicality, and offers car-like usability & functionality despite the commanding ride height. And paired with traditional Perodua running costs, it’s no wonder that its Japanese sibling (which is built in the same factory with the same powertrain by the same people, mind) is failing to gain traction…

You can watch our review of the Perodua Aruz here.

TOYOTA COROLLA 1.8G (CBU) – RM132,893 (RM6995 expected reduction)

The Toyota Corolla is actually our only fully-imported example car we’re putting in the list, on the account of its great styling, amazing safety kit, and impressive performance. The Thai-built Corolla (now free of the ‘Altis’ name previous generations carried) is an excellent example of what we can expect to see from the Japanese marque going forwards – more engaging design, a more engaging drive, better technology, and the same tried-and-tested Toyota value.

(We haven’t reviewed the Toyota Corolla yet, so there’s no review to plug here…)

BMW 330i M-Sport (CKD) – RM264,420 (RM29,380 expected reduction)

The de-facto choice in the compact executive saloon space, BMW Group Malaysia was wise to quickly introduce the CKD version of this car when it did. Not only did it offer a massive saving over the fully-imported first batch of cars, but it demonstrated the excellent quality control measures implemented by the local assembly plant, proving that there’s literally nothing to lose.

Notably, the G20 3-Series is now a sharper drive than the F30 it replaces, which means it has returned to form as the driver’s choice in the segment. Not that the majority of its buyers seek it out specifically for that, in all honesty.

(We also haven’t reviewed the G20 BMW 3-Series. Do these car companies not like us?)

Volvo S60 T8 R-Design (CKD) – RM266,299.20 (RM29,588.80 expected reduction)

We threw this in here because it’s an absolute favourite of ours at MalaysianMotoring – with restrained styling, mind-bending performance, unbelievable (yet verified) fuel economy and standard-setting safety, the Volvo S60 is a very difficult car to fault. Couple that with a truly refined ride and the ability to outsprint a Mercedes-AMG C43, and this Swede begins to show its more brutish side.

This car is like Dwayne Johnson in a suit. Ever a gentleman, but still able to knock your jaw out at 20 paces.

(Do we not review enough cars on this website? Thank God we’ve already driven the next one…)

Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription Plus (CKD) – RM368,899.20 (RM40,988.80 expected reduction)

Another favourite in the office, but also a favourite among buyers – in the 7-seater SUV space, the Volvo XC90 is not only the segment leader in terms of safety, performance and standard equipment, but it’s also the most affordable of the bunch, outpricing its nearest competitors by about 5-figures at the minimum. And it’s no Turkish prison either, with sumptuous Nappa leather seats, mesmirising Bowers & Wilkins premium audio, a solid crystal gear selector knob, and the sort of ride comfort that would shame everything short of a Rolls-Royce. The Volvo XC90 may have led Volvo’s transformation into the company we see today in the here-and-now, but it’s showing absolutely no signs of aging, or slowing down.

The Volvo XC90 was #Recharged for the 2020 model year – check out our review here.

So our advice is this – if you find yourself with money to burn, a secure job and secure income, now is the best time to buy a car. Not only will you be saving way more than any seasonal promotion, but you’ll also be directly helping our beloved local automotive industry and the millions of people that it employs directly & indirectly stay afloat.

And boy, don’t we Malaysians just love our cars?

  • The new Mercedes-Benz EQC makes its regional debut in Malaysia, alongside the new Mercedes-Benz S560e Plug-In Hybrid, as well as the Mercedes-Benz C300e Plug-In Hybrid
  • Mr. Michael Jopp, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, with the refreshed Mercedes-Benz GLC range featuring MercedesMe Connect

2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport – 5 Or 5+2, From RM380k

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British SUV marque Land Rover has given the new Land Rover Discovery Sport its local debut, refreshing a very important model for the brand in a very competitive segment. Taking on the likes of the BMW X3, the Mercedes-Benz GLC and the Volvo XC60, the Discovery Sport is the only one in the segment to offer as many as 7-seats, giving it a unique advantage in the segment.

Of course, it is also considerably more expensive – with prices starting at RM379,800 for the 5-seater and RM409,800 for the 5+2, the Discovery Sport isn’t exactly the value buy of the century. But as we’ve said many times before, the Land Rover brand is one you buy with your heart and not necessarily your head, and the Discovery Sport’s standard appearance in sharp R-Dynamic trim certainly appeals strongly in that regard.

It isn’t all nostalgia and ‘Rule, Britannia’ here though, as the new Discovery Sport packs a variety of improvements and refinements that make it better than it has ever been. The biggest changes are what you cannot see – despite its familiar shape, this isn’t strictly a facelift. Under the skin is a whole-new platform & architecture, shared with the upcoming Range Rover Evoque. As such it offers the car better interior packaging, less weight, more technology, and a brand new powertrain.

Up front is a new 2.0-litre Ingenium mill producing 280PS and 365Nm, with power going to all-four wheels via a 9-speed ZF automatic gearbox. Land Rover is quick to note that the gearbox benefits from close ratios ensuring maximum response from the motor, as well as a taller top gear to ensure smooth & unflustered cruising ability. Also new to the powertrain is a feature called ‘Active Driveline Disconnect,’ which allows the DiscoSport to run on just two powered wheels instead of four, to save fuel. And should extra traction be required, four-wheel grip can be reinstated in as little as 500-miliseconds.

This is still a Land Rover no matter how slick or suave it may be, so new to the arsenal is the inclusion of Terrain Response 2. With TR2, the Discovery Sport now enjoys even better electronic management of the throttle, brakes, and steering to ensure maximum traction over difficult terrain. This, paired with the ClearSight Ground View system which allows you to see between the two front wheels as well as the Wade Sensing system means that the DiscoSport is as formidable as any Land Rover out in the wild.

But, we hear you saying, of course the Landie is good off-road. What about on-road creature comforts that buyers will demand of a modern luxury SUV? Glad you asked: the Discovery Sport is generously equipped in that regard, too. On the inside, you’ll find a new 10” TouchPro infotainment screen that offers lag-less responses as well as smartphone mirroring, which works in tandem with a 12-inch driver’s instrument cluster that make the car feel thoroughly modern. The steering wheel has also been updated to the same unit used in the Range Rover Velar, resulting in the inclusion of touch-sensitive adaptive buttons on the wheel.

A particular highlight for us is the inclusion of active safety features for the first time in the Discovery Sport – the new model now comes as standard with high-speed autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and driver attention alert. There’s also a 360-degree camera system as well as an available heads-up display too for added effect, which all work alongside the expected 7-airbags dotted around the cabin.

We applaud Jaguar-Land Rover Malaysia for the inclusion of active safety features in their latest models, which puts the Discovery Sport in the leagues of the Volvo XC60 and the Lexus NX for the standard inclusion of such features (we’re looking at you, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW).

The 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport is available now with a 5-year/150,000km warranty, along with 5-year/65,000km servicing and 3-years roadside assistance. And for the best deals on a new car, head over to the MalaysianMotoring Facebook page, where you can drop us a message to begin your hassle-free, contactless buying journey.