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Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Launched – 2.0 Turbo, 256hp/390Nm, RM160k

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Chinese carmaker Chery, the country’s most successful exporting automotive brand, has made a big comeback in Malaysia with two of their most successful models. Those with a slightly better memory may recall Chery being offered in Malaysia previously, with lacklustre models like the Eastar and Maxime MPVs, the QQ supermini, and the Tiggo SUV. 

Chery assures that things are different now – the brand has set up a local subsidiary to handle sales & distribution, unlike previously when it appointed a dealer instead. All that’s retained is the ‘Tiggo’ name, which makes its return to Malaysia as a prefix to the Tiggo 8 Pro, the marque’s flagship D-segment SUV, priced at RM159,800.

Measuring 4,722mm long and 1,860mm wide and riding on a 2,710mm wheelbase, the Tiggo 8 Pro is only slightly smaller than the recently-launched PROTON X90, though you wouldn’t guess it. The Tiggo 8 Pro’s bold and assertive design makes sure of that, with plenty of presence no matter which angle you take it in from. 

Power in the Tiggo 8 Pro comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine. Outputs are rated at 256hp and 390Nm, with power going to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox. Eco, Normal and Sport drive modes are available, but no paddle shifters. This eclipses the 190PS & 300Nm on offer from PROTON’s 48V MHEV system – Chery says this is the “most powerful vehicle in the segment,” though we suspect they’ve overlooked the 2.5-litre turbocharged Mazda CX-8. 

The face of the Tiggo 8 Pro is highlighted by the large ‘galaxy grille,’ replete with diamond-shaped chrome pins that expand from an illuminated badge. On the latter, the Chery logo illuminates when the car unlocks and syncs with the headlights (and taillights) as an element of the car’s ‘welcome’ function. On either side sits full LED headlights, which include a scrolling indicator function and automatic high-beam.

Rolling stock is handled by 19-inch multi-tone alloys, wrapped in 235/55 section tyres. The rear is crowned by a light-bar that stretches across the tailgate, beneath which you’ll find quad exhaust pipes. It’s a very elegant-looking machine, as befits its D-segment SUV positioning – competitors like Mazda’s CX-8 and PROTON’s X90 also go the same route. 

But it’s the interior of the Tiggo 8 Pro that really sets it apart. Emphasising the width of the interior is a broad dash design that incorporates full-spanning elements to make it all feel expansive. At the top you’ll find a pair of 10.25-inch screens, handling driver information and infotainment duties. Graphics are clean and progress is smooth, and features (wired) Apple Carplay & Android Auto as standard. Sound duties are handled by an 8-speaker Sony audio system as standard, hiding behind Burmeister-eque speaker grilles.

Chery has resisted the urge to incorporate everything into the screen by positioning the HVAC controls on a separate (touch-sensitive) panel beneath the centre screen. Ergonomics is a key factor for the marque, as evident by the relatively generous use of tactile buttons and switches to control major functions. We’re made to understand that Chery has engineered the switchgear to provide a “positive sensation” during use according to one of their executives, but we’ll have to refrain from comment until we review the Tiggo 8 Pro properly.

A quick aside on the HVAC system, you’ll find a dual-zone climate control system here, as well as heated and cooled front seats. This should ensure that even with the sun beating down through the panoramic sunroof, everyone should remain comfortable.

The seating layout is in a 2-3-2 setup, with Chery themselves describing the Tiggo 8 Pro as a 5+2. Indeed the third row is a little cramped compared to the PROTON X90 and Mazda CX-8, but if they’re for occasional use only (as tends to be the case with SUVs in this class), all should remain well. 

Other standard features of the Tiggo 8 Pro include keyless entry and go (including a nifty walk-away lock), multi-colour ambient lighting, electric tailgate, wireless smartphone charging, an electronic parking brake, and a standard 360º camera. 

Safety is managed by a generous list of active and passive safety systems. On the former, the Tiggo 8 Pro offers adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure alert & assist, blind-spot monitoring with door-open warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. And on the passive side, the Tiggo 8 Pro offers more airbags than any other competitor in the segment. 

Chery is assuaging customer concerns about reliability and serviceability in two ways: First, it has announced 31 operating showrooms nationwide that can handle sales & aftersales from point of launch, with more expected to open in the near future. Second, all new Chery models will come as standard with a 7-year/150,000km warranty and 5-years free service (with free labour for every alternate service). The first 3,000 Chery customers will also benefit from an industry-leading 10-year/1,000,000km powertrain warranty – for the 3,001st customer onwards, this coverage will set them back an additional RM2,000. 

It’s very clear that Chery, like many Chinese brands, have big ambitions. Malaysia will be a key market for them, having invested in assembly facilities in Kulim, Kedah and rolling out not just the Tiggo 8 Pro but the smaller Omoda 5 in CKD-form from the get-go. Brand bosses have committed to Malaysia as their right-hand drive assembly and R&D hub too, eager to add value to the mature Malaysian automotive economy and to create high-value jobs in the sector. 

GALLERY – 2023 CHERY TIGGO 8 PRO LUXURY

Chery Omoda 5 Launched – 1.5T, 156hp/230Nm, RM109k

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Chinese carmaker Chery, the country’s most successful exporting automotive brand, has made a big comeback in Malaysia with two of their most successful models. Those with a slightly better memory may recall Chery being offered in Malaysia previously, with lacklustre models like the Eastar and Maxime MPVs, the QQ supermini, and the Tiggo SUV. 

Chery assures that things are different now – the brand has set up a local subsidiary to handle sales & distribution, unlike previously when it appointed a dealer instead. While the ‘Tiggo’ nameplate has returned for the Tiggo 8 Pro, the brand has also launched its B-segment SUV competitor, in the form of the Omoda 5 priced from RM108,800 for the C variant, and RM118,800 for the H.

Measuring 4,400mm long and 1,830mm wide and riding on a 2,630mm wheelbase, the Omoda 5 is slightly longer and wider than the Honda HR-V and larger in every dimension than the PROTON X50. Its more emotive design also marks a stark departure from the more conventional Honda & PROTON too. There’s no mistaking this for anything else.  

Then there’s the powertrain – while the Omoda 5 also takes the turbocharged route here, with its 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo putting out 156hp and 230Nm. Power goes exclusively to the front wheels via a 9-speed CVT automatic gearbox too. This makes it a little less powerful than the turbocharged Honda HR-V and flagship PROTON X50, but does better than the lower-powered versions of PROTON’s crossover.  

The distinctive looks of the Omoda 5 begin with its face, where a large chrome-pinned grille is flanked above by a set of LED daytime running lights that double-up as scrolling indicators. Beneath those sit a pair of full-LED headlights with automatic high-beam functionality, giving the Omoda 5 a look that very few others dare to offer. 

Rolling stock is handled by 18-inch multi-tone alloys, while the rear of the Omoda 5 takes more Lexus-like cues with a pair of slim full-LED taillights that stretch across the tailgate. The ‘Chery’ script sits up high, while down below you’ll find a pair of (fake) exhaust exits on a heavily-sculpted lower bumper. While certainly a busy design, the Omoda 5’s focus on engaging looks geared towards younger buyers certainly fits the brief, though more conservative buyers will likely prefer what both Honda and PROTON offer instead.

The interior of the Omoda 5 is alot less divisive – derivative, more like. The dashboard takes a very horizontal design to emphasise width, replete with a full-width AC vent design sitting beneath twin 10.25-inch screens that handle infotainment and driver displays. HVAC controls are mounted on a touch panel beneath the centre vents, beneath which sit a pair of wireless phone chargers wrapped in grippy suede-like material. This pairs well with the standard wireless Apple Carplay & Android Auto, and provides a good viewing angle too. 

Ergonomics is a key factor for the marque, as evident by the relatively generous use of tactile buttons and switches to control major functions. We’re made to understand that Chery has engineered the switchgear to provide a “positive sensation” during use according to one of their executives, but we’ll have to refrain from comment until we review the Omoda 5 properly.

A quick aside on the HVAC system, you’ll find a dual-zone climate control system here as standard, though the higher H variant adds ventilated powered front seats, a powered tailgate, and a sunroof. There’s also an 8-speaker Sony audio system for the Omoda 5 H (six in the C), and a 360º camera that replaces the standard reverse camera in the entry-level variant.

Exterior differences between the C and H are limited to just some splashes of red throughout the place, including on inserts in the alloy wheels. The other key differentiator are the indicators – scrolling units are limited to the H, while the C models get ‘conventional’ units instead.  

Safety is managed by a generous list of active and passive safety systems. On the former, the Tiggo 8 Pro offers adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure alert & assist, blind-spot monitoring with door-open warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also offers hill descent control, tyre-pressure monitoring, and hill-start assist – we’d like to see if anyone would ever off-road an Omoda 5… 

Chery is assuaging customer concerns about reliability and serviceability in two ways: First, it has announced 31 operating showrooms nationwide that can handle sales & aftersales from point of launch, with more expected to open in the near future. Second, all new Chery models will come as standard with a 7-year/150,000km warranty and 5-years free service (with free labour for every alternate service). The first 3,000 Chery customers will also benefit from an industry-leading 10-year/1,000,000km powertrain warranty – for the 3,001st customer onwards, this coverage will set them back an additional RM2,000. 

It’s very clear that Chery, like many Chinese brands, have big ambitions. Malaysia will be a key market for them, having invested in assembly facilities in Kulim, Kedah and rolling out not just the Omoda 5 but the larger Tiggo 8 Pro in CKD-form from the get-go. Brand bosses have committed to Malaysia as their right-hand drive assembly and R&D hub too, eager to add value to the mature Malaysian automotive economy and to create high-value jobs in the sector. 

GALLERY – 2023 CHERY OMODA 5 C 1.5T CVT

2023 Kia Niro EV Arrives In Malaysia – 460km WLTP, 201hp/255Nm, RM256k

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BERMAZ has today introduced a new electric vehicle under its Kia brand, with the Niro crossover set to take the fight along to the very hotly-contested sub-RM300k compact electric crossover segment. Combining bold styling, cutting-edge technology and practical flourishes, the Kia Niro EV will go head-to-head with cars like the Hyundai Kona EV and even the Ioniq 5, as well as the Mercedes-Benz EQA and BMW iX1. 

At RM255,800, the new Kia Niro EV is not the most affordable B-segment crossover. In fact this pricing puts it right alongside the more premium players on the market, which has certainly raised eyebrows. We’re not entirely sure what Kia Malaysia’s strategy is with this, but we’ll take it at face value.

With a 64.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the Niro EV offers a maximum 460km rated range on the WLTP cycle. Motive force comes from a 201hp/255Nm motor mounted between the front wheels, which can propel the Niro from rest to 100km/h in just 7.8-seconds. “Effortless and smooth progress in all conditions,” or so Kia promises. 

AC charging is rated to as high as 11kW, allowing the car to charge from 10%-100% in about six and a half hours. DC fast-charging however is rated at a maximum of just 80kW, requiring 49mins to do the 10%-80% charge that most EV drivers look for when travelling. It’ll also come as standard only with a 3-pin plug – so if you want that faster 11kW AC charging, you’ll have to shell out for your own cable. 

The new Niro marries Kia’s typically-bold styling with an eye for technological detail, as evident from the very distinctive front-end. The upper-fascia is framed by ‘heartbeat’ LED daytime running lights that double-up duties as indicators, within which also sit a set of full-LED headlights replete with automatic high beam functionality. Kia is keen to point out that the large lower grille incorporates active aerodynamics to reduce drag when the vehicle doesn’t require cooling, which work together with the aerodynamic trickery at the rear incorporated into the boomerang taillights in the C-pillars.

The interior of the Niro takes inspiration from the larger EV6, with a multi-level dash design that separates instrumentation & infotainment from the HVAC & shortcut-keys beneath. There are 10.25-inch displays handling instruments and infotainment, which feature Kia’s usual straightforward and intuitive UX. The AC controls sit on their own touch-sensitive panel beneath the AC vents on the centre stack – these alternate between AC controls and infotainment shortcut keys, reducing the number of buttons in the cabin for a clean look. 

Further south you’ll find the centre console, where a rotary gear selector is flanked by buttons for the heated & ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, parking sensors & camera system, as well as the electronic parking brake & auto hold function. You’ll also find a wireless smartphone charger – unfortunately the Apple Carplay & Android Auto that come as standard on the Niro are wired, so we doubt many users will be utilising this feature. 

The seat design is of particular note – lightweight and fully-powered in the front, the seats are similar to what was found from the Kia EV6. This means they should be very comfortable and supportive over longer journeys. The front passenger seat also incorporates the ‘premium relaxion’ function which allows the front passenger to sit in a ‘zero-gravity’ posture that promises great comfort. This is a feature we first saw in the Kia Carnival 7-Seater, which we tested out in a chauffeur test here. 

As standard, the Niro will offer faux leather upholstery for the seats, along with cabin panels and fixtures made out of recycled materials. The headliner is made of recycled wallpaper apparently, while the cars’ doors are painted with BTX-free paint to minimise its environmental impact. 

Practicality is handled by a 475L boot with the seats up, while with the rear seats folded you can access up to 1,392L of space. There’s also a 20L front boot which is perfect to store charging cables and the standard vehicle-to-load adaptor, which is just inches away from the Niro’s nose-mounted charging port (just like the Hyundai Kona EV – what are the odds). 

Kia has not shied away from filling the Niro will its full gamut of safety features. There are 8-airbags as well as two ISOFIX mounts at the rear, which work together with the Rear Occupant Alert system as to prevent parents from forgetting their kids in the back. Active safety is dealt with by things like high-beam assist, blind-spot monitoring with collision assist, rear cross-traffic alert and braking, lane-keep assist, forward autonomous emergency braking (with pedestrian & cyclist detection), as well as lane-follow assist and adaptive cruise control. 

The Kia Niro EV will be available in 3 hues, being Cityscape Green, Mineral Blue, and Snow White Pearl. Prices will start from RM255,888 and include a 5-year/150,000km warranty for the entire car, whereas the battery pack is warrantied for 8-years and 160,000km. BERMAZ thus far has remained mum on its 5-year free-service packages that it normally bundles with its ICE vehicles, but we expect an update on the matter in due course. 

GALLERY

2020 Hyundai Elantra Launched – 7th-Generation, Smartstream 1.6, RM158,888

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Hyundai Sime Darby Motors, the official distributor for Hyundai vehicles in Malaysia, today launched the new Hyundai Elantra in our market. Now in its 7th generation, the Elantra represents Hyundai’s entrant into the highly-competitive C-segment saloon space, where it will inevitably do battle with the Honda Civic, and the Toyota Corolla among others.

Hyundai’s decision to bring in the Elantra is a commendable one – amidst an environment that clearly favours SUVs, for a relatively small company to offer a relatively-niche product now is certainly a bold & brave decision, though there’s more to it than that. We will get to that a little bit later. 

Compared to the competition, the Elantra fares favourably. For one thing, spec-for-spec, it is now on par with the Japanese stalwarts. Every conceivable modern convenience feature is available – from active safety systems to keyless entry and go, the new Elantra will not be another compromised product from the Korean marque. However, it does dispense of one of Hyundai’s key brand strengths that it’s had for some time: At RM158,888, the new Elantra disposes of the traditional price advantage that we’ve come to expect from the brand, and positions itself as a premium left-field option.

Fortune favours the bold as they say, and ‘bold’ is definitely the word we’d use to describe the new Elantra. Wearing the new Parametric Dynamics design language proudly, the new Elantra offers cuts, creases, and complex surfacing resulting in a truly dramatic design that’s sure to turn heads. The face is dominated by the huge ‘Cascading Grille,’ which is of a size we’ve never seen before on the Elantra, framed by a pair of full-LED headlights and a remarkably-complex bumper design that is somehow not all that fussy when taken in as a whole, despite its integration of the air curtain at the lower corners.

This is evident down the side, where the complex surfacing results in a truly masterful execution of metal origami. It’s clear that Hyundai’s embracing its desire to be bold and different with the Elantra, and it’s likely going to appeal to buyers who want to be seen as a bit left of field. The Elantra rides on 17” alloy wheels with a diamond-cut finish, which admittedly looks a little bit like what we’ve seen on the Honda Civic…

At the rear however, there’s no question what this is and what it represents. The most distinctive rear element is by far are the taillights, with their full-width elements that emphasise the width of the Elantra and make it look more squat. Thanks to the sloping roofline, the rear windscreen tapers off neatly towards the tail, with a little ‘ducktail spoiler’ integrated into the bootlid. The bumper in comparison looks rather plain but to be fair, if it had been as complex as the rest of the design, it may have been too much to take in.

The new Hyundai Elantra is powered by a new powertrain option, the Smartstream G1.6. As the name suggests, the Smartstream mill here is a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated engine, producing 123PS and 154Nm, with power going to the front wheels via a Smartstream ‘Intelligent Variable Transmission.’ The IVT is essentially a continuously-variable transmission with 8 simulated ratios, which makes use of a chain-type transmission belt over a more conventional metal belt, improving performance efficiency by 5%. The IVT is also so-named because of its more natural transmission nature, integrating shift points that change depending on the drive mode selected. All the power efficiency, and no shift-shock.

On the subject of drive modes, the Elantra will provide drivers with a choice between Normal, Eco, and Sport, while the fourth is a ‘Smart’ mode. The first three are self-explanatory, but the fourth mode uses the vehicle’s sensors to detect the driving style employed by the driver and adjusts various parameters around the car accordingly. 

The new Elantra certainly doesn’t skimp on cabin space – with a longer and wider body sat on a longer wheelbase, it feels absolutely cavernous inside. If you feel the Elantra looks sleeker and slinkier than before, that’s owing to the lower roofline – as a result, the new Elantra looks like a much more lithe and agile machine than before.

But it doesn’t sacrifice practicality, not even in the slightest. The boot now measures 474L before folding the rear seats down, which then opens up even more room for the most ambitious IKEA shoppers. And with the seats up, you’ll find plenty of space for four, or five in a pinch. You’ll find two ISOFIX mounts in the rear as well as rear air conditioning vents, but it’s a shame there isn’t a USB port at the rear. 

Up front though you’ll find the biggest demonstration of Hyundai’s new-found maturity – there’s a clear visual separation between driver and front passenger, emphasised further in the light-grey cabin. The driver’s seat is powered while the passenger’s is manual, but both benefit from ventilation and heating (yes, heating). The steering wheel & door mirrors are heated too – when asked, Hyundai Sime Darby explained that as they wanted ventilation for our market, the heating for the seats, steering wheel and mirrors came as part of a singular package, so they had little choice in the matter.

One area where HSDM had plenty of choice, and made the right ones, were in the way of safety. The standard features are all there, with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Management, Hill-Assist Control, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring, along with 6-airbags dotted around the cabin. 

Where the Elantra really pushes the boat out is in terms of active safety: Hyundai SmartSense comes as standard on the new Elantra, and offers things like Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Keep Assist with Follow (effectively offering Level 2 autonomy), Forward Collision Avoidance (with vehicle, pedestrian, and cyclist detection), Junction-Collision Avoidance, Blind Spot Monitoring with Collision Avoidance Assistance, Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Rear AEB, Safe Exit Warning, Driver Drowsiness Alert, and Forward Departure Alert. There’s also Rear Occupant Alert too, to avoid those tragic incidences where children & pets are accidentally left in cars. 

It’s clear with the new Elantra that Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors is charting a new course for the brand. No longer a budget alternative to the Japanese institutions, Hyundai is wholeheartedly embracing its image as a brand for the bold and left-of-field, and now its cars fit the description too. Save for the Grand Starex, the Hyundai we see before us is almost entirely reinvented, with its new lineup indicative of their ambition as they move into the future. 

However, there’s no doubt that the Elantra will face quite the uphill battle – at RM158,888, the new Elantra is pegged against more established rivals like the Mazda 3 (RM154,680), and well above competitors like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla which top out at RM139,600 and RM139,888 respectively. That said, Hyundai Sime Darby is targeting a sales figure of around about 2,000 annually, so it’s pretty clear that they understand that it won’t be a walk in the park for them.

The new Hyundai Elantra will be available in 4 colours, namely Polar White, Electric Shadow, Amazon Grey, and Intense Blue. All new Hyundai models come with a 5-year/300,000km warranty, and is available for viewing at showrooms nationwide. 

So what do you think of the new Elantra? Let us know in the comments below.

Jaguar XE Gets Facelifted – R-Dynamic, 300PS, RM396k With SST-Exemption

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It has been announced by Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia that the facelifted Jaguar XE saloon has gone on sale here locally, bringing the compact executive saloon up to date with the rest of the lineup. Notably, the update sees the bundling of updated aesthetics alongside a new powertrain, with the car itself now available on our shores in a solitary R-Dynamic trim. 

Under the bonnet lies the biggest update – the XE facelift is now motivated by a 2.0-litre Ingenium engine which, in P300 tune, produces a neat 300PS and 400Nm. Power goes to the rear wheels via a ZF 8-speed automatic, with the century sprint dispatched in a mere 5.9-seconds before going on to a top speed of 250km/h. 

Visual changes are minimal with this update, with the face gaining slimmer, sleeker LED headlights featuring the signature J-shaped daytime running lights, as well as a new front bumper that’s more aggressive and pointed, in keeping with the R-Dynamic trim that the XE is now offered in.

Rearwards you’ll find a new set of taillights with the ‘chicane’ light signature as per what’s been seen on the Jaguar F-Pace and I-Pace, while the rear bumper gains dark mesh trim on the lower bumper as well as a variety of 18-inch alloy wheel design options.

The cabin sees more significant updates however – there are sports seats now which feature contrasting stitching for more visual flair, a brushed-chrome pair of paddle shifters, a new steering wheel (nicked wholesale from the all-electric I-Pace), and a new gear selector. 

But it’s the centre console that’s been given the most notable change, as it now features the brand’s latest Touch Pro Duo system. Two high-resolution displays are stacked atop one another with a 10-inch screen up top and a smaller 5.5-inch unit down below, allowing for greater input options and an improved sense of plushness in the cabin.

With the improved infotainment system comes improved connectivity, with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto as standard, as well as ‘Smart Settings,’ which uses artificial intelligence to understand and learn the preferred settings of individual drivers and allows the car to make adjustments to the seats, the entertainment, the climate control, and the mirrors automatically.

There’s also wireless charging of course, because it’d be a sin to let your phone go flat.

The new Jaguar XE R-Dynamic is available in showrooms today starting at RM395,831 (without road tax or insurance, but inclusive of the 50% SST reduction under the PENJANA stimulus plan). All cars, including the new XE R-Dynamic, comes bundled with a 5-year warranty, 5-years free scheduled servicing, and 3-years of roadside assistance. 

GALLERY: 2020 Jaguar XE R-Dynamic

Mini John Cooper Works GP Arrives In Malaysia – 10 Units, 306hp, RM378k

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While Mini models have long been known for offering go-kart thrills in a city-friendly package, MINI Malaysia has turned up the wick today by offering the most powerful MINI in history – the new, limited-edition Mini John Cooper Works GP.

“In MINI’s 60-years of gracing both the racetracks and the streets, we continue to be revelled for our legendary racing success. Today, 14-years on, designers and engineers are paying tribute to the first MINI John Cooper Works GP once again with the successor – the fastest and most powerful MINI GP ever built.”

Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director, BMW Group Malaysia

Minis have always been known to offer immense driving pleasure, but it’s safe to say that every aspect of the new JCW GP pushes everything to the extreme. This is evident in both the engine and performance characteristics – This is an intense, purist race feeling machine, conveyed by what is by far the most powerful engine ever used in a MINI, with suspension technology that is fine-tuned based on John Cooper Works’ extensive racing expertise and a body that’s been weight-optimised as much as possible.

Under the bonnet lies the star of the show – with 306hp and 450Nm, this is the peppiest and punchiest MINI ever. 0-100km/h is handled in just 5.2-seconds, and it’ll go onward to a top speed of 265km/h. All this punch is what enabled the the JCW GP to lap the Nürburgring in less than 8-minutes, making it significantly faster than the car it replaces. 

The JCW GP will only be made available in its exclusive Racing Grey metallic, with the roof & mirror caps finished in Melting Silver. The hexagonal radiator grille, inserts in the lower air intake and the inside of the roof spoiler is finished in a contrasting Chili Red, accentuated by GP insignia in Rosso Red matte on the front, the rear, the outer sides of the enormous spoiler, and in the foils above the side skirts and door sills.

However, black is utilised to finish off the surrounds for the lights, the central radiator grille, the handles, the fuel filler cap, the bonnet inlay, and the MINI logos on either end. This is, purportedly, to emphasise the uncompromisingly sporty flair of the new JCW GP.

In all four corners you’ll find 18-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels, weighing less than 9kg each, finished off with GP logos in the centre caps. Above each of the alloys you’ll find the bold and unmissable wheel arch flares, manufactured through a special process and material combination that is a first for the BMW Group, with a thermoplastic substructure finished with carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) on the outside.

You will also find emblazoned on the front arches a 4-digit number, denoting the actual build number of the car itself. Only 3000 of these cars are available globally, and the numbers on the fenders will denote where in that limited production run each car sits in.

Inside the first thing you’ll notice are the seats – lightweight units to, well, reduce weight, they’re upholstered in Dynamica leather with silver side edges, red accentuation seams and seat belts, and a GP badge beneath the integrated headrests. On the passenger’s side of the dash you’ll find a piece of trim again bearing the individual build number of each car, produced using a state-of-the-art 3D printing process. That same process features on the steering wheel for the centre marking for the 12 o’clock position, as well as the paddle shifters. 

GP logos finish off the cabin on the floor mats, matched by twin stripes on the gear selector, and the bright-red cross-member that sits behind the front seats. No, there is no back seat in the JCW GP – you didn’t really think there would be, did you?

In the centre of it all you’ll find the MINI Visual Boost infotainment system, replete with navigation and accompanied by a 5-inch fully-digital instrument cluster. The JCW GP is also pretty well equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay, a must-have in the premium segment, going some way to make up for the lack of Android Auto. 

The Mini John Cooper Works GP is available at all authorised MINI dealerships across the country, with prices set at RM377,470.90 including the current SST tax exemption for fully-imported vehicles.

The Mini JCW GP is covered by the same 4-year/unlimited mileage warranty as other MINI models, along with 5-years roadside assistance and other benefits. 

Reckon that this is the track machine to set your heart alight? Let us know in the comments below. 

GALLERY: 2020 MINI John Cooper Works GP – RM377,470.90 with SST exemption

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

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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 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…