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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

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

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…

2020 Honda Accord Launches – 2 Variants, 1.5L VTEC Turbo, RM186k-RM196k

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At a small event in Kota Damansara, Honda Malaysia has pulled the wraps off the latest-generation Honda Accord, which was first shown to the world in North America some two years ago. With a sharper design that is more in keeping with current trends, a downsized turbocharged petrol mill, as well as more on-board gadgetry and niceties than ever before, the 10th-generation Honda Accord is most certainly defending the significance of D-segment saloons with great vigour.

First, the big change: Under the bonnet you will no longer find a naturally-aspirated mill of any kind here in Malaysia – instead there is just a 1.5-litre turbocharged VTEC powerplant, lifted wholesale out of the Honda CR-V, to produce 201PS and 260Nm. Notably, this is a higher state of tune compared to our neighbours in Thailand and Indonesia, who make do with less PS and fewer Nms. Power goes to the front wheels via a CVT automatic transmission; with this combination, we’ve little doubt that the ‘magical’ fuel economy figures that Honda owners have been reporting from this engine will continue to prevail.

Let’s talk about the objective stuff now. The 10th-generation Accord wears a new design language that is respondent to design trends & consumer demands of the day. As such it looks far more sophisticated than before, with its more upright face, more prominent headlights (which are full-LED by the way), sleeker roofline (looks a little like the Civic here), and LED taillights. The taillights themselves now adopt the same ‘crab claw’ design as the Civic, which means that forum posters & armchair critics will now have to add ‘Accord Ketam’ to their list of unique terminology.

The new look doesn’t compromise practicality though, thanks to intelligent design. The rear seats for example offer a 50mm increase in legroom over the outgoing model, and the boot is now 28L larger at 473-litres in total. Overall, the new Accord is now shorter and lower than before (length reduced 10mm to 4880mm, height down 15mm to 1450mm), but it is now wider (10mm up, 1860mm total) and sits on a much longer wheelbase (55mm gain to 2830mm).

Another big change comes in the kit list for the range-topping TC-P model – the Accord comes with Honda’s full Sensing Suite rage of systems, which include things like Lane Keep Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, Collision Mitigation Braking System (or Autonomous Emergency Braking, AEB), Forward Collision Warning, as well as Adaptive Cruise Control which now includes Low Speed Follow. This of course comes in addition to the usual gamut of safety features like vehicle stability assist (VSA), traction control, ABS and brake assist. Also standard are 6 airbags.

Despite the new Honda Accord being fully-CKD at the Honda plant in Melaka, it is actually priced comparably to the fully-imported Toyota Camry, in terms of price. With the new Accord starting at RM185,560 for the 1.5TC and RM195,560 for the 1.5TC-P (with Sensing), it will have to duke it out toe-to-toe with the Toyota Camry and the Volkswagen Passat 2.0TSI Elegance. That said it does represent a significant jump over the outgoing car with its naturally-aspirated engines, though the money does go towards improved interior trim, upgraded engines, and up-to-the-minute safety technology.

What do you think of the new 10th-generation Honda Accord? Is the Accord Ketam about to be how you fend off the advent of SUVs? Let us know in the comments below.

VIDEO: 2020 Perodua Bezza Lands – 3 Variants, ASA 2.0, RM35k-RM50k

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National carmaker Perodua has today unveiled their refreshed Perodua Bezza, arriving to the market some 5 months after the launch of the updated PROTON Saga, and some four years after the model was first introduced. The Perodua Bezza has comfortably held the position as the most popular A-segment saloon since it was first launched back in 2016, with 184,000 units sold – critically however, that position has since been threatened by the new Saga, with the PROTON snagging the title as the best-selling compact saloon in the segment for two months in 2019.

This refresh then is critical for Perodua, as this updated Bezza will be tasked with fending off PROTON’s new contender for a few more years. But with the Saga holding a clear price advantage, the new Bezza truly tests Perodua brand loyalists like never before, with a gap as wide as RM10,000 in favour of the Saga at the top end. However, with pre-facelift models sold out since mid-December, bookings for Bezza models from last year were converted into bookings for the new car, which were then added to the 2,000 bookings received for the new Bezza since the registration of interest opened 5 days ago – which means that right off the bat, the new Perodua Bezza has some 10,000 orders already locked and loaded, with a further 4,000 units a month expected to move once orders stabilise.

The new Bezza continues to offer the same array of engines, with a 1.0-litre three cylinder motor in G models, and a 1.3-litre four-cylinder in the X and AV models. The pair put out 67hp/91Nm & 94hp/121Nm respectively, with a 4-speed automatic shared across the range. Only the base G comes with the option of a 5-speed manual now though, with manual X models being dropped from the lineup.

The changes with this refresh are limited to just specs and aesthetics, then. The new Bezza arrives with a more aggressive face, topped by new slim headlights and a new grille. The headlights are now LED and standard across the range, a move taken from the larger Myvi and Aruz. Down the flanks there are new alloy wheels – the 14s for the G models are shared with the smaller-capacity Myvi variants, while the 15s for the X and AV are an entirely new dual-tone design.

At the rear, changes are limited to a new bumper with a more aggressive design and ‘diffuser,’ as well as a new garnish between the taillights.

Inside, Perodua has lightly tweaked the aesthetics, though some changes are more obvious than others. The first thing that stands out is the incorporation of a contrasting silver element that runs across the dash, flicking upwards in the middle and framing the new centre stack. That centre stack itself now houses a new infotainment unit, again nicked from the Myvi and Aruz, which should offer things like satellite navigation and smartphone mirroring. Elsewhere there’s a new instrument cluster, featuring a more sophisticated look designed to inspire drivers (kononnya) that’s also now backlit in white for improved legibility.

There are no changes to report in the rear-half of the cabin though – unfortunately the rear bench remains as upright as it has ever been, a serious gripe among Bezza owners and potential buyers, though they seem to be a bit more sculpted to improve comfort somewhat. There are also no changes to the boot, with 508L of capacity on offer still. However with the facelift, Perodua has opted to add a small luggage net to the side of the boot, to improve load carrying capabilities a little bit.

Safety-wise, the Bezza continues to do well, at least for the posher variants. The X and AV models soldier on with 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety ratings, while the G models make do with just 4. ABS and EBD are standard across the range, while vehicle stability (VSC) and traction control (TSC) are the reserve of 1.3-litre models, with the AV going further by adding ASA 2.0.

Overall, the new Bezza certainly seems ready to take on the new PROTON Saga, albeit at a price disadvantage. That said with benchmark levels of kit and ten thousand units set to be delivered by the end of January, the Perodua Bezza shouldn’t have a tough time finding its way into the hearts and minds of buyers at all.

2020 Perodua Bezza Open For Booking – Specs Confirmed, Prices Leaked

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Following our publication of leaked publicity shots of the 2020 Perodua Bezza last night, we received early this morning news from Perodua that the order books are now open on the new model.

Included in the press release regarding the commencement of bookings was a helpful graphic to list down all the new features of the Perodua Bezza, helping to confirm some of the specifications we speculated about in our earlier post.

It confirms that the Bezza will follow the same route as the recently-facelifted Axia, offering only three trim levels: G 1.0, X 1.3, and AV 1.3. Only the entry-level G variant will be offered with a choice between a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic, with the rest of the range getting only the automatic transmission.

Additionally, only the G models will go on sale without safety features lke vehicle stability control (VSC) and traction control (TRC). ABS and electronic brake distribution (EBD) are, mercifully, standard. So too are electric side mirrors, with G & X models now getting integrated turn signals, and AV models getting electric folding units instead.

The bigger news pertains to the X and AV models, with both featuring VSC and TRC as standard, but the AV now gets advanced safety assist (ASA 2.0) for the first time, just like the facelifted Axia. This is in line with Perodua’s goal of moving the industry forwards by offering innovative features at unbeatable pricepoints to set the bar higher for its competitors.

The press release also confirms what we already know – there are new bumpers on either end, standard LED headlights across the range, a smaller upper grille (with different finishes for 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre models) and larger under-breather, and new alloy wheels (14-inch units for the 1.0-litre, and 15-inch ones for the 1.3-litre models). The facelift Bezza also touts a redesigned instrument cluster (now featuring white backlighting) and keyless entry & go (1.3-models only).

What we’ve also managed to get our hands on are price-lists for the new 2020 Perodua Bezza, though so far we cannot confirm the veracity of these documents. It states that the prices for the new Bezza will be as follows:

  • Perodua Bezza G M/T – RM34,580
  • Perodua Bezza G A/T – RM36,580
  • Perodua Bezza X A/T – RM43,980
  • Perodua Bezza AV A/T – RM49,980

*all prices are on-the-road, without insurance

What’s worth noting is the RM7,400 price gulf between the G and X variants, a gap that’s large enough to lose some customers in between. Normally carmakers will try and price their products close enough that potential customers can be ‘upsold’ to the plusher model, but it seems that Perodua is taking a slightly different tact here.

Additionally, the Perodua Bezza AV is now nearly RM10,000 more expensive than the new PROTON Saga Premium, which is also offered with a 1.3-litre engine and a 4-speed automatic. This is again in keeping with Perodua’s shift to becoming a value-driven brand rather than a maker of economy cars, as they have no doubt that buyers keen on getting the best features in the category (like ASA 2.0, LED headlights, and keyless entry/go) will not be swayed by the more affordable PROTON.

Two body colours new to the Bezza – Garnet Red (exclusive for 1.3-litre models) and Granite Grey – join the existing four colours on offer (Ivory White, Glittering Silver, Ocean Blue, Sugar Brown) to make a total of 6 available colour choices.

What do you think of the new 2020 Perodua Bezza? Do you think it has what it takes to take on the PROTON Saga, currently Malaysia’s top-selling A-segment saloon? Let us know in the comments below.

Ferrari Introduces New Roma – 3.9l V8, 612bhp

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“La nuova dolce vita,” or ‘the sweet new life’ is the tagline that legendary Italian marque Ferrari have gone with to usher in the arrival of the Ferrari Roma, a new front-engined V8 coupe that sits above the Portofino cabriolet and below the mid-engined F8 Tributo. Sporting a new design language for Ferrari’s mainstream models, the Roma’s design is inspired by the 50s and 60s grand tourers that personified the era, and is described by Ferrari as a new-generation GT car.

Technically a 2+2 (with the two rear seats reserved for the friends you wish hadn’t asked you for a lift), the Roma sports the award-winning 3.9-litre V8 engine, producing 612bhp and 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm. Power goes to the rear wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch auto, capable of rocketing the thing from 0-100km/h in just 3.4-seconds (which to us, means one second faster than a Volvo S60 T8).

The new Roma is also the first Ferrari to feature the new 8.4-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen that works in tandem with the digital instrument cluster to create a visual & technical experience never before enjoyed in Maranello’s products. You also get a “totally new” exhaust system for drivers who can’t be bothered with the infotainment nonsense – we’ve no doubt that valuable information will be displayed via the enormous 16-inch instrument cluster screen too.

No word from Ferrari Malaysia – Naza Italia regarding availability (to be fair it was only just unveiled) but we’ll sure be asking tomorrow morning…