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Whilst the NX and ES models currently lead the Lexus internal sales charts, the RX continues to hold vital importance to the brand’s business plans in Malaysia. Early iterations of the model, which entered our market through grey channels, were instrumental in etching awareness of the Lexus brand into the general public’s consciousness even before UMW Toyota Motor officially took up the franchise.

The all-new fourth generation RX was launched in Malaysia recently. Unlike the original model that debuted in 1998, however, the RX now arrives in a relatively crowded market place, having to taking on highly-talented opposition such as the BMW X5, Audi Q7, Range Rover Sport, and not to mention the gobsmackingly excellent Volvo XC90.

Those other premium SUVs may not be direct rivals of the RX, but they are nevertheless close enough to put Lexus’ hitherto proven recipe that has yielded 2.2 million sales globally to date through some very stern testing.

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Prices & Variants

A total of six variants of the RX are on offer, all of them featuring all-wheel drive as standard. From the previous model, the 3.5-litre V6 petrol RX 350 and hybrid-powered RX 450h variants are retained, the former being offered with a choice between Luxury and F Sport trim levels.

The more interesting stuff are found at the lower half of the range, however, as the previous model’s FWD-only RX 270 is discontinued and replaced with three new variants powered by a new 2.0-litre turbo engine. Expected to be the main-selling variant, the RX 200t is available in Premium, Luxury, and F Sport trim levels.

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Pricing for the RX starts competitively at RM388,800 on-the-road without insurance for the RX 200t Premium, but realistically, most buyers are likely to choose between the RX 200t Luxury and F Sport variants, the latter which is the subject of our review here, at RM408,400 and RM422,990 respectively.

The bigger-engined models start at RM457,800 for the RX 350 Luxury, rising to RM486,300 for the RX 350 F Sport and RM520,200 for the RX 450h. At this price, it is difficult to argue against the RM454k XC90 Twin Engine, which has one of the most sumptuous interiors for the money, seats seven, and powered by the most advanced powertrain in the segment.

Equipment levels are strong, however, with safety features commendably democratized across the board – all variants get 10 airbags, electronic stability control, hill start assist, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, reverse camera, and keyless entry as standard. A 360-degree panoramic view monitor comes into play as early as the RX 200t Luxury – a very useful feature considering the RX’s sizable proportions.

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Specifications

Both the RX 350 and RX 450h have V6 engines displacing 3.5 litres, the former being carried over from the predecessor. The direct-injected 2GR powerplant of the RX 350 has been updated with an all-new cylinder head designed to facilitate more efficient combustion, resulting in improved outputs of 295hp and 370Nm, up from 274hp and 346Nm previously. The extra outputs are accompanied by two additional ratios in a new 8-speed automatic transmission.

The RX 450h’s engine, meanwhile, is all-new, although the operating configuration is identical to the previous model. Up front, the completely re-engineered direct-injected V6 petrol engine contributes 258hp and 335Nm to the cause. In collaboration with an electric motor mounted in each axle, the engine works in an electronic all-wheel drive system that generates a net output of 308hp, 4.4 percent up from the previous model’s 295hp.

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In 200t guise as tested, the RX is powered by the increasingly-familiar 2.0-litre 8AR twin-scroll turbo engine that debuted in the NX 200t earlier this year and also featured in the IS 200t. Installed in transverse configuration, the highly-advanced dual injection dual combustion cycle petrol engine produces 235hp and 350Nm, and is mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission. In longitudinal engine installations as seen in the IS, the engine is tuned to 241hp and fitted with an 8-speed auto.

As detailed in reviews of the NX 200t and IS 200t, the 8AR engine is extremely sophisticated, being able to alternate between direct and port injection as well as between Otto and Atkinson combustion cycles, giving it exceptional flexibility in being able to switch between prioritizing fuel economy and high performance as demanded by the driver. In true Toyota fashion, the engine is bench-tested for more than 10,000 hours and put through a million kilometres on the road before being green-lit for series production.

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Exterior

Lexus’ controversial spindle grille design was already applied to the RX when the previous model was facelifted. The current model unsurprisingly inherits that feature, although this being a new vehicle designed from ground up, it looks less like an afterthought and more integral to the vehicle’s overall appearance. In fact, compared to the previous model, it seems to be the only design element that has been given an evolutionary alteration.

Styling changes get more drastic as you move further aft with sharp and intricate creases running along its flanks. The wheel arches bulge in a chunky fashion and the glass house tapers unconventionally at the rear – it’s a love-it or hate-it design touch, but the practical impact it does have is that rear three-quarter visibility is hindered. Overall silhouette is reminiscent of the previous-gen RX, but the details are properly 21st century and gives the vehicle an appearance that reminds one of a Transformer robot.

Dimensionally, the RX has grown and it has expanded by considerable margins. There is an extra 120mm of metal work between the bumpers (4,770 to 4,890mm) and space between the axles have been stretched by 50mm (2,740 to 2,790mm). Increase in width has been capped to just 10mm (1,885 to 1,895mm) but these growths in measurements all contribute to make the RX feel appreciably bigger on the move – especially when parking. That 360-degree monitor fitted to our test car came in very handy in tight spaces.

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Interior

Unlike most SUVs of comparable size, the RX is not available in seven-seater configuration, not that its tapering roof line would have made for spacious third row accommodations anyway. We would, however, have appreciated a lower cargo floor for a vehicle designed from the onset to operate purely as a five-seater.

Access to the cargo hold is convenient. All variants have powered tailgates with V6 models additionally getting handsfree access – just put your palm near the Lexus emblem to activate. Expansion of boot volume is provided by 60:40 split-folding rear seat backs, which are power-operated in all variants except the base RX 200t Premium.

Overall cabin fit and finish is excellent. Unlike the IS 200t we reviewed previously, the RX’s newer cabin incorporates a plusher and more luxurious selection of materials. It feels like greater effort has been expended to differentiate this from a Toyota’s interior. We are still not fans of Lexus’ infotainment system interface though, too fiddly and unintuitive to operate compared to the rotary dial setup favoured by most other rivals.

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Driving Experience

Lexus may be playing catch up with the Europeans in the turbocharging game, but evidence from the NX and IS suggest that the new 8AR engine is fast making up lost ground on rivals. It’s smooth-revving and well up to the task of hauling our two-tonne-plus test car feeling neither huffed nor puffed. Our compliments go to the 6-speed automatic transmission as well for its smooth and unobtrusive shifting of cogs. We only regret that the engine does not go about its business with a more engaging soundtrack.

Handling exceeds expectations. In F Sport trim as tested, the RX suppresses body roll surprisingly well and summons commendable levels of grip as you power it around apexes. We could do with a bit more communicativeness from the controls; feedback through the steering is almost non-existent and its weight can be at times inconsistent. No denying its a finely-balanced chassis though.

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That surprising handling sharpness comes with some pre-requisite compromises, however. Non-mechanical noises, namely wind and tyres, are higher than what we expect from the brand, and ride quality is also not as pliant as we would have liked. Whilst low frequency undulations are well ironed-out, sharper disturbances do catch the sport-tuned adaptive suspension out, even in its most comfort-oriented setting.

It is easy to suggest that avoiding F Sport trim may be a better idea to improved levels of comfort, but without testing a non-F Sport car, we cannot definitively say how much of the handling competence we experienced is retained in a Premium or Luxury trim vehicle with in passive suspension. For a car as big and as heavy as the RX, it may be a good idea to sacrifice some comfort in exchange for more sure-footed dynamics.

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Verdict

Beneath its sharper new suit and glitz of its all-new engine, Lexus has pretty much defaulted to a similar template in creating this new RX. Like its smaller NX sibling, the RX sits midway between segments – too big to compete against the BMW X3, but not quite big enough to take on the X5. Unlike the ridiculously expensive IS, however, the RX is at least priced right and appropriate for its positioning relative to other premium SUVs.

Amongst premium SUVs, the RX is therefore something of a niche product. Avoiding direct competition with the majority of other premium SUVs, the RX sits in a comfortable niche carved by its predecessor models, many of which continue to faithfully serve their Malaysian owners. Now with the new RX 200t variant, the RX’s appeal is wider than before, offering much of the same appeal as preceding RX models but with the benefits of reduced road tax from its 2.0-litre engine.

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Renault’s sole franchise holder in Malaysia, TC Euro Cars has announced the official opening of a new dealership showroom in Seremban.

Located in the new Era Square township in Seremban along Jalan Era Square 2, the new sales centre, operated by AJ Premium Motors, builds on TC Euro Cars’ strategic expansion plan to strengthen the Renault brand presence in the southern region of Peninsular Malaysia.

“Following the successful implementation of Renault’s new design and product strategy as evidenced with the New Renault Captur and Clio GT Line, the brand’s momentum is steadily growing in Malaysia,” said Kuan Kim Luen, CEO, TC Euro Cars Sdn Bhd.

“This new dealer showroom in Seremban will allow us to expand our reach and interact with more customers as we continue to offer more desirable and fuel-efficient Renault cars with ingenious innovations which enable customers to live life to the fullest,” he continued.

In an effort to maximize aftersales coverage for Renault owners across the country, TC Euro Cars will leverage against the Tan Chong Group’s vast network already put in place for Nissan vehicles. Customers in the region can service their Renault cars at the Tan Chong (or Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis) service centre located along Jalan Lombong Emas 6 in the Seremban Light Industrial Park, which is situated about 5km away from the new Showroom.

The new Renault showroom is open from 9:00am to 6:00pm, Monday to Saturday and from 11:00am to 5:00pm on Sundays. Operation hours for the Tan Chong service centre is 8:30am to 5:00pm from Monday to Sunday.

To date, Renault has 15 showrooms all over Peninsular Malaysia and 14 service centres across Peninsular and East Malaysia.

All Renault passenger cars in Malaysia have service intervals of 10,000km or six months, whichever comes first and selected Renault models come with a five-year unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty, which unlike other new vehicle extended warranties, is fully-backed by Renault for enhanced ease of ownership as there are fewer complications with terms and conditions.

 

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Shell Malaysia has taken the first steps in the long journey towards clean fuel with the launch of its new Euro 5 Diesel fuel yesterday available in five stations throughout Peninsula Malaysia with more locations to come in due time.

In these locations, Shell offers the new Euro 5 grade diesel alongside the existing Euro 2M diesel at a 10 sen premium, priced at RM2.00 per litre. The Euro 5 pumps are easily identified by their blue nozzles.

Compared to existing Euro 2M fuel, the key benefit of Euro 5 diesel is its ultra-low sulphur content, which goes down from 500 parts-per-million (ppm) to just 10ppm. Many modern diesel-powered vehicles require Euro 5 fuel to function optimally.

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Malaysia’s delay in introducing this new higher standard fuel has resulted in many car makers having to hold back from introducing their most advanced turbodiesel engines in our market.

Partnering Shell Malaysia in its promotional campaigns for Euro 5 fuel is BMW Group Malaysia, an active player in the diesel market, having gambled big on the black stuff since 2009. The company’s current line-up offers diesel-powered variants of the 3 Series, 5 Series, X3, and X5 models.

efficientdynamics 2009

“The availability of Euro 5 specification diesel will be instrumental in driving the introduction of the latest modern and more fuel efficient diesel vehicles in the country,” said Sashi Ambi, Head of Corporate Communications for BMW Group Malaysia.

An additional 15 stations will offer the higher grade fuel by the second quarter of next year, but consumers looking to get their Euro 5 fix from Shell will currently have to make do with the following locations:

  • Subang, NKVE-Damansara Highway (Northbound), Selangor
  • Tapah Rest Stop, Perak
  • Tanjung Malim layby, Perak
  • Bandar Ayer Keroh, Melaka
  • Pasir Gudang Highway 2, Johor

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Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has confirmed that the all-new Outlander seven-seater SUV will be officially launched in our market by early 2016.

“We are excited to introduce a 7­-seater SUV to the Malaysian market very soon. The Mitsubishi Outlander SUV is MMM’s first model to be introduced with the ‘Dynamic Shield’ concept, and it comes with an array of safety and premium features,” said Mr. Yang Won­-Chul, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.

Powered by a MIVEC-equipped engine, the Malaysia-spec Outlander will be equipped with seven airbags, electronic stability control, electric tailgate, sunroof, LED headlamps with integrated daytime running lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, and other features.

Globally, the Outlander is offered with a selection of 2.0- and 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engines, 2.2-litre turbodiesel, 3.0-litre V6 petrol, and a plug-in hybrid variant with a 2.0-litre petrol engine.

No further details have been disclosed and neither was any indicative pricing stated.

Picture: Official Mitsubishi release, extracted from Mitsubishi Motors Australia official website.

 

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Just like the Koreans seem to be perpetually perceived as paying catch up with the Japanese in mass market segments, Lexus too seem to always be seen as being hot on the heels but never quite matching the appeal and desirability of the German rivals it seeks to pursue and surpass.

As a brand that came into being only as recently as the 1980s, Lexus does not enjoy the same long-running heritage that the German luxury marques took twice the time to develop and cultivate. All Lexus has in its relatively short existence an almost impeccable track record in consistently producing well-built cars underpinned by solid engineering integrity.

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Although the company’s range of SUVs and the transverse-engine front-wheel driven ES sedan are relatively well-received, its core sedan models, those that compete directly against the Mercedes C-, E-, and S-Class as well as the BMW 3, 5, and 7 Series are notably less successful. The IS, Lexus’ compact sedan, received a full model change in 2013, but its competitiveness is hampered by an aging 2.5-litre V6 that struggles to keep up with rival 2.0-litre turbocharged powertrains in either performance or fuel economy.

The new IS 200t then, is a timely update which brings Lexus’ challenger of the 3 Series up to speed with the introduction of a new 2.0-litre turbo engine. Offered alongside the existing hybrid-powered IS 300h, the IS 200t officially replaces the IS 250.

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Prices & Variants

Despite coming with a downsized engine, the IS 200t unfortunately does not come with a downsized price tag. It continues to be offered with a choice of three variants like the IS 250, but prices are up by a significant quantum. The base Premium model is hiked by nearly RM30k to RM297,800; with insurance factored in, the car finds itself at the wrong side of RM300k.

Go for the higher-end Luxury and F Sport models, you’ll be asked to shell out around RM50,000 more than the equivalent IS 250, these two variants hitting the road at RM349,900 and RM384,900 respectively. The price increase is even steeper with the hybrid-powered IS 300h which, despite being largely unchanged, is asking for RM452,100, nearly RM70k more than before.

To put some perspective into Lexus’ pricing, the most affordable IS 200t is costlier than all regular variants of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, whilst the mid-range IS 200t Luxury is undercut by range-topping variants of both the BMW 3 Series and the Audi A4. In fact, a tax-free IS 200t F Sport in Langkawi (RM241k) costs more than a BMW 320i (RM239k) with duties paid in Peninsular Malaysia. Safe to say, we are not looking at the segment’s best value buy here.

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Specifications

The IS 200t is the second Lexus model after the NX to be launched in Malaysia with Toyota’s all-new 8AR-FTS 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbo powertrain. It has also been introduced here recently in the all-new RX, but the IS remains the engine’s only application in our market to date to be installed in a longitudinal configuration. Unlike the transverse-engine NX which has a 6-speed automatic transmission with intelligent all-wheel drive, the IS sends power astern through an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Lexus may have been late in joining the 2.0-litre turbo party, but the company more than makes up for that delay with a high technological content imparted into the engine. It one-ups the commonly-used direct injection fuel system with an even more advanced and sophisticated D-4ST dual injection fuel system that combines the best of direct and port injection systems. Injection is split between the direct and port injectors according to engine load.

The engine also features Toyota’s very neat and slick VVT-iW valvetrain, which is able to vary the intake valve’s timing to such a degree that the engine can seamlessly alternate between Otto and Atkinson combustion cycles according to driving conditions. Unlike its German competitors, Lexus offers only one state of tune for the engine, extracting 241hp at 5,800rpm and 350Nm from 1,650 to 4,400rpm.

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Matching the new engine’s higher performance, Lexus has accordingly beefed up the IS 200t’s brakes as well. The company claims a complete revamp of the braking system, promising improved and more linear response as a result. Brake discs, ventilated all round, are enlarged from 16 to 17 inches in diameter.

All variants of the IS 200t get a strut bar to go with its double wishbone front axle. Rear suspension utilizes a multi-link configuration, and the F Sport variant gets adaptive dampers. Rims measure 17 inches in the base model and hybrid-powered IS 300h, and staggered-width 18 inches in the Luxury and F Sport variants.

Safety has been improved too. An additional two side airbags have been placed at the rear, raising overall airbag count in the IS from eight previously to a staggering ten. All variants from the Luxury model upwards get blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.

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Design and Interior

Other than a new variant badge and the enlarged brake discs, there aren’t any new design cues that will help you differentiate the new IS 200t from the outgoing IS 250. The same appearance as introduced with when the third generation IS was launched in 2013 continues unchanged.

Considering its near-impeccable build quality and some amusingly fanciful controls, it seems almost cruel for us to describe the IS’ cabin as a weak link of the package. Despite built to obviously higher standards than the already luxurious interior of a Camry, Lexus did not quite manage to encapsulate the cabin with the cosseting sense of opulence of the W205 Mercedes C-Class or the sophistication of an Audi A4.

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Don’t get us wrong. We have no doubts on the fit and durability of the IS’ cabin, but its sense of occasion – its ‘wow’ factor, shall we say – is lacking. Simply put, Lexus’ audacity in charging a higher price than rivals did not manifest into a commensurate elevation in ambiance. A customer coming over from a Mercedes-Benz showroom will have a hard time believing that the IS costs more than a C-Class.

Cool touches in the cabin include the touch panel control strip along which you just slide your fingers up and down to adjust the air-con temperature and, in F Sport specification as tested, the virtual instrument cluster that alternates between two configurations at the touch of a button. We are, however, not very big fans of Lexus’ joystick-operated infotainment interface, which lacks the intuitiveness of rotary knob-controlled systems used by most cars in the market.

Driving Experience

Past Lexus models often fall short in their driving assessments, usually due to less than engaging chassis setups. The IS 250 positively bucked that trend in 2013 with neatly-sorted dynamics, but its naturally-aspirated V6 lacked the grunt to fully exploit the talents of its new chassis. The IS 200t adds crucial muscle to the equation, and the result is straight line performance that can claim parity with segment benchmarks.

To be fair to the old V6, that engine had merits of its own, and if there’s a benefit of driving dynamically-sound vehicle with an underpowered engine, it’s that you can gun it right to its limits without worries. The 200t requires a bit more finesse on the throttle around bends than the 250. The old V6 was also slightly smoother to rev, but we reckon the greater flexibility of the new engine is of much greater appeal.

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The engine’s widened plateau of peak torque matches nicely with its new 8-speed transmission. Where the old 250 with its 6-speed gearbox required continuous boiling of its engine at high revs to make quick progress, the 200t delivers a similar dose of acceleration with considerably less effort.

Ride and handling builds on the good work made during the 2013 full model change. In our experience with the 250, the passively damped Luxury variant had the better-judged setup for on-road driving; its suspension proving more adept at soaking up road imperfections and was thus better composed than the F Sport model. For this review of the 200t, we were only given an F Sport test unit to try out; compared to the IS 250 F Sport, the current one offers a more supple ride whilst retaining the outgoing model’s neutral chassis balance. With a lighter engine up front, turn-in is keener too.

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Verdict

We rate the Lexus IS very highly. It is a well-engineered vehicle with style and panache that puts it on par segment’s best. You can also count on it being a less temperamental vehicle to live with than the Germans, thanks to Toyota’s meticulous dedication in finetuning vehicle reliability. That we can positively say that its chassis dynamics is second best only to the BMW 3 Series in this segment is perhaps the highest praise we can lavish on it.

There are many other positives to the product, but they are hampered by one big setback – price. Quite what Lexus was thinking of when starting the IS’ pricing that far above the Mercedes C-Class’ level is anyone’s guess. Even if we were to accept the fact that the IS is fully imported as opposed to being locally assembled like the C-Class and 3 Series, a base price of nearly RM300k becomes difficult to excuse when RM312k brings an Audi A4 2.0 quattro all the way from Europe.

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The IS’ considerable premium would have been easier to justify if Lexus had lavished more effort on its cabin, but fancy virtual instrument cluster and touch panel temperature control aside, material selection and overall ambiance fails to match up to the C-Class.

So, here we are, a Lexus IS that is competitive with the best vehicles of its class in both specification and driving experience, but ultimately too expensive to justify.

is 200t specs

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The rising costs of buying and owning a car has made car sharing an increasingly popular means of transport in many overseas market. The idea is that the company providing the service purchases a fleet of cars, parks them at various locations which users pay upon usage. In well-developed setups, users are able to pick up their cars at one location, drive to their destination, and leave the car for the next user.

The car sharing concept is making a slow entry into Malaysia. CMS Consortium Ecotour Sdn Bhd (CMS) had earlier this year launched the country’s first electric vehicle (EV) car sharing programme, dubbed COMOS, starting off with ten locations across the Klang Valley. The COMOS fleet currently consists of Renault Zoe and Twizy electric vehicles.

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A even newer player, albeit one operating on a significantly smaller scale, has joined the scene recently. Available in only three locations, GoCar’s modest fleet which consists of a Proton Iriz, Perodua Myvi, and Nissan Almera, are stationed at Shaftsbury Residences in Cyberjaya, Sri Wangsaria condominiums in Bangsar, and UEM Sunrise Showcase in Mont Kiara. Additional locations are being planned.

Like most car sharing services available overseas, GoCar is web-based, meaning you reserve your usage of the vehicle online. There is no app to download; open your smartphone’s browser, direct it to www.gocar.my, and you’re in business. There are pros and cons to this, of course – the plus side is that you don’t have to download another app to crowd out your phone’s memory; the trouble, you have to load the website on your browser every time you need to use the service.

Gocar The Co

Once you have confirmed your reservation of the vehicle, turn up at the location specified. Once again, you need to access the GoCar website for instructions to collect your car. An access code to a lock box containing the vehicle’s keys will be provided once you confirm that you are in the vehicle’s vicinity. Depending on location, the lock box can be placed either outside the vehicle or inside its glove box. In the latter case, the vehicle will be unlocked by a satellite signal activated when you confirm your vicinity to the vehicle in the GoCar website.

After usage, the vehicle needs to be returned to where it was collected from with keys deposited into the lock box.

Users have the option of booking vehicles on hourly, daily, or weekly rates. In each case, fuel is included and for each hour booked, there is a mileage restriction of 20km. The last we spoke to GoCar representatives, however, the company has yet to specify any penalties in the event the distance restriction is exceeded. Excess charges are applicable in the event the vehicles are returned late, damaged, or fined. The service does not charge any membership fees. Pricing structure of GoCar’s rates are as follows:

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The service still has room to improvement in many areas – widened coverage being one that must be implemented, and the option of a one-way trip being another that would significantly increase its appeal. As costs of living increase, car sharing is an attractive preposition for low mileage commuters. GoCar is a work in progress at present, but it is a positive start and its reasonable pricing makes it worth using for people residing in the vicinity of its three stations.

Gallery – Screen Caps of GoCar website

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The Naza World Group of Companies expands its regional foothold into Cambodia with the opening of the first Ducati showroom in the country located in its capital Phnom Penh. The new showroom marks the Ducati brand’s entrance into the Cambodian market and Naza World’s second foray into the ASEAN region after Vietnam.

“Today is indeed a historic milestone for Naza World as we officially open the new Ducati Phnom Penh showroom, marking Ducati’s entry into Cambodia. We can now offer the Ducati premium ownership experience to motorcycle enthusiasts in the Kingdom and to all Ducatisti in Cambodia. Your red, fast and Italian dream motorcycle has arrived!” said Datuk Wira Haji SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, Group Executive Chairman and Group CEO of Naza World Group of Companies.

“The Cambodian market offers future growth potential especially in the premium and superbike category and we expect our entry to heat up the local superbike market. We welcome avid bikers and admirers of Ducati to visit the showroom, indulge their curiosity in these high-performance masterpieces and embrace the thrilling world of all things Ducati,” he added.

Located at No 96, St 110, Russian Boulevard, Sangkat Teok Laak 1, Khan Toul Kork, the 2,700 sq ft showroom is fully equipped with all the modern Ducati Service facilities; with all Ducati special tools and diagnostic equipment, and Ducati OEM spare parts. The new showroom showcases the full range of Ducati motorcycles – Diavel, Panigale, Hypermotard, Monster and Scrambler as well as the dynamic line of Ducati lifestyle apparel and accessories. The showroom is operated by 18 full-time employees.

In conjunction with the opening of Ducati Phnom Penh showroom, Ducati Cambodia has also launched the complete range of the brand new iconic Scrambler, together with the Scrambler Pop-Up-Club. Scambler Ducati consist of four variants: The Icon, The Urban Enduro, The Full Throttle and The Classic.

Pictures: Official Naza release.

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Perodua’s mid-range G variant of the Axia will be equipped with anti-lock braking system (ABS) as standard beginning January 2016, the company announced in a statement issued to the press today.

The improved safety comes at a price and is set to cost potential buyers of the Axia G an additional RM1,500 from what was previously charged.

According to the latest prices listed on Perodua’s official website, the Axia G now retails at RM32,127.16 on-the-road with insurance, manual transmission and solid paint. Automatic transmission adds RM3,000, whilst metallic paint is a RM400 cost option.

The new pricing and specification takes effect on vehicles booked from 11 Dec onwards, with deliveries set to commence from January 2016. Customers who booked their vehicles between 1 Oct and 10 Dec but yet to receive their vehicles will be offered a token voucher of RM500 from Perodua.

Other variants in the Axia line-up consist of the E manual (RM24,437.16) , SE manual (RM36,637.15) and automatic (RM39,637.15), and Advance automatic (RM41,967.15).

Past stories on the Perodua Axia
– Perodua Axia opens for bookings
– Perodua picks up 3,500 Axia bookings, targets 30,000 sales for 2014
– Perodua Axia – First Driving Impressions
– Perodua Axia driven at Perodua test track

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Malaysians actually have to thank one individual who, in the early 1990’s, had a Ford Courier double cab pick-up truck, and questioned the ruling that pick-up trucks must be commercially registered. I don’t remember his name, but he wanted to use the Ford Courier as a private vehicle, and as a result, our kind government authorities relented and allowed it. As a result, this opened the floodgate for a new lifestyle vehicle. Pick-up trucks are really worth buying because there are no import duties levied, which makes them very affordable.Off-Road, where the tough get going!

Today, there are many brands to make your selection from, but the Ford Ranger, which replaced the Courier, now in its third generation, is still a hot seller. The latest updated version was introduced a few weeks ago, and we got the chance to give it a go, both on-road, and off road.

Visually, the updated Ranger gets a new front mask and new tail lights – the rest of the body remains much the same. There is a new side-step design that looks better than the old one. Engine and transmission options remain the same – you can opt for either the 2.2 litre or 3.2 litre common-rail diesel engines. The 2.2 litre engine gets an additional 10 PS of power over the previous 150 PS, due to a conversion form the conventional hydraulic power steering to an electric power steering. The 3.2 litre engine power remains the same at 200PS. There are two transmission options – either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic.Auto gear shift lever, Electronic 4x4 activation

There are various combinations of engine, transmission, and trim levels. Buyers with workhorse-type requirements and fleet owners might want the 2.2 litre with a manual transmission, or the 2.2 litre with an automatic transmission. These two variants are adequate enough for about 80 percent of the likely buyers of the Ranger. Those who want more power can opt for either a manual or an automatic 3.2 litre Ranger. The Wildtrak is the top of the range Ranger that comes with all the goodies.

Throughout the range, Ford provides a comprehensive passive and active safety package. All models come with the base dual SRS airbags for driver and front passenger, while the Wildtrak gets additional side airbags and curtain airbags. ABS, with EBD and BA are standard across the range. For all the automatic transmission models, Electronic Stability Control, and Traction Control System is standard issue. In addition, Hill Start Assist (which holds the vehicle stationary for two seconds to allow the driver to take his or her foot off the brake pedal and press on the accelerator), a very useful convenience and safety feature, and Hill Descent Control (HDC) are on all the automatic variants. Hill Descent Control uses the braking system and the Traction Control systems to allow the vehicle to safely go down a steep slope. All the driver has to do is push the HDC button conveniently located on the centre console, take his or her foot off the accelerator and brakes, and just control the steering wheel. The HDC does the rest.Descending a 35 degree slope, with HDC is a cinch - Copy

The WildTrak gets the highest trim and feature level – leather seats, electrically controlled for the driver, are standard; most impressive, however, are Lane Departure Warning(LDW) and Adaptive Cruise Control. Lane Departure Warning emits and audible warning whenever the vehicle wanders over the line in a lane, and actually tries to steer the vehicle back onto the lane. This happens only if the vehicle goes over a lane demarcation line without the use of an indicator. Once the driver uses the indicator before a lane change, it signifies that the driver is aware of the lane change and thus the warning does not sound.

In Adaptive Cruise control, the driver can set the desired ‘gap’ to the vehicle in front – and once cruise control is set, the Ranger goes at the set speed until it comes up behind another vehicle; once that happens, the Ranger will automatically apply brakes to maintain the minimum gap to that vehicle, and speeds up to the set speed again when that vehicle moves away. For long distance cruising on a highway, this is a great feature, as all those who have faced the problem when approaching another vehicle while on cruise control will well know.Rangers on the Road - Copy

Handling on the road is somewhat ‘softer’ – we are told there have been some tweaking done to the suspension settings to make a better ride. I drove the outgoing Ranger and the new Ranger on a back-to-back basis, and certainly did feel the difference. The ride is a little better where the going is smooth, but on ‘wavy’ sections, there is slightly more pitching (up and down movement of the front and rear), but this is on an acceptable level. On an overall level, there is an improvement. Payload, according to Ford, has not been compromised – the Ranger can still carry 1,000kg payload, and tow 3,500 kg.

Our test drive took us from Petaling Jaya through highways and secondary roads to Tadom Hill Resorts, which is a little rustic resort near Banting, built on an old excavation site now filled with a rocky landscape and a large body of water. There, we put the Ranger through its paces in an off-road environment. We went through an 800mm water wading test, which the Ranger easily passed without any problems, except for a couple of front number plates that got ripped off when a couple of the media went into the water hazard a little too fast. We also experienced the Hill Start Assist function, and tested the HDC on a 35 degree slope. Overnight torrential rains also flooded a part of the test track, but with 200mm ground clearance and markers to tell us where the road was, it was no problem at all. We even had the chance to drive through a stretch of muddy oil palm estate road, which had the Ranger, shod on highway terrain tyres, slipping and sliding sideways – it was great fun.Slippery mud poses no problem, thanks to 4WD

With the cost of living going up, our weak Ringgit, it does make sense to consider a 4×4 pick-up truck as a daily driver. The Ranger seats five very comfortably, and now comes with more car-like features; softer suspension, the ability to take on any terrain, be it highway or the boondocks, plus the ability to traverse flooded roads up to 800mm in depth (more if you fit a snorkel). Who could ask for anything more?

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The first regional car awards to represent South East Asia markets has been completed successfully, with the Porsche Macan being declared overall winner of the inaugural 2015 ASEAN Car of the Year 2015, edging out the Mazda2 and Nissan X-Trail in the final reckoning.

Facilitated by our peers from iCar Asia, the non-profit event is a joint initiative involving motoring journalists from Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The Malaysian panel of judges included this writer as representative of Autoworld.com.my.

Other judges in the Malaysian panel include Chips Yap of Motor Trader, GC Mah and Matthew Tong of Autobuzz.my, Kenneth Sow of Kensomuse, Vishal of NST CBT, Daniel Wong of Malaysian EVO, Hans Cheong of Live Life Drive, and Chris Aaron formerly of Carlist.my, but having joined paultan.org in the interim. Thailand and Indonesia markets were similarly represented by motoring journalists from their own markets as well.

Panels from each of the three participating countries gave out country level awards in 22 categories ranging from budget cars, family cars to execuave as well as performance cars. Country level nomination is open to all cars officially on sale at that market. In each category of each market, the three most nominated cars by their respective panel of judges become finalists, from which they will be scored.

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Besides scoring from the judging panel, the ASEAN COTY’s judging mechanism takes into account vehicle reliability based on data from aftermarket warranty service provider Opal Automart and depreciation estimated by Liberty Insurance. A year-long survey among 1,800 motor vehicle owners of various brands provided feedback on customer satisfaction of each model and make.

At regional level, a car that is a category winner in all three markets is eligible to be nominated for the overall ASEAN Car of the Year Award, with the car achieving the highest combined scores across all three countries declared winner. The Macan was declared overall winner with the Mazda2 and X-Trail coming in as second and third respectively.

In the interest of transparency, the nomination and scoring of each individual judge as well as all calculations of the scoring mechanism are available for public scrutiny at the awards’ official website at www.CarOfTheYear.asia.

A special Industry Appreciation Award was also presented to veteran journalist Chips Yap, a former editor of this website and currently representing Motor Trader website. Known for his highly analytical and insightful writing, Chips is a highly respected figure in this industry.

Country-level results of the 2015 ASEAN Car of the Year Awards are listed below:

Indonesia Malaysia Thailand
Budget Car Honda Brio Satya Kia Picanto Nissan March
Compact Car Mazda2 Mazda2 Mazda2
Family Car Ford Focus Mazda3 Honda Civic
Executive Car Mazda6 Honda Accord Honda Accord
Family MPV Suzuki Ertiga Mazda Biante Honda Freed
Premium MPV Mazda Biante Honda Odyssey Toyota Alphard
Crossover Honda HR-V Honda HR-V Subaru XV
Compact SUV Nissan X-Trail Mazda CX-5 Nissan X-Trail
Family SUV Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Nissan X-Trail Volvo XC90
Pickup Truck Nissan Navara Ford Ranger Ford Ranger
Coupe Mercedes Benz SLK BMW 2-Series Toyota 86
Premium Compact Car BMW 3 Series Volvo V40 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Premium Family Car Toyota Alphard Mercedes-Benz C-Class Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Premium Executive Car Lexus GS BMW 5 Series Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Premium Flagship Car Lexus LS Mercedes-Benz S-Class Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Premium Compact SUV Porsche Macan Range Rover Evoque Range Rover Evoque
Premium Mid-Size SUV BMW X3 Porsche Macan Porsche Macan
Premium SUV Mercedez-Benz GL-Class Porsche Cayenne Porsche Cayenne
Premium Coupe Porsche 911 Audi TT BMW 420d Coupe
Performance Car Audi R8 Mercedes-AMG GT Aston Martin Vantage S
Grand Tourer Porsche Panamera Porsche Panamera Porsche Panamera
Driver’s Car Audi R8 Volkswagen Golf R BMW ActiveHybrid 5

Pictures: Official ASEAN COTY

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