H6 Coupe & H9 tembusi pasaran Malaysia

KUNJUNGAN kali ini cukup berbeza. Sepanjang berada di jalan raya, mata tidak lekang melihat keunikan model-model kereta buatan China. Bayangkan, jenama kereta tempatan negara itu sahaja melebihi 100 jenis.

Soal plagiat reka bentuk membuatkan anda terkadang salah sangka. Pada satu model, anda boleh melihat campuran rekaan produk Korea Selatan, Eropah dan Amerika Syarikat. Sebaik melihat logo di belakang dan gril depan, ternyata ia jenama tempatan.

Lebih mengusik hati, apabila terserempak dengan model persis Range Rover Evoque. Perbezaan kualiti buatan boleh dilihat dengan jelas dan sangkaan penulis adalah betul, ia produk milik LandWind.

Berdasarkan pemerhatian penulis, pengguna di China tidak akan menukar logo kenderaan mereka kepada jenama rebadge asal. Ini kerana ia merupakan satu kesalahan mengakibatkan pemilik boleh disaman.

Masih Mencari Identiti

Secara peribadi, penulis berpendapat industri automotif China masih mencari jati diri. Sepertimana yang berlaku di Jepun. Sekitar era 60-an sehingga 70-an, Jepun masih lagi meniru rekaan dan teknologi dari Eropah dan Amerika Syarikat.

Jati diri negara matahari terbit tersebut mula kelihatan sekitar era 80-an dan 90-an. Walaupun identiti jenama China itu semakin terserlah, namun masih di peringkat permulaan.

Oleh kerana pasaran China yang besar, majoriti jenama automotif tempatan itu masih selesa memasarkan produk mereka secara lokal. Hanya dua model yang dilihat begitu agresif menakluki pasaran global iaitu Haval dan Geely.

Menariknya usia Haval hanya muda setahun berbanding Proton Holdings Berhad. Namun nama daripada singkatan perkataan ‘Have It All’ itu sudah 18 tahun berkecimpung dalam pasaran eksport. Sehingga September 2016 Haval menembusi 18 pasaran global termasuk Rusia, Australia, Chile, Peru, Malaysia, Georgia, Oman dan Bolivia.

Lebih menarik, syarikat SUV (kenderaan utiliti sport) popular di China itu menawarkan satu produk baharu yang memfokuskan kepada jenama mewah. Produk itu dinamakan sebagai WEY (diambil sempena nama pengasasnya). Jika Toyota memiliki Lexus, Nissan dengan jenama Infiniti, maka Haval pula dengan WEY.

Siapa tahu, WEY bakal menjengah pasaran tempatan satu hari nanti. Sebelum WEY muncul, ini model Haval yang bakal pasaran Malaysia terima.

Dua model untuk pasaran tempatan

Semasa lawatan ke kilang Haval di Baoding, Beijing, penulis dapat melihat secara dekat model Haval H6 Coupe dan H9 yang bakal memasuki pasaran tempatan.

Dibawakan oleh GO Auto, pengedar eksklusif jenama Haval di Malaysia, model H6 Coupe dan H9 ditawarkan menerusi enjin yang sama iaitu 2.0 liter petrol turbo. Varian diesel tidak akan dibawa masuk.

Versi import (CBU) akan dibawa masuk terlebih dahulu dan ketibaan kedua-dua SUV itu sekitar suku ketiga dan keempat tahun ini.

Enjin 2.0 liter petrol turbo H6 mampu menghasilkan kuasa 194hp dan tork 315Nm. Penghantaran kuasa ke roda ditugaskan kepada transmisi klac berkembar 6-kelajuan DCT. Harga anggaran bagi model Haval H6 Coupe ialah RM115,000 seunit.

Ketika di China, H6 turut ditawarkan dengan versi 1.5 liter turbo. Namun, pihak Go Auto tidak bercadang untuk membawa masuk versi tersebut. Mungkin bimbang akan bertindih dengan model sedia ada di pasaran tempatan iaitu H2.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Go Auto, Ahmad Azam Sulaiman berkata pihaknya turut merancang melakukan pemasangan tempatan (CKD) model tersebut di kilang Go Auto di Gurun, Kedah.

“Bagaimanapun spesifikasi bagi pasaran Malaysia untuk kedua-dua model masih dalam perbincangan.

“Namun, unit yang dibawa masuk akan menerima 99 peratus kualiti yang sama seperti di China,” katanya.

Manakala SUV tujuh tempat duduk, Haval H9 lebih berkuasa yang mana enjin 2.0 liter turbo itu menghasilkan kuasa 215hp pada 5,500rpm dan tork 324Nm seawal 2,000rpm. Enjin itu digandingkan dengan transmisi ZF 6-kelajuan.

Model SUV ladder frame itu bakal bersaing dengan model Isuzu MU-X, Ford Everest dan Toyota Fortuner. Harga anggaran H9 ialah RM140,000 seunit. Di China, H9 ditawarkan dengan tiga varian iaitu Standard, Luxury dan Super Luxury.

Kualiti Bertaraf Global

Dapat dilihat kualiti kenderaan China kini sudah bertaraf global. Tidak semua, hanya pada jenama-jenama tertentu.

Sepanjang lawatan, penulis kagum dengan kualiti terkini yang ditawarkan Haval. Perbezaannya begitu ketara jika dibandingkan dengan produk awal yang memasuki pasaran tempatan.

Produk SUV berkenaan dibina dengan kualiti premium. Masuk ke kabin, menerusi sentuhan dan pandangan anda dapat melihat serta merasa material lembut di papan pemuka dan sisi pintu, kemasan kulit upholsteri dan penggunaan komponen plastik yang padu. Bahkan getah pada bingkai pintu juga boleh dikatakan mencapai standard Volvo.

Manakala model H9 tampil menarik dengan adanya running board yang keluar secara automatik ketika pintu dibuka.

Sukar untuk mengikis pandangan skeptikal berkaitan produk buatan China. Untuk lebih adil, apabila model tersebut tiba di pasaran tempatan, anda nilaikan sendiri dan rasai perbezaannya.

- 27 April 2017

Petronas dealers free to offer discounts on fuel prices

According to a report by The Star, Petronas will allow its dealers to lower fuel prices at their pumps below the weekly ceiling price set by the government. However, it stressed that dealers looking to do so must seek the approval of the domestic trade, cooperatives and consumerism ministry (KPDNKK), and discuss such a move with Petronas Dagangan (PetDag) beforehand.

“If dealers decide to sell at a lower price, they are responsible for their margins and not us. It is all tied up with sales volumes and margins,” said Mohd Ibrahimnuddin Mohd Yunus, PetDag managing director and CEO. He added that the price-setting mechanism does not impact PetDag’s earnings.

“Last year, we cut our inventory day to four to five days from six a year earlier. We are looking to cut our inventory days further, especially with higher volatility in world crude oil recently,” PetDag chairman Md Arif Mahmood chimed in.

“It is not a new mechanism that is giving us more money. It is still under the same managed float system. The only difference is that this is just a shorter timeline and is better when it comes to managing the volatility of global crude prices,” he explained.

The weekly fuel price announcements began three weeks ago, and fuel retailers are currently not allowed to offer discounts on fuel, and must follow the retail price set by KPDNKK. As of now, RON 95 is priced at RM 2.27 per litre; RON 97 at RM2.54 per litre; Euro 2M diesel at RM2.21 per litre; and Euro 5 diesel at RM2.31 per litre.

- Source: paultan.org

Haval H6 Coupe and H9 for Malaysia – price to start from RM115,000

We previously reported on the arrival of the Haval H6 Coupe and H9 in Malaysia back in January, and now, we have some information relating to the models’ specifications for our market. This comes straight from Ahmad Azam Sulaiman, CEO of Go Auto, who spoke to our sister site paultan.org/BMduring Auto Shanghai 2017.

Firstly, both SUVs are slated to land in Malaysia by Q3 or Q4 this year as fully imported (CBU) models from China. As for pricing, the H6 Coupe is expected to be priced at around RM115,000, while the H9 could retail for RM140,000.

Focusing on the H6 Coupe, the SUV will occupy the same segment as the Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI as well as the Hyundai Tucson T-GDI, powered by a 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with direct injection. The mill churns out 194 hp and 315 Nm of torque, and sends drive to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. 

In its domestic market (China), the H6 is available with the 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine, which is mated to a six-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive is available as an option. However, Go Auto says it has no plans to bring the blown 1.5L version as it would directly compete against its own H2 that is already on sale here.

Inside the cabin, there’s plenty of soft-touch materials, leather upholstery and pleasant-looking plastics, as my colleague Farid pointed out. A detailed list of equipment fitted on the display car wasn’t provided but from what we can see, there’s a TFT-LCD colour display, electrically adjustable front seats, an Audi-esque gear selector (with paddle shifters), dual-zone climate control, smart key and push-start button.

As for the H9, the ladder-frame SUV will replace the H5 when it arrives, packing a direct-injected 2.0 litre turbo four-pot. In the H9, the engine outputs 158 hp and 324 Nm of torque, which is more than the H5’s 2.0L VGT turbodiesel (148 hp/310 Nm), paired with a ZF-sourced six-speed auto and all-wheel drive system. 

The H9 is available in three trim levels – Standard, Luxury and Super Luxury – although Go Auto has yet to decide which will be destined for Malaysia. Among the premium features available on the H9 is a retractable running board that automatically presents itself when the doors are open to help with entry and exit.

Other bits of kit shown here include a colour display screen for the infotainment system, automatic air-conditioning (with second-row blower), push-start button and even an Infinity audio system. The H9 will compete against the Isuzu MU-X, Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest.

- Source: paultan.org

Perodua akan keluar model baharu

Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua)

PERUSAHAAN Automobil Kedua (Perodua) merancang mengeluarkan beberapa model baharu kenderaan jimat minyak (EEV) untuk terus kekal bersaing dalam segmen kereta kompak menerusi rancangan lima tahun 2017-2021.

Pemangku Pengurus Besar Kanan Perodua Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, Mohd Saifuzzaman Mohammad berkata perancangan juga bagi memenuhi permintaan ke atas kereta kompak jimat minyak dalam tempoh tersebut.

"Saya tidak boleh bagi tahu (model yang akan dikeluarkan) sekarang kerana ini strategi perniagaan, namun model-model baharu ini akan lebih berkualiti, murah, lancar dan jimat minyak," katanya.

Beliau ditemui selepas membuat penyerahan rasmi lima unit mesin perkomputeran (CNC) terpakai pembuatan engin kereta kepada Universiti Malaysia Perlis (Unimap), yang diterima oleh Naib Canselornya, Datuk Dr Zul Azhar Zahid Jamal di Kampus Uniciti, Sungai Chuchuh di sini, hari ini.

Mohd Saifuzzaman berkata pemilihan model Bezza yang meneirma penarafan lima bintang ASEAN NCAP baru-baru ini dan model Axia yang mendapat sambutan hangat pembeli, akan dipertingkatkan.

Mengenai CNC yang disumbangkan itu, beliau berkata dalam jangka masa panjang fungsi asas mesin tersebut dalam industri automotif, relevan untuk satu jangka masa yang agak panjang. 

"Kami telah memiliki beberapa mesin baharu bagi mengeluarkan model baharu, namun mesin ini sangat berguna untuk tujuan pendidikan kerana pelajar dapat meyesuaikan diri dengan bidang yang diceburi kelak," katanya.

Menurut Mohd Saifuzzaman harga mesin baharu antara RM800,000 dan RM1.3 juta seunit dan tapi bagi harga terpakai termasuk kos penghantaran, hanya RM330,000.

Sementara itu Zul Azhar berkata hubungan strategik UniMAP-Perodua sejak lima tahun lepas telah meningkatkan nilai kebolehpasaran graduannya selain mereka dapat menjalani latihan praktikum dalam suasana sebenar industri automotif.

"Cara ini akan melahirkan graduan yang holistik, relevan dan kompeten kerana keupayaan mereka menerap nilai-nilai yang diperlukan oleh industri menerusi latihan amali," katanya" katanya.

Zul Azhar mencadangkan syarikat automotif menjalin kerjasama lebih erat dengan UniMAP bagi menjalankan penyelidikan dan pembangunan. 

- Bernama | 17 April 2017

Perodua Bezza updated new rear bumper, chrome interior trim, leather upholstery

It was caught earlier this week, and now it’s official – the Perodua Bezzahas been given an update for the 2017 model year. The company’s first sedan has been given a few aesthetic tweaks for no extra outlay.

There’s just one exterior change – the rear bumper has been given a deeper skirt that better covers the underside of the car, a major source of complaints on the outgoing model. A diffuser-like cutout and a contrasting grey strip that runs across the width of the car breaks up the visual mass.

Inside, the Premium X and Advance variants get chrome platinum trim on the air-conditioning controls, while the Advance also gains new leather upholstery that does without the previous quilting.

Apart from that, there are no changes, with the base Standard G continuing to come with 14-inch alloy wheels, a standard radio with a USB port, 60:40 split-folding rear seats, reverse sensors, power windows, dual airbags and ABS with EBD and brake assist.

Stepping up to the Premium X nets you front fog lights, side mirror indicators, chrome door handles, keyless entry, push-button start, a bootlid release button, an auto up/down driver’s side window with anti pinch, a 5V/2A USB charging port, adjustable rear headrests, Bluetooth and front parking sensors.

The top-spec Advance variant throws in two-tone turbine-design alloys, side skirts, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, power-folding door mirrors, automatic engine start/stop, a touchscreen infotainment system with Smart Link Android smartphone screen mirroring and a reverse camera. Stability control is also added, giving the car a five-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating, one up from the other trims.

Mechanicals have also been left alone, so the Standard G retains the use of a 1KR-VE 1.0 litre VVT-i three-cylinder engine producing 67 hp and 91 Nm of torque, while the Premium X and Advance variants get a 1NR-VE 1.3 litre Dual VVT-i four-pot making 94 hp and 121 Nm. Buyers get a choice between a five-speed manual transmission and a four-speed automatic, with the Advance being auto-only.

As mentioned, prices are unchanged, so the Standard G is priced at RM37,300 for the manual and RM39,300 for the auto, and the Premium X retails at RM42,800 for the manual and RM44,800 for the auto; the Advance auto tops out at RM50,800. All prices are on-the-road inclusive of insurance and a five-year/150,000 km warranty.

- Source: paultan.org

JPJ: Pelaksanaan sistem mata demerit bermula hari ini

YAN - Pelaksanaan Sistem Mata Demerit yang berkuat kuasa hari ini, diharap akan dapat mendidik masyarakat mematuhi peraturan jalan raya dan mengutamakan keselamatan semasa berada di jalan raya.

Timbalan Ketua Pengarah (Operasi) Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) Datuk Yusoff Ayob berkata pelaksanaannya melibatkan dua kesalahan utama iaitu perlanggaran lampu merah dan memandu melebihi had laju.

“Tempoh dua minggu untuk percubaan telah tamat semalam, dan hari ini Sistem Mata Demerit akan mula dikuatkuasakan, melibatkan dua kesalahan utama iaitu melanggar lampu merah dan memandu melebihi had laju.

"Menerusi reaksi yang diterima di laman sosial dan portal JPJ, ramai yang menyokong usaha ini dan ia dilihat merupakan langkah yang baik dalam mendidik masyarakat mematuhi undang-undang di jalan raya," katanya kepada pemberita selepas merasmikan Program Satu Komuniti Satu JPJ (SKSJ) Jerai di Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Yan dekat sini, hari ini.

Beliau berkata pelanggaran lampu isyarat merah dan memandu melebihi had laju merupakan faktor penyumbang kepada berlakunya kemalangan.

"Dua kesalahan ini merupakan kesalahan yang paling banyak menyumbang kepada berlakunya kemalangan, bagaimanapun terdapat lebih 20 kesalahan lain yang akan dimasukkan dari semasa ke semasa.

"Saya juga berharap agar orang ramai menyambut baik usaha ini dan mematuhi undang-undang jalan raya bagi mengelakkan berlakunya kejadian yang tidak diingini," kata Yusof.

Terdahulu, seramai 500 peserta SKSJ Jerai menerima lesen memandu kelas B2 motosikal masing-masing.

Sejak diperkenalkan pada 2009, SKSJ telah memberi manfaat kepada 118,540 warga emas dan masyarakat Orang Asli menerusi 269 siri program yang dilaksanakan di seluruh negara.

Hadir sama pada program itu, Pengarah JPJ Kedah, Isma Suhaimi Sharif. –Bernama

F60 MINI Countryman launched in Malaysia - price starts RM239,888

The all-new F60 MINI Countryman has finally arrived in Malaysia after being teased earlier this week, replacing the first-generation model that has been around since 2010. 

For our market, two front-wheel drive variants are offered – the Cooper and Cooper S – retailing at RM239,888 and RM269,888, respectively. The prices mentioned here are for on-the-road and not inclusive of insurance. 

The Cooper variant is powered by a 1.5 litre TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder petrol engine that provides 136 hp at 4,400-6,000 rpm and 220 Nm of torque at 1,400-4,300 rpm. Meanwhile, the Cooper S gets a larger 2.0 litre turbo four-pot with 192 hp at 5,000-6,000 rpm and 280 Nm at 1,350-4,600 rpm.

MINI’s ALL4 all-wheel drive system is absent here (the photos seen here are from our UK test drive), so drive on both variants is directed to the front wheels via a Steptronic six-speed automatic transmission in the Cooper, and an eight-speed auto ‘box in the Cooper S. Both engines also come with an idling start/stop system to save fuel during short stops, and keyless start.

In terms of performance, the less powerful of the two will accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds, and onwards to a top speed of 200 km/h. The Cooper S will complete the century sprint in an even quicker 7.4 seconds before maxing out at 224 km/h. 

MINI says the Cooper has an average fuel consumption of just 6.0 litres per 100 km, whereas the Cooper S consumes more at 6.5 litres per 100 km. The drivetrain is linked to the MINI Driving Modes, which is selectable via a rotary switch at the base of the gear lever. 

Three modes – Sport, Mid and Green – are available here, providing a different drivetrain response rate depending on which is selected. However, the system isn’t linked to the optional Dynamic Damper Control, which isn’t specified for the Malaysian-spec Countryman. 

On the exterior side of things, the new Countryman is a much larger car than its predecessor, being 200 mm longer, 30 mm wider and with a 75 mm longer wheelbase. The overall dimensions are as follows: 4,299 mm length, 1,822 mm width, 1,557 mm height, 2,670 mm wheelbase.

The Countryman S come with a designated MINI bodykit, which introduces a new upper grille with a diamond mesh design rather than the rectangular grid on the standard model. You’ll also get Piano Black trim on the fenders, bumpers as well as silver accents on the front and rear bumpers. Both cars come with black/white scheme for the roof and mirror caps, along with roof rails and side sills in silver.

The Countryman also comes equipped with automatic LED headlights with cornering lights, which provides illumination to the direction of the steering. A new signature lighting is provided by the light ring surrounding the cluster. All Cooper variants come with 18-inch Pin Spoke alloy wheels, while Cooper S models get larger 19-inch MINI Yours Masterpiece units. Run-flat tyres are standard across the board.

On the inside, the Cooper is specified with Cloth Firework Carbon Black upholstery, Hazy Grey interior surfacing, Chrome Line interior trim as well as a sports leather steering wheel. Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning is standard here, as is the cruise control function with braking function.

The Cooper S, meanwhile, comes with Leather Cross Punch in Carbon Black upholstery for its exclusive electric sport seats with memory function (driver side only); a John Cooper Works leather steering wheel with paddle shifters; and the MINI Yours Piano Black Illuminated interior surfacing. The latter is controlled via the car’s infotainment system, forming part of the MINI Yours Illuminated Cockpit that is also supported by the LED ring around it.

Said ring accommodates the car’s 6.5-inch display screen instead of the optional (and larger) 8.8-inch unit. Here, it is linked to the Radio MINI Visual Boost system (includes the MINI Excitement package) and rearview camera. The former is now controlled via the iDrive-like controls (minus the touchpad) on the centre console, beside the new electronic handbrake. 

Other useful bits of kit include a powered tailgate on both variants, which works with the Comfort Access package, allowing you open it via foot-activated sensor at the back. The Comfort Access package, a Cooper S exclusive, also includes a touch-operated keyless entry system. Another exclusive to the Cooper S is a new Picnic Bench within the boot that can be folded out to provide a place to sit on the loading lip. 

Buyers will get to choose from a range of exterior colours – British Racing Green, Chili Red, Light White, Melting Silver, Midnight Black, Moonwalk Grey, Chestnut (new) and Island Blue (new). The Cooper S gets an additional option here – Thunder Grey.

- Source: paultan.org

Second-generation Porsche Panamera launched in Malaysia - price starts RM890,000

First launched in Berlin, the latest, 971-generation Porsche Panamera has arrived in Malaysia in base Panamera and Panamera 4S guises, at RM890,000 and RM1,100,000respectively (prices are base retail before options, including all applicable duties, excluding registration fee, road tax and insurance). A four-year warranty and free maintenance package is included, which covers parts and labour. 

Heading the Panamera’s launch line-up is the 4S, with its 2.9 litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6 with 440 PS at 5,650 rpm and 550 Nm from 1,750 to 5,500 rpm, transmitted to all four wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. Accompanying the Panamera 4S is the base Panamera with a 3.0 litre turbocharged V6, producing 330 PS at 5,400 rpm and 450 Nm between 1,340 rpm and 4,900 rpm, sent to the rear wheels.

The base Panamera does the 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.5 seconds, while the Panamera 4S does the same benchmark in 4.3 seconds (acceleration figures are with Sport Plus activated, 0.2 second slower without). Top speeds for the Panamera and Panamera 4S are 264 km/h and 289 km/h, respectively. 

In the chassis department, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) gives control over the three-chamber air suspension units at each corner, while steering is electromechanical. Rear axle steering is optional on both the base Panamera and Panamera 4S. Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) and active roll stabilisation also feature here.

On the exterior, the new Panamera features LED headlamps and daytime running lights in front, with three-dimensional LED tail lights at the rear. Standard fit on the Panamera are 19-inch wheels, with the examples pictured here shod in the optional 21-inch wheels with staggered widths (tyres are 275/35R21 in front, 315/30R21 at the rear). 

Inside, the driver is greeted by the now-commonplace 918 Spyder-style steering wheel with the Sport Response mode selector for four driving modes – Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual (included with the optional Sport Chrono pictured here), with a pair of seven-inch digital displays flanking the central analogue tachometer in the instrument cluster. 

Audio is courtesy of a 3D sound system by Burmester, and the front seats are 14-way adjustable with massage function. The PCM (Porsche Communication Management) suite is controlled by a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, while smartphone integration is via Apple CarPlay along with voice control. 

Touch-sensitive (haptic feedback) surfaces replace hard keys along the centre console, and the louvres of the central air vent are electrically adjusted by touch-sensitive sliders. The boot itself is electrically operated as standard, and all doors feature a soft-closing assist function. Further along, the individual rear seats can be folded to increase boot space from 495 litres to 1,304 litres. 

Absent from the Malaysian market line-up are the long-wheelbase Panamera Executive and – for now – the Panamera Turbo, the arrival of which is subject to customer demand. In terms of specification, the InnoDrive adaptive cruise control system is omitted from our Malaysian Panameras. Also subject to evaluation of customer demand is the Sport Turismo wagon bodystyle.

- Source: paultan.org

2017 Mitsubishi Triton receives ESP, seven airbags and five-year - price from RM77,390

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has officially launched the updated 2017 Triton today, which introduces several enhancements to the fully-imported pick-up truck range involving not just safety but equipment as well.

We start with the former, where all VGT variants (VGT, VGT Adventure and VGT Adventure X) now get Active Stability Control with traction control (ASTC), Hill Start Assist, Trailer Sway Control as well as automatic speed-sensing door locks. 

Opt for the VGT Adventure or VGT Adventure X, and you’ll also get seven airbags (dual front, side, curtain and driver’s knee) and a five-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating, while all other remaining variants get two front airbags instead (four-star rating instead).

Safety kit upgrade aside, other revisions found on VGT variants include a dark chrome grille at the front (Adventure X retains the matte finish) and a new design for the side steps, with the latter said to improve vehicle ingress and egress. Meanwhile in the cabin, there’s a new four-spoke, leather-wrapped, multifunction steering wheel that replaces the previous three-spoke design.

That’s not all, as there’s also an updated instrument cluster that is part of the update for VGT variants. However, a new eight-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat can only be found on the VGT Adventure and VGT Adventure X, which previously had two manually adjustable front seats for the driver and front passenger.

As before, the range-topping VGT Adventure X gets additional kit compared to the VGT Adventure, including a front shield extender, sports bar with fullbox, automatic wipers and dual-tone 17-inch alloy wheels.

Another substantial improvement for VGT variants is the associated manufacturer’s warranty, which sees a step up from previous three-year/100,000 km to a new five-year/200,000 km warranty, making the Triton the only pick-up truck to boast such a warranty offer. 

On the colour palette front, all VGT, VGT Adventure and Adventure X variants can now be ordered in Titanium Grey (previously only offered for the VGT Adventure X). However, Shadow Black has been dropped on the VGT and VGT Adventure, with Red Solid being another omission on the latter as well.

As for other colours available, the VGT Adventure X is also available in Impulse Blue; the VGT Adventure in Earth Green or Pearl White; the VGT AT 4×4 in Pearl White or Sterling Silver; and the VGT MT 4×4 in Sterling Silver.

Under the hood, all VGT variants are powered by the 2.4 litre MIVEC turbodiesel engine with 181 PS at 3,500 rpm and 430 Nm of torque at 2,500 rpm. The mill is paired with Mitsubishi’s Easy Select 4WD system. A five-speed automatic transmission is the only option on VGT Adventure and VGT AT 4×4 variants, while a six-speed manual is reserved for the VGT MT 4×4.

So, what about the rest of the Triton range? Well, the non-VGT variants, namely the MT 4×4 and Quest MT 4×2 remains largely unchanged from before, save for the new Pearl White exterior paint colour that replaces the Solid White from before. Sterling Silver is the only other option for the MT 4×4, and is no longer offered for the Quest MT 4×2.

A 2.5 litre turbodiesel continues to serve in the non-VGT variants, providing 136 PS at 4,000 rpm and 324 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm in the intercooled MT 4×4, while the Quest MT 4×2 has 81 PS and 200 Nm of torque instead. Both variants come only with a five-speed manual, and continue to retain their current three-year/100,000 km warranty package. 

The 2017 Triton also sees a revision to its price list, which is listed for easier reference below (prices are on-the-road without insurance and inclusive of GST):

Triton VGT Adventure X AT 4×4 – RM130,900 (RM3,700 increase)

Triton VGT Adventure AT 4×4 – RM123,130 (RM2,730 increase)

Triton VGT AT 4×4 – RM114,400(RM2,800 increase)

Triton VGT MT 4×4 – RM107,600(RM2,800 increase)

Triton MT 4×4 – RM93,920(RM2,720 increase)

Triton Quest MT 4×2 – RM77,390(unchanged)

- Source: paultan.org

Hyundai Tucson T-GDI turbo on display at Mid Valley

Local distributor Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors has already confirmed to us that the Hyundai Tucson is set to gain two new engine options soon, and now the first one, the turbocharged T-GDI model, is on display at Mid Valley Megamall. But the powertrain isn’t the only thing that’s new – there’s some added kit as well.

On the outside, the turbo model is distinguished from the regular Tucson via projector LED headlights with LED daytime running lights and cornering lights, as well as a darker finish for the 17-inch alloy wheels. The Golf GTI-esque 19-inch directional five-spoke alloy wheels are an optional extra, and are wrapped in 245/45R19 tyres instead of 225/45R17 rubber on the 17’s.

Unfortunately, the display car was locked, but there aren’t many discernible changes inside – save for a a new front camera to join the reverse camera already offered on the standard Tucson. There’s also a powered tailgate with hands-free operation; the latter is operated by standing at the rear of the car with the key for more than three seconds.

Otherwise, standard kit should be identical to the current range-topping Executive model, and includes front and rear fog lights, puddle lights, keyless entry, push-button start, a multifunction steering wheel, leather upholstery, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, Drive Mode Control with three modes (normal, sports and eco) and a Supervision 4.2-inch TFT LCD multi-info display.

Other features to be included are an electronic parking brake, an auto-dimming rear view mirror with compass, rear air-con vents, an auto up/down driver’s side window, an eight-inch touchscreen Android-based Audio Visual Navigation infotainment system and cruise control. Safety equipment includes six airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, hill start assist, hill descent control and ISOFIX rear child seat anchors.

Under the bonnet sits a 1.6 litre turbocharged and direct-injected T-GDI four-cylinder engine that produces 177 PS at 5,500 rpm and 265 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm – a big jump over the 155 PS and 192 Nm from the existing 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated MPI mill. Instead of a six-speed automatic transmission, there’s a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, although front-wheel drive remains the status quo.

The T-GDI will be joined by a CRDi turbodiesel variant as well, with a 2.0 litre oil burner churning out 182 hp at 4,000 rpm and 400 Nm between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm, mated to a six-speed automatic.

- Source: paultan.org

PROTON PERSONA SV VARIANT TO BE LAUNCHED THIS SATURDAY

Back in June this year, Proton have launched a new variant for Saga called the SV which stands for Super Value. The SV name then pops up into the discussion once again last month when rumours have pointed out that the automotive company will also be releasing a SV version for another Proton model, the Persona.

Thanks to a media invite we have received from the company moments ago, we are now able to confirmed to you that the Proton Persona SV is indeed a real deal and it will be launched this coming Saturday at the upcoming Proton Bola Bola Bola Mega Test Drive Carnival in Shah Alam. Of course, more information about the car such as specifications and pricing will only be officially announced at the launch.

The initial rumour did mentioned that the Proton Persona SV will be priced at under RM 45000 (current price starts from around RM 47600), so let’s see whether the information will hold up or else.

Source: Lowyat.net