Mythbusting with The Smart #3 Pro

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Who said you can’t be impulsive in an EV?

There’s a misnomer that with an EV, every trip begins with planning. You need to rely on third-party apps or existing background knowledge, and you need to have a real eye for chargers, their locations, and the pricing to go anywhere of meaningful distance. 

smart however believes that your EV should never be a hindrance to your lifestyle. Instead, their solutions make their cars just as capable as anything else out there, allowing you to feed your need for adventure with the same ease you would with any other car but with the added convenience of technological capability.

With features like a live-charging map integrated into the infotainment screen, finding available chargers is a thing of the past. And if that wasn’t enough, thanks to the cooperation of smart Malaysia and charge-point operators, the hello smart app can manage your charging at over 80% of all public chargers nationwide, encompassing both AC and DC chargers for your regular top-up or fast-charging along a motorway route.

This all comes bundled into a car that was co-developed between Geely and Mercedes-Benz, resulting in a vehicle that’s not just bold to behold but a joy to experience. Design flourish is married to exceptional build quality to create a truly next-generation feel with every interaction, setting the smart #1 SUV and #3 SUV coupe up as some of the very best EVs currently on the market (proven by the myriad of awards they’ve racked up already).

Experience the smart way yourself during the inaugural smart Brand Tour, taking place across West Malaysia. The tour kicks off on the 21st and 22nd of July at Setia City Convention Centre, before travelling north to Gurney Plaza Penang from the 4th to 8th of September. Then the #1 and #3 will make the trek down south before setting up camp at Mid Valley Southkey, Johor Bharu from the 19th to 22nd of September. Each of these locations will provide not only a chance to get up close to the #1 and #3, but also the opportunity to experience the vibrant and engaging smart community for yourself. 

#takethesmartway

GALLERY: 2024 smart #3 Pro

The Everything Car – The PROTON Saga

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When we think about the PROTON Saga, it often evokes images from the past. For many the Saga was the car that moved many Malaysian families. It was their first, car, their first family car, their first taste of automotive freedom that would power them to greater successes. 

Much has changed since the late 80s, though. Today our cars are not only used to bring us, our friends and our families from point to point, but they’re also used to make a living and ensure ends are met despite the most arduous and demanding tasks that lay ahead. 

When the Saga first came into existence it would have been unheard of that private vehicles would be used the way taxis are, and the rise of e-hailing has resulted in a shift from a product development standpoint to require cars that are more reliable, better built, and more capable of living up to the more challenging requirements that 2023 brings. That is of course on top of the existing Saga tenets of affordability, frugality, and dependability. 

To better understand the versatility of the Saga and how modern demands has shaped the Saga we know, we sit down with fleet operator Suresh Ramasamy and e-hailing driver Chandra Arjun to get to the bottom of things. 

FEATURE: Choose Right For A Better Ride

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*This feature article is brought to you by PROTON

Car shopping is fun when there is a growing number of competitively-priced car models that feature superior aesthetics, cutting-edge infotainment, safety, and improved ride and handling performance. Whether you are buying your first car, or your disposable income has increased since you bought your current car, you may find yourself interested in more premium and chic options.

What influences a buyer when choosing a new car? There are many aspects to car shopping and they can affect purchase decisions. Do car reviews really matter? Simply put – yes, they matter. However, it is also important for a buyer to make their own comparisons and form independent conclusions. Let’s take the 2022 Proton Iriz and Persona cars as an example for this evaluation. Recently introduced by PROTON, the facelifted 2022 Iriz hatchback and Persona sedan offer updated design elements plus enhanced features, along with the new Iriz Active variant. Since the launch of these models earlier in August this year, drivers have broadly given them the thumbs up, so what can we learn about buyer preferences from these reactions?

Aesthetics that Appeal

But what makes a car a hit among drivers while others don’t quite hit the spot? Fundamentally, buying and driving a new car offers an emotional boost. Our cars make a statement about our identities and can act as an extension of our homes and comfort zones. They are – in short, not just a box on wheels to take us from Point A to Point B. Much like our clothing choices, our cars can tell others who we are and what we value most. Through the very simple choice of the car we drive, we can announce our self-identity to the world.

With both the 2022 Iriz and Persona being new iterations of long-beloved favourites, their existing identity can be a help in capturing consumer attention, not forgetting their good looks. Making a handsome comeback with new cosmetic features and refreshed styling with new colour options, the new Citric Orange and Passion Red for the Iriz and Space Grey for the Persona have certainly commanded attention. Notable exterior enhancements that further catch the eye are the newly-designed Infinite Weave with Ethereal Bow grille in sporty red on the Iriz while the Persona boasts additional chrome to offer a more premium feel and to better frame the new PROTON logo.

The introduction of the Active variant takes the Iriz down a more rugged lifestyle path. The exterior of the car sports a different front bumper design with new distinctive all-round body mouldings that run from the front bumper, across the wheel arches and side sills before ending at the rear bumper. A black roof with roof rails completes the look. It is certainly easy to see why it was dubbed the ‘baby X50’. On the interior, the ambience is further amped up by red highlights. The word ‘Active’ is embroidered on the front seats, door trims and carpet mats, with red stitching on the steering wheel and red seat belts rounding up the colour accents. It also comes with aluminium sport pedals that add a subtle sporty touch.

The Proton Persona Premium meanwhile has seats and door trims covered in brown leatherette (in the same shade that debuted on the Proton X70) to complement the new interior design and adding to its premium aesthetic.

A Smarter, Safer and Improved Driving Experience

Unlike styling or physical features, a car’s ride and handling are unseen qualities, but they are most certainly felt by the driver. You don’t have to be a ‘car person’ or professional test driver to know the difference, but every driver can recognise safety when navigating a corner, and feel the increased stability at highway-cruising speeds or the smoothness when going over our kampung roads.

PROTON cars are renowned and universally praised for their strength in this department, and the Iriz and Persona are no different, having received widespread recognition – from the public and experts alike, for being safe, fun to drive and comfortable, even when measured against international rivals. Both models have received a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating and come with safety features such as 6 SRS airbags, a reinforced body structure using Hot Press Formed (HPF) steel, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS) and Hill Hold Assist (HHA).

Convenience, comfort and savings are also prioritised. Both models offer new fuel-saving functions, namely the Neutral Idle Control (NIC) and ECO modes. The ECO mode enables more efficient driving, resulting in even better fuel consumption standards – achieving approximately 10% reduction on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) standard, while it further improves the result by 8-10%.

A reverse camera and parking sensors provide visual and audible parking assistance, while the Premium and Active variants now get a larger 8-inch floating infotainment head unit with voice command functions updated to control the air-conditioning and driver’s window. On top of that, all the new models come with a N95 cabin filter as a standard feature to enhance the air quality in your car. We spend a lot of time in our cars, so naturally, the air quality in the car matters. 

With a total of six USB ports – three at the front, two at the rear and one behind the rear-view mirror to power a dashcam, both models have ample power outlets to suit the demands of a digital lifestyle. The Persona also offers 510 litres of boot space that can be expanded by folding the rear seats.

For those driving alone, you will be pleased to know that the updated LED headlamps support auto on/off and follow me home functions. Little details like this can be immensely helpful, such as providing a lit track to help you navigate your way on foot to your destination after you step out of your car.

Accessibility for More Drivers

Pricing is undeniably a key attraction for the 2022 Iriz and Persona – acknowledged by potential buyers. With three variants each, the Iriz is priced from RM40,300 while the Persona starts from RM45,200 (OTR without insurance and minus SST). Along with the purchase price comes other not-so-obvious costs of ownership. When comparing costs, one must also take into account the total cost of ownership over the duration you intend to keep the car. The Iriz and Persona are not only priced lower than competitors, but also enjoy lower insurance premiums, better fuel economy and very affordable, best in class, maintenance costs. Combined, both cars are more economical and affordable to run in the long term.

The Iriz Active is a bona fide comfortable, practical and grown-up-feeling small car. For its price point and the features offered, there is no other pseudo-SUV that compares. Meanwhile, the classy-looking Persona is the most affordable premium B-segment sedan. Estimated to be 30-40% cheaper than other models in the same segment, the Persona is truly in a class of its own and better value for money than ever. 

The continuing evolution of the Iriz and Persona models aim to deliver greater stability, predictability and precise handling characteristics, making them capable of rivalling many of today’s vehicles that are priced much higher. For further information, please visit https://www.proton.com/en/find-a-car/iriz / and https://www.proton.com/en/find-a-car/persona

The Perodua Myvi – A National Icon

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1.1-million. Big number, right? It’s not until you think about it that you realise just why you see a Perodua Myvi everywhere you turn.

It’s amazing to think that back in 2005 when the Myvi was launched, Perodua thought that their bulbous, cute hatchback would maybe sell in the mid 5-figures annually. Compared to where it is now, wearing the crown as the best-selling new car in Malaysia for over a decade, the humility seems almost cute.

The Perodua Myvi can almost be singlehandedly credited for Perodua’s meteoric rise in the local automotive industry. While they’ve always been a big-volume player, the sheer dominance that the company enjoys today could not be possible with the various transformational changes that have been ushered in by every new iteration of the venerable Myvi.

Three generations have each been an indicator of where the company stood at that given time.

With the first generation, Perodua was an almost-bashful firm with a few good hits under its belt, having successfully moved the masses with the Kancil before moving buyers on to the more sophisticated Kelisa. But nothing could have prepared them for the whirlwind ushered in by the Myvi, which was conceptualised to sit in the market as a niche left-field offering against the ‘saloon-heavy’ Malaysian landscape.

Arriving as a lightly-reskinned version of Japanese domestic-market models, the first-generation Myvi went on to become the mainstream option to beat. It redefined the Malaysian market as not being saloon-heavy but one focused on value – and with the practicality on offer with the original Myvi, paired to Perodua’s already iron-clad reputation for quality and reliability, it proved to be a challenge that its competitors simply couldn’t beat.

With the second-generation, Perodua realised that its customers had become more exacting and with it, even more mature. As such the Myvi lost a bit of its practicality in favour of more style and vigour, featuring even greater degrees of local design flair and parts localisation. The original Myvi had bought Perodua much favour and trust from its Japanese technical partner and as such, they were given greater reign to determine the future of the Malaysian favourite.

If you paid close attention, you could see where Perodua flexed its engineering and design muscles on the second-generation Myvi. The two differing faces for the car for example were something of a litmus test that Daihatsu had devised for Perodua, to see if they could successfully and convincingly execute such an exercise and better align the Myvi to suit local tastes. And then there was the introduction of the 1.5-litre engine which, with the 1.0-litre of the first generation nowhere to be found, clearly demonstrated that Perodua had bigger ambitions for its family hatchback. Even the somewhat extreme designs of the Advance and Extreme models of the time were made to push the envelope and test the market, to see how well Malaysians would react to a more localised product.

These various exercises were conducted at Perodua to determine their readiness, to prepare them to take on the mammoth challenge ahead. So big was the task of developing the first fully localised Myvi that Perodua had to pop its R&D cherry with the Bezza first, ensuring that any kinks in the process were ironed out there first.

And with the Bezza’s rip-roaring success a solid proof of capability, only then were the boys and girls at Sg. Choh given the ultimate mandate: To design the next-generation Myvi.

They had a seemingly-Herculean task ahead of them: It had to be sophisticated in appeal, but simple in its engineering. It had to be frugal on fuel but still decently powerful, and it had to offer a level of refinement that would silence the critics (no pun intended). And above all it had to offer a level of safety at an accessible price point, effectively democratising life-saving active technology for the masses.

And in November of 2017, the Perodua Myvi did just that.

Debuting Advanced Safety Assist, the 3rd-generation Myvi brought big-car features like autonomous emergency braking, pre-collision warning, and range-wide full-LED headlights to the masses. And it came packaged in a car that was designed, developed, engineered and built in Malaysia. While it had long been considered the love of a nation, the 3rd-generation Myvi is the car that turned it from beloved to iconic, to be
forever enshrined as a pillar of Malaysian automotive capability.

Thanks to the Myvi, Perodua has been able to conclusively shift its focus from being an economy car brand to a value-driven one, with a clear vision on offering safety for the masses. And what better way to begin that trend than with the Myvi – a 12-year best-seller, Perodua’s beloved B-segment hatchback has been recently refreshed to offer a striking Electric Blue hue which hides upgrades and refinements like Advanced Safety Assist 2.0 to further improve the appeal of the segment dominator.

So this Merdeka day, let’s show some love for the Perodua Myvi.

It’s more than just the love of a nation; it’s a national icon.

GALLERY: The Perodua Myvi – A National Icon

OP-ED: Hike On Public Transport Fares A Regression We Cannot Afford

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It is day 58 of the Malaysian Movement Control Order, a measure taken under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act of 1988 and the Police Act of 1967 in order to stop the continued spread of the much-feared COVID-19, which began on the 18th of March and is tentatively expected to be removed on the 9th of June.

I certainly hope that you are keeping well, safe, and at a distance from others. Truly, the fate of the nation and its people lies in our hands, so act responsibly.

In my role here at MalaysianMotoring as the ‘captain of the ship’ as it were, I have remained as apolitical & apathetic as possible to the plights of the Government of the day. You don’t come here wanting to read about politics, as you’d much rather get that from the more experienced and learned pundits at The Star, The Edge, the New Straits Times, or The Sun. No, you come to MalaysianMotoring because, as its name suggests, you are a Malaysian that is interested in motoring. And so that is the content the publication and I deliver.

A Sri Petaling Line train on the rails. The Sri Petaling Line is operated by Rapid Rail, a part of Prasarana Malaysia Berhad

But, things have changed dramatically since we began in 2015. Suddenly, it’s not all about cars anymore. It wasn’t that long ago that we were warned as children not to speak to strangers but today we willingly let teenagers leave the house and get into a car with a stranger at the wheel tasked to bring them to their destination, with the only recourse coming from a virtual button in an app. And so we have responded to that change by including industry & legislative news, as well as updates on public transport.

And it is on the matter of public transport that I am moved, or rather required by duty to the nation as a paid-up and ever-grateful citizen of a functioning democracy, to say my piece. I say this not only as an editor of a publication, but also as a public transport user myself: It is a known fact that I have been without my own car for about three years now, and I am heavily reliant on public transport to get around. I have a deep adoration for trains and busses and a fascination with rapid-bus systems like the Sunway BRT, but I will refrain from getting sidetracked.

Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob during one of his daily media briefings

During his daily media address, which is limited to ‘official media’ only of which neither myself nor MalaysianMotoring belong to, Senior Minister of Security and Minister of Defence Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob revealed that the Ministry of Transport is studying a proposal to hike the fares on public transport in order to stem its operators losses as a result of the ongoing pandemic. The media present were not genuinely given the opportunity to ask the Minister questions on the matter, but he said of his own volition that he doesn’t want to see operators shouldering heavy losses and that the matter would be discussed in some special jawatankuasa of some kind.

I say this without fear or favour, but our public transport system has been quite lacking for some time now. As a frequent user however, I can report that changes & improvements across all forms of public transport, be it KTM Komuters, LRTs, Monorails, and busses have been felt in more recent years. Frequency has been improved, security is now more robust, and their reach has also been subject to frequent audits & revisions to ensure that more and more people are covered by their service. This was in keeping with the former administration’s intent to ensure that urban Malaysians especially would always have a reliable and dependable public transport option to get them where they needed to go.

YB Anthony Loke Siew Fook during one of his famous impromptu spotchecks on public transport, during his tenure as Minister of Transport

One of the most lauded moves by the previous Minister of Transport, the honourable Anthony Loke Siew Fook, was to ensure that transport was accessible to all. To that end, he first launched the MY50 and MY100 monthly travel passes under Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (operators of Rapid Bus, Rapid Rail, and Rapid Ferry services) to boost ridership, encouraging the use of public transport as a cost- and time-efficient alternative to driving to-and-from work on a daily basis. He also went on to launch the KTM X20 card for KTM Komuter services, which added a 20% discount on top of the 20% discount offered by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad for cashless transactions, making a total of 40% off the going fare. These two initiatives practically halved the total cost of public transport for daily users, and increased the attractiveness of our public transport system as an alternative to private vehicle ownership.

The former Minister of Transport also took operators to task, conducting random spotchecks on facilities and services whenever his schedule allowed. The Minister notably chided KTM for its large number of inoperable ticketing & card-reloading machines, and Prasarana Malaysia Berhad for its much-delayed restoration of 4-car monorail sets. Since then KTMB has improved the quality & reliability of its machines, and Prasarana has returned some 4-car monorails back to active service in the fleet, among many other improvements to their systems overall.

Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong, the current Minister of Transport

However, it seems that the current sitting Minister of Transport, the honourable Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong is looking to undo the work of his predecessor to boost ridership and improve the long-term sustainability of the public transport network by hiking fares. This announcement was made by Senior Minister Ismail Sabri, and was not accompanied by the now-normal social media flurry that usually comes whenever an announcement is made on behalf of a ministry. Perhaps I am indeed a millennial in expecting my elected representatives to be available for discourse & criticism in the most public of public spheres, but the Minister of Transport has been notably quiet.

The issue is simple: Operators are losing money due to low ridership during the Conditional Movement Control Order, which is understandable, given that our Prime Minister himself said less than 45% of the total workforce has returned to work. However, historically, our public transport utilisation has always been markedly low, with many Malaysians preferring to clog our burdened road network due to the perception that somehow taking public transport somehow makes them lesser people, no doubt the result of excellent marketing & communication on our part following the establishment of the local automotive industry.

It is a known fact that many of our public transport systems, including the MRT, will fail to break-even on operating costs for years to come if we were to believe the ridership projections wholesale. I invite you to do your own reading on the matter – it is really quite remarkable.

A fleet of new Scania busses, as operated by Rapid Bus, a subsidiary of Prasarana Malaysia Berhad

As such, it is clear to intelligent people like you and I that the issue here isn’t with the cost of the service, but the ridership. At a time where the Government ought to be doing what it can to ensure that affordable, reliable public transportation is available to a wider network of people to boost ridership & usage as well to as offset the financial burden of private transportation, it is instead inviting people to consider the costs involved and make the obvious choice to use the cars they have, if they have them. There has been little concern by this administration towards the plight of those who have no choice but to use public transport, despite their posturing of Mak Cik Kiah and her husband being the primary drivers of their initiatives.

While many of you whom like myself take public transport by choice, and are afforded the option of using more costly e-hailing services from time to time, or are in fact car owners and merely use public transport as their primary commute option to pinch pennies, there are also many who are fully dependent on public transport because they have no other option. Raising public transport fares would make the M40 demographic (of which I believe I am part of) opt to simply take their cars to work because the nominal saving isn’t worth the hassle. Additionally, it would make members of the B40 category shoulder undue & unjust burden on top of the scuppering of day wages & trading opportunities as a result of this pandemic.

Riders queue at an information kiosk in Penang under the watch of a PDRM officer

It is my express opinion that the raising of public transport fares would only serve to prove how tone-deaf and out-of-touch this administration is with its people. While steering clear of the other mistakes made by the government of the day, this particular move will hurt far more people than it will benefit. And to my reckoning, the only benefiting parties are the public transport operators, who maintain near-monopolies on the industry with no major threat of competition. And in addition to that, aren’t essential businesses like public transport operators entitled to Government subsidies and backed loans should they fail to manage their finances prudently?

Is it not a greater priority of the Minister of Transport Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong to ensure that the public continue to be connected from point to point by a reliable transportation network during this time of unparalleled economic & financial hardship, than it is to ensure that the salaries of people like Pasir Salak MP Tajuddin Rahman continue to be paid, as the recently and hastily appointed chairman of Prasarana Malaysia Berhad?

Surely shareholder dividends and director emoluments are the lowest possible concern at this time, where Malaysians are digging into their already-tight pockets to ensure that other Malaysians don’t go hungry or uncared for when they are inevitably left in the lurch by the slow march of the bureaucratic machine as it responds to the greatest threat to public health and the economy that we’ve seen in a generation?

A Rapid Rail employee inspects a 4-car monorail to ensure it’s ready to take passengers safely

Surely, if the political appointees this Government has placed into countless government-linked companies donated their GLC salaries to the COVID-19 fund, there’d be enough slush left in there to ensure the people don’t get burdened unnecessarily?

Or, do the interests of the few outweigh those of the many in this “democratically appointed” Government?

The solution here is clear. Ridership needs to be improved and dramatically at that, and there is no better time to do so like the present. With Malaysians concerned over financial security and personal cashflow, it is the most prudent time to make our public transport system the viable, reliable, affordable alternative to personal travel that it should always have been. And if we take this economic regression and pandemic as an opportunity to shore up confidence in the public transport system, the benefits will be reaped for years to come.

The author, Aiman I. Abdullah, is a motoring journalist and editor with more than half a decade’s experience in both local & international automotive media spheres, and is an ardent supporter of affordable, accessible, and comprehensive public transport networks.

He can be found on social media @AimanIAbdullah on Twitter & Instagram, where he enjoys engaging in intelligent discourse in his personal capacity.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author; They do not necessarily reflect the views of the Publication, its Affiliates, its Parent Company or its Subsidiaries.

Disclaimer: Any reproduction of this article or any of its contents are only permitted with the express permission of the Managing Editor of MalaysianMotoring. Failure to comply will result in legal action.

As always, MalaysianMotoring would like to remind its readers to be safe out there, both on the road and off it. Our success depends on our responsibility to ourselves and each other – our nation depends on it.We thank you for staying home, and staying safe.

#KitaJagaKita

Datuk Nicol David Speaks Of Staying United By Staying Apart

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As the COVID-19 pandemic puts the entire world to a standstill with lockdowns and restricted movements, Datuk Nicol David is taking a stand in encouraging Malaysians to stay focus on the positives and keep our mind and body active during this trying times.

Datuk Nicol David is a record-holder in the world women’s squash titles, the best female athlete in Malaysian history and one of the greatest squash players of all time. As one of the ambassadors of the Laureus Sports for Good Foundation and brand ambassador of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Datuk Nicol often participates in projects which affect positive change through her passion for sports and healthy living. She has previously spoken out on the values of understanding, solidarity, respect and communication.

After a 20-year career streak in squash, Datuk Nicol David officially announced her retirement in 2019 with a firm belief in sharing her knowledge and experience from squash with the world. With the pandemic affecting individuals and businesses globally, Datuk Nicol believes that the world needs solidarity now more than ever. Solidarity in staying apart, that is.

Nicol, the entire world has been put to a stop due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Can you share with us how important is social distancing for you and how can it save the global citizen?

“Social distancing is crucial to help stop the spread of COVID-19, but most importantly, it also depends on how responsible we act towards the instructions set by our government, as well as understanding what’s the ‘new normal’. It is said that for the following months, we have to not only stay home, but at the same time apply the safety measure when we have to leave our homes. We must be disciplined in wearing our masks, washing our hands as often as possible and be extremely conscious of those around us and try to keep a safe distance from them. This is a time to come together and truly think about not just yourself, but everybody else. I believe that more compassionate we are towards others, the more effective the result of the safety measures will be.”

Social distancing could possibly be the situation for an extended period of time. Could you share some tips for those trying to adjust to the new normal?

“After over 40 days of lockdown, I believe our new normal is having social distance. It helps once you establish a routine and schedule for yourself. A day plan over your time dedicated to work, to doing house chores, exercising and not forgetting doing whatever that makes you happy. It’s always about seeing the glass half full than half empty.”

As a public figure, we believe practicing social distancing can be challenging for you as well, how do you stay connected with your family, friends and fans?

“I’m making a point to be closer to family and friends during this time. It’s very important to have social connection since we need to stay in the same place for a long time. Therefore, I’m glad we have multiple video conferencing options available to keep in touch with my family and friends. With my fans, I’m trying to motivate them to exercise and most importantly, to have a positive mindset. I’m a true believer that life is mostly about how we think of it.”

Talk us through the small measures you currently practice that contributes to keeping COVID-19 at bay in the country?  

“I’m doing what is necessary and in-line with the government rules. I think if each individual takes these recommendations seriously then we’re doing a great job as a society.”

As someone who has always been active in sports, how has the situation changed the way you keep active?  

“Nothing much has changed, frankly. The only difference now is that I’m working out in my living room, rather than the gym. I have been watching some live workouts and using some workout applications on my phone to exercise. I think now that I have more free time in hand, I am actually working out more than before! Pretty exciting!”

Social distancing helps prevent the spread of the virus, but it can also have unintended consequences towards social interaction on mental or physical health for some individuals. What do you think of this and how do you think one can cope with this?

“The most important thing is to realize that it is okay to be feeling down or frustrated during this trying times. Instead of ignoring these feelings, I would truly recommend that you find someone to talk to and take some time to digest and understand your feelings. Feelings will always pass and therefore, as soon as you overcome them, just try to go back to what keeps you happy and motivated.”

In keeping positive, in your opinion, what are among the good things that this situation has brought about?  

“I think we can realize that we need fairly less than we think of. Small pleasures can be great ones as well. I truly hope that as a society, we learn from this and start changing the way we interact with the world in general.”

Lastly, what advice can you share with those who have started to feel stress about not being able to go out or those who are disobeying the social distancing?

“Feeling stress is natural, we just have to try to focus on turning it around so that it does not overwhelm us. Regarding disobeying the social distancing, I just hope they realize that not only they’re putting themselves at risk but also their family and loved ones.”

We thank Datuk Nicol for taking the time to be interviewed for this article, and for her service to the nation. Datuk Nicol’s role as Mercedes-Benz brand ambassador is in celebration & recognition of her athletic capabilities as an eight-time world-champion, as well as her never-ending work as a role model for Malaysians everywhere.

This article is courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

PROTON Shares Cabin Safety Tips To Observe During COVID-19

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​This is a message from PROTON Holdings.

In view of the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has implemented an extension of the Movement Control Order (MCO) to curb the spread of the virus. During this period, we are advised to practise precautionary measures like social distancing, maintaining proper hygiene, avoiding mass assemblies and to stay at home at all times.

However, there will be times when going out is still necessary, to replenish groceries or to tend to emergency situations. Besides that, for those who are working in essential services, work carries on as per usual. This is when maintaining the cleanliness of your vehicle is crucial for the sake of yourself and your passengers. Here are some tips from PROTON on how to turn your vehicle into a clean and healthy space, not only during the two-week MCO period but also for the long run. 

To protect, disinfect

First and foremost, surfaces you touch on a regular basis should be frequently disinfected. So this would be items such as the steering wheel, gear knob, door handles (both inside and outside), as well as the engine ‘push start’ button and your car keys.

Recent studies show virus can survive for up to 2-3 days on plastic and stainless-steel surfaces[1]. This suggests that the virus might be lingering on any surface of your vehicle if not disinfected properly after human contact. Thus, it is important to wipe down all surfaces regularly, after purchasing your necessities.

The cleaning process does not end there though, as there are other areas within the vehicle that should also be thoroughly cleaned. For instance, if the audio system of your vehicle comes with a touchscreen, just like the Infotainment Head Unit (IHU) of the 2020 PROTON X70, the screen will be one area that needs regular cleaning. You can do so by using a soft cloth that has been lightly misted with anti-bacterial spray. Don’t overdo it though.

Apart from that, you should also periodically clean your vehicle’s seats. However, take note that leather seats might not be suitable to be cleaned with disinfectants. The harsh chemicals might ruin the material causing discoloration and breakage. Hence, you should look for appropriate cleaning solutions that are designed for cleaning leather seats, and make sure that your seats are completely wiped dry to avoid stains and cracks on the leather.

Hands-free, worry-free

At this point of time, everyone should already be familiar with the most basic advice on personal hygiene, which is to wash your hands regularly and minimise contact through gestures like handshaking and touching your face. This is because our hands are involved in most of the work throughout our day, from holding items to interacting with objects and people.

One way to minimise unnecessary hand-contact within your vehicle is to fully utilise the available hands-free functions such as voice command that allows you to control multiple things in the SUV, including what’s being played on the radio, stream music and the ability to navigate around town as well as utilising the power tailgate with foot sensor – all you have to do is to wave your foot under the rear bumper and it’ll automatically open as long as your key fob is in your pocket.

Clear the air and clear your mind

With an air purifier, harmful gases, bad odour and airborne bacteria are eliminated so that the air within your cabin remains fresh. Some vehicles, like the PROTON X70, have this built-in into the air-conditioning system. It is also wise to clear out any and all trash in the vehicle by giving it a thorough vacuum. This helps to remove dirt and bits of food that may attract pests.

As we face an extended MCO period, PROTON hopes that everyone practices good hygiene and most importantly, stays at home. However, should you be required to leave home, please take note of these tips above and drive safe! In these trying times, we have to stay safe and strong, Malaysia!

[1] “Covid-19: How long does the coronavirus last on surfaces?”, https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200317-covid-19-how-long-does-the-coronavirus-last-on-surfaces

2020 Volvo S90, V90 Debut – Mild Hybrids, Updated Aesthetics, Upgraded B&W Audio System

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With little fanfare, resurgent Swedish marquee Volvo has announced the arrival of the updated S90 & V90 flagship saloon & estate, as part of their ‘Recharge’ phase of growth now that they’ve effectively overhauled the entire lineup. As with any mid-life facelifts, the tweaks are less dramatic than all new models but still significant, and in this case, it’s what’s under the skin that counts.

The new S90 & V90 models now feature updated powertrains, offering mild-hybrid propulsion across the board. As such, Volvo claims efficiency improvements of up to 15%, as well as improvements towards overall smoothness in operation. This has been a particular bugbear of the current powertrain options, with markets used to larger displacement engines feeling that the 2,000cc-limited Drive-E mills aren’t quite as smooth as comparable V6 or V8 mills (but us Malaysians are already so very over that).

On the visual side, there are new bumpers on either end, with design elements that aim to emphasise the width of the cars on the road. Further, they lend an air of stability and assuredness on the road, though fans of the originals will find the new designs rather fussy. Notably, the rear bumpers on the S90 & V90 both omit any visible exhaust exits – a sign of fully-electrified options to come?

There are also new taillights on both the S90 & V90, both of which now feature illumination sequences when locking & unlocking, as well as scrolling indicators, though those are only at the rear.

Inside, there are now wider upholstery options to choose from, with all variants of both the saloon & estate offered a non-leather option that makes use of high-quality wool and textiles. This strategy was first  seen with the XC90 ‘Recharge,’ which debuted last year (both internationally and in our market), and appears to now be moving across the lineup.

The amazing Bowers & Wilkins audio system continues to feature here, though calling it a carry over would do it a disservice: B&W has engineered an all-new system for the new S90 & V90, offering improved dynamic bass, as well as a new setting that mimics the acoustics of your favourite jazz club. The B&W audio systems available in the 60 & 90 Series Volvos were already among the very best available in the automotive industry, so we’re keen to experience just how much better this ‘all-new’ system really is.

Going back to the nearly-imperceptible changes, the new S90 & V90 now offer an Advanced Air Cleaner with PM2.5 particulate sensors, a change that was first driven in China and is now being rolled out across the world. Thanks to this new air filtration standard, Volvo can now confidently claim that their interiors are among the freshest and cleanest environments to be in air-wise, building upon the ‘CleanZone’ technology that we’ve already gotten used to in their existing range of vehicles.

For better or for worse, Volvo has also taken the opportunity to announce that with the new S90 & V90, the company will now also exclusively offer USB-C charging ports in the rear, replacing the traditional 12V sockets, in all their 90 & 60 Series models. As someone without a USB-C to USB-C cable, this is a massive annoyance, though this writer understands that they are becoming more and more prevalent as time progresses.

Volvo is very proud that with the ‘Recharged’ S90 and V90, they are forwarding their intent to offer the broadest and most comprehensive range of electrified premium vehicles in the industry, with ‘an electrified Volvo model for everyone.’

It is unclear when the new S90 & V90 will make their way to Malaysia (if at all for the latter, though we can hope), but based on the remarks made by the Director of PR & Marketing at Volvo Car Malaysia, Mr. Akhtar Sulaiman, during the company’s 2019 ‘performance review,’ we can expect it to arrive on our shores within this year.

So what do you think of the ‘Recharged’ Volvo S90 & V90? Do you think that the design has improved with time, or are you of the mind that they shouldn’t have tried to fix what was clearly not broken? Let us know in the comments below.

PROTON X70 CKD Coming “Very Soon,” X50 Due Before Year-End

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At a luncheon event with the media today, CEO of Proton Cars Dr. Li Chunrong said that while 2019 has been an excellent year for the national flagbearer, the company has no intentions of slowing down.

Remarking that the company has successfully sold in excess of 100,000 cars in 2019 (an increase of over 55% over the preceding year), Dr. Li says the company is targeting a number over 130,000 this year, in an attempt to push its marketshare even further. PROTON successfully claimed the #2 spot in overall passenger car sales last year, and this year Dr. Li is insistent that they do even better.

To do this, Dr. Li says that the locally-assembled version of the highly-successful X70 will be coming “very soon,” packing updated and refreshed features better suited to the local market. These are, according to sources, inclusive of features like updated upholstery options, ventilated seats, and a power boot. There is also some talk of improved ADAS systems, though this remains speculative.

What is more concrete is the updated powertrain, with the 1.8 TGDI engine massaged to produce more power and torque, sent to the wheels via a new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. That should see improvements in fuel economy, a major issue with the current car, of up to 15%.

Another contributor to PROTON’s bold sales figures is the long-awaited introduction of the X50 compact SUV, which will arrive in our market packing a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, the same 7-speed DCT, and full local assembly.


Between these two models and the continued improvement of PROTON’s perception in the eyes of the buying public, the company is well on its way to improving its overall marketshare here. But one of the big factors in PROTON’s overall growth through 2020 will be its export activities, with Dr. Li hoping that the company will export to “more than 10 countries” by the end of the year.

PROTON appears to finally be on the right track with Geely, with our talented team of local engineers, supported by its vendors and suppliers, finally able to produce globally-competitive vehicles. Should they be able to maintain the momentum, it would not be without reason to believe that the Tiger will roar louder soon than it has ever been.

BUDGET 2020 for Motorists – The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

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At the time of writing, Finance Minister YB Lim Guan Eng has just wrapped up his presentation on the 2020 Budget, which sees lots of benefits and lots of drawbacks for motorists. We’re going to leave the analysis of the larger portions of the budget (including the near RM70-billion allocated to the Education Ministry) to the news pundits, and we’re going to focus on what matters to our audience.

The 2020 Budget has confirmed, cemented, and put to rest some of the rumours and initiatives that have been floating around of late, such as the reintroduction of GST. It’s also revealed that the Government is making good on its promise to reduce certain motoring costs in stages, due to the current financial strain that the administration is subject to.

We’ll start with the good bits:

  1. The Government will take over the KESAS, SPRINT, and LDP highways, as well as the SMART Tunnel. Upon doing so, the Government will abolish all toll charges on the aforementioned motorways, and replace them with congestion charges during peak and normal hours. These peak & normal rates will see a reduction of 30% over current toll charges, while off-peak hours will see zero congestion charge. This ensures that the takeover of the aforementioned motorways will come at no financial burden to the government, as the takeover will be paid for by the congestion charge.
  2. The Government has negotiated with PLUS Berhad to reduce toll charges on all PLUS motorways by 18%. This naturally includes the North-South Highway, the New Klang Valley Expressway, the Seremban-Port Dickson Highway, the North-South Expressway Central Link, the Malaysia-Singapore 2nd Link, and the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway. This will save motorists RM43-billion by the expiration of the PLUS concession in 2038.
  3. The Government will match the toll rates of the 2nd Penang Bridge to that of the Penang Bridge, reducing current toll charges of RM8 to RM7.
  4. The Government will no longer grant concession extensions to any motorway operator in the country.

These are of course majorly welcomed boons for Malaysian motorists, who will likely find that their daily commute & occasional trips are about to get cheaper come 2020.

There are however a number of cons to the 2020 Budget, which include:

  1. The gradual removal of the fuel price cap system in the Peninsula, which has thus far been responsible for ensuring the stability of fuel prices (and by correlation, the cost of goods and services).
  2. The price cap removal will be replaced with two targeted subsidy systems. The first, for recipients of Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH) will see the direct creditation of RM30/month for car owners and RM12/month for motorcycle owners. Those eligible must own a car below 1,600cc (or 1,600cc> if above 10-years of age), or a motorcycle <150cc (or 150cc> if in excess of 10-years of age), and the Government will credit the subsidy directly into eligible BSH accounts.
  3. All motorists that do not receive BSH will be entitled to receive KAD95, which will permit a subsidy of 30-sen/litre for the first 100L/month for car owners, and 40L/month for motorcycle owners. This will, in theory, ensure the continued stability of prices and managed inflation in the face of the return to the open-market float system.

We at MalaysianMotoring feel particularly strongly about the removal of the fuel price cap, as we believe that by removing the price cap, the Malaysian economy is about to be subject to yet another unilateral price increase of goods & services. The Malaysian government has failed to outline how the floated fuel price system will ensure stability for logistical networks, transportation networks and the like, all of which we depend on entirely to get the goods & services we need to survive.

Without wanting to sound like a fearmonger, let’s all take note that on this day, the 11th of October 2019, the price of a Snack Plate at KFC is RM14.95.

Let’s see where it goes after this.