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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GALLERY – 2023 CHERY TIGGO 8 PRO LUXURY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GALLERY – 2023 CHERY OMODA 5 C 1.5T CVT

Volkswagen Updates Tiguan Allspace with IQ.Drive – Level 2 ADAS Features Standard

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Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) seems to have taken to heart years of criticism of their lacklustre fitment of active safety features. After updating the Golf GTi and Arteon to feature their IQ.Drive suite of technology, the marque has taken to their volume-seller Tiguan Allspace and done the same across all three models.

Available as the Allspace Life, Allspace Elegance and Allspace R-Line, the Tiguan has served as VPCM’s most profitable current model in the local lineup. By offering IQ.Drive advanced driver assist systems as standard on all variants, VPCM has effectively ensured the continued success of the Tiguan Allspace locally. 

IQ.Drive is Volkswagen’s moniker for their active safety features. Beneath the IQ.Drive umbrella are features like autonomous emergency braking (forward facing, with cyclist & pedestrian detection), adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with Side Assist (actively intervening if a driver manoeuvres into a vehicle in their blind spot), rear cross-traffic alert, and Lane Assist (or lane-keep assist). 

In addition to IQ.Drive, the 2023 Tiguan Allspace lineup also gains a wireless smartphone charger as standard, working perfectly with the wireless Apple Carplay & Android Auto that the Tiguan Allspace has always offered. 

The updated Tiguan Allspace lineup now starts at RM174,590 for the Allspace Life, rising to RM203,590 for the Allspace Elegance. The range-topping Allspace R-Line will set you back RM257,073.60 for its larger engine, all-wheel drive and improved specification, and all prices include Volkswagen’s Assurance Package (5-years unlimited-mileage warranty, 3-years scheduled servicing, 5-years roadside assistance), though all cars can be had with the standard 2-year warranty for added flexibility and savings.

Prior to the inclusion of IQ.Drive, we were among the first in the country to sample the facelifted Tiguan Allspace lineup locally, and you can watch our video review here. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GALLERY

BYD Delivers Its First 100 Malaysian Cars

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With 500 more units on the way.

Chinese new-energy vehicle brand BYD, distributed and represented in Malaysia by Sime Darby Motors, has delivered the first 100 units of its Atto 3 electric crossover to customers at a special event to mark the occasion. This marks a major milestone for the brand, which was launched in our market just last month. 

“With the delivery of the first BYD Atto 3 vehicles to our market, we look forard to maintaining our momentum with more units slated to reach Malaysia soon. [Sime Darby Motors] strives to cater to the growing demand for environmentally-friendly options among Malaysians, fuelling aspirations towards low-carbon mobility.”

Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director (Retail & Distribution), Sime Darby Motors

Having collected some 1,000 bookings in just 10-days following the launch, BYD’s Malaysian customers were convinced by the marque’s performance in its home market of China as well as across the globe. 

Offering competitive levels of safety and convenience technology coupled with a battery range that goes as far as 450km in real-world conditions on a single charge (for the Extended Range models; 400km is to be expected from the Standard Range variant), the BYD Atto 3 is available from just RM149,800 for the Standard, and topping out at RM167,800 for the Extended. 

You can check out our video coverage of the BYD Atto 3 launch here, and see what it’s like to drive here. 

Porsche Centre Johor Bharu Opens For Southern Customers

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‘Destination Porsche’ 4S Centre offers Porsche Classic Partner services too.

Sime Darby Auto Performance today unveiled its newest dealership, taking root in the southern city of Johor Bharu. The new state-of-the-art facility also debuts the new ‘Destination Porsche’ corporate identity within the full 4S centre, which is the first Porsche facility in the country to offer body & paint services for the marque. 

“It has been quite a year for our partnership with Porsche in Malaysia, with the first locally-assembled Cayenne rolling out of our plant in Kedah earlier this year, and now the addition of the first 4S Porsche Centre in Malaysia in Johor Bharu. The setup of this new dealership forms part of our plan to provide world-class standards of customer experience, for both Porsche and Sime Darby Motors.”

– Dato’ Jeffri Salim Davidson, Chief Executive Officer, Sime Darby Group Berhad

The 5,412-square metre facility necessitated an RM28-million investment on the part of Sime Darby Motors, and aims to offer southern fans of the Stuttgart brand a new place to call home. The interior demonstrates a clear focus on customer-centric brand experiences featuring multiple ‘experience modules’ such as E-Performance, Porsche Classic, the Fitting Lounge, Delivery Bay, and an area for Certified Pre-Owned vehicles. Customers will be entertained throughout the facility by highly-trained Porsche staff while also providing space for Porsche fans to gather and host events. 

The Johor Bharu Porsche Centre (PCJB) is equipped with a 175kW high-performance DC charger as well as 22kW AC chargers for Taycan customers. With the addition of PCJB, this completes Porsche’s intended corridor to allow Porsche Taycan customers seamless travel from north to south, pairing with Porsche Centres in Ara Damansara, Sg. Besi, and Penang. 

On a special note, PCJB is now the first-in-Malaysia Porsche Classic Partner, offering services to owners of Porsche cars from their heritage range. This gives enthusiasts the ability to tap into Porsche specialist knowledge on maintenance, repair and restoration of their cars.

With a full-range of services catering to every Porsche customer available in Johor Bharu, this signals Sime Darby’s continued commitment to the Porsche brand but also the potential to upgrade and enhance existing Porsche facilities throughout the country. 

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

Perodua Offers Assistance to Flood-Affected Customers

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Malaysian automotive heavyweight Perodua has today announced assistance for its customers affected by the flooding throughout the country.

For the uninitiated, flooding has wrought havoc across large swathes of the country owing to higher-than-usual rainfall. As a result, some of Perodua’s service centre operations have been affected, but the company and its distributors are working as swiftly as possible to resume normal service.

“Our customers are very important to us, and these value-added services are provided to help relieve some of the burden our customers have to face during this disaster,” said Perodua’s president & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

On the matter of “value-added services,” Perodua is offering various forms of assistance to affected customers. This comes in the form of towing service rebates (worth up to RM100 to bring your Perodua to the nearest service centre), free inspection for flood-affected vehicles, and discounts on selected original spare parts.

Spare parts will be offered with a 20% discount for customers whose cars have been damaged by the floods. “Our genuine spare parts come with a manufacturer’s warranty we ask our customers to not use imitation parts that may affect vehicle performance,” said Dato’ Zainal. These parts include all electronic items, engine overhaul gaskets, seats, door trims, and carpets.

Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad, President & CEO, Perodua

As of 19th December 2021, parts of Selangor, Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang are facing devastating flooding. The Malaysian Meteorological Department warns that the rainfall may continue and move towards other parts of the country, and has issued weather warnings.

For Perodua customers affected by the flooding with damaged vehicles, they can contact Perodua’s toll-free customer care line at 1-800-88-5555 to arrange for towing assistance (subject to terms & conditions).

Perodua On-Track To Hit 240,000 Sales Target This Year

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Local automotive heavyweight Perodua, which has managed to sell 96,281 vehicles through the first five months of 2021, is staying strong with its 240,000 targeted sales for the full year despite the challenging market conditions and the shortage of semiconductors. 

“While Perodua’s year-to-date May sales of 96,281 units marks an 82% increase than the 52,920 units sold in the same period last year, this achievement is distorted as the first Movement Control Order was in place from March to May last year.”

– Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad, President & CEO, Perodua

Dato’ Zainal went on to say that a fairer comparison would be against its year-to-date May sales from 2019, where the company managed to sell some 105,745 cars. This represents an 8.9% decrease in its sales performance. 

The impact rom the semiconductor shortage can be seen in the reduction in sales from April to May, from 20,339 units to 17,973 units, a decrease of 12%.

“Despite these challenges and barring further uncertainties moving forwards, we believe we will be able to meet our 240,000-unit sales target for 2021, as demand remains strong for all our models. We thank the Government for extending the sales exemption to end-2021, which will bolster our strong demand, encourage economic activity and help sustain the Malaysian automotive ecosystem.”

– Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad, President & CEO, Perodua

On the matter of service centre operations throughout the MCO period, Dato’ Zainal has advised that its customers contact their nearest service outlet for the latest information. And as for new-car handovers, the Perodua boss thanks their valued customers for their “understanding & patience in waiting for their Perodua vehicles,” as showrooms & sales activities remain halted throughout the MCO period. 

It is clear that the semiconductor shortage remains a serious issue among local manufacturers, and being Malaysia’s largest automotive manufacturer, Perodua would naturally be the first to be hit, and be hit most seriously. It is understood that the Rawang company is working as best it can to meet manufacturing demands as customers continue to stream in from every corner of the country, and this statement of confidence signals that they remain committed to fulfilling its sales obligations in the most timely manner possible. 

Perodua Targets 240,000 Sales In 2021, 9% Increase Over 2020

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Malaysian automotive heavyweight Perodua has set their sights high this year, with a targeted annual sales number of 240,000 cars before the year is up. This marks a meagre 9% increase over the 220,163 cars that they sold in 2020, with demand spiking as a result of the sales tax exemption offered by the Government. 

In 2019, Perodua sold 240,341 cars and set an initial target of 240,000 sales in 2020. But as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sg. Choh company revised its targets to 210,000 sales for 2020, which it comfortably exceeded by some 10,163 vehicles. 

Last year’s numbers were contributed most by the Perodua Myvi, with some 66,330 cars sold. This was followed closely by 59,651 Perodua Axias, 56,996 Perodua Bezzas, 22,494 Perodua Aruz SUVs, and 14,691 Perodua Alzas. Against a total industry volume (TIV) of 529,434 units, Perodua netted a marketshare of 41.6%.

“With the extension of the sales tax exemption to end-June 2021, recent COVID-19 vaccine developments and all our models continuing to be in demand, we believe 2021 to be the year of recovery.”

– Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad, President & Chief Executive Officer, Perodua

Dato’ Zainal added that Perodua and the Malaysian automotive ecosystem as a whole appreciates the support for the industry, and will extend its full cooperation to the government in ensuring that tall standard operating procedures (SOPs) are followed, with regards to COVID-19. Dato’ Zainal also said that with the estimated recovery of Perodua’s sales volume, the carmaker is expected to hit make a record RM6.5-billion in component purchases from the local automotive ecosystem in 2021. 

“With 2020 ending better than previously expected for Perodua and the industry, we are looking to increase our stock by boosting our production target to 272,000 vehicles this year – the highest in our history. This increase [in production targets] will replenish our stock to ensure brisk delivery this year. We thank all Malaysians for making us the nation’s best-selling carmaker for 15 successive years.”

– Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad, President & Chief Executive Officer, Perodua

On the after sales side, Perodua expects to see service intakes grow some 20% from the 2-million units seen in 2020 to 2.4-million units in 2021, comprising both new and current customers. Perodua will continue its efforts to transform its approach in every aspect, “be it in customer engagement, values, or even our operations, especially in our sales arm,” said Dato’ Zainal.

This approach will be dubbed ‘Perodua Smart Build,’ and will “revolutionise Perodua’s offerings while further improving the compact car company’s operational capabilities.” More information and impact of Perodua Smart Build will be announced in the “near future.”