REVIEWED: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4 – Justified Premium

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The Toyota RAV4 made quite a splash when it was launched here earlier this year for all the wrong reasons – while the size, safety, and refinement of the RAV4 were all pros, its price was what got all the attention. With two variants on offer, differentiated only by their powertrain, prices started at a little over RM200k – marking a gap of over RM100k from its main rival, the PROTON X70.

However, the RAV4 does claw back some brownie points. For starters, its inclusion of Toyota’s Safety Sense suite of advanced driver assistance systems (bundling Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Pre-Collision Warning) makes it one of the most comprehensively-equipped entrants in that regard, and its offering of a large naturally-aspirated engine will no doubt appeal to buyers looking for a low-stress low-maintenance option in their large SUV.

Speaking of large, the use of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-K) platform also means there’s acres of space inside for people and things, who can all enjoy the added refinement and comfort offered by it. It claims the largest boot in its class, and its rear seat space is arguably one of the better showings we’ve seen. And when you add to that features like Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, ventilated front seats, and a two-stage reclining rear bench, you realise that UMW Toyota’s been very smart about how it’s packaged the 5th-generation RAV4 for our market.

Would it be more attractive as a locally-assembled proposition? Sure, of course it would be. But does it suffer as a result of being fully imported? Well…

GALLERY: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4 2.5

2020 Toyota RAV4 Revealed – 2.0 and 2.5, From RM196k

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UMW Toyota Malaysia has today unveiled their latest entrant into the burgeoning SUV space, in the form of the all-new Toyota RAV4. The RAV4 is an important nameplate not just for Toyota but for the crossover segment as a whole, as it’s widely credited for establishing the urban-focused high-riding utility vehicle that everyone so desperately wants today. And in this latest generation, Toyota has aimed to move forward with the sort of confidence that only they could have with the RAV4 brand, and they certainly have done.

The new RAV4 is underpinned by Toyota’s New Global Architecture or TNGA, which offers better packaging, more efficient use of material, and overall weight savings while also improving rigidity. TNGA also means that the new RAV4 can make full use of Toyota’s newest engines – the RAV4 is available with DynamicForce petrol engines in both 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre displacements, with a CVT automatic for the former and an 8-speed torque-converter automatic for the latter. Both are exclusively front-wheel drive.

While the engines offer some choice, the rest of the RAV4 packaging locally does not. Both cars are identically equipped: Both run on 18-inch alloy wheels, both cars get 6 exterior colour options, they feature LED headlights, the cabin trim are identical… We’re not sure what UMW Toyota is getting at here, but we’re sure that when we do get to ask them what was going through their minds, we’ll get a satisfactory answer.

What we certainly appreciate with the new RAV4 is the comprehensive list of safety features. The new SUV arrives with Toyota Safety Suite as standard, which comprises of adaptive cruise control, collision warning, lane departure warning with lane-keep assist, as well as an automatic high-beam function. This puts the RAV4 on par with segment stalwarts like the Honda CR-V and the PROTON X70; However, the RAV4 is a fully-imported model, which brings about its own issues that we’ll get to later.

Inside, we finally get to see Toyota getting a little more playful after they admitted to playing it safe for far too long. Major touchpoints within the cabin benefit from soft-touch materials to elevate the sensory experience, while key features such as a semi-digital instrument cluster, large infotainment screen with Apple & Android smartphone mirroring, Qi wireless charging, as well as an electrically-adjustable driver’s seat with memory functionality means that you’re certainly given a premium feel. There’s also dual-zone climate control & front-seat ventilation, which again puts it on par with the PROTON X70.

There’s masses of space for people and luggage alike: Toyota boasts class-leading bootspace, thanks to packaging ingenuity. A feature that we like alot is the reversible boot floor, that allows you to reverse the side used to floor the boot from either a carpeted surface (good for luggage bags & general day-to-day flotsam) to a waterproof, hard-wearing plastic surface that’s more suited to dirtier, or wet items. Further, the boot floor can be adjusted from a high position (offering a lip-less cargo space) to a lower position that can better accommodate taller items. Of course, the rear seats can also be folded 60:40 or completely flat, should you find yourself in IKEA over the weekend.

The new Toyota RAV4 will be available in showrooms this week, with prices starting at RM196,436 for the 2.0-litre model, and topping out at RM215,664.50 for the 2.5-litre model. All cars will benefit from a 5-year warranty as well as manufacturer-backed servicing & aftersales.

6 SST-Free Bargains You Must Snap Up – Peroduas, Toyotas, BMWs, Volvos

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Buy a new car, save the economy. Who could argue with that?

Earlier today, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that as part of the PENJANA COVID-19 economic stimulus package, new car purchases are set to see between a 50% reduction and 100% reduction of their sales & service tax as a way to stimulate sales in the automotive segment. This announcement came as a welcome move by the automotive sector, who are now hoping that things really can go back to normal for them.

As sales tax has long been part & parcel of any new car, many Malaysians are unaware of just how much SST they pay for on a new car. For reference, all new cars are subject to 10% SST – therefore, the ‘discounts’ on a new car can be easily calculated at 10% for locally-assembled or CKD vehicles, while there’ll be a 5% retail price reduction for fully-imported cars.

To give you an idea of what that looks like, we’ve listed down 6 excellent cars from across the spectrum, beginning with everyone’s favourite Perodua Myvi, all the way up to the segment-leading & benchmark-setting Volvo XC90, as well as a reference in between of what a fully-imported purchase would feel like right about now too.

It’s worth noting of course that as SST is applied only to the nett selling price, the figures that we’re suggesting here are likely a bit hopeful – based on what we saw during the last ‘tax holiday,’ we should expect to see decreases between 3%-5% at the most off retail selling prices. But given the current situation, car companies would be remiss not to put their best deals forward to lure customers back into showrooms and into new cars, no?

PERODUA MYVI 1.5 AV – RM48,681 (RM5409 expected reduction)

The Perodua Myvi is a firm favourite for all Malaysians, with the B-segment hatchback racking up an average of 100,000 annual sales every year since its introduction nearly 13 years ago. With lots of space, punchy performance, and levels of safety & convenience kit that would put most of its competitors to shame, the Perodua Myvi is a tough car to beat, which is why it dominates the sub-RM100k segment almost entirely.

Watch our review of the Perodua Myvi here.

PERODUA ARUZ 1.5 AV – RM70,110 (RM7790 expected reduction)

The Perodua Aruz is another one of the Sg. Choh company’s runaway successes, though while the Myvi is famously known as the surprise hit, the Aruz was far more calculated. Dominating the sub-RM100k SUV space and taking the cake as Malaysia’s most popular SUV, the Aruz provides acres of space & practicality, and offers car-like usability & functionality despite the commanding ride height. And paired with traditional Perodua running costs, it’s no wonder that its Japanese sibling (which is built in the same factory with the same powertrain by the same people, mind) is failing to gain traction…

You can watch our review of the Perodua Aruz here.

TOYOTA COROLLA 1.8G (CBU) – RM132,893 (RM6995 expected reduction)

The Toyota Corolla is actually our only fully-imported example car we’re putting in the list, on the account of its great styling, amazing safety kit, and impressive performance. The Thai-built Corolla (now free of the ‘Altis’ name previous generations carried) is an excellent example of what we can expect to see from the Japanese marque going forwards – more engaging design, a more engaging drive, better technology, and the same tried-and-tested Toyota value.

(We haven’t reviewed the Toyota Corolla yet, so there’s no review to plug here…)

BMW 330i M-Sport (CKD) – RM264,420 (RM29,380 expected reduction)

The de-facto choice in the compact executive saloon space, BMW Group Malaysia was wise to quickly introduce the CKD version of this car when it did. Not only did it offer a massive saving over the fully-imported first batch of cars, but it demonstrated the excellent quality control measures implemented by the local assembly plant, proving that there’s literally nothing to lose.

Notably, the G20 3-Series is now a sharper drive than the F30 it replaces, which means it has returned to form as the driver’s choice in the segment. Not that the majority of its buyers seek it out specifically for that, in all honesty.

(We also haven’t reviewed the G20 BMW 3-Series. Do these car companies not like us?)

Volvo S60 T8 R-Design (CKD) – RM266,299.20 (RM29,588.80 expected reduction)

We threw this in here because it’s an absolute favourite of ours at MalaysianMotoring – with restrained styling, mind-bending performance, unbelievable (yet verified) fuel economy and standard-setting safety, the Volvo S60 is a very difficult car to fault. Couple that with a truly refined ride and the ability to outsprint a Mercedes-AMG C43, and this Swede begins to show its more brutish side.

This car is like Dwayne Johnson in a suit. Ever a gentleman, but still able to knock your jaw out at 20 paces.

(Do we not review enough cars on this website? Thank God we’ve already driven the next one…)

Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription Plus (CKD) – RM368,899.20 (RM40,988.80 expected reduction)

Another favourite in the office, but also a favourite among buyers – in the 7-seater SUV space, the Volvo XC90 is not only the segment leader in terms of safety, performance and standard equipment, but it’s also the most affordable of the bunch, outpricing its nearest competitors by about 5-figures at the minimum. And it’s no Turkish prison either, with sumptuous Nappa leather seats, mesmirising Bowers & Wilkins premium audio, a solid crystal gear selector knob, and the sort of ride comfort that would shame everything short of a Rolls-Royce. The Volvo XC90 may have led Volvo’s transformation into the company we see today in the here-and-now, but it’s showing absolutely no signs of aging, or slowing down.

The Volvo XC90 was #Recharged for the 2020 model year – check out our review here.

So our advice is this – if you find yourself with money to burn, a secure job and secure income, now is the best time to buy a car. Not only will you be saving way more than any seasonal promotion, but you’ll also be directly helping our beloved local automotive industry and the millions of people that it employs directly & indirectly stay afloat.

And boy, don’t we Malaysians just love our cars?

  • The new Mercedes-Benz EQC makes its regional debut in Malaysia, alongside the new Mercedes-Benz S560e Plug-In Hybrid, as well as the Mercedes-Benz C300e Plug-In Hybrid
  • Mr. Michael Jopp, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, with the refreshed Mercedes-Benz GLC range featuring MercedesMe Connect

UMW Toyota Restarts Manufacturing, Assembly Plant

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UMW Toyota Motor Sdn. Bhd. has announced that its subsidiary, Assembly Services Sdn. Bhd. (ASSB) which is wholly responsible for the assembly & manufacturing of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, will resume its operations in full compliance with the guidelines & operating procedures as part of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO).

They are doing so with the full approval of the Selangor state government, which has implemented a stricter and more comprehensive list of requirements with regards to the resumption of business as compared to the regulations stated by the Ministry of International Trade & Industry, and approved by the Federal Government.

ASSB suspended all operations on March the 18th, as directed by the Federal Government upon the announcement of the Movement Control Order.

“We are grateful to the Selangor State Government for its decision to implement the CMCO with customised details and understand that it is in the best interest of the state and people. With the resumption of operations, we hope to help in boosting the economy, and adding momentum to the automotive industry & business moving forwards.”

Mr. Ravindran K., President, UMW Toyota Motor

Federal & state legislatures demanded the adherence to strict standard operating procedures in order to obtain approval to resume business. These standard procedures include establishing a working distance of 1- or more metres between staff, regular temperature checks of all staff reporting for duty, the provision of hand sanitisers & face masks throughout the facility, as well as the complete sterilisation of critical areas around the facilities, which are to be conducted three times a day. Additionally, work flows & working hours have been adjusted as to ensure the safety & welfare of UMW Toyota & Assembly Services employees.

UMW Toyota Motor & Assembly Services will be resuming operations at full capacity, in adherence with the strict standard operating procedures as set out by both federal & state legislatures. ASSB is reportedly at full compliance, to ensure the safety of its reported 2,000 staff on site.

“Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) is very serious about providing safe & healthy conditions for all employees. As a member of the global Toyota family, ASSB can therefore draw on healthcare advice & best practices from TMC regarding additional measures that can be observed here in Selangor.”

Akio Takeyama-san, Deputy Chairman, UMW Toyota Motor

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

2020 Toyota Harrier Unveiled – 2.0L or 2.5-Hybrid, No Turbo, TNGA Platform

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The new Toyota Harrier has been unveiled in Japan, sporting a brand-new exterior design, sitting on a new TNGA platform and powered by TNGA powertrains. The turbocharged 4-cylinder unit from the outgoing model is gone – in its place now sits a choice between a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre unit (171PS/201Nm) or a 2.5-litre e-AWD Hybrid model (222PS combined). You can also get a Hybrid FWD model with the 2.5-litre mill too, though that only produces 218PS. All cars are mated with a CVT automatic gearbox in some form or another.

The new Harrier now features more active safety kit as standard, though how they’ll be distributed across the three trim levels (Z, G, S) remains to be seen. What’s clear though is that luxury and a ‘sense of calm’ are important factors for Toyota this time around, as the company has chosen a selection of low-contrast interior colourways and paired them with a panoramic sunroof that includes an electrochromatic feature on some models in order to meet those ends.

New technology also comes in the form of Toyota’s ‘Inner Mirror,’ which displays a camera feed from the rear into the centre mirror, allowing for a clear & unobstructed view of the road behind at all times, as well as a 12.3-inch TFT touchscreen infotainment display that will support Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.

The new 2020 Toyota Harrier will be made available in 7-colours.

So what do you guys think of the new Toyota Harrier? Interesting looking thing, isn’t it? We wonder if Toyota Malaysia will consider bringing in this new model – we’ve no doubt that if it does, it’ll be able to undercut the grey importers in terms of timeframe, which may even out the odds on pricepoint by the time grey import stocks arrive in our market.

Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival Round 3 – Stunning Upsets Enthrall 15,000 Spectators

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It was an exciting weekend during the third installment of the 2020 Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival, with the third round taking place in Batu Kawan, Penang. The three Vios Challenge races, between the professional Super Sporting class, the amateur Sporting class, and the celebrity-racing Promotional class, saw the fifteen thousand-strong crowd at the edge of their seats throughout the event, which took place over last weekend.

In the Super Sporting class, Freddie Ang clinched the win for Talagamas Toyota, beating out Andy Ho from Toyotsu and even defending champion, Boy Wong. Freddie managed to take the lead very early on in the 22-lap race, and successfully defending his pole position against an aggressive & determined Ho.

Class-favourite Tengku Djan Ley did not enjoy a successful outing, despite his fullest intent on maintaining his momentum after snagging a win during Round 1. Overcooking the first corner and sustaining damage to the rear of his car saw him pitted for two laps before rejoining the race, resulting in an insurmountable challenge for the seasoned racer.

In the Sporting class, two outings of the safety car saw the results of the race seriously upset from what would have been a rather predictable outing. Tom Goh from S&D Tama managed to secure a lead from the get-go, a position he maintained despite a 6-car pileup that saw 4 of the 16 competing cars removed from the race on just the second lap. But it was a second outing of the safety car, as a result of Shanmuganathan Arumugam spinning out with just two laps to the end, that saw Tom’s 2-second lead over Bradley Anthony, who had been defending his second place position against a determined Haji Sutan Mustaffa Salihin from SMS Motorsports, completely eradicated.

And it was in those two final laps that Bradley Anthony made a last-ditch attempt to take the lead from Goh, which he managed successfully in a nail-biting maneuver over the seasoned motoring journalist, with Anthony taking the win, followed by Goh & Haji Sutan Mustaffa.

In the Promotional class, the top three positions were secured by Shukri Yahaya, Nabil Ahmad, and Shawn Lee in the 20-lap race. Shukri’s lead was determined very early in the race, despite starting in 4th place, passing artistes Nabila Razali and Wany Hasrita who were powerless to stop Shukri’s momentum. Actress Janna Nick started at pole and maintained her lead for a couple of laps, before conceding the lead to Shukri who was determined to set a faster and more competitive pace.

That second-place position was however much better defended by Janna up until lap 4, where a bit of contact with challenger Shawn Lee saw her car spun round to face oncoming traffic. Diana Danielle managed to avoid Janna’s car, as did Nabila, but Syafiq Kyle drove straight into her vehicle.

“I wasn’t expecting a win, but I saw the opportunity when Wany & Nabila made a slow start [off the line]. It was my first win for the season, and I’m really happy with that.”

Shukri Yahaya

Aside from the races, there was plenty to be enjoyed at the TGR Festival for the whole family. UMW Toyota displayed their entire fleet of new cars, while Toyo Tires put on a drift performance executed by Japanese drift drivers. There were also racing simulator challenges, stage games, celebrity performances, lucky draws, merchandise sales, and a Super Fans signing session that allowed fans to get up close and personal with their favourite celebrities competing in the Promotional class.

City Architecture for Tomorrow Challenge Launched, By Toyota Mobility Foundation

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Japanese automotive juggernaut Toyota’s mobility-forward arm, Toyota Mobility Foundation, have today launched a next-generation urban development & traffic management global challenge today in Kuala Lumpur, with our capital city acting as the global testbed for the initiative. Named ‘City Architecture for Tomorrow Challenge’ (or CATCH), the challenge is to use data provided by partnering agencies, private firms and the Government to come up with innovative mobility solutions that improve overall mobility in the city.

Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) selected Kuala Lumpur after looking at several other capital cities around the world, convinced that our inclusive society, impressive technology penetration levels, and mobility data availability would make for the perfect pilot city. Working together with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), CATCH is Asia’s first global challenge that will attract innovative, data-driven entries from global participants. The aim is to raise efficiency in urban planning, and drive forward the future of mobility.

The launch event, held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, was graced by KL Mayor Dato’ Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan.

KL Mayor, Dato’ Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan

CATCH will seek to address mobility challenges in Kuala Lumpur with a global call for solutions. In the next 8 months, participants – who can come from startups, academic & research institutions, or even members of the general public – can ideate, conceptualise, and develop dynamic, intelligent, data-driven solutions that will help design future city infrastructures.

“TMF was set up to address mobility issues around the world, using a unique approach driven by sustainability, innovation, and partnership. CATCH was designed in partnership with the Malaysian government, to encourage data-driven but human-centered interventions to improve city planning and the mobility ecosystem.”

Shin Aoyama, President of Secretariat, Toyota Mobility Foundation

“Through CATCH, the global pool of talented startups, academics, and the world’s brightest minds can develop their next-generation urban digitalisation ideas and accelerate Kuala Lumpur’s evolution into a city of the future. The program is in-line with MDEC’s efforts to drive forward the country’s digital economy, catalyse next-generation innovation through Malaysia’s Global Testbed Initiative and reinforce the country’s position as the Heart of Digital ASEAN.”

Surina Shukri, Chief Executive Officer, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)

CATCH will provide participants with data to empower them to develop solutions that will be selected in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act. The data partners are made up of both public & private sectors that have different data points of a commuter’s journey, such as Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Polis DiRaja Malaysia, Agensi Pengangkutan Awam Darat, Grab, MapIT MSC, Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRT Corp), and Prasarana Malaysia.

Additionally, TMF will provide grants at every stage of the challenge, dipping into a US$1.5-million grant pool that will support teams towards the development & trial-testing of the solutions in Kuala Lumpur. Participants will also have access to expert mentors & an incubation period.