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

VIDEO: 2020 Perodua Bezza Driven – Small Changes, Big Differences

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Malaysian automotive heavyweight Perodua may have enjoyed market leadership for a good 16 years now, but perhaps now more than ever, there’s a fire under its ass to ensure that its lead isn’t compromised.

I don’t believe I have to go into detail here, but for the uninitiated, I’m talking about the challenges that fellow national carmaker PROTON has levelled at it throughout 2019. With every model in its lineup updated, purchase prices reduced, kit levels enhanced and aftersales service given a thorough going-over, PROTON has mounted an aggressive attack on the Malaysian market that threatens Perodua’s marketshare, which accounts for over 40% of the total number of cars sold in the last year. While models like the Myvi and Axia are beyond reproach, with the former accounting for almost half of all Perodua sales, the Bezza is in a far more precarious position.

With prices starting at RM34,580 for the 1.0-litre three-cylinder Bezza G (M/T) and rising up to RM49,580 for the top-flight Bezza 1.3 AV with Advanced Safety Assist, there’s a clear price-gulf between the models. Saga Premium vs. Bezza AV the price difference is enough to account for more than 4,700L of fuel, which could certainly power the lesser vehicle for quite a while, given that the one we own manages less than 6L/100km with daily use.

But with things like active driver assistance features, better modern conveniences, and tried-and-tested reliability, many argue that the Bezza can very easily justify its price premium. Couple that with the improved driveability, interior quality, and reduced NVH levels, the Perodua Bezza feels like a car that’s worth more than it is.

Don’t believe us? Check out our video review and see for yourself.

REVIEW: 2020 Hyundai Elantra – Surprises All Around

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One of the drawbacks of being a motoring journalist feted with test cars frequently is that you stop getting wowed by things. New technology, evolutionary engineering, and improved build quality and materials have become de rigueur in the automotive industry, and writers like me stop getting impressed with new cars sooner rather than later.

But the Hyundai Elantra, refreshed in mid-2019 to take on the C-segment saloon space against cars like the Honda Civic, the Toyota Corolla Altis, and the Peugeot 408, was a truly amazing surprise. Available in Malaysia in just one trim at one price (of RM109,888), it’s clear that Hyundai Sime Darby is focused on getting the left-field buyers, rather than appealing to the broad spectrum that makes up C-segment saloon buyers. This could perhaps end up playing to their advantage by reducing overhead costs – with so many buyers moving towards SUVs, the space for such cars is shrinking rapidly, and having a large and overly-complicated range of products could simply end up spelling financial ruin.

Now with (literally) sharper styling and improved ride & handling, the new Elantra saunters in with a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine with 152PS and 195Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Unfortunately that marks the end of the 1.6-litre turbo Elantra Sport, a car that caught alot of attention when it was launched, but ultimately failed to entice enough buyers. That engine does at least live on in the excellent Hyundai Tucson Turbo.

With all new cars offered with a 3-year/100,000km service package as well as a 5-year/300,000km warranty, the new Hyundai Elantra is certainly an appealing prospect. With tidy road manners, excellent refinement, and the sort of roughty-toughty build quality that will last ages, will the refreshed 2020 Hyundai Elantra be just the car you need for you and your family?

2019 Mercedes-Benz C300 Coupé – Reviewed

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“But would you rather have an AMG C43?”

Coupés have not traditionally been given alot of thought in this country. Perhaps due to our Asian obsession with practicality and value, two-door vehicles have always been seen as one of the penultimate flights of fancy, superseded only by the cabriolet. And at RM416,888 for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300 AMG-Line Coupé most would ask, why not just get the saloon and save what, RM100k?

It’s a fair question. The saloon has better equipment (read: AIRMATIC suspension), it has a more supple ride (read: AIRMATIC suspension), and a greater breadth of ability (read: AIRMATIC suspension). It also has more space in the rear, and a slightly larger boot.

But if you think that way, then you’re not the intended buyer of a C300 AMG-Line. No, if you think in terms of how luscious the blue hue is on our test car, and how gorgeous the brown leather is, and just how poyo I look behind the wheel in my Mercedes-Benz sunglasses… then you’re the kind of person interested in the C300 AMG-Line Coupé.

But the real question is: At that price, would you have this beautiful German mistress, or add a little more and bring home the brutish AMG C43?