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2020 Honda Accord Launches – 2 Variants, 1.5L VTEC Turbo, RM186k-RM196k

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At a small event in Kota Damansara, Honda Malaysia has pulled the wraps off the latest-generation Honda Accord, which was first shown to the world in North America some two years ago. With a sharper design that is more in keeping with current trends, a downsized turbocharged petrol mill, as well as more on-board gadgetry and niceties than ever before, the 10th-generation Honda Accord is most certainly defending the significance of D-segment saloons with great vigour.

First, the big change: Under the bonnet you will no longer find a naturally-aspirated mill of any kind here in Malaysia – instead there is just a 1.5-litre turbocharged VTEC powerplant, lifted wholesale out of the Honda CR-V, to produce 201PS and 260Nm. Notably, this is a higher state of tune compared to our neighbours in Thailand and Indonesia, who make do with less PS and fewer Nms. Power goes to the front wheels via a CVT automatic transmission; with this combination, we’ve little doubt that the ‘magical’ fuel economy figures that Honda owners have been reporting from this engine will continue to prevail.

Let’s talk about the objective stuff now. The 10th-generation Accord wears a new design language that is respondent to design trends & consumer demands of the day. As such it looks far more sophisticated than before, with its more upright face, more prominent headlights (which are full-LED by the way), sleeker roofline (looks a little like the Civic here), and LED taillights. The taillights themselves now adopt the same ‘crab claw’ design as the Civic, which means that forum posters & armchair critics will now have to add ‘Accord Ketam’ to their list of unique terminology.

The new look doesn’t compromise practicality though, thanks to intelligent design. The rear seats for example offer a 50mm increase in legroom over the outgoing model, and the boot is now 28L larger at 473-litres in total. Overall, the new Accord is now shorter and lower than before (length reduced 10mm to 4880mm, height down 15mm to 1450mm), but it is now wider (10mm up, 1860mm total) and sits on a much longer wheelbase (55mm gain to 2830mm).

Another big change comes in the kit list for the range-topping TC-P model – the Accord comes with Honda’s full Sensing Suite rage of systems, which include things like Lane Keep Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, Collision Mitigation Braking System (or Autonomous Emergency Braking, AEB), Forward Collision Warning, as well as Adaptive Cruise Control which now includes Low Speed Follow. This of course comes in addition to the usual gamut of safety features like vehicle stability assist (VSA), traction control, ABS and brake assist. Also standard are 6 airbags.

Despite the new Honda Accord being fully-CKD at the Honda plant in Melaka, it is actually priced comparably to the fully-imported Toyota Camry, in terms of price. With the new Accord starting at RM185,560 for the 1.5TC and RM195,560 for the 1.5TC-P (with Sensing), it will have to duke it out toe-to-toe with the Toyota Camry and the Volkswagen Passat 2.0TSI Elegance. That said it does represent a significant jump over the outgoing car with its naturally-aspirated engines, though the money does go towards improved interior trim, upgraded engines, and up-to-the-minute safety technology.

What do you think of the new 10th-generation Honda Accord? Is the Accord Ketam about to be how you fend off the advent of SUVs? Let us know in the comments below.

VIDEO: 2020 Perodua Bezza Lands – 3 Variants, ASA 2.0, RM35k-RM50k

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National carmaker Perodua has today unveiled their refreshed Perodua Bezza, arriving to the market some 5 months after the launch of the updated PROTON Saga, and some four years after the model was first introduced. The Perodua Bezza has comfortably held the position as the most popular A-segment saloon since it was first launched back in 2016, with 184,000 units sold – critically however, that position has since been threatened by the new Saga, with the PROTON snagging the title as the best-selling compact saloon in the segment for two months in 2019.

This refresh then is critical for Perodua, as this updated Bezza will be tasked with fending off PROTON’s new contender for a few more years. But with the Saga holding a clear price advantage, the new Bezza truly tests Perodua brand loyalists like never before, with a gap as wide as RM10,000 in favour of the Saga at the top end. However, with pre-facelift models sold out since mid-December, bookings for Bezza models from last year were converted into bookings for the new car, which were then added to the 2,000 bookings received for the new Bezza since the registration of interest opened 5 days ago – which means that right off the bat, the new Perodua Bezza has some 10,000 orders already locked and loaded, with a further 4,000 units a month expected to move once orders stabilise.

The new Bezza continues to offer the same array of engines, with a 1.0-litre three cylinder motor in G models, and a 1.3-litre four-cylinder in the X and AV models. The pair put out 67hp/91Nm & 94hp/121Nm respectively, with a 4-speed automatic shared across the range. Only the base G comes with the option of a 5-speed manual now though, with manual X models being dropped from the lineup.

The changes with this refresh are limited to just specs and aesthetics, then. The new Bezza arrives with a more aggressive face, topped by new slim headlights and a new grille. The headlights are now LED and standard across the range, a move taken from the larger Myvi and Aruz. Down the flanks there are new alloy wheels – the 14s for the G models are shared with the smaller-capacity Myvi variants, while the 15s for the X and AV are an entirely new dual-tone design.

At the rear, changes are limited to a new bumper with a more aggressive design and ‘diffuser,’ as well as a new garnish between the taillights.

Inside, Perodua has lightly tweaked the aesthetics, though some changes are more obvious than others. The first thing that stands out is the incorporation of a contrasting silver element that runs across the dash, flicking upwards in the middle and framing the new centre stack. That centre stack itself now houses a new infotainment unit, again nicked from the Myvi and Aruz, which should offer things like satellite navigation and smartphone mirroring. Elsewhere there’s a new instrument cluster, featuring a more sophisticated look designed to inspire drivers (kononnya) that’s also now backlit in white for improved legibility.

There are no changes to report in the rear-half of the cabin though – unfortunately the rear bench remains as upright as it has ever been, a serious gripe among Bezza owners and potential buyers, though they seem to be a bit more sculpted to improve comfort somewhat. There are also no changes to the boot, with 508L of capacity on offer still. However with the facelift, Perodua has opted to add a small luggage net to the side of the boot, to improve load carrying capabilities a little bit.

Safety-wise, the Bezza continues to do well, at least for the posher variants. The X and AV models soldier on with 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety ratings, while the G models make do with just 4. ABS and EBD are standard across the range, while vehicle stability (VSC) and traction control (TSC) are the reserve of 1.3-litre models, with the AV going further by adding ASA 2.0.

Overall, the new Bezza certainly seems ready to take on the new PROTON Saga, albeit at a price disadvantage. That said with benchmark levels of kit and ten thousand units set to be delivered by the end of January, the Perodua Bezza shouldn’t have a tough time finding its way into the hearts and minds of buyers at all.

2020 Perodua Bezza Open For Booking – Specs Confirmed, Prices Leaked

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Following our publication of leaked publicity shots of the 2020 Perodua Bezza last night, we received early this morning news from Perodua that the order books are now open on the new model.

Included in the press release regarding the commencement of bookings was a helpful graphic to list down all the new features of the Perodua Bezza, helping to confirm some of the specifications we speculated about in our earlier post.

It confirms that the Bezza will follow the same route as the recently-facelifted Axia, offering only three trim levels: G 1.0, X 1.3, and AV 1.3. Only the entry-level G variant will be offered with a choice between a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic, with the rest of the range getting only the automatic transmission.

Additionally, only the G models will go on sale without safety features lke vehicle stability control (VSC) and traction control (TRC). ABS and electronic brake distribution (EBD) are, mercifully, standard. So too are electric side mirrors, with G & X models now getting integrated turn signals, and AV models getting electric folding units instead.

The bigger news pertains to the X and AV models, with both featuring VSC and TRC as standard, but the AV now gets advanced safety assist (ASA 2.0) for the first time, just like the facelifted Axia. This is in line with Perodua’s goal of moving the industry forwards by offering innovative features at unbeatable pricepoints to set the bar higher for its competitors.

The press release also confirms what we already know – there are new bumpers on either end, standard LED headlights across the range, a smaller upper grille (with different finishes for 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre models) and larger under-breather, and new alloy wheels (14-inch units for the 1.0-litre, and 15-inch ones for the 1.3-litre models). The facelift Bezza also touts a redesigned instrument cluster (now featuring white backlighting) and keyless entry & go (1.3-models only).

What we’ve also managed to get our hands on are price-lists for the new 2020 Perodua Bezza, though so far we cannot confirm the veracity of these documents. It states that the prices for the new Bezza will be as follows:

  • Perodua Bezza G M/T – RM34,580
  • Perodua Bezza G A/T – RM36,580
  • Perodua Bezza X A/T – RM43,980
  • Perodua Bezza AV A/T – RM49,980

*all prices are on-the-road, without insurance

What’s worth noting is the RM7,400 price gulf between the G and X variants, a gap that’s large enough to lose some customers in between. Normally carmakers will try and price their products close enough that potential customers can be ‘upsold’ to the plusher model, but it seems that Perodua is taking a slightly different tact here.

Additionally, the Perodua Bezza AV is now nearly RM10,000 more expensive than the new PROTON Saga Premium, which is also offered with a 1.3-litre engine and a 4-speed automatic. This is again in keeping with Perodua’s shift to becoming a value-driven brand rather than a maker of economy cars, as they have no doubt that buyers keen on getting the best features in the category (like ASA 2.0, LED headlights, and keyless entry/go) will not be swayed by the more affordable PROTON.

Two body colours new to the Bezza – Garnet Red (exclusive for 1.3-litre models) and Granite Grey – join the existing four colours on offer (Ivory White, Glittering Silver, Ocean Blue, Sugar Brown) to make a total of 6 available colour choices.

What do you think of the new 2020 Perodua Bezza? Do you think it has what it takes to take on the PROTON Saga, currently Malaysia’s top-selling A-segment saloon? Let us know in the comments below.

Ferrari Introduces New Roma – 3.9l V8, 612bhp

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“La nuova dolce vita,” or ‘the sweet new life’ is the tagline that legendary Italian marque Ferrari have gone with to usher in the arrival of the Ferrari Roma, a new front-engined V8 coupe that sits above the Portofino cabriolet and below the mid-engined F8 Tributo. Sporting a new design language for Ferrari’s mainstream models, the Roma’s design is inspired by the 50s and 60s grand tourers that personified the era, and is described by Ferrari as a new-generation GT car.

Technically a 2+2 (with the two rear seats reserved for the friends you wish hadn’t asked you for a lift), the Roma sports the award-winning 3.9-litre V8 engine, producing 612bhp and 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm. Power goes to the rear wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch auto, capable of rocketing the thing from 0-100km/h in just 3.4-seconds (which to us, means one second faster than a Volvo S60 T8).

The new Roma is also the first Ferrari to feature the new 8.4-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen that works in tandem with the digital instrument cluster to create a visual & technical experience never before enjoyed in Maranello’s products. You also get a “totally new” exhaust system for drivers who can’t be bothered with the infotainment nonsense – we’ve no doubt that valuable information will be displayed via the enormous 16-inch instrument cluster screen too.

No word from Ferrari Malaysia – Naza Italia regarding availability (to be fair it was only just unveiled) but we’ll sure be asking tomorrow morning…

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.

SPIED: ’19 PROTON Saga In Showrooms Ahead Of Launch

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It seems that PROTON’s all ready to reveal its newest baby, a heavily-updated version of the current-generation Saga that’ll go a long way in righting a few wrongs. The PROTON Saga is a favourite among the MalaysianMotoring team (both videographers own one, albeit different generations) and with the newest model, PROTON aims to address bugbears that have bothered current-gen Saga owners for a while.

These spyshots, courtesy of our friends at Funtasticko reveal much about the new model. For starters, the exterior has been given a light going-over in the same vein as the updated PROTON Iriz & Persona, with a new colour palette (this one is called Rosewood Maroon and we like it), updated bumpers front and rear (with the fronts now gaining LED daytime running lights for the Premium variant), and new alloys (14″ for entry-level variants and 15″ for the Premium).

Inside the changes are pretty major though, with a floating central touchscreen infotainment system, with the full ‘Hi PROTON!’ GKUI system in the Premium, and the usual non-touchscreen system for the lower tiers. There’s also an updated instrument cluster ahead of the driver that now features a more modern speedometer & tachometer, as well as a dot-matrix driver’s information display nestled between the dials. Looks rather snazzy, doesn’t it?

While there’s been no official confirmation from PROTON, we’re made to understand that under the skin, the ’19 PROTON Saga will continue to use the same 1.3-litre VVT engine as the outgoing car with no major changes to the engine, but the Punch-sourced CVT-automatic gearbox has been swapped out with a 4-speed auto unit from Hyundai. This should improve NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) levels in the car dramatically, as well as address the Saga’s current issues of lacklustre transmission response, particularly in town and when driving spiritedly.

It may also hamper fuel consumption over long-distance drives, but that remains to be seen.

PROTON has yet to release official pricing for the ’19 PROTON Saga, but with the launch slated for later today, the wait shouldn’t be all too long now.

PROTON X50 Coming August 2020? – Report

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While PROTON runs on a high with a whopping 61% increase in sales in the first half of this year, Malaysians are keeping their eye on the horizon. The ‘X50’ is set to be the next SUV model from the marque, offering all of the appeal of the larger X70 with a more approachable pricetag. The X50 will be based on the Geely Bin Yue, a car that has been spotted testing on local roads several times already by eagle-eyed spotters.

An article on The Malaysian Reserve, citing an insider source, says that the company is indeed in the process of getting the X50 out to market, but it’ll take a little bit more time than for the X70. For the larger car, the first phase (which is still ongoing) saw the full importation of the car from China, where it’s built in right-hand drive alongside its left-hook brethren. This made the most sense at the time of the investiture agreement between Zhejiang Geely and PROTON Holdings as one of the clauses was that PROTON had to produce a Geely-based model, on sale, within one calendar year.

Also considering the sheer volume the base Geely Boyue enjoys in its home market, it wouldn’t have come at considerable cost to them to tool it for RHD. Furthermore, the Malaysian government had agreed to give PROTON a special tax allowance for the CBU X70, as to permit a faster turnaround time and competitive pricing.

However, the X50 will employ a different route. With the upgrading works at PROTON’s Tanjung Malim plant on schedule, the X50 will be a fully-CKD model, assembled here in Malaysia. That move will purportedly save PROTON & Geely some RM200-million in required changes to the plant in China to produce the X50 in RHD, and by tooling Tanjung Malim to produce the car in such a configuration, would also allow PROTON to engage in export activities to the right-hand drive markets that they compete in.

It is speculated that the X50 will carry a pricetag between RM70k-RM85k, which would make it a very attractive proposition indeed, particularly considering that the (larger & more utilitarian) Perodua Aruz tops out at RM78k.

It’s clear that the gentlemen’s agreement between Malaysia’s two local automakers, who now sit as the 1st and 2nd best-selling marques on local shores, is turning out well. There will always be a Perodua for those looking for no-nonsense zero-hassle motoring, and a PROTON for those keen on more sophistication, dynamics, and luxury.

2019 GEELY BIN YUE SPORT – GALLERY