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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.

PROTON Brings N95 Filtration To X70 SUV – Standard On New Models, RM79 Retrofit

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As the nation continues to face the COVID-19 pandemic as we enter what hopes to be the final phase of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), the boffins at PROTON continue to innovate, with their customers remaining at the heart of all that they do. With many concerned regarding air quality and particulate filtration, it comes to no surprise that PROTON has met the challenge and has begun fitting all new X70 SUVs with N95-grade cabin air filters as standard.

The new system, called the PROTON Intelligent Air Purification System (P-IAPS) will be applied only to new X70s coming out of Tanjung Malim. However, existing X70 owners (CBU & CKD) can have the N95 cabin filters fitted at a PROTON service centre of choice as part of scheduled servicing, with the filter itself costing RM79 before labour & fitment charges.

“PROTON is constantly looking at ways to improve our offerings. The introduction of the N95 cabin filter is particularly relevant in today’s global environment and by improving the quality of air in the cabin, we hope to deliver a comfortable contaminant-free experience to our customers.”

Dr. Li Chunron, Chief Executive Officer, PROTON

The N95 cabin filters are technically capable of dealing with 95% of particles that measure more than 0.3-microns, and 98% of PM2.5 dust particulates. That means that smoke particles, dust, bacteria, and various other pollutants can be dealt with efficiently & quickly. Additionally, this filtration level is active regardless of the settings of your air-conditioning, so those who prefer fresh air intake and those who prefer recirculated air are equally well protected.

The P-IAPS system is more than just the cabin filter, however. The X70 has been available from launch with a High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter as standard, which is capable of dealing with 99.97% of all particulates that measure more than 0.3-microns. This also doubles up as an ioniser, discharging negative ions in the air and attracting positive ions into the filter, where activated carbon elements will remove odours, smoke, and formaldehyde.

For those looking to have the new N95 cabin filter fitted to their X70, PROTON will be offering a 15% discount (RM67.15 after discount, excluding labour & fitment charges) beginning from May 18th all the way to August 18th 2020. Service appointments can be made starting from May the 13th.

At the moment, P-IAPS is only available on the X70 SUV. However, the CEO did say that this may not continue to be the case for long:

“For now, P-IAPS will only be offered on the Proton X70 but our designers and engineers are working to fit the N95 cabin filter in our other models too.”

Dr. Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer, PROTON

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

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

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.

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