It is the end of another working week for many of us, plus also the start of the final quarter of 2021! As more sectors are starting to reopen due to the ease of restrictions, we also get more caught up with other activities.
Apart from various local product launches and policies, news from the region and teasers to upcoming products are the topics of this week’s recap.
Gallery: 2021 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line – Beauty and the beast
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) launched the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4Motion facelift here without much time gap from its international launch. Apart from the handsome grille embedded with the striking DRLs, the technical features have been tremendously increased, without a large jump in retail price!
We do hope to be able to review the new Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4Motion in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, here is a gallery of the new sporty liftback.
Facts & Figures: Ferrari Portofino M “Modificata” launched in Malaysia
It has been quite an active 12 months for Naza Italia, with launches of various models under their stable. The latest model by Ferrari to reach our shores is the Ferrari Portofino M.
More than just a facelift, the Modificata or M refresh cycle brings mild upgrades to the engine and sees the fitment of a new 8-speed transmission.
UMW Toyota teases a hybrid SUV model on the website, full reveal in mid-October
After perhaps a gap of close to four years, UMW Toyota is restarting the assembly of hybrid models in Malaysia. While the digitally generated graphics are trying to hide all the details, the crossover silhouette plus some character lines answered the model in question as the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. A launch date has also been set.
Gallery: Suzuki Jimny now in Malaysia, from RM169k
More and more models are seeing their local launch in Malaysia. To close the month of September, Suzuki Malaysia has chosen to launch the iconic Jimny. The fully-capable SUV is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine and mated to a 4-speed automatic. Standard features include chunky H/T tyres, LED headlamps, 4WD with low-range and a touchscreen infotainment system.
Govt to study vehicle end-of-life policy for environmental reasons – old cars to be phased out soon?
Earlier this week also saw our Prime Minister deliver the 12th Malaysia Plan. In order to steer the nation towards carbon neutrality by 2050, the topic of phasing out old cars has been proposed.
End-of-life policy has been discussed but a definitive regulation or requirement has not been reached. Reasons used during previous proposals placed a tight rope on safety grounds, but the latest proposal now brings demolition of old vehicles as a step towards a cleaner environment.
Geely wants to build 5,000 battery swapping stations in China by 2025
Battery-as-a-service (BaaS) has proved to be a success in the eyes of Geely, as the company plans to radically increase the number of swapping stations. Pricing the battery out of the total cost of the electric vehicle not only lowers the price of the vehicle against competitors but also gather important data of customers usage and patterns whenever they return for a fresh unit.
All-new Toyota Avanza set to be unveiled in November, moving to front-drive layout
Here is a piece of news from our neighbours down south. The all-new Toyota Avanza is expected to be officially unveiled at the Indonesia Motor Show in November. The biggest surprise is the move from a rudimentary rear-wheel drive layout to a more efficient front-wheel drive platform.
