SUNDAY STAR, 11 JUNE 2017

Motoring
Festive
treats
It is that time again to check out
the best deals for the long drive
back this joyous Raya season.
2 Motoring SUNDAY STAR, 11 JUNE 2017

ACCORDING to a 2015 study by

The World Bank, Malaysians spent
250 million hours a year stuck in
traffic. Fast forward to this year,
the number has probably
increased.
Malaysia is blessed with one of
the best road systems within
Asean. There are highways
connecting all four corners of
peninsular Malaysia, allowing
Malaysians to drive to any
destination with ease.
The country also has the highest
number of Waze users among the
nations of Asean, which further
proves that we are driving more
than ever before. The number will
only rise with the upcoming Hari
Raya festivity.
There are more than 2.5 million
active Waze users in Kuala
Lumpur alone, ahead of the
metropoles of Jakarta and Manila.
Therefore, it is apt to say that
Malaysian families spend a major
portion of their time in the car.
During weekends, the highways
will be clogged with vehicles going

Your home on wheels

out of the cities. As this years Hari
Raya falls on a weekend, the
number of vehicles on the road
will be three or four times more
than usual.
The resulting highway crawl will
make the journey a long and tiring
one if the vehicle we are in is not
comfortable.
Hence, Malaysians should be
wise when choosing the vehicle
they want to ferry their family in.
There are a few key points that
one should consider when they
want to buy a new family car.
Comfort
This is a basic question as the
size of your family will determine
the genre of the vehicle.
olden days, people are advised to
put a large downpayment so that
they have a lower monthly
instalment. That will allow you to
get better cars.
However, there are now many
options in any price segment. Put
down the lowest downpayment
because you will never get the
money back.
Just make sure your monthly
instalment is within your budget
and does not wipe clean your
pockets after your Hari Raya
Therefore, our vehicles must have USB ports and at least two
The country also have the technology to protect all
occupants. Before purchasing a
12V sockets.
Also check important features
has the highest car, check its New Car Assessment such as the spare tyre. Being
number of Waze Program for Southeast Asia
(ASEAN NCAP) crash test result as
equipped with only a puncture kit
is not acceptable because it can
users among the well as its level of safety
equipment.
never repair more serious
punctures. If you are in the
nations of Asean, If you have babies, toddlers or outskirts, getting help at night
which further proves
plan to have them, you should get during the festive season can be a
vehicles with ISOFIX anchorage. daunting affair.
that we are driving You
must also look out for electronic
Maintenance
more than ever nannies such as traction control,

before. The number

A family of four or five can get a
B- or C-segment car. With older
children, you may need a larger
D-segment sedan. If you have more
than five family members, you
should consider an MPV.
Remember, boot space is equally
important because if you have
excess luggage that has to be stored
in the cabin, comfort will be
compromised.
Consider the number of people
travelling for the Hari Raya
festivities and make sure you have
enough space for everyones
luggage.
Budget
A decent sedan can now cost
slightly above RM36,000. In the
expenditure. Do not forget to factor
in maintenance costs and other
expenses.
Energy saving
To encourage car companies to
produce fuel-saving vehicles, the
Government offers a scheme of
lower tax for energy-efficient
vehicles (EEV).
With global fuel price on the
rise, it is not ideal to spend money
on inefficient vehicles. EEV cars
also have lower emission of air
pollutants.
With the impending traffic
congestion on the Hari Raya
weekend as everyone joins the
crawl back to their hometowns,
using an EEV will mean sparing a
will only rise with
the upcoming Hari
Raya festivity.
thought for the environment amid
celebrations.
Safety
Malaysia has one of the strictest
vehicle homologation standards in
the region due to our good road
system, we have more cars on the
roads travelling at higher speeds.
stability control and blind spot
indicator.
Appropriate safety controls and
equipment mean lower risk of
crashes and you can be reassured
of your familys safety while
travelling.
Features
With so many options in the
market, it is also good to check the
unique features of each of the
models.
Entertainment is important for a
family. An MPV with a video player
and screen feature is good as it
keeps the children entertained
throughout the trip.
Do count how many charging
points there are. Modern cars now
Some brands might have
friendly retail prices, especially
during the Ramadan and Raya
season, but the aftersales will burn
a big hole in your pocket.
Check the cars service cost (most
brands have the information on
their websites) and warranty
duration.
Nowadays, there are brands that
offer three to five years of free
maintenance. In this case, check
whether this refers to free labour
only or parts included.
Now, since it is a family vehicle,
listen to each family members
opinion and consider their
preferences. That is what being a
family is all about sharing
everybodys concern and weighing
everybodys needs.

Ensure your new car has the right features and luggage space
Do not fall into the trap of buying a fancy car without fully knowing the servicing and maintenance costs. for you and the family.
SUNDAY STAR, 11 JUNE 2017
Most valuable
tyre brands
LONDON-based research agency, Brand
Finance, has published its list of 10 most
valuable tyre brands in the world.
At the top of the list is Japanese tyre
maker, Bridgestone, which saw the highest
increase in its value 15% to US$7.5bil
(RM32bil). Bridgestone has been leading the
industry since the year before.
According to Brand Finance, Bridgestones
close ties with premium carmakers help it
maintain trust from the market. The tyre
brand was chosen by Maserati for its first
premium SUV, the Levante.
Yokohama, another Japanese tyre giant, is
on the other end of the table, having seen an
11% drop to US$1bil (RM4.3bil) and its profit
down 50% in the first half of last year.
Yokohama stated that the reasons for its
unsatisfactory performance were the decline
in its domestic tyre sales as well as sales in
Japanese vehicles.
Brand Finance, however, believes
that Yokohamas recent purchase of
Alliance Tire Group (ATG) should
help leave a positive mark in
the brands performance this
year as ATG is strong in its
commercial vehicle segment.
Second spot is occupied by
French tyre maker, Michelin,
which experienced a 3%
increment to
US$6.1bil (RM26bil).
In the third place is Continental at
US$3.6bil (RM15.3bil) 4% lower than what
the German company accomplished the year
before.
Globally, we can see the rise of more Asian
brands outside Japan. South Korea and
Taiwan brands are making a strong wave in
various parts of the world.
Indonesian tyre manufacturer PT Gajah
Tunggal, which consists of the brands GT
Radial, Zeneos, IRC and GT, is already the
largest integrated tyre maker in South-East
Asia.
The brand expanded into China where it
started a new brand, Giti Tire, which has
now expanded into the tough US market.
Malaysia, however, has sold off all of its
tyre companies. Sime Tyres was sold to
Continental while Silverstone is now parked
under Toyo Tires.
Road rangers in action
ALLIANZ General Insurance Company
(Malaysia) Berhad launched the Allianz
Road Rangers, on Jan 21 this year.
The Allianz Road Rangers is part of the
companys motor claims transformation
journey to put its customers first, featuring
seven touch points to ensure that customers
can seamlessly make an accident claim.
Currently servicing in the Klang Valley,
the Allianz Road Rangers have already been
called into action since Jan 3. The seven new
touch points are:
l 24-hour accident call centre All road
accident and SOS calls are directed to the
newly set up Accident Call Centre.
l Bike brigade A team of 20 bike
brigadiers, the First Response Unit will be
the first to the scene to provide bottled
water and first aid assistance (if needed)
as well as accompany the customer until
the tow truck arrives.
l Tow trucks The fleet is made up
of 15 exclusively branded tow trucks, each
equipped with Global Positioning System
(GPS), closed-circuit televisions (CCTV)
located on both rears, inside the cabin and in
front of the vehicle, a pre-installed voice
recorder in the cabin, dolly wheel, jumper
booster and air pump.
Motoring 3
The Allianz
Road Rangers
has begun its
service in the
Klang Valley.
The tow truck operators will be
responsible for towing the customers
vehicle to the police station to lodge a
police report and then to Allianz Authorised
Panel Repairer or a franchise workshop
upon request.
l Claims concierge Allianz Claims
Concierge is based in major police stations
to accompany customers in lodging a police
report and explaining the claims process.
l Transportation services Selected
ride-sharing services will be provided to
ferry passengers from the accident site to
their home (within the specified distance).
l Allianz Motor ODX Claims Eligible
Own Damage (OD) claims are assessed
and given a vehicle repair cost via a
straight-through process requiring anywhere
between 10 minutes and one hour.
l Vehicle delivery Customers can
choose to have their repaired vehicle
delivered to their preferred location
(within the specific distance). In the event of
an accident, Allianz motor customers can
call the Accident Call Centre at 1800 886 278.
n For more information, call 1300 881 028,
e-mail customer.service@allianz.com or visit
allianz.com.my.
4 Motoring
Drive in style
NEW Ford customers can celebrate
the upcoming festive season in
style with a host of treats.
Ford showrooms nationwide are
giving away attractive cash
vouchers for electrical goods worth
up to RM15,000 upon the purchase
of selected Ford models. The offer
is valid until July 31. Terms and
conditions apply.
With every purchase, customers
also have the opportunity to bring
home a limited-edition, two-tier
food carrier to keep festive goodies
fresh, while stocks last.
Sime Darby Auto Connexion
(SDAC) managing director Syed
Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz urges
those who are looking for a new
cool ride this festive season to
take advantage of these offers.
We are expecting our Ford
customers to bergaya (be stylish)
with their new cool ride as well
as take home goodies and
giveaways to make this upcoming
celebration more festive,
memorable and fun, he says.
Snap, print and personalise
To make this festive season
interesting and fun, stop by
any Ford showroom during
Ramadan, snap and print a photo
of you and your family instantly,
and personalise your own Raya
card. The activity is
complimentary.
Service promotion
Not forgetting existing Ford
owners, there is something
SUNDAY STAR, 11 JUNE 2017
for everyone.
It is important to get your
vehicles checked at authorised
Ford service centres for a safe
drive home with our new festive
package offerings, adds Syed
Muzri.
Up to June 30, Ford customers
can enjoy the following service
promotions on selected Ford car
models:
l Parts discounts of up to 20%
on selected parts, including wiper
blade, brake and timing belt
packages
l Ten per cent labour discounts
on lubricant, brake and timing belt
packages with a complimentary
27-point vehicle health check and
gift
l Customers opting for the Fuel
Saver Package can enjoy a 10%
discount on oil filters
More fun Surprise your family with more than just a brand-new car this festive season.
If all of the above is not enough,
customers who spend at least
RM350 on service and/or parts About Sime Darby About Ford Motor Company
replacement at authorised Ford
service centres will receive a
Auto Connexion Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility
complimentary gift and Hari Raya Sime Darby Auto Connexion company based in Dearborn, Michigan.
packets while stocks last. (SDAC) is a wholly owned With about 201,000 employees and 67 plants worldwide, the
While the goodies are given out subsidiary of Sime Darby Motors. companys core business includes designing, manufacturing,
at the showrooms and service In operation since April 2008 marketing, financing and servicing a full line of Ford cars,
centres nationwide, watch out for following a restructuring of Sime trucks, SUVs and electrified vehicles as well as Lincoln luxury
the Ford Ranger Roamers coming Darbys motor business, SDAC has vehicles.
your way as they hit the streets to been the sole distributor for Ford in At the same time, Ford is pursuing emerging opportunities
give away dates and Hari Raya Malaysia and currently manages through Ford Smart Mobility to become a leader in
packets to the public during the the brand exclusively in various connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, customer
Ramadan period. parts of the value chain, including
importation, distribution and retail.
experience as well as data and analytics. The company
provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit
n For more information, visit Company.
www.sdacford.com.my.
SUNDAY STAR, 11 JUNE 2017
Hino participated in MCVE, the largest commercial vehicle exhibition in South-East Asia.
HINO Motors Sales (Malaysia)
Sdn Bhd (HMSM), a subsidiary of
Hino Motors Limited Japan
grouped under Toyota Group of
Companies, recently took part in
the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle
Expo (MCVE) 2017.
MCVE, the largest commercial
vehicle exhibition in South-East
Asia, gave Hino the opportunity
to engage with potential customers
at the exhibition.
Taking a big step forward, Hino
expanded its event space to
324sq m to ensure that the publics
visit to MCVE 2017 was
worthwhile. This year, Hino
presented three spotlights which
are Dakar Rally, Mini Hino Total
Support Customer Centre (HTSCC)
and newly launched Hino
products.
Dakar Rally, the worlds harshest
endurance off-road racing
challenge, involves various
challenges over deserts and
high-speed dirt tracks.
Champion of Dakar Rally
Held in Paraguay, Bolivia and
Argentina, 316 vehicles took part
in this year's challenge, including
50 in the trucks category.
Hinos Team Sugawara once
again set a record by completing
its 26th consecutive Dakar Rally
since first taking part in 1991. The
team was also the champion of the
under 10-litre class for the eighth
time running since 2010.
People may have heard about
the Dakar Rally truck but never
got to witness the proof.
Hence, for the first time in
Malaysian history, Hino brought
the Hino Dakar Rally Truck from
Japan as a highlight at the
exhibition.
Powered by the Hino 500 Series
Hinos medium-duty range of
Visitors at MCVE got the chance to view the Hino Dakar Rally Truck.
Monster of Hino.
Dakar Rally, the Not forgetting the recently
launched training centre, Hino
worlds harshest also presented the Mini HTSCC
endurance off-road
gallery showcasing the first Hino
customer centre built outside its
racing challenge, manufacturing country, Japan.
The gallery offered the HTSCC
involves various museum experience from
challenges over
Sendayan, where the public walked
through the history of Hino
deserts and high- operations in Malaysia. Visitors
also learnt about older-generation
speed dirt tracks. Hino trucks at the gallery.
HTSCC was opened to the public
on April 20 this year. The state-of-
the-art centre that cost more than
vehicles the public had the RM8mil has been upgraded to meet
chance to experience, touch and the needs for increased training
feel the Hino Dakar Rally Truck, capacity.
which is also known as the Little Extended curricula expose truck
Motoring 5
and bus drivers to knowledge on
safe driving as well as training.
At MCVE 2017, Hino showcased
two newly launched products
the Hino 300 Series and Hino 500
Series.
The public got to experience
the new Hino automatic
transmission truck and Hino prime
mover truck, which display Hinos
QDR (Quality, Durability and
Reliability) attributes found in all
Hino vehicles.
n For more information,
call Bibi Ayshah Abd Karim at
03-7957 5199 (ext 352) or e-mail
bibi@hino.com.my or call Andrew
Lee at 03-7957 5199 (ext 154) or
e-mail andrewlee@hino.com.my or
visit www.hino.com.my.
6 Motoring SUNDAY STAR, 11 JUNE 2017

LAST month, Volkswagen Passenger Cars

Malaysia announced an exclusive array of
Raya deals and offers in time for the
upcoming festivity.
Topping off the list is a five-year free
maintenance offer for any variant of the
Vento and Passat families purchased by July
31. This is on top of the promotional duit
raya rebates.
Additionally, customers who register and
receive their Volkswagen cars before June 30
will receive a RM500 petrol voucher upon
collection of their brand-new car.
The models and savings for the
Volkswagen Raya promotion ending July 31
are as follows:

Available
Model Savings
from

RM25/
Polo RM7,000
day

RM26/
Polo ALLSTAR RM7,000
day

RM25/
Vento RM11,000
day

Raya deals just got better

RM28/
Vento ALLSTAR RM11,000
day

RM32/
Vento GT RM8,000
day

RM35/
Jetta RM10,000
day
For those who are interested, you can starting from RM304. However the price
Golf
RM45/
RM21,000
Additionally, customers head for the Volkswagen Sales Tours at may vary according to the model.

who register and receive

day Avenue K from June 2 to July 4 to find out In addition, customers will also get a free
more. gift and Raya packets with a minimum
Passat Comfortline
RM51/
day
RM15,000 their Volkswagen cars For aftersales activities, Volkswagen is also
running a special parts promotion for
spending of RM400 on vehicle maintenance
and servicing during this period.
RM51/ before June 30 will receive existing Volkswagen customers.

a RM500 petrol voucher

Passat Trendline
day
RM15,000 Up to July 15, owners can enjoy a 20% n For more information, visit
discount off brake discs and brake pads www.volkswagen.com.my.
Tiguan Comfortline
RM51/
day
RM5,000 upon collection of their
Note: While stocks last. Terms and conditions
brand-new car. About VCPM
apply. All daily cost shown above is based on a Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is the official distributor of Volkswagen
nine-year loan. cars in Malaysia.
With long-term business aspirations in the region, VPCMs primary focus is on sales
strategies through future products, strengthening the Volkswagen dealer network, and
service and parts availability.
VPCM is managed by European automotive retail specialist Porsche Holding
Salzburg, which is the largest and most successful automotive distributor in Europe.
The Salzburg-based company was founded in 1947. Today, it operates in 26 markets
in Western and South-Eastern Europe, China, Columbia and Chile.

Hatchbacks are a common choice for young families.

The best shape

for your family
CARS come in many forms and serve many Hatchbacks
purposes. As we progress in life and
start our own families, we may require With limited boot space, a hatchback is
practical vehicles to accommodate our loved perfect for a new family. As it is small, it is
ones. economical and good for urban driving.
Having a family affects the choice of
vehicles. Depending on your family
requirement, even a hatchback can be
B- and C-segment sedans
considered a family car. The popular choice for families, a sedan
It is important to choose the best family offers space, comfort and economy.
car according to your budget, requirements
and priorities. Here are a few examples. > SEE NEXT PAGE
SUNDAY STAR, 11 JUNE 2017
A great Ramadan celebration
IF you are considering buying your
first car or looking to add another
vehicle for your balik kampung
journey this coming festivity there
is no better time to do so than this
month.
For the entire month of
Ramadan, Perodua is running the
Salam Ramadan campaign at all its
authorised showrooms.
Purchase the popular Myvi SE to
enjoy a RM5,000 cash redemption.
The Perodua Myvi is nearing its
one millionth production unit,
making it the most produced
Malaysian vehicle in history.
If a sedan with extra luggage
space is what you are looking for,
you can opt for the 1.3-litre Bezza,
which entitles you to a cash
redemption of RM1,500 (applicable
for selected Bezza models only).
Meanwhile, people with large
Finding the best ride
> FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
Station wagons
These vehicles are pricey in
Malaysia as affordable models in
the B- and C-segments are not
commonly imported into the
country.
Station wagons offer the
economy and comfort of a sedan
but with a larger boot.
Large sedans
D-segment sedans are just like
sedans in the C-segment but with
added practicality due to their
bigger sizes.
SUVs
SUVs are becoming common in
Malaysia as a result of marketing
campaigns portraying the
importance of being involved in
outdoor activities that require an
SUV.
Although 90% of the market is
MPVs are suitable for big families looking to maximise travel in one vehicle.
The Perodua Myvi,
a Malaysian icon of
12 years, is nearing
its one millionth
production unit,
making it the most
produced Malaysian
vehicle in history.
families need not fret as the
versatile Alza model is on sale with
RM1,300 cash redemption.
For peace of mind during the
balik kampung journey, do not
buying car-based SUVs that are
best driven on the road only, these
vehicles afford more practicality
as their boot is connected to the
cabin and they have higher
driving positions as well as ground
clearance good for light
Motoring 7
forget to service your Perodua and
stand a chance to win a Perodua
Axia and other attractive prizes
such as a Samsung UHD LED TV,
Huawei P9 smartphone or travel
vouchers. Join the Service and Win
SMS contest before June 30.
You can also enjoy between
10% and 30% monthly discounts
on selected parts and accessories.
Terms and conditions apply.
What is stopping you from
attaining such great deals? Visit
your nearest Perodua showroom
and learn more about your
favourite Perodua models today.
The Salam Ramadan offers apply
to selected variants only.
Terms and conditions apply.
n For more information, call
1800 886 600 or visit Enjoy cash redemption offers when you purchase a Perodua
www.perodua.com.my. Myvi during the Salam Ramadan campaign.
D-segment sedans offer excellent room
for the family with a touch of luxury.
off-roading.
However, an SUV can be
heavier, resulting in higher fuel
consumption.
MPVs
There are snazzy-looking MPVs
that even individuals without a big
family are willing to buy.
An MPV is basically a two-box-
shaped vehicle that can seat six or
more passengers. Full-sized MPVs
are usually pricey but there are not
many options when it comes to
mid-sized MPVs.
Hence, in Malaysia, the
reconditioned market offers the
popular option of buying MPVs at a
more attractive price.
Unfortunately, since they have
been used, the reliability of
reconditioned MPVs can be as
dicey as buying lottery tickets. SUVs are great for families who enjoy adventure and the outdoors.
8 Motoring SUNDAY STAR, 11 JUNE 2017

NAZA Kia Malaysia, the official

distributor of Kia vehicles in
Malaysia, unveiled the all-new
fourth-generation Kia Optima GT
for the local market.
The all-new fourth-generation
Kia Optima GT will only be
available locally in GT trim, giving
it a more aggressive and sporty
look.
The design includes a new Dot
Array Mesh Satin Chrome front
signature grille, a sporty front
bumper as well as a new rear
bumper that incorporates dual
exhausts and a diffuser.
The headlights of the Kia Optima
GT are all-new and feature LED
technology with Daytime Running
Lights. The new KIA Optima GT combines
The headlights are primed with a luxurious and spacious interior
the new Dynamic Bending Light with a sporty exterior and
technology that turns the lights powerful performance.
according to the angle of the

A class above the rest

steering wheel, illuminating dark
corners and thus enhancing overall
safety of the car.
The all-new Optima GT is bigger
than its predecessor. The Optima
GTs interior is a pleasant balance
of comfort and sportiness.
The centre fascia, flat-bottom
D-Shaped steering wheel as well as
real aluminium trim around the
centre console and pedals give the
car a sporty ambience.
The interior trim is made of
leather and quality polymer. The
door panels are lined with soft
leather, as are the seats, which are
said to be among the most
comfortable in its class and have
been further improved for the
fourth-generation Kia Optima GT.
The driver's seat comes with a
memory function called Intelligent
Memory Seat and is adjustable in
12 ways while the front passenger
seat is adjustable in 10 ways. The
seats are ventilated and blow cool
air to the back of the driver and
passenger.
Making its debut in the Optima
GT is the new smartphone wireless
charger. The charger has an
overheat protection feature that
detects the temperature of the
thermistor in the wireless charger
module and automatically turns it
off should the temperature get too
high.
Other interior features include a
seven-inch TFT LCD screen for the
entertainment system that has
MP3, MP4, Bluetooth, iPod
connectivity and a MirrorLink
feature that links the screen of the
phone to the centre-mounted
display screen.
The all-new Kia Optima GT is
powered by the new Theta II 2.0
T-GDI turbocharged petrol engine,
which is mated to a six-speed
automatic transmission.
The powertrain produces 242hp
at 6,000rpm and an impressive
350Nm of torque from just
1,400rpm. This makes the Optima
GT one of the most powerful in its
class and on par with some of the
larger European sedans.
Its performance figures are also
impressive. It can go from 0kph to
100kph in 7.4 seconds and the fuel
consumption is rated at 8.5 litres
for every 100km travelled on the
combined cycle.
The car has three driving modes
Sport, Normal and Eco. The Sport
mode adjusts the sensitivity of the
throttle for maximum performance
and the steering wheel feels
heavier for precise control of the
car at high speed.
The Normal mode takes the
throttle and steering wheel back to
its usual factory settings while the
Eco mode reduces throttle
sensitivity, lightens the steering
wheel and slows down the
air-conditioning system to reduce
fuel consumption.
On the safety front, the Kia
Optima GT is fitted with six
airbags. There is also an arsenal of
electronic safety features such as
the anti-lock braking system (ABS),
electronic stability control (ESC),
vehicle stability control (VSM),
hill-start assist control (HAC) and
Emergency Stop Signal (ESS),
which automatically flashes a
hazard warning when the
emergency brakes are applied.
The All-New Kia Optima GT
comes in three colours: Gravity
Blue, Aurora Black and Snow
White Pearl. It is available in
showrooms nationwide.
n For more information, visit
www.kia.com.