SUNDAY STAR, 13 SEPTEMBER 2015

special

MOTORING

Upholding design heritageSCANDINAVIAN design focuses on delivering minimalist, clean and highly functional products inspired by nature the core tenets of Scandinavian living.

In Sweden, the preservation of this movement started in 1845 with the establishment of the Swedish Society of Industrial Design and has since been emulated by most Swedish companies, including Volvo Cars.

Social consciousness in design took root in Sweden between the 1920s and 1930s (Volvo was founded in 1927 by Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson). The companys philosophy glimpses this pivotal moment in Swedens design history:

Cars are driven by people. The guiding principle behind everything we make at Volvo, therefore, is and must remain, safety.

Those very words became the building blocks of the brand and directed a path on how Volvo products should be made for years to come, leading them to become the unequivocal leader in automotive safety.

Volvos Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) in the Volvo XC60 T5 is a good example of how safety functions are assimilated into its minimalist design.

In the event of a side collision, the system absorbs and transfers force through a series of points. The only hint of this system to the naked eye is a SIPS stamp on the lower part of the B-pillar.

The Whiplash Protection System consists of an energy absorption system that is integrated into the ergonomically designed seats.

It reduces the chances of short-term and long-term whiplash injuries as a result of rear collisions.

The XC60 T5 also comes with an assortment of other safety features

dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, SIPS airbags, inflatable curtains, pre-prepared restraints, a roll-over protection system and seatbelt pre-tensioners that offer the best protection to the cars occupants.

Delving deeper into the frame, the Volvo XC60 T5s safety cage is made of different grades of steel, each one with a certain role in a collision and designed to help provide better protection in a frontal collision.

These passive safety systems complement the active safety systems in the Volvo XC60 T5. The most notable, City Safety, is standard on all new Volvo cars.

City Safety is an autonomous braking system that helps to avoid collisions if the relative speed between the two vehicles is up to 50kph.

At higher speeds, the system helps to reduce the consequences of the collision. One of the features

is the enhanced, radar-based blind spot information system that informs the driver about vehicles in the blind spots on both sides of the car as well as monitors and alerts the driver of rapidly approaching vehicles up to 70m from the back of the car.

The same radar is used for the Cross Traffic Alert, which alerts the driver of crossing traffic from the sides when reversing out of a parking space. Cross Traffic Alert is especially helpful in tight and crowded areas where the side view might be limited due to infrastructure, vegetation or other parked cars.

Overall, the safety systems present in the Volvo XC60 T5 gives assurance to the driver and occupants that the car is made with safety as the utmost priority.

While safety holds precedence, the cabin design, materials used and systems put in place also ensure a pleasant experience for

the driver and occupants.The cabin design of the Volvo

XC60 T5 is a manifestation of Swedish design ideals.

The beautifully crafted interior focuses on functional elegance where clutter is minimised and functions neatly integrated into the design.

The measure of enjoyment is counted in millimetres and can only be appreciated once experienced.

Volvos Interior Air Quality System reduces the levels of certain harmful gases and particulates, providing clean air for the driver and passengers.

The Clean Zone Interior Package is a feature developed specifically for allergy-sufferers and provides safe interior air as recommended by the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association.

On the environmental front, the Volvo XC60 T5 is equipped with the new Drive-E powertrain

The interior focuses more on practicality while exuding elegance.

The Volvo XC60 T5.

that delivers more power while reducing harmful emissions and fuel consumption.

The Volvo XC60 T5 is also 95% RRR-certified (reuse, recycling and recovery-certified) for a more sustainable use of the Earths precious resources.

As with all new Volvo cars, the XC60 T5 comes with an extended warranty programme, which is inclusive of a five-year warranty, five years of free service (including parts per scheduled service), and five years of roadside assist.

Overall, at RM288,888 (on-the-road without insurance, inclusive of GST), the Volvo XC60 T5 is packaged to put owners at ease in both driving and ownership experience.

More importantly, it signifies the promise of a better future by espousing the virtues of good design, care for the environment and safety the universal values of a contemporary society.

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Breaking new groundLAND Rover, arguably the most sought-after off-road brand, has brought in its latest family member to Malaysia the all new Land Rover Discovery Sport.

Built to replace the Freelander, it is a completely new vehicle that sits between the Evoque and the Discovery 4, size-wise and price-wise.

Malaysians have two variants to choose from the 2-litre Si4 Petrol (240PS, 340Nm) and the 2.2-litre SD4 Diesel (190PS, 420Nm).

Both are mated to a ZF advanced nine-speed automatic transmission for peerless refinement, efficiency, driver engagement and off-road capability.

The design defines the new styling for the new Discovery family but the Sport has a more urban look to it.

In this compact footprint, the new Discovery Sport can fit seven passengers in its 5+2 seating arrangement. As a Land Rover, the interior exudes refinement and luxury.

Still, it has a cargo area that can offer you up to 1,698 litres of space, accessible through the powered rear door.

Using engineering innovations by Land Rover, the next generation multi-link rear axle and the state-of-the-art body shell made from a mix of high-strength tensile steel and lightweight aluminium promise uncompromised performance, on and off the tarmac.

With a 600mm wading depth,

optimised approach, departure and break-over angles, coupled with the smart terrain response system that controls the steering, throttle response, gearbox, centre-coupling and braking/stability systems, you can rest assured that the Discovery Sport has a pure Land Rover heart beating inside it.

In terms of safety, the new Discovery Sport has seven airbags

and a host of smart safety features such as hill descent control, gradient release control, anti-lock braking system, electronic traction control, electronic power-assisted steering, hill start assist, roll stability control and dynamic stability control.

There is only one way to experience how special and practical this Discovery Sport is

try it for yourself. It will also show you how this SUV gives you the best bang for your buck by offering you a good balance between urban practicality and off-road abilities.

You can head over to Jaguar Land Rovers showroom in Glenmarie on Sept 19 and 20 and take a ride in the Discovery Sport around Land Rovers unique Terrapod, a mobile track that

includes steep slopes and inclines.You can also see how the

Efficient Driveline on the Discovery Sport can work its way out of obstacles such as 45 gradients that is 14 more than other competing SUVs in its class.

The newest generation of Terrapod, the Terrain Trailer, is the biggest and most flexible Terrapod yet.

The whole thing can be converted into a standard-looking articulated trailer but, at the touch of a button, opens up and transforms into the Terrapod terrain, ready for action in less than ten minutes.

Using a combination of steel and GRP fibre grate surface, it borrows technologies from the oil rig industry and can be used by all the vehicles in the Land Rover range.

The Land Rover Discovery Sport is already on sale and its first customer is Victoria Treadell, British high commissioner to Malaysia.

She received her Firenze Red Discovery Sport during an exclusive event held in conjunction with the vehicles local debut recently.

Be in awe with the Land Rover Discovery Sport and sign up for the Terrapod experience.

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysias managing director Tuan Syed Mudzhar Syed Ali (front right) with British high commissioner Victoria Treadell (back seat) at the launch of the Land Rover Discovery Sport 2.

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4 motoringSUNDAY STAR, 13 SEPTEMBER 2015

The tougher decisionWHILE some have a preference for the crossover market, some want it hardcore when it comes to going off the chartered road. If you want a proper SUV that

can take you off-road, then a ladder-framed variant is what you need.

Built on a proven Isuzu D-Max pickup truck platform, the Mu-X comes highly rated. It looks good, has a big interior and runs on the tried-and-tested 2.5-litre i-TEQ VGS four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox.

Being a proper seven-seater with ample room and conservative fuel consumption, the Mu-X does a good job ferrying peoples.

For something so large and heavy, fuel consumption can easily come below 10 litres per 100km in an urban setting.

The ride is very comfortable for its class, while the handling is good.

On the highway, you can cruise on fifth gear quietly, taking in the miles without much notice.

In the mall, parking might be more cumbersome than a small hatchback but with its parking sensors and rear view camera, you have all corners covered.

Off road is where it will beat the monocoque crossovers. If you opt for the 4X4 variant, the extra traction from all the tyres will be a safer bet for those muddy terrains. The 4X4 Terrain command system is also easy to use with a rotary

knob used to choose the desired driving mode.

As a family vehicle, the accessories included in the package provide enough entertainment for passengers.

There is an entertainment system accessible via a drop-down LCD screen at the back, which allows passengers to enjoy a movie.

In regards to safety, the Mu-X offers a good number of items airbags, anti-lock brake system and electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control, stability control and a high-tensile

steel cabin to protect occupants from harm.

The Mu-X is best suited for families who travel back to their kampung often and need a rugged vehicle such as the Mu-X to tackle challenging roads.

It is also suitable for those with an active lifestyle as the Mu-X is as tough as a pick-up truck but offers more room to hold more passengers.

The Mu-X has the same x-factor that makes the D-Max such a popular truck but it is made to be a more comfortable package suited to families.

This SUV is a seven-seater with ample room for large families.The Mu-X is an SUV that can take you off the chartered road.

The Mu-X provides a comfortable ride and good handling.

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6 motoringSUNDAY STAR, 13 SEPTEMBER 2015

Practical and versatile vehicle DAIHATSU may very well be a household name in Malaysia thanks to its popularity in the commercial vehicle market.

From delivery vans to food trucks, Daihatsu has become one of the most sought-after light commercial vehicle brands.

Although Daihatsu has enjoyed successful sales of passenger vehicles in the past, its strength has always been in producing commercial vehicle brands.

A few years back, Daihatsu introduced the Gran Max to the Malaysian light commercial vehicle market.

The Gran Max has enjoyed good success in the few years it has been on sale in Malaysia.

Part of the reason the Daihatsu Gran Max is the best-selling commercial vehicle in its class is its reliability.

With its powerful 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, the Gran Max is a no-fuss load bearer.

No other brand in the same category carries a range of vehicles as diverse as Daihatsu does.

There are two main categories of Gran Max commercial vehicles the panel van and the chassis cab, or more commonly known as the pickup.

Daihatsu prides itself on being able to match different body styles with different needs.

Staying true to this, the Daihatsu Gran Max comes in 13 body styles

According to Daihatsu Malaysia managing director Cheng Seng Fook, business people cannot afford to experience downtime.

When a company buys a Daihatsu Gran Max, it is a good decision because of Daihatsu Malaysias many services that add value to a competent product.

One service in particular is the Daihatsu Mobile Service Van. Currently, Daihatsu Malaysia operates six Mobile Service Vans nationwide, including in Sabah and Sarawak.

The Mobile Service Van is a fully equipped mobile workshop. It has all the necessary tools and parts, says Cheng.

The Mobile Service Vans enable fleet operators and Gran Max owners to service their vehicles when the vehicles are not in use, such as when drivers are resting after a long journey.

This negates the need for drivers to bring in the vehicles to a Daihatsu service centre for routine servicing.

Recently, a Mobile Service Van drove to Teluk Intan, Perak, to service seven Daihatsu Gran Max vehicles and the owners were

that can be modified to suit different needs.

It is the reliable, versatile and dynamic nature of the Gran Max that makes it such a popular choice with business owners.

Of all the body styles of the Gran Max, the Mobile Caf truck is the most popular and most versatile.

The Mobile Caf Gran Max is used mostly as a food truck by fruit sellers, lok-lok sellers and burger sellers.

This is due to the versatility of the Gran Max in accommodating space for a generator to power all the equipment needed to run this type of trucks.

Together, the Mobile Caf and panel vans make up 80% of Daihatsu Malaysias total sales.

Courier companies prefer the Gran Max panel vans because they are easier to manoeuvre around the city compared to trucks used for the same purpose.

The turning radius, fuel economy and overall footprint of the Gran Max are much smaller than larger trucks and it maintains a similar cargo carrying capacity.

The Gran Max is also RM15,000 cheaper than the cheapest lorry, so it makes good financial sense to operate a fleet of Gran Max vehicles.

ecstatic when they got their vehicles serviced without having to drive to a Daihatsu centre.

The Mobile Service Van eliminates downtime during operating hours that costs the vehicle operator money.

Apart from this mobile service, Daihatsu also does servicing at its service centres.

Daihatsu operates a large, well-stocked warehouse, so there is no shortage of parts when customers need them.

Also, Daihatsu has plenty of stockists in the country who stock up on parts as the demand for these vehicles steadily increases.

According to Cheng, the Gran Max is a good product that is strongly backed up by reliable hardware and an excellent after-sales support team.

Daihatsu customers are happy knowing that they have made the right choice when their vehicles can serve them well and withstand heavy usage.

Ultimately, Daihatsu commercial vehicles are robust vehicles that are affordable to buy and cheap to maintain, says Cheng.

The Mobile Cafe Gran Max is a popular choice with business owners.

The Gran Max panel van.

The Gran Max comes in 13 body styles to suit different needs.

SUNDAY STAR, 13 SEPTEMBER 2015

motoring 7

Stylish and spaciousIN a world where many people want a crossover or an SUV, car companies are racing forward to provide better and more efficient options. For early adopter Peugeot, the years gained earlier are put to good use as the brand updates its current models to make them even better.

The Peugeot 3008 is a good example of how a good package can be updated to become even better.

Still running on the same 1.6-litre turbocharged mill but with updated engine management, the 3008 is a front-wheel-drive crossover that is actually more of a car, apart from its rugged looks and high-seating position.

The 3008 has a sharper front-end styling, which is more acceptable to most people. Classy touches such as the Peugeot badge on top of the grille will remind you of Peugeots current corporate looks, embedded in the design of the latest 308 and 508.

The halogen headlights have given way to directional bi-Xenon headlights, equipped with a built-in light-emitting diode (LED) daytime running lights. The LED touches continue to the back where the three-claw design is more prominent.

A set of 17-inch Aregia diamond cut alloy wheels further enhances the exterior of the 3008.

The interior has not been changed much but includes updated features such as a new steering wheel, new audio system

that includes a navigation software, rear view camera, heads-up colour display and a new seven-inch LCD screen mounted in the middle of the dashboard.

The 3008 allows plenty of sunlight to enter the cabin without too much heat.

Thanks to the big windscreen, passengers sitting in the back of the vehicle can get a great view of what is in front.

At the back, the rear hatch splits into two where the bottom half folds down like a pickup-trucks.

With the seats up, you get 512

litres of cargo room. Fold down the rear seats and it expands to 1,008 litres.

The safety equipment includes six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, stability control and Isofix anchorage.

There is also a seat belt reminder, which signals when someone does not have his or her seat belt on.

If you are looking into buying a crossover but prefer to retain the ride and handling of a car, get ready to be impressed by the 3008.

The front-end of the updated 3008 features directional bi-Xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights.

The updated interior includes a new steering wheel, audio system and a seven-inch LCD screen.

The 3008 is a crossover that maintains a car-like ride and handling.

8 motoringSUNDAY STAR, 13 SEPTEMBER 2015

Putting quality first

THE Hino Company has been in operation in Malaysia for 38 years and has become the leading manufacturer of light commercial vehicles (LCV), medium and heavy commercial vehicles (MHCV), prime movers and buses in the country.

The Hino brand has been around in its home ground Japan since its inception in 1910.

Hino is the only Japanese brand in Malaysia to have a full line-up of vehicles, including commercial trucks and buses with gross vehicle weight of 4.5 tonnes and above and the smallest four-wheeler LCV trucks.

The Hino product range in Malaysia consists of 34 variants that cater to all markets. Of all the Hino commercial vehicles, the LCV range of vehicles are the more popular trucks purchased by Malaysians.

Market penetration is also almost 80% for Hino trucks in their respective categories, says Ken Iwamoto (pic), Hino Malaysias managing director.

Hino products employ the same design concept globally the QDR concept. This concept revolves around three main features quality of vehicles produced, durability of vehicles produced and reliability of vehicles produced.

These three traits found in every Hino vehicle that leaves the assembly plant are what make up the QDR concept.

A testament to the QDR concept are the many Hino vehicles running on Malaysian roads that have clocked upwards of 1,000,000km in mileage and have not had their engines overhauled even once.

With a full line-up of vehicles, Hino is able to fit the customers individual requirements to ensure that they are delivered the most suitable product.

Hino believes that all vehicles sold must fit the customers exact specification for each line of work.

Hino is serious about customer support and has invested in the Hino Total Support Customer Center (HTSCC) facility equipped

with a 1km test track for customers.

HTSCC is essentially an end-to-end after-sales support system put in place to help reduce the downtime faced by Hinos customers.

Safety & Eco Drivers training and driver familiarisation training are just a small part of what Hino does at HTSCC.

Safety is one of the major concerns for Hino, which is in line with the Governments directions to reduce fatal accident rates.

Some safety features found in Hino trucks are collapsible steering columns, inertia-absorbing steering wheel, anti-lock braking system

and airbags.Protecting not only the drivers,

Hino trucks are now compliant with UN Regulations as they are equipped with an under-run protection beam.

This prevents motorists from going underneath the trucks if a collision occurs.

Hino is the leading Japanese truck manufacturer because of its high regard for quality.

According to Hino Malaysias executive director Johnny Chan, Hino will not reduce the quality of its products just to reduce the price of its vehicles, because one cannot sacrifice quality for quantity.

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