Wapcar Weekly News Round-up

7 September - 13 September 2019 Fuel price update: no changes

Government To Review Suspension Of Road Tax Renewal In Post Offices

The Transport Ministry is prepared to review the order to stop road tax renewals for private vehicles of 2,000 cc and above at post offices in Sarawak, Sabah, Langkawi and Penang, effective September.

More on: Bernama

2020 Nissan Juke Debuts With Concept Looks, Enters Production Next Month

Given that Nissan has released a number of teasers and the Frankfurt Motor Show is just around the corner, we're not surprised to see the 2020 Juke. Likewise, its styling isn't a shock to us either. But look past the familiar shape of the roof and you will find some cutting-edge design sprinkled in.

More on: Autoevolution

New Proton Saga: 10,000 bookings in the first month of sales

Bookings for the new Proton Saga, which was launched on 6-August, has surpassed the 10,000 bookings milestone.

Of these, over 1,000 bookings came from Protons online booking platform, which allowed customers to book a unit for just RM 9.99. Proton further added that it is extending the closing date for online bookings to 17 September, on the back of strong demand.

More on: 10,000 bookings in first month of sales

Honda E final range and power figures revealed ahead of Frankfurt show

There will be two power outputs available. The base electric motor produces 134 horsepower, while the upgraded E will make 152 horsepower. Both versions put out 232 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration to 62 mph will take approximately 8 seconds, according to Honda.

More on: Autoblog

Sime Darby Auto Performance confirmed the Taycan will be launched in Malaysia in 2020.

Construction of the company’s new headquarters in Ara Damansara is underway and when completed next year (estimated Q3), the six-storey facility's 23-bay service centre will also serve as SDAP’s competency centre for electrified Porsches (BEVs and hybrids included).

More on: Porsche Taycan debuts: 761 PS and 1,050 Nm, needs only 2-Speed transmission

Toyota announces new TNGA platform for next generation Vios and Yaris

Toyota’s small cars family will be next in line to benefit from Toyota’s much vaunted TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform.

What all this means is the next generation Yaris and Vios is going to set a new benchmark in ride and handling for the B-segment, but don’t expect them to be cheap.

More on: Toyota announces new TNGA platform for next generation Vios and Yaris

Isuzu Malaysia to launch the 1.9 litre Ddi BluePower turbodiesel (RZ4E-TC) engine.

The RZ4E-TC is a 1.9 litre four-cylinder engine is with 16 valves, DOHC, direct fuel injection and a VGS turbocharger. The new unit benefits a:

• increase in output (150 PS @ 3,600 rpm; 350 Nm of torque from 1,800-2,600 rpm)
• 37% less internal friction
• 19% more fuel efficient

Launch details: TBD

GM will use Google to power its infotainment systems

General Motors will use embedded Google technology to power navigation, voice activated controls and other vehicle infotainment functions starting in 2021, in a win for Alphabet Inc in the race with Amazon.com and other technology companies to control dashboards.

GM said it will offer Google Assistant, Google Maps and other applications available through the Google Play app store in all its vehicle brands outside China. GM said the first vehicles with built-in Google infotainment technology will launch in 2021, with more models rolling out in the following years.

More on: Autoblog

 In-depth Commentary From Wapcar Talks 

Goodbye Proton Ertiga, the budget MPV many forgot existed

The Proton Ertiga went on sale in November 2016. There were three variants, all powered by a 1.4-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder that makes 94 hp and 130 Nm, paired to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic.

However trouble was brewing in the partnership even before the Proton Ertiga was launched...

Read it now: Goodbye Proton Ertiga, the budget MPV many forgot existed