Alright, maybe ruin is a little dramatic. The point is, we all have our habits when driving; some of them are fairly harmless and some potentially lethal (texting, for one). Habits that can incur unnecessary costs and inconvenience or worse, risk an accident are best corrected. So, these are the 4 things you should not do in an automatic transmission car. 1. Shift to reverse while the car is still moving forwards Each time when an opposite direction gear is selected, it is advised to come to a c
Oct 21, 2020
An article from fortune.com back in 2016 suggested that a car spends about 90% of its time parked. Is there any truth to that? Well, even if you did drive 2 hours a day, it would only amount to 8.3% of the 24 hours we have in a day. There’s still a good 91.7% left. If you drive an automatic, you need to shift to “P” and engage the parking brake to park the car. There are however, two different types of people in terms of the sequence of action. Some shift to “P” first, and then engage the parkin
Jun 29, 2020
Perodua recently launched their new and improved automatic transmission fluid (ATF) oil, specifically for models produced from 2013 onwards. Rated at D3-SP specification, it is applicable for models like the Myvi, Bezza, Axia, Alza and Aruz. Both red and blue bottles of Perodua Genuine Oil ATF D3-SP contain the same, newly improved formula specially designed for Perodua electronic automatic transmissions (E-AT). Red bottles are only sold at Perodua authorised service centres, while blue bottles
Mar 25, 2020
Another update is upon the Proton Persona and Proton Iriz. The two were spotted testing with camouflage, which suggests cosmetic updates, and we had a peek into the 2021 Proton Persona’s interior. Floating infotainment screen aside, one of the speculations is the change from CVT to a 4-speed automatic (4AT). This has sparked conversations amongst readers. Some are all for it, some against it. Why a 4-speed automatic and not 6-speed? Simply put, it’s cost. Using a never-before-seen transmission i
Sep 24, 2020
Say goodbye to 4AT! Updated Kia Rio with the more advanced transmission is coming! In July 2017, Kia Malaysia officially released a new generation of Kia Rio. The new version is all right as a whole while the power configuration is controversial because in today using 4AT is inevitably a bit stingy. But there was news that the new Kia Rio will be equipped with 6AT transmission and also has an optimization on the safety configuration. Someone revealed that Kia Malaysia is about to upgrade Kia Rio
Jul 21, 2019
Back in the early 90s, if you wanted to buy a performance car, you’d most probably choose the manual transmission option. The equivalent automatic option was probably heavier, slower-reacting, and had higher fuel consumption. My own uncle once told me back then, “In a sprint, my manual car would always be faster and more accelerative versus an automatic.” Those words stuck with me. Fast forward to today, and self-shifting transmissions have gotten so good, no human input could possibly match its
Jul 24, 2020
First things first: the upcoming 2021 Perodua Ativa’s Dual-Mode CVT (D-CVT) should not be confused with Toyota’s Direct Shift CVT, seeing that the latter features a launch gear, but the D-CVT doesn’t. With that out of the way, let’s take a closer look at Perodua’s first-ever CVT-type automatic transmission. What’s so special about it? Unlike traditional belt- or chain-driven CVTs, what sets the Ativa’s D-CVT apart from the competition is its combination of steel chain and planetary gear set. Pla
Feb 24, 2021
During the recent Lexus UX drive, we were impressed with how the CVT operates and feel. Combined with the new 2.0-litre Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine, the Lexus UX felt peppy and engaging to drive around town. However, not many are aware of Toyota’s CVT being one of the most technologically advanced CVT out there, so we decided to share this with you readers for further understanding. First, we need to understand the concept of CVT. CVTs, or continuously variable transmission is known for b
Mar 6, 2020
If you found a genie in a bottle and wished for enough money to last an entire lifetime, things could turn out several ways. He could give you a billion ringgit to let you live lavishly for a good 50 years. He could also not give you anything at all, but make you die the moment your money runs out. The point is, “lasting an entire lifetime” is only as good as how long a lifetime is. With that, lifetime transmission fluids also depend on the definition of what a lifetime is. You’re probably famil
Sep 13, 2020
The 2021 Perodua D55L is Perodua’s first-ever model to be fitted with a CVT-type automatic. Now, before you throw a tantrum at the mere mention of CVT, the one fitted to the D55L is very different from CVTs of yore. You see, the Perodua D55L's Dual-mode CVT (D-CVT) features a combination of steel chains and gear set, vastly different from regular CVTs that utilizes only belts or chains. Mechanically, the D-CVT is similar but not identical to Toyota's vaunted Direct Shift CVT, despite both units
Feb 28, 2021
Mag X, a Japanese publication has reported that a manual gearbox is “under preparation” for the A90 Toyota Supra. The manual gearbox is expected to make the infamous coupe even more engaging to drive. There are yet to be any specifics on the manual gearbox. Currently the A90 Toyota Supra utilises the 8-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles. Earlier this year, Toyota had already introduced a 4-cylinder turbo B48 base variant of the Toyota Supra alongside the B58 turbo 6-cylinder variant
Jul 29, 2020
When the 992 generation Porsche 911 was first revealed, there were no manual transmission option available globally and it was a sign of manual transmissions becoming obsolete. However, less than a year later, Porsche announced the option for a manual for it in the US. Now, the manual is available for the 911 Carrera S in Europe along with other updates. First things first, the 911 Carrera S and 4S is now available with the aforementioned manual gearbox over in Europe at no extra cost. Similarly
Apr 28, 2020
It's finally here. Seeing that the debut of the highly-anticipated Perodua D55L is just around the corner, Perodua has just opened bookings for the new SUV. Prices are expected to start from RM 62,500 to RM73,400 (on-the-road, without insurance). Set to go on sale soon, the Perodua D55L is the company’s first-ever model to be developed on the DNGA platform – a derivative of Toyota’s TNGA platform but for budget compact cars. Depending on who you ask, the D55L is an A/B segment SUV that undercuts
Feb 19, 2021
Malaysians are eagerly waiting for Proton’s next SUV, more affectionally known as the Proton X50. Over at arch-rival Perodua’s base, they too are gearing up for their very own SUV known internally as the D55L. The Proton X50 (based on the Geely Binyue) will sit below the Proton X70 and competes against the likes of the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3. The pricing strategy will reflect this model hierarchy, giving customers a more affordable but no less high-tech SUV from Proton. The next Perodua SUV i
Dec 2, 2019
Perodua Ativa 2021, SUV terhangat buat masa kini akan menggunakan transmisi D-CVT (Dual-Mode CVT). Ia merupakan penggunaan CVT pertama buat Perodua, jadi timbul persoalan tentang pembuatan dan apa yang istimewa tentangnya. Kami di WapCar BM akan membawa anda melihat secara dekat transmisi CVT baru ini dengan bahasa yang mudah dan senang difahami. Apa yang istimewa pasal transmisi CVT ni? Selalunya transmisi CVT menggunakan tali (belt) atau rantai (chain), tetapi Perodua Ativa D-CVT menggunakan k
Feb 24, 2021
Whether you like it or not, continuously variable transmissions (CVT) are here to stay, as these transmissions offer superior fuel efficiency, perfect for city driving, and are relatively cheap to build. But before we get started, let’s take a closer look at what makes a CVT, a CVT. What is a CVT? At its very heart (ok, it's called the inner housing of the transmission), a CVT-type automatic transmission houses several belts and pulleys in place of physical gears in regular torque converter auto
Jan 3, 2020
When you are stuck in a traffic jam, should you leave your automatic transmission car in Drive and hold it with the brakes, or shift to Neutral and engage the parking brake/hand brake? Depending on who you ask, you will get a different answers. Not very long ago, it was said that you should leave your car in Drive, and that it’s not recommended to keep shifting between Drive and Neutral because doing so sends unnecessary shift shock to the driveline. But with the kind of traffic that we have the
Jun 24, 2020
Earlier reports suggest that the all-new fourth-gen 2021 Nissan X-Trail will be paired to an 8-speed automatic. However, we know that this is not true as more evidence points to the transmission being a CVT with 8 virtual ratios. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) FuelEconomy.gov website, the X-Trail’s North American twin, the Nissan Rogue could gain the turbocharged 3-cylinder 1.5-litre engine (204 PS/300 Nm). This engine might debut in the Chinese X-Trail at the upcomi
Mar 17, 2021
The benefits of CVT have been repeated many and many times over – simple design, better fuel efficiency, smooth gear shifts, and infinite gear ratios. So much so, that city cars by Nissan, Honda, and Toyota mainly use CVTs. Common fears regarding CVT are overheating CVTs and snapped CVT belts. But how much truth is there to these fears? 1. CVT Overheating CVT overheating is real. It damages the CVT fluid and consequently everything else. Overheating could also break the CVT belt. There are two c
Jan 23, 2021
Just a few days back, my colleague Arif opined that the world doesn't need manual cars anymore. Chaos ensued, tables and chairs were thrown in the office (some were thrown in Adrian's direction too, for saying this). After the dust has settled, I'm happy to report that we're all still friends and colleagues (I was forced to type this). Jokes aside, I am only too aware of the passage of progress, and Arif does have valid points about the need to continue moving forward. Electric cars and autonomo
Aug 2, 2020
Prior to the introduction of the locally-assembled (CKD) Proton X70, the company has confirmed that the upcoming model will be fitted with a new 7-speed wet-type dual-clutch automatic transmission, superseding the 6-speed torque converter unit. Recently, Geely flew selected members of the media to its headquarters in Zhejiang, China as a preview for the new transmission. DCT, reliable meh? Speaking to members of the media, Geely’s Senior Chief Engineer Tejinder Singh said that their new wet-type
Feb 3, 2020
The new 2020 Perodua Bezza is the natural rival to the Proton Saga in the A-Segment sedan market, but with the highest spec Advance (AV) priced at RM 49,980, there are other options that you should consider in the bigger B-Segment – the Proton Persona 1.6 Executive. Take a look at the overview: Evidently, the Premium spec Saga is the cheapest of the lot as compared to both the Bezza 1.3 AV and Persona 1.6 Executive on paper. That being said, let’s compare the specs and equipment levels offered i
Mar 12, 2020
Apa itu CVT? Continuously Variable Transmission, atau nama pendeknya CVT, telah menjadi pilihan yang semakin popular dikalangan pemandu di bandar. Pada tahun 2014, lebih dari 10% kereta baru yang diperkenalkan telah dipadatkan dengan CVT. Pada 2015, 11.3 juta CVT telah dihasilkan di seluruh dunia dan jumlah tersebut dijangka akan meningkat kepada 18.2 juta unit menjelang 2022. Di Malaysia, hampir separuh daripada kereta yang dijual telah diberi CVT. Contohnya, Toyota Vios, Honda City dan juga ke
Jun 19, 2020
An increasingly common feature in automatic transmission cars nowadays is paddle shifters. 9 times out of 10, a new car will come equipped with it, be it an econobox like a Honda City or a hot-blooded supercar (a McLaren 720S comes to mind). How did this feature become so prevalent? Is it just a gimmick, or something genuinely useful? How did it even come about? Origins of the paddle shift The most primitive form of a paddle shift system was first seen in 1901, which was invented by Amedé Bollée
Feb 3, 2021
UMW Toyota Motor has just introduced the all-new 2020 Toyota RAV4 in Malaysia. The new model competes against the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 in the C-segment SUV market. Powertrain – Can the Dynamic Force engine compete against its turbocharged rivals? From now till 31-December, these are updated prices for the Honda CR-V: CR-V 2.0 2WD: RM 144,629.66 CR-V 1.5 TC 2WD: RM 157,243.00 CR-V 1.5 TC AWD: RM 162,871.46 CR-V 1.5 TC-P 2WD: RM 168,465.73 As for the Mazda CX-5, these are the updated prices:
Jun 19, 2020
(2019 Proton Persona Price and Specs | Gallery) | (2020 Perodua Bezza Price and Specs | Gallery) The recently-updated Perodua Bezza has certainly garnered the attention of many, not just because Perodua has made ASA 2.0 available on the Bezza, but also because of its price point. We already compared the new Bezza against its closest rival - the updated Proton Saga. But considering that the updated Bezza line-up is priced well into Proton Persona's price range, it would be logical to compare the
Jan 15, 2020
Now in its sixth year on sale, the Proton Iriz has received a number of updates over its lifecycle. The first update for the Proton Iriz came in 2017 when Proton improved the model’s noise, vibrations, and harshness (NVH) levels by reducing the number of engine mounts (from four to three), a revised exhaust set-up, and better noise insulation materials. Subsequently in 2019, Proton introduced a more comprehensive update for the Iriz, this time encompassing a redesigned exterior and updated inter
Sep 29, 2020
When Proton launched the Iriz back in 2014, it received much fanfare as Proton developed and envisioned the Iriz to be a global model – it’s Global Small Car (GSC) codename was proof of that. But the Iriz fell short of its global aspirations – the car was only exported to Indonesia (how many units were sold?) and left-hand drive versions never materialized. Putting aside its global aspirations, the Iriz proved to be a decent alternative to the second-generation Perodua Myvi, as all variants of t
May 26, 2020
The Proton Persona might be one of the most exciting-handling cars on a budget. No, I’m serious and this is coming from someone who has very mixed feelings on the Exora. The Persona might be one of those cars that would look great as a sleeper and it even comes with a manual, if you’re the sort who prefers a traditional, engaging drive at the expense of creature comforts. But enough reminiscing over the beauty (and sometimes left leg aching pain) of a manual, most people these days would rather
Sep 29, 2020
When Toyota launched the GR Supra, it kept the enthusiast scene buzzing – partially because Toyota worked with BMW to develop the Supra, but also because the GR Supra lacks a manual transmission. Tetsuya Tada, the chief engineer of the GR Supra threw a curveball, asking if Toyota should prioritize a manual version of the Supra, or should they develop a more powerful version. In the meantime, a tuner group called European Auto Group recently got their hands on the GR Supra and has started work on
Oct 22, 2019
Honda HR-V
Perodua Alza
Honda City
Honda City Hatchback
Toyota Yaris