LAND ROVER DEFENDER LIMITED EDITION LAUNCHED IN MALAYSIA

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) has launched a Land Rover Defencer Limited Edition here today. This is essentially a tribute to the truly iconic 4x4 that will no longer be in production by the end of this year. A truly bittersweet moment, as it is sad to see an icon leave us but it also leaves us in anticipation of its successor. 

Anyway, JLRM has now given us a Land Rover Defender Double Cab pickup enhanced with 13 exclusive items – a chequer plate set, roof rack, raised air intake, side protection runners, A-frame protection bar and kit installation, a set of four spotlights, rear step bumper assembly, 9.5cti WARN electric winch, winch accessories kit, bumper mounting, a set of five off-road tyres and a special Santorini Black eye-catching paint job on the body and rims.

The Land Rover Defender Limited Edition will be customised to order and is available from any Sime Darby AutoConneXion Sdn Bhd or SISMA Auto Sdn Bhd authorised dealerships. It is priced at RM153,888.00 plus RM65,388.00 for the Limited Edition Accessories Package (on its own worth RM79,000), inclusive of labour charges and 6% GST. 

The Limited Edition Accessories Package is also available for purchase by current Land Rover Defender owners interested in transforming their vehicles into ‘go-anywhere’ mean machines. The package is originally worth RM79,000.00 but is now available at a special price of RM65,388.00 during the promotion period from now till December 31, 2015. The Limited Edition Accessories are also available individually for sale. 

So this package gets you something totally badass. Close to the Land Rover Defender Big Foot used in the latest James Bond movie, Spectre. You only need those huge tyres and some rope wrapped round the bonnet up front. 

PRESS RELEASE

LAND ROVER DEFENDER LIMITED EDITION LAUNCHED

Transform your Land Rover Defender with the Limited Edition Accessories Package

Kuala Lumpur, November 18, 2015 – Jaguar Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (JLRM) has launched the head-turning Land Rover Defender Limited Edition - a tribute to the iconic 4X4 that will no longer be in production after this year.

It is essentially a Land Rover Defender Double Cab pickup enhanced with 13 exclusive items – a chequer plate set, roof rack, raised air intake, side protection runners, A-frame protection bar and kit installation, a set of four spotlights, rear step bumper assembly, 9.5cti WARN electric winch, winch accessories kit, bumper mounting, a set of five off-road tyres and a special Santorini Black eye-catching paint job on the body and rims.

The Land Rover Defender Limited Edition will be customised to order and available from any Sime Darby AutoConneXion Sdn Bhd or SISMA Auto Sdn Bhd authorised dealerships.  It is priced at RM153,888.00 plus RM65,388.00 for the Limited Edition Accessories Package, inclusive of labour charges and 6% GST.

The Limited Edition Accessories Package is also available for purchase by current Land Rover Defender owners interested in transforming their vehicles into ‘go-anywhere’ mean machines. The package is originally worth RM79,000.00 but is now available at a special price of RM65,388.00 during the promotion period from now till December 31, 2015. The Limited Edition Accessories are also available individually for sale.

According to JLRM managing director Tuan Syed Mudzhar Syed Ali, the accessories would be fitted by trained technicians and covered by warranty, except for the paint job and off-road tyres.

“This special Land Rover Defender Limited Edition is a tribute to a much-loved 4X4 icon as the last of the current Land Rover Defenders will roll-off the production lines by the end of the year, marking the end of an era.  There is no better time than now to buy this collectors’ vehicle,” he said.

For the past six decades, the Land Rover Series models and subsequently, the Defender, have played crucial roles in nation building all over the world.  The model was and remains the mainstay of many security forces, development agencies and service organisations due to its unmatched off-roading capabilities and almost unbreakable design and all-aluminium body construction.  Today, it is still the preferred vehicle for many outdoor and off-roading enthusiasts.

For more information on this special promotion, please go to www.landrover.com.my.

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Some tidbits and news on upcoming reviews on a Truck vs a Bus, a Volkswagen Passat and a Jaguar XJ L

As usual I've been busy. Busy with life. I have also decided to clean up my personal Facebook page of all unwanted and negative clutter. Clutter has been mostly political and anyone who irritates the heck out of me. My Facebook feed is now very positive and I only see what I want to see. Clutter and deadweight holds you back. If you want to achieve more in most things you gotta get rid of it. Life is so much  better without idiots. 

Most of you would also realise that I am bilingual. I speak and write fluently (or decently well) in English and the Malay language. I also know how to swear and curse in umpteen more languages too. Being bilingual is a good thing, but one of the languages must be English if you want to spread your wings globally. I started writing in English because I wanted a broader audience instead of using my mother tongue. I also had the privilege to write for publications elsewhere aside from Malaysia. One of the great things about the knowledge to converse in English and the internet is that it opened up an avenue and a platform for me to share my thoughts to others through a channel that is easily accessible most of the time. And since English is the most widely used medium in most continents (Mandarin could be the most used language but it isn't used on all continents globally), it is the way to go. Look where English has gotten me. I get to drive nice vehicles most of the time.

Speaking of vehicles, upcoming reviews and articles will include:

A comparison between a bus and a truck - which is actually more pleasurable to drive

This is me driving a Scania prime mover truck at the Sepang F1 Circuit....

...this is the Scania Marcopolo bus that I drove right after the truck. So which is actually more fun to actually punt around at about 80-90kmh?

A review on the Volkswagen Passat B7 - still on sale in Malaysia till the new one arrives. Is it still a worthy drive? Expect this soon folks. (I just need to start putting the words together for this first).

A review of the M.I.6 Director's car - The Jaguar XJ L 2.0 - The (longer) Drive Experience. This is because I did have a go in one earlier but that was a short spin. This would be up sometime next week, in lieu of the latest James Bond movie, Spectre. Why? Jaguar Land Rover vehicles are used extensively in that film as well as the previous one, Skyfall. What better way to celebrate a Bond movie by driving something that was heavily featured in one?

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SISMA AUTO AND QATAR AIRWAYS REWARD CUSTOMER WITH 5-STAR TRIP TO THE UK

This is the second piece of news today that also deals with lucky people. Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia's authorised dealer SISMA Auto Sdn Bhd and Qatar Airways had teamed up during a recent campaign by SISMA Auto called the SISMA Auto 'UK VIP Experience'. The grand prize was two return business class tickets on Qatar Airways’ world’s best Business Class, 5-star accommodation for 4 days 3 nights, a Land Rover Experience Drive in Solihul and a private tour of Land Rover’s manufacturing facility.

The Grand Prize winner of the SISMA Auto ‘UK VIP Experience’ promotion was property developer Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ramasamy a/l Muthusamy, who was represented by his wife Puan Sri Indra Ghandi at a simple ceremony at SISMA Auto’s Kuala Lumpur City showroom at Menara Worldwide recently.

The lucky winner had purchased a Range Rover Vogue during the competition period, which was one of more than 200 qualifying Jaguars and Land Rover sold in the period. Maybe I need to buy a Jaguar or a Land Rover so that I can get lucky too. But I think my bank account wouldn't survive such an endeavor. 

SISMA AUTO AND QATAR AIRWAYS REWARD CUSTOMER WITH 5-STAR TRIP TO THE UK

Kuala Lumpur, October 21, 2015 – Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia’s authorised dealer SISMA Auto Sdn Bhd and multiple award-winning carrier Qatar Airways teamed up to reward a lucky customer with a 5-star trip to the United Kingdom.

As the Grand Prize winner of the SISMA Auto ‘UK VIP Experience’ promotion, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ramasamy a/l Muthusamy, won two return business class tickets on Qatar Airways’ world’s best Business Class, 5-star accommodation for 4 days 3 nights, a Land Rover Experience Drive in Solihul and a private tour of Land Rover’s manufacturing facility.

SISMA Auto Managing Director Syed Khalil Syed Ibrahim and Qatar Airways Country Manager for Malaysia and Brunei, Emmanuel Oswald, presented the prize to the winner, who was represented by his wife Puan Sri Indra Ghandi at a simple ceremony at SISMA Auto’s Kuala Lumpur City showroom at Menara Worldwide recently.

The lucky winner had purchased a Range Rover Vogue during the competition period, which was one of more than 200 qualifying Jaguars and Land Rover sold in the period.

“At SISMA Auto, we have always emphasised on providing customers with a unique and outstanding experience.  Our partnership with a 5-star airline like Qatar Airways, acclaimed for its exquisite customer service, reflects our brand values and would ensure a truly pampering journey to and from London for the lucky winner,” said Syed Khalil.  

Property developer Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ramasamy, 52, expressed delight with his surprise win.

“I decided to buy my Range Rover from SISMA Auto as their personalised service has been exceptional and gives me total peace of mind.  Winning this exclusive trip was totally unexpected and a pleasant surprise. I am looking forward to visiting the Land Rover factory for the first time, and of course, the driving experience at Solihul,” he said. 

Qatar Airways was named ‘Airline of the Year’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’ and won the ‘Best Business Class Seat’ category at the 2015 Skytrax World Airline Awards. ENDS

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Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia launches the all-new Land Rover Discovery Sport - Priced from RM399,000

Jaguar Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (JLRM) has officially launched the all-new Land Rover Discovery Sport, in Malaysia. The 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport is claimed by Jaguar Land Rover to be the world’s most versatile premium compact SUV. It is also the first member of the new Discovery family and takes a whole lot of styling cues from the larger Range Rover Sport premium SUV. 

The Discovery Sport is available in two variants – the 2.0L Si4 Petrol (240PS, 340Nm) and the 2.2L SD4 Diesel (190PS, 420Nm). Both are mated to advanced nine-speed automatic transmissions for  refinement, efficiency, driver engagement and off-road capability. 

I have not had the chance to drive it yet but had been driven in one. The Discovery Sport rides quite comfortably and seems to be pretty refined too. It seems to have most of the off road drivability judging from the usege of its hill descent control and climbing skills as well as on road comfort and handling. I do believe that in terms of on road refinement, this 'baby' Range Rover Sport is as good as its larger brethren. 

The Si4 Petrol is priced from RM399,000. (Price is with GST but excludes road tax, registration and insurance.) The price for the SD4 Diesel will be announced later. This seems a tad bit pricey as even the Range Rover Evoque, a Range Rover instead of just a Land Rover is slightly cheaper or sold at the same price. According to the good people of JLRM, this has a lot to do with the currency exchange rates and the fact that it is actually a full 7 seater with high equipment specs. In terms of practicality, the Land Rover Discovery Sport beats the Evoque. In terms of refinement, it is about equal. It is only in terms of styling that the Evoque comes out ahead. But personally, I prefer the chunky looks of the Disco Sport over the Evoque. 

As I said, it is a baby Range Rover Sport in terms of looks. I like that look more.

(more pics below and after the press release)

PRESS RELEASE

ALL-NEW LAND ROVER DISCOVERY SPORT

PREMIUM COMPACT SUV LAUNCHED IN MALAYSIA

Newest member of Land Rover family comes packed with intelligent technology, takes versatility to new heights with 5+2 seating

• Bold and progressive design defines new Discovery family
• 5 + 2 seating versatility in a more compact footprint than traditional five-seat SUVs
• Multi-link axle for peerless on-road agility and off-road ability, plus high levels of refinement and interior space
• Unrivalled all-terrain performance courtesy of optimised approach, departure and breakover angles, plus Terrain Response® technology
• Connected on-road handling with optimised electric power-assisted steering

Petaling Jaya, August 21, 2015 – Jaguar Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (JLRM) has officially launched the all-new Land Rover Discovery Sport, the world’s most versatile premium compact SUV, and the first member of the new Discovery family, in Malaysia.

The Discovery Sport is available in two variants – the 2.0L Si4 Petrol (240PS, 340Nm) and the 2.2L SD4 Diesel (190PS, 420Nm). Both are mated to advanced nine-speed automatic transmissions for peerless refinement, efficiency, driver engagement and off-road capability.

The Si4 Petrol is priced from RM399,000. (Price is with GST but excludes road tax, registration and insurance.) The price for the SD4 Diesel will be announced later.

“The launch of the all-new Discovery Sport is a pivotal moment in Land Rover’s 67-year history,” said Tuan Syed Mudzhar Syed Ali, Managing Director, JLRM. “Not only does it mark the introduction of the first new member of the expanding Discovery family, it also brings the versatility of 5+2 seating to the compact premium SUV market. Simply the most accomplished vehicle in its segment, I believe it will resonate not only with existing Land Rover owners but also a new generation of discerning customers.”

Discovery Sport maintains the heritage of outstanding capability, which has been at the core of every Land Rover since 1948. It has been engineered to provide best-in-class off-road capability, on-road dynamics, interior packaging, safety innovations and use of intelligent lightweight materials.

Designed and engineered at Land Rover’s development centre in the UK, the Discovery Sport is produced at the company’s award-winning manufacturing facility in Halewood, Liverpool.

Every Discovery Sport comes with a 5-year or 300,000km warranty, 5-year or 80,000km free scheduled maintenance and 3-year roadside assistance, whichever comes first.

The Discovery Sport is lavishly equipped with innovative features such as 5+2 seating, powered tailgate and configurable mood lighting. Depending on the optional accessories package selected, it can be equipped with various optional features such as Park Assist with Parallel and Perpendicular Parking, Automatic High-Beam Assist, Lane Departure Warning, panaromic roof and Meridian audio sound system with HDD navigation.

Customers can also opt for the Black Design Pack that includes a gloss-black grille, door mirror caps, front fender vents, `Discovery’ bonnet script, contrast roof and tailgate badging and a choice of eye-catching 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels.

Discovery Sport’s bold and progressive design, which combines 5+2 seating configurability with design and engineering integrity in a compact footprint that is smaller than many traditional 5-seater SUVs, is unique in its segment. This streamlined design is complemented by class-leading usability: all-round visibility is excellent, while the interior and load space (up to 1,698L) are easily accessible and fully optimised.

It features a suite of engineering innovations by Land Rover, including the next generation multi-link rear axle; and state-of-the-art bodyshell made from a mix of high-strength steel and lightweight aluminium.

The all-new multi-link rear axle in particular has proved crucial, allowing Land Rover to introduce 5+2 seating to a whole new segment while also offering best-in-class off-road performance and outstanding level of agility.

Being a Land Rover, the Discovery Sport offers unrivalled all-terrain performance courtesy of 600mm wading depth, optimised approach, departure and break-over angles and Terrain Response® System.

Terrain Response® allows Discovery Sport’s steering, throttle response, gearbox, centre-coupling and braking/stability systems to be precisely tailored to the demands of the terrain. The system features four settings: General; Grass/Gravel/Snow (for slippery conditions on- and off-road); Mud and Ruts; and Sand.

Discovery Sport has been engineered with the latest active and passive safety advances. A comprehensive occupant safety package includes a total of seven airbags -- driver and passenger, knee, and side curtain and thorax airbags. Other safety features include Hill Descent Control (HDC®), Gradient Release Control (GRC®), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Traction Control (ETC), Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), Hill Start Assist, Roll Stability Control (RSC), and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).

The new Discovery Sport’s entry into the Malaysian market was a spectacular affair. The highlight was the unique Land Rover Terrapod, a state-of-the-art mobile man-made track that gave fans the opportunity to experience the unique all-terrain ability of the Discovery Sport.

The Discovery Sport had little difficulty tackling steep slopes and inclines on the Terrapod. Its body has been specially optimised to cope with challenging off-road terrain, with 212mm of ground clearance and class-leading approach, departure and breakover angles of 25, 31 and 21 degrees respectively. This means the front, middle or rear of the vehicle can climb up, over and down extreme obstacles at low speed.

The Efficient Driveline fulltime four-wheel-drive variants offered in Malaysia can also scale incredibly steep gradients of 45 degrees, as much as 14 degrees more than other competitor SUVs. In extreme situations, lower trim on the front bumper can be removed to increase the approach angle still further.

The one-of-its-kind experience on the Land Rover Terrapod is open to the public during the Discovery Sport Open Day at the 1 Utama Shopping Centre (Old Wing) outdoor carpark on August 22 and 23, 2015 from 11.00 am till 9.00 pm. To register for the event, please go to www.landrover.com.my/discoverysportlaunch. Each online registration will receive a limited edition Land Rover gift, while stocks last.

For more information or to arrange test drive, please head to the nearest sales outlet or visit www.landrover.com.my. 

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