KUALA LUMPUR: The opening day of the 2023 StarCarSifu Auto Show at Mid Valley Megamall here proved to be a hit with many coming to check out the latest automotive technologies, made even better by some attractive deals and offers.
Among those in the crowd was 28-year-old car workshop entrepreneur Ahmad Afiq, who was interested in the mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) technology in the Proton X90 premium SUV.
“The technology in the X90 is intriguing compared with conventional cars,” said Ahmad, who operates the Semake Garage in Shah Alam.
Operations manager Thayanidi Karuppiah, 53, came to check out the Volvo XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a luxury midsize SUV with all-wheel drive and an all-electric range of 81km.
“Being in the automotive industry, I am interested in electrified vehicles that are environmentally friendly. I am also looking to buy a suitable car for my son, who is a college student,” said Thayanidi, who works with an automotive components manufacturer.
Ben Lee also came to take a closer look at the Volvo XC60 Recharge.
“It looks very nice. It should be very comfortable and good for long distances,” said the 35-year-old freelance designer.
Among the participating automotive brands are Volvo, Proton, Subaru, BYD, Perodua, Ford and Nissan.
The five-day show is organised by the Star Media Group.
Following last year’s inaugural format of two shows, the second 2023 StarCarSifu Auto Show will be held from Aug 23 to 27 at Mid Valley Southkey in Johor Baru.
Besides conventional petrol-powered vehicles, visitors can also check out the latest high-tech PHEVs and battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
Volvo is showcasing its latest locally-assembled XC40 and C40 Recharge Pure Electric BEVs that combine luxury with performance.
Volvo is also offering a promotion package worth almost RM20,000 for the XC90 Recharge and XC60 Recharge that runs until Sept 30.
The new Proton X90 has a powerful 1.5-litre TGDi engine aided by a 48-volt electric motor that ensures more than enough performance on city roads and highways.
Buyers can choose a six- or seven-seater X90 that suits their preference or budget.
The new Subaru Forester has the award-winning preventive safety system EyeSight 4.0, which is more intuitive.
Promotions for Subaru buyers include a free five-year comprehensive maintenance service package for the new Forester, up to RM7,000 in rebates, and a free five-year comprehensive maintenance service package for the XV (terms apply).
BYD is showcasing its recently-launched Dolphin BEV, which is priced from RM99,900.
The Dolphin comes with a vehicle warranty of 6 years/150,000km, a high-voltage battery warranty of 8 years/160,000km, and a drive unit warranty of 8 years/ 150,000km.
Visitors can also check out the all-electric BYD Atto 3 SUV, which comes in two variants rated for travel ranges of up to 410km and 480km respectively.
As for Perodua’s latest second-generation Axia, it is a much improved compact hatchback that delivers even better fuel economy.
Its proven 1.0-litre EEV engine with VVT-i technology mated to a dual-mode continuously variable transmission, when used with the Eco Idle system, can deliver a miserly fuel consumption of up to 27.4km per litre based on the Malaysian Driving Cycle.
Ford’s next-generation Ranger Raptor, powered by a 2.0-litre bi-turbodiesel engine, which has a rugged appearance and refined SUV-like interior, is also at the 2023 StarCarSifu Auto Show.
Book a Ranger Raptor and a specially-designed Baja 1000- inspired Raptor 2.0L Diesel T-shirt will be given to buyers when they take delivery of the vehicle.
They will also get an additional RM500 discount on Ford Ranger Getaways that is redeemable via promo code upon vehicle delivery.Nissan is showing its Serena J IMPUL with more touches of sportiness to this popular three-row seating multi-purpose vehicle (MPV).
Aside from car makers, other participants at the motor show include Hong Leong Assurance and custom car mat brand Trapo.
Trapo, a leading automotive accessories brand, also has special offers for its Magnetic and Premium car phone holders, as well as antibacterial car spray.
Hong Leong Assurance Bhd (HLA), the leading domestic life insurer renowned for its comprehensive financial planning and protection solutions, has a HLA Festive Protect insurance plan.
