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Rano360.com » 2018 » January

Archive for January, 2018

Time for a change

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in Social News

In today’s titah by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam on RTB at 2:30pm, 30th January 2018 was the announcement of new ministers and deputy ministers for the cabinet of the Brunei Government.

• His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam as the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Minister of Finance, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
• His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince as the Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office
• Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Di-Raja Dato Laila Utama Hj Awang Isa Pehin Datu Perdana Manteri Dato Laila Utama Hj Awang Ibrahim as the Special Advisor to His Majesty and Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (new)
• Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr.) Hj Awang Abu Bakar Hj Apong as Minister of Home Affairs (remains)
• Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awang Badaruddin Pengarah Dato Paduka Hj Othman as Minister of Religious Affairs (remains)
• Dato Seri Setia Hj Ali Apong as Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism (remains)
• Pehin Datu Laila Raja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Hj Halbi Hj Mohd. Yussof as Second Minister of Defence (new, previously Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports)
• Dato Paduka Dr Hj Md Isham Jaafar as Minister of Health (remains)
• Dato Seri Paduka Awang Hj Abdul Mokti Hj Mohd Daud as Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (new)
• Dato Seri Paduka Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah as Second Minister of Finance (new)
• Dato Paduka Hj Erywan Pehin Dato Pekerma Jaya Hj Mohd Yusof as Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade (new)
• Dato Seri Paduka Hj Suhaimi Hj Gafar as Minister of Development (new)
• Dato Paduka Dr Awang Hj Mat Suny Hj Mohd Hussein as Minister of Energy and Industry (new)
• Dato Paduka Hj Hamzah Hj Sulaiman as Minister of Education (new)
• Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof as Minister of Communications (new)
• Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Hj Aminuddin Ihsan Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin as Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports (new)
• Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Hj Bahrom bin Pengiran Hj Bahar as Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs (new)
• Datin Hjh Erlinda Hj C.A. Mohd as Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (new)
• Dato Paduka Ahmaddin Hj Abd Rahman as Deputy Minister of Finance (new)
• Datin Paduka Dr Hjh Romaizah Hj Mohd Salleh as Deputy Minister of Education (new)
• Dato Paduka Hj Matsatejo Sokiaw as Deputy Minister of Energy and Industry (new)

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Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Di-Raja Dato Laila Utama Hj Awang Isa Pehin Datu Perdana Manteri Dato Laila Utama Hj Awang Ibrahim as the Special Advisor to His Majesty and Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office. He served as Special Adviser to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Home Affairs from 1986 to 2005.
 

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Tuan Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof as Minister of Communications. He served as the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs.
 

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Dato Paduka Hj Hamzah Hj Sulaiman as Minister of Education. He served as the Permanent Secretary (Economic and Finance) at the Prime Minister’s Office. Apparently he used to be a teacher/lecturer.
 

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Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Hj Aminuddin Ihsan Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin as Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports. He served as the Brunei High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
 

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Dato Seri Paduka Awang Hj Abdul Mokti Hj Mohd Daud as Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office. He served as the Deputy Minister of Religious Affair.
 

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Dato Paduka Hj Erywan Pehin Dato Pekerma Jaya Hj Mohd Yusof as Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade (left). He served as the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
 

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Dato Seri Paduka Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah as Second Minister of Finance. He served as the deputy minister of Finance.
 

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Dato Seri Paduka Hj Suhaimi Hj Gafar as Minister of Development. He served as deputy minister of Development.
 

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Dato Paduka Dr Awang Hj Mat Suny Hj Mohd Hussein as Minister of Energy and Industry. He served as deputy minister of Development from 2005 to 2010.

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The current ministers that are being replaced and will no longer hold any ministerial positions.
 

New Audi Q5 to launch this weekend with showroom test-drive

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in audi, automative, lifestyle, Social News

 

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Test drive the Audi Q5 this weekend
 

After a successful media preview last week, TCY Motors Sdn Bhd will organize a two-day launch for the 2018 Audi Q5 at its showroom in Kiarong.

Taking place on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd February at Audi Kiarong, invited guests and the public can experience Audi’s most successful premium mid-sized XUV with a 3 stage product demonstration including a guided test-drive, driver’s assistance systems and B&O 3D sound experience.

The new Audi Q5 boast many improvements- a stronger Q design identity, better driving experience with new quattro technology coupled with a new 7-speed dual clutch gearbox and maximum everyday usability. A quieter car thanks to improved aero-acoustics and best in-class drag co efficiency (0.30). Standard for Brunei will be 19” wheels.

All test-drive participants will also enter a lucky draw to win a Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay A1 Bluetooth speaker.

 

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Stand a chance to win a BeoPlay A1 when you test drive the latest Audi Q5
 

Japanese Language and Culture Week 2018

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in culture, travel, lifestyle, Social News

 

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The Embassy of Japan in Brunei, together with the Japan Foundation and Times Square, will be co-organising “Japanese Language and Culture Week” from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 February 2018 at Times Square.

The event aims to introduce traditional Japanese culture and promote the Japanese language, whilst also highlighting opportunities for studying in Japan. There will be exhibition booths and on-stage demonstrations including a live showcase of new Japanese music, graffiti-art workshops, Japanese Martial Arts demonstrations, exhibitions of traditional Japanese toys, Japanese cooking, a Yoyo and Kendama showcase and Yukata (Japanese casual summer kimonos) dressing up with a commemorative photo service.

The new Japanese music showcases will be led by the musician group, named the” Ryoma Quartet “ from Japan.The band is a fusion of west meets east and old meets new. They will conduct a live performance with a violin and three traditional Japanese musical instruments; three-stringed shamisen, shinobue flute and tsuzumi hand drum. The musicians have been performing together as well as undertaken solo projects, developing music as a band and as individuals. The band is known for the members’ professional performance skills and stage presence, as well as their uniform, Montsuki Hakama (a traditional Japanese costume for men) which represents their determination to perform professionally.

Time table:
–          8.00pm on Friday, 2nd February
–          4.45pm – 5.30pm on Sunday, 4th February
–          8.00pm – 9.00pm on Sunday, 4th February

 

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A musician group, named the” Ryoma Quartet “ from Japan
 

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Click image to enlarge
 

Big debut for the new A-Class

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in automative, Social News

 

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Stuttgart/Amsterdam. There are just a few days to go: the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class celebrates its world premiere in Amsterdam on 2 February 2018. With Mercedes me media, anyone can be there live – wherever they are in the world. Press materials, photos and videos relating to the A-Class are available via a constantly updated media hub.

This year, the new AClass as a harbinger of the new compact car generation will replace a bestseller that has decisively contributed to a more youthful brand image for Mercedes-Benz. The new Mercedes-Benz AClass retains its youthful and dynamic character, yet it is also more grown up and comfortable than ever. It completely redefines modern luxury in the compact class, and revolutionises interior design.

One of many technological highlights is MBUX – Mercedes-Benz User Experience. A unique feature of this multimedia system is its ability to learn thanks to artificial intelligence. Its other strengths include the high-resolution Widescreen Cockpit with touchscreen control, navigation display with augmented reality technology plus intelligent voice control with natural speech recognition, which is launched by saying “Hey Mercedes”.

Anybody around the world who wants to watch the worldwide premiere can do so live on Mercedes me media at https://media.mercedes-benz.com/A-Class2018. Visit the portal on 2 February at 6.45 p.m. (Central European Time so Brunei time will be 1:45am 3rd February) to watch the Pre-Show, which includes a brief summary of all the highlights from the afternoon programme. The live stream of the vehicle presentation starts at 7.00 p.m.

All-new Peugeot 5008 SUV

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in automative, Social News

 

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T.C.Y. Motors, the sole distributor of Peugeot in Brunei proudly launched the All-New Peugeot 5008 SUV in the local market. It was held at Peugeot Kiarong Showroom on January 26 to 27, 2018 last weekend. For an up-close and personal viewing of the All-New Peugeot 5008, Peugeot Brunei made the test-drive activity as the main focus during the launch. This new model will serve as another arsenal on Peugeot’s international SUV offense.

Though its name hasn’t changed, the design is entirely unprecedented. The All-New PEUGEOT 5008 breaks new ground as a large seven-seater SUV in the C segment. As a new contender in this promising consumer market, it boasts many strengths.

The All-New PEUGEOT 5008 SUV has not only have the new PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® system and the Efficient Modular Platform EMP2, but also a number of other high-tech features. Beneath its elegant and dynamic design you will find remarkable functionality: with its seven individual seats, the new PEUGEOT 5008 SUV is the first SUV with incredible modularity worthy of the best multi-purpose vehicles. The seats in the second row are entirely independent, but identical, adjustable and foldable. The seats in the third row are foldable and easy to remove to optimise a record 780 dm3 VDA 210 of space in the boot.

The All-New PEUGEOT 5008 produced in Rennes was first presented to the public in Paris, France before its international launch in the spring of 2017.

 

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Immerse yourself in the universe of the All-New PEUGEOT 5008 SUVs through on-the-spot test drive

Visitors can do experiments, with a technological and impactful demonstration of connected 3D navigation and the many driving assistance features available using the Samsung Gear VR virtual reality headset.

A set of animations will be shown that will illustrate the Advanced Grip Control, Hill Assist Descent Control (HADC), Active Safety Brake, Distance Alert and the Active Lane Departure Warning features.

All of the driving assistance features presented on the brand’s latest models constitute a new step towards achieving vehicle autonomy by 2020.

 

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Amplify your senses with the new-generation of PEUGEOT i-Cockpit®

PEUGEOT has continued its quest to make the driving experience more pleasurable by carefully studying the best way to design the driver’s cockpit.

This quest resulted in an innovative interior layout: the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit®.
It includes essential elements that make it easy to identify and highly desirable.
The latest generation of the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® launched in the new PEUGEOT 3008 and 5008 has all the latest technology for comfort and safety. It amplifies every sense more than ever:
-The steering wheel is even more compact. Redesigned with a rim with two flat parts for an improved grip, it provides more space for the driver’s legs and increases their field of vision.
-The head-up display combination uses a 12.3” high-resolution digital screen with futuristic graphics. The display is entirely adjustable and customisable and it brings together everything the driver could want within their line of vision so that their eyes never leave the road and they can focus on driving. The aesthetics of each configuration rely on animations and modern, technological transitions.
-The large 8” touch screen that brings together comfort controls in an intuitive way and makes it easy to use all the vehicle’s features. It is located in the centre of the dashboard and has powerful technology to make it more reactive and practical to use.
This screen is complemented by a central console with an elaborate design. It boasts a series of high-quality chrome toggle switches that are metallic and soft to the touch.

With a simple touch of one of these buttons, there is something to appeal to all the senses:
• sight, through adjustments to screen brightness and colour settings
• hearing, via musical ambience settings
• touch, through multipoint seat massage programmes (optional)
• smell, with a fragrance diffuser

The vehicle offers passengers two sensory environments to begin with: Boost, for energetic driving, and Relax, for a calmer experience. Both of these modes are entirely customisable. They create a unique and unforgettable on-board experience for driver and passengers alike.

20th Consumer Fair

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in fashion, games, gadget, lifestyle, food, Business, Social News

 

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Presentations of tokens to the loyal exhibitors of the Consumer Fair during the launch of 20th Consumer Fair
 

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Jennifer of AIA (Brunei) receiving a token from the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, the guest of honour for the 20th Consumer Fair.
 

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Her Excellency Nicola Rosenblum, Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam
 

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Check out Cuckoo’s latest promotion. You can simply top up $10 to add another product. Awesome deal 😀
 

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Guess what? Those who spend at Cuckoo during Consumer Fair, you will stand a chance to fly to Korea with the local media in March 2018
 

 

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At BIBD Booth
 

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One of the most interesting concept introduced in Brunei Darussalam as Khal explained to the minister on the latest modular home/space. You can follow @fabuar.co on IG for updates.
 

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Drop by BIBD booth at CF if you are interested on Fabular
 

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This is how it looks like #fabular 😀
 

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At Takaful Brunei booth
 

 

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The young blood, entrepreneurs with the minister
 

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Check out YMRM Gallery
 

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Check out Rubine kitchen products hosted by Bobby Electrical
 

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The Banquet Hall of the ICC will be the main place to dine
 

 

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Happy to see Pan & Wok’s presence at Consumer Fair
 

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I will be needing this soon for my car. More info on February once it is officially launched.
 

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Royal Brunei Airlines with their promotional fare
 

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Minister receiving a token from Amarda Properties
 

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Brunei Halal is back again at Consumer Fair
 

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Nimanja showcasing during the Consumer Fair
 

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A new online portal for shopping – Babakimpo. Register and you will get a free keychain 😀 I got mine yesterday.
 

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Chill Chill serving drinks at Banquet Hall
 

 

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Another online portal – J3smart 😀
 

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Some incentive for CF goers
 

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TelBru has a nice booth btw
 

The AMG sports model with V6 power

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in automative, Social News

 

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Driving Performance –As an attractive entry into the world of AMG, the AMG C 43 4MATIC combines a 270-kW (367-hp) 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine with a permanent Performance all-wheel-drive system and sophisticated suspension technology adopted from the Mercedes-AMG C 63. The result is fascinating Driving Performance and the hallmark emotional expressiveness of the brand.

The AMG sports models are distinguished by convincing product substance. Even at first glance, the characteristic AMG body styling leaves no doubt that this model is part of the Mercedes-AMG model family. Another indication for the new model strategy is found in the form of a special AMG badge on the front wings. From an engineering standpoint the AMG sports models perfectly deliver on the visual promise of a sporty character with a powerful engine, the standard-fit all-wheel drive system with rear-biased torque split, and sophisticated suspension solutions.

 

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Authentic driving dynamics thanks to hallmark AMG DNA
The AMG C 43 4MATIC is based on the most powerful production model of the C-Class, the C 400 4MATIC. The engineers have revised many technical features of the AMG sports model. Their objective: a high level of authentic driving dynamics geared towards the Mercedes-AMG C 63. To this end, a host of suspension components were adopted from the top-of-the-line V8 model. The driver also feels the DNA of the C 63 in the application of the engine and transmission management. Agility and sportiness dominate the intense driving experience in the AMG C 43 4MATIC on every kilometre.

The 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine is part of the BlueDIRECT engine family from Mercedes-Benz. Technical advances including a modified boost pressure allowed the AMG engineers to increase the engine’s power output and torque. With 270 kW (367 hp) and 520 Newton metres the V6 engine sets new standards in its segment – which is evident in the convincing performance: 
a sprint time from zero to 100 km/h of 4.9 seconds underscores the sporty temperament of the AMG C 43 4MATIC.

 

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Supreme or dynamic: the choice is yours
Thanks to a hefty torque curve the AMG sports model is agile, direct and dynamic. With the help of various AMG-specific drive programmes the driver is able to tailor the character of the AMG C 43 4MATIC to his or her personal preferences: the modes “Eco”, “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport Plus” as well as “Individual” are available to choose from for this purpose. The drive programmes adjust the suspension, steering and powertrain as desired, and are selected conveniently with the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT switch to the left of the touchpad.

Especially the “Sport Plus” programme delivers impressive hallmark AMG dynamics and enhances the emotional appeal: partial cylinder suppression during gear changes by means of a momentary and precisely defined retardation of ignition and injection under full throttle speeds up the gear changes, and can also be acoustically experienced by the driver. The emotional double-declutching functions during downshifts and the “exhaust rumbling” in overrun mode provide the fitting accompaniment. The throaty engine sound – 
a hallmark AMG experience – also plays a crucial role in the most powerful V6 model: to this end, the engineers have developed a new sports exhaust system with lower back-pressure and reduced weight.

The driving sensation is also characterised by the set-up of the accelerator pedal: the more the driver changes the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT settings from “Eco” towards “Sport Plus”, the more spontaneous and dynamic is the throttle response of the twin-turbo V6 engine. The driver also experiences authentic and emotional dynamics during engine start if desired: when the twin-turbo V6 engine is started in the “Sport Plus” drive programme, the engine speed quickly jumps to 2000 rpm for a moment before immediately settling back down to idle speed. Whether the driver wants to experience the engine start accompanied by a sporty or a more subdued sound depends on the most recently activated drive programme – it remains stored for four hours.

The “Eco” programme integrates an ECO start/stop function and a sailing function to reduce fuel consumption: when the driver releases the accelerator in a speed range between 60 and 160 km/h, the clutch of the transmission is disengaged and the engine is decoupled from the powertrain. The electronics reduce the engine speed to idle level, and the driving resistance is reduced by the compression and frictional forces of the engine in overrun mode.

Optimal traction thanks to Performance all-wheel drive
The all-wheel-drive system familiar from a number of AMG high-performance cars is also being used in the AMG C 43 4MATIC. The perfect grip during acceleration effectively prevents losses caused by slip. For thrilling driving dynamics 33 percent of the engine power is sent to the front axle and 67 percent to the rear axle. The rear-biased torque split results in higher agility around the vehicle’s vertical axis. Another major factor in this is the sportier set-up of the ESP® with Curve Dynamic Assist. The tangible effects for sporty drivers are lateral dynamics and cornering performance increased to an above-average level.

 

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Interior with exclusive, sporty flair
The AMG C 43 4MATIC fascinates with exclusivity and sportiness in the interior as well. The pleasant touch and feel of the materials and the quality of workmanship ensure a convincing value appeal and an emotional passenger experience.
The ARTICO/DINAMICA upholstery and the instrument panel trimmed with black ARTICO man-made leather convey the sporty ambience in superior fashion. ARTICO is also used on the upper edges of the body, the armrests, the door centre panels and the centre console. Red contrasting topstitching, designo red safety belts and black floor mats with red edging add attractive highlights.

Sports seats with AMG-specific seat upholstery layout and pronounced lateral support offer long-distance comfort and brace the passengers during dynamic cornering. A fitting complement to the sporty handling is the 3-spoke nappa leather multifunction sports steering wheel with flat bottom. The convincing looks and touch and feel comes in part also courtesy of loving details such as red contrasting topstitching, the moulded grip area, steering-wheel paddle shifters and the silver chrome steering wheel trim.

The instrument cluster also sports the typical AMG style: this source of information comprises dials in the sporty “chequered flag” design, a 280-km/h speedometer scale, red speedometer needles and a specific typography.

Press launch: Audi Q5

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in audi, Social News

 

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TCY Motors as the sole Audi dealer/importer today invited members of the press and media to a preview of the much awaited new second generation Audi Q5 premium SUV at Little Soho yesterday. I’ve been mentioning of the new Audi Q5 in my social media and previous postings on my blog and I’m pretty sure everyone’s anxious with the latest addition to the Audi family.

Audi’s success story in the mid-sized SUV segment became its first model to sell over a million units in less than six years since its introduction in late 2008. It was Audi’s best selling model globally for 2013 and 2014.

The global success also caught on in Brunei- it was the best selling Audi model locally from 2010 to 2014.

Defined by a clear Q DNA identity shared by its siblings, the emphasis is on power, strength and width of the new Q5. As with its predecessor the strengths of the new Q5 are in the fields of design, driving experience and everyday usability.

 

 

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The Audi Q5 is built for a better driver experience
 

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One of the features that I like about the Q5
 

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It’s very passenger oriented too
 

What’s new in the 2018 Audi Q5?

DESIGN
– New Q design language
– 3D radiator grille is the signature of the strong Q design DNA
– LED headlights and rear lights as standard
– New spacious interior with better headroom in front & rear
– Better ergonomics i.e. easier entering/exiting of vehicle

DRIVING EXPERIENCE
– New quattro technology standard for 4-cylinder engine models
– Adaptive air suspension for the first time with damper control
– Front and rear five link suspension (previously rear only)
– More power, less emissions
– 6 mode Audi Drive Select: standard with ‘offroad’ setting
– Up to 90kg weight reduction
– Best drag co efficient in its segment (0.30) same as Audi Q2
– Great entry/exit angle for off-roading (200mm ground clearance)
– New S tronic transmission to better handle more torque
– Better in vehicle noise reduction

 

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Now you can plug your smartphone and display your apps and contents at your disposal
 

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I can’t wait to test drive next week 😀
 

EVERYDAY USABILITY
– Longer wheelbase and increased interior space
– Trunk space increased by 10 litres
– Automatic luggage door
– Better in car driver assistance equipment i.e. Audi Virtual Cockpit, MMI Navigation Plus with touch pad etc.
– B&O 3D sound system as standard
– New automatic air conditioning system (more intuitive operation)

The new Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic will be launched early next month at the Audi Kiarong showroom with a product experience and test-drive. Test-drive participants will enter a lucky draw to win an exclusive Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay A1. The public is most welcomed to test drive and check out the new Q5.

DAKAR 2018 | A THIRD CONSECUTIVE WIN FOR PEUGEOT

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in automative, Social News

 

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DAKAR 2018 | A THIRD CONSECUTIVE WIN FOR PEUGEOT
 

DAKAR 2018 | A THIRD CONSECUTIVE WIN FOR PEUGEOT

After 8,793 kilometres of dunes, mountain passes, rocky tracks and assorted hazards through Peru, Bolivia and Argentina, the crew of Carlos Sainz/Lucas Cruz have given the PEUGEOT 3008DKR Maxi a magnificent victory on the 40th Dakar Rally. This third consecutive success for Team Peugeot Total on the most demanding rally in the world mirrors the commercial success of the PEUGEOT 3008 SUV, which was voted ‘Car of the Year’ in 2017.

PERFORMANCE AND RELIABILITY
The route of the 40th edition of the Dakar proved to be particularly demanding on the mechanical side. Following this demanding endurance test of nearly 9,000 kilometres, not only did the PEUGEOT 3008DKR Maxi win seven out of 13 stages but it also demonstrated remarkable reliability. The only issues encountered were minor gear selection issues, while the reason for retirement of the n°306 PEUGEOT 3008DKR Maxi was not down to any technical problems. The new BF Goodrich tyres proved to be remarkably strong over the demanding South American terrain, while TOTAL lubricants ensured optimal performance from the engines despite the altitude and extreme conditions.

THE REVENGE OF ‘EL MATADOR’
Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz have been unlucky over the last three Dakars but they bounced back in the strongest possible way. Having driven a masterful rally from the start, the two Spaniards demonstrated both performance and consistency at the wheel of the n°303 PEUGEOT 3008DKR Maxi. They won SS6 and SS7 (out of 14) to take a lead on the marathon stage that they were never to lose. The winners of the 2010 Dakar were on the top step of the podium again by reaching Cordoba with a 43min40s advantage over their rivals. This victory underlines their unrelenting investment into PEUGEOT’s rally raid project, having put all their expertise and talent into the set-up of the DKR cars.

 

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THE TRIBULATIONS OF ‘MR DAKAR’
Stéphane Peterhansel and Jean-Paul Cottret, the winners of the 2016 and 2017 Dakars with PEUGEOT, had an action-packed rally with two unfortunate setbacks. On SS7 (of 14) the n°300 crew had to swerve to avoid a quad bike stopped in the middle of the road and destroyed their car’s left-rear suspension against a hidden rock. Then at the start of SS13, the reigning Dakar champions hit a tree, which damaged their power steering. On both occasions, their team mates Cyril Despres/David Castera helped them fix their car and continue. These mishaps meant that they lost first and then second place in the overall classification. Nonetheless they finished fourth after proving to be the fastest crew of the whole Team PEUGEOT Total squad, with three stage victories.

DESPRES/CASTERA, RAPID AND DEPENDABLE
The first Team PEUGEOT Total crew to win a stage on the 2018 Dakar was Cyril Despres and David Castera, who claimed the overall lead at the end of SS2, showing that they have taken another step forward in terms of performance. Unfortunately, the ambitions of the two former bike riders were undone by a rock coming out of the road at kilometre 180 of SS4. This destroyed the right-rear suspension of the car, which stopped the duo in their tracks. With the help of Team PEUGEOT Total’s service truck, also entered in the competition, the n°308 PEUGEOT 3008DKR Maxi crew was able to continue, but with a severe delay. From then on, demonstrating amazing team spirit, the duo dedicated themselves to helping their team mates, while setting some impressive stage times when the opportunity arose (such as on SS8 and SS11). As a result of their 29-hour penalty, Cyril Despres and David Castera were classified some way back, a position which doesn’t represent their true level of performance.

LOEB STOPPED IN HIS TRACKS
After finishing second on last year’s Dakar, just five minutes behind the winners, Sébastien Loeb/Daniel Elena started this year’s event with the clear objective of winning. They made a great start to the rally, despite an itinerary through Peru that mainly consisted of dunes and off-piste driving, which was not really to their advantage. They then won SS4 in style, one of the most difficult stages of the modern Dakar in South America. Unfortunately, while running second in the overall classification, they were forced to retire on SS5, between San Juan de Marcona and Arequipa in Peru. Their PEUGEOT 3008DKR Maxi fell into a soft and sandy hole while they were avoiding another competitor who had got stuck. The impact fractured Daniel Elena’s coccyx, making it impossible for him to continue.

 

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THE LATEST CHAPTER IN THE SUCCESS STORY
This year’s win from Team PEUGEOT Total completes PEUGEOT’s already impressive track record of success on the Dakar, being the manufacturer’s seventh win from eight participations! Here’s a quick reminder of everything PEUGEOT has achieved on the Dakar :
1987 : Victory for Vatanen/Giroux (205 T16 Grand Raid)
1988 : Victory for Kankkunen/Piironen (205 T16 Grand Raid)
1989 : One-two for Vatanen/Berglund and Ickx/Tarin (405 T16 Grand Raid)
1990 : One-two-three for Vatanen/Berglund (405 T16 Grand Raid), Waldegard/Fenouil (405 T16 Grand Raid), Ambrosino/Baumgartner (205 T16 Grand Raid)
2016 : Victory for Peterhansel/Cottret (2008DKR)
2017 : One-two-three for Peterhansel/Cottret, Loeb/Elena and Despres/Castera (3008DKR)
2018 : Victory for Sainz/Cruz (3008DKR Maxi).

KEY NUMBERS FROM THE 2018 DAKAR
Countries visited: Peru, Bolivia and Argentina.
Kilometres covered: 8793km, of which 4047km were competitive, over 14 legs and 13 stages.
Stage wins: 7 for the PEUGEOT 3008DKR Maxi out of 13 that were run.
3 for Peterhansel/Cottret (SS5, SS8 and SS10)
2 for Sainz/Cruz (SS6 and SS7)
1 for Despres/Castera (SS2)
1 for Loeb/Elena (SS4)
One-twos and one-two-threes : 4 one-twos (SS2, SS4, SS6 and SS8) including two one-two-threes (SS2 and SS4)
Rally leaders: Despres/Castera (SS2), Peterhansel/Cottret (SS3 to SS6) and Sainz/Cruz (SS7 to SS14).
Maximum speed: 195.9kph (Despres/Castera SS3)
Highest average speed: 108kph (Sainz/Cruz SS6)
Highest ambient temperature: 35° (SS13)
Lowest ambient temperature: 6° (SS6)
Maximum altitude: 4786m (SS8, Uyuni-Tupiza)

HEADING FOR AN ELECTRIFYING CHALLENGE
This win marks PEUGEOT’s final participation on the Dakar. PEUGEOT Sport will now concentrate on the FIA World Rallycross Championship (WorldRX). The season will get underway from April 14-15 in Barcelona, with Sébastien Loeb driving one of the PEUGEOT 208 WRX entries. At the same time, PEUGEOT Sport will also prepare for the forthcoming electric Rallycross championship in 2020. This will be tackled with the replacement for the current road going PEUGEOT 208, which will feature a fully electric version.

PROVISIONAL OVERALL CLASSIFICATION AFTER SS14
1. Carlos Sainz (ESP) / Lucas Cruz (ESP), PEUGEOT 3008 DKR Maxi, 49h 16min18s
2. Nasser Al Attiyah (QAT) / Matthieu Baumel (FRA), Toyota 4WD, + 43min40s
3. Giniel de Villiers (ZAF) / Dirk von Zitzewitz (ZAF), Toyota 4WD, + 1h 16min41s
4. Stéphane Peterhansel (FRA) / Jean-Paul Cottret (FRA), PEUGEOT 3008DKR Maxi, + 1h 25min29s
5. Jakub Przygonski (POL) / Tom Colsoul (BEL), Mini 4WD, + 2h 45min24s
6. Khalid Al Qassimi (ARE) / Xavier Panseri (FRA), Peugeot 3008DKR, + 4h 20min58s
31. Cyril Despres (FRA) / David Castera (FRA), PEUGEOT 3008DKR Maxi, + 45h 19min10s

Contact RA

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About RA

A blogger since 2002, using platforms from blogspot, joomla and now currently wordpress. A readership that stands on average of 20,000 visits per month. Also on active on social media platform on IG, Facebook and Snapchat (@ranoadidas)

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