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Archive for August, 2019

The All new Audi Q8 3.0

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in audi

 

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It was a good short, test drive of the newest Audi Q8 3.0 and hoping more test drive in the future
 

Leading Audi’s new design and technologies
The new Audi Q8 3.0 TFSI V6 quattro tiptronic 340hp/500Nm

The new Audi Q8 delivers a new interpretation of a large four-door SUV coupé with its striking design and excellent adaptability. It constitutes the new full-size class in the brand’s product portfolio. With their extensive package of innovative technologies, the full-size models once again underscore “Vorsprung durch Technik” and offer customers a great deal of utility value.

With the permanent quattro all-wheel drive and a ground clearance of up to 254 millimetres (10.0 in), the SUV coupe can continue when paved roads end. The Audi Q8, which is manufactured at the Bratislava plant, is now available for Brunei.

Mild hybrid – 100 % broad-based electrification

Audi’s full-size class is also innovative in terms of engines. To enhance comfort and efficiency, the Audi Q8 is fitted standard with mild hybrid technology (MHEV, mild hybrid electric vehicles). The Audi engineers have linked the MHEV drive to the vehicle’s sensors, thus ensuring anticipatory, predictive control along with enhanced efficiency.

The six cylinder engine uses a 48V MHEV system. At the heart of the 48V system is a belt alternator starter, which instantly and smoothly restarts the combustion engine. At the same time, it extends the start-stop system to up to 22 km/h (13.7 mph).

Between 55 and 160 km/h (34.2 – 99.4 mph) the full-size models can coast fuel-efficiently with the combustion engine shut off. The drive management decides on the suitable strategy. The lithium-ion battery housed in the rear stores the recovered energy and passes this onto auxiliary consumers such as the air conditioning or the oil pump in the transmission.

In real-world driving, fuel savings of up to 0.7 litres (0.2 US gal) are possible.

Versatile, sporty, elegant: the dimensional and space concept

With its large luggage compartment and generously sized storage compartments and tray areas, the Q8 is ideal for longer journeys. The luggage compartment of the SUV holds 605 litres (21.4 cu ft) as a standard, which increases to 1,755 litres (62 cu ft) with the rear backrests folded down. Two golf bags can easily fit in crosswise. The tailgate can be opened and closed electrically as standard, with a foot gesture option available on request. The electric luggage compartment cover is another convenience option. Guided on rails, it automatically retracts when the tailgate is opened and is extended again upon closing.

A new face for the Q family: the exterior design

With the imposing Singleframe in octagonal design, the Audi Q8 is the new face of the Q family. Six vertical chrome fins make the radiator grille appear upright and solid. A wide, optionally colored mask connects the Singleframe to the distinctive headlights. The spoiler, which is pulled towards the front, and the large, strongly contoured air intakes additionally highlight the aggressive look.

Thanks to the frameless doors, the coupe-type roof line stretches low across the vehicle body visually, ending in a long roof spoiler. The roof line arches slightly towards the flat sloping, strong D-pillars, which are supported by wide, muscular contours – the quattro blisters, reminiscent of the original Audi quattro. The shoulder line stretches the SUV, elegantly connecting the powerful wheel housings.

 

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What a beaut!!
 

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Spacious in the Audi Q8
 

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The 3D camera view. Awesome!!
 

Digital character: lighting technology and design

From afar, the two-part lights appear very flat. Their top part integrates the daytime running light and the low beam, among other functions. The high beam is positioned underneath, darkened and offset to the back. In the standard for Brunei HD matrix LED headlights, each consists of 24 individual LEDs.

In connection with the HD matrix LED technology, headlights and taillights do not only feature the dynamic turn signal, but are also set in scene impressively during locking and unlocking. Their harmonious interplay gives the SUV a dynamic character.

Simplicity is the new premium: the interior design

The upper MMI touch response display is the central element of the interior of the Audi Q8. With its black-panel look, it almost dissolves into a large, black surface when switched off. Simple, easy-to-understand symbols stand for the digital precision from Audi and for the high level of integration of the architecture and operation – simplicity replaces complexity. All fundamental lines originate from the large display, for example the continuous air vent strip with integrated chrome fins and an elegant aluminium-look strip.

The slender dashboard and the calm lines with a strong horizontal focus highlight the impression of width conveyed by the interior of the Audi Q8. The styling in the interior is deliberately clean and simple. All elements have a logical connection and harmonize with one another: from the “wrap around” – the large arch running from the front doors across the instrument panel – to the operating unit for the light, which is available in black-panel look and with a touch surface. All this combined gives the interior a feeling of calm.

Designed as an independent geometric body, the console of the center tunnel with its generous area visualizes the robust character of the SUV. In the dark, the contour light traces the distinctive design lines of the interior and provides backlight for the three-dimensionally lasered quattro badge above the glove compartment – an example for the love of detail at Audi.

Clear and distinct: controls and displays

The operating concept in the Audi Q8 needs almost no buttons or knobs. It focuses on two high-resolution touch displays. This allows the brand to demonstrate how it transfers its uncompromising quality claim to the digital world. The upper display with 10.1 inch screen diagonal is used for controlling the infotainment and the navigation system. The lower 8.6 inch display allows the driver to manage the heating, ventilation and air conditioning as well as comfort functions and text input. The driver’s wrist can rest comfortably on the tiptronic selector lever during operation. The MMI touch response concept allows fast and reliable operation. A confirmation click can be felt and heard when a function is selected with a finger tap. The menu structure is intuitively logical and flat like on a smartphone, including freely configurable favourites and start screens.

In addition to all this, the natural language voice control turns the Audi Q8 into an intelligent dialog partner. The system processes all questions and commands in two ways – with information stored onboard and with detailed knowledge from the cloud. Drivers can word their commands freely. The voice control can, for example, understand the sentence “I am hungry” and accordingly offer suggestions for restaurants close by.

MMI navigation plus also includes the Audi virtual cockpit. Its high-resolution 12.3 inch display can be switched between two views – classic and navigation – with the multifunction steering wheel. After market launch, the Audi virtual cockpit plus option will offer a third interface with a particularly sporty look. The head-up display, another optional feature, projects important information onto the windshield, including detailed lane guidance for navigation.

 

Porsche Road Tour

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in community, automative

 

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Group photo with the guest of honour and participants of the Porsche Road Tour in commemorating His Majesty’s 73rd Birthday at the Porsche Centre Brunei two Sundays ago

 
 
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Pengiran Mohd Amirrizal bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud, Permanent Secretary (Administration, Finance and Estate) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports the guest of honour with Lahiru de Silva, Acting Deputy General Manager of QAF Eurokars, posing with Porsche GT2RS

 

It has been a while since such activity was done – a convoy among Porsche owners organised by QAF Eurokars, the official importer and deal of Porsche vehicles in Brunei Darussalam. Two Sundays ago, it was made possible by QAF Eurokars and Porsche Owner Group and the convoy event was in commemoration on His Majesty’s 73rd Birthday celebration.

The event lasted 7 hours where more than 30 classic and new Porsche owners showed up and it was inclusive of breakfast, lunch, lucky draws, back-and-forth ride from Bandar to Kuala Belait and certificate presentation.
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It was kinda cool to even see Pengiran Mohd Amirrizal bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud, Permanent Secretary (Administration, Finance and Estate) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the guest of honour, to attend the whole session of the event. He drove the much new powerful Porsche Panamera. I test drove it before and it was such a ride.

Lahiru de Silva, Acting Deputy General Manager of QAF Eurokars, was very pleased that such event was a success as the road tour brought different eras of the Porsche brand with its cultural values which are pioneering spirit, passion, sportiness and family. The Porsche road tour also help to gather the community that is an extension to the Porsche family.

It was raining cats and dogs prior to the flag off but it didn’t dampen the spirit of the Porsche owners as they were quite anticipating the 178-kilometre convoy from Bandar to Kuala Belait and back.

The breakfast and briefing took place at Porsche Centre Brunei at Beribi Light Industrial Area. Participants were also given event T-shirts and caps to commemorate the event.

The flag off was initiated by the guest of honour followed by the Acting Deputy General Manager of QAK Eurokars.

The convoy’s first landmark was Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah where a group was taken with the participants. Then the convoy drove along Batu Satu to drive pass another significant landmark, Istana Nurul Iman, the official residence of His Majesty. Along the way, the convoy drove pass Jerudong Park’s iconic Crystal Arch in Jerudong before settling for a drive cruise along the highway, heading to Kuala Belait.

Upon arriving the Belait District, the convoy drove by the Tea Pot Monument before reaching V-Plaza Hotel by the Belait River. Lunch was served at the said hotel and lucky draw was also held where the grand winner walked away with a Porsche duffle bag.

By 3pm, the convoy drove back to Porsche Centre Brunei where the guest of honour presented the participants certificates for being part of the Porsche Road Tour in commemorating His Majesty’s 73rd Birthday celebration.

 

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Participants listening to the briefing

 
 
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Breakfast was served before the convoy

 
 
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The token of appreciation for the guest of honour

 

 

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Flag off by the guest of honour

 
 
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The tailgate of the convoy at the Beribi Light Industrial Area

 
 
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The Porsche Boxster and the Porsche Panamera

 
 
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The photo opp at Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah

 
 
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The convoy along the highway

 

 

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Driving past Istana Nurul Iman

 
 
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Tea Pot at Kuala Belait

 
 
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Luncheon at V-Plaza Hotel

 
 
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Certificate of participation to the Porsche convoys

 

The all-new A200 Sedan and CLA Coupé

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

 

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Pg Aki Ismasufian Pg Hj Ibrahim, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Brunei, Mr. Andrew Chiam, Executive Director of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd, Thomas Heilmaier, Deputy Head of Mission, German Embassy Brunei Darussalam and Pg Anak Hj Ja’afar Ibni Almarhum Pg Pemancha Pg Anak Hj Mohd ‘Alam, Jati Transport Sdn Bhd’s Executive Chairman posting with the Mercedes A200 Sedan and CLA Coupé at the Mercedes-Benz Autohaus last night
 

Last evening Jati Transport Sdn Bhd and Standard Chartered Brunei held an exclusive launch on the new compact cars from Mercedes-Benz at the Mercedes Autohaus.

It was the launch of the all-new A-Class Sedan and the CLA Coupè. Both look dynamic and modern with eye catching looks especially the Shark Nose with the sparkly Diamond Grille.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA has the very latest driving assistance systems with cooperative driver support and thus provides the highest level of active safety in the segment with functions adopted from the S-Class.

The latest Mercedes-Benz A200 sedan is the smallest Mercedes Sean but still packs a premium punch. This model will definitely appeal to both traditional and the younger crowd due to its classic look with modern technology.

Customers will also appreciate the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) by saying “Hey Mercedes” and you can take command of the lighting and the climate control.

Present during the launch were Thomas Heilmaier, Deputy Head of Mission, German Embassy Brunei Darussalam, Pg Anak Hj Ja’afar Ibni Almarhum Pg Pemancha Pg Anak Hj Mohd ‘Alam, Jati Transport Sdn Bhd Executive Chairman, Pg Aki Ismasufian Pg Hj Ibrahim, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Brunei and Mr. Andrew Chiam, Executive Director of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd.

Both the CLA Coupé and the A-Class will be avail be for test drive today and tomorrow (Sunday) at the Mercedes-Benz Autohaus from 9am to 5pm and refreshments will be served.

 

 

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Welcoming remarks by CEO of Standard Chartered Brunei
 

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Sabre Travel Fair 2019

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

 

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With the organizer and partners for Sabre Travel Network Travel Fair 2019 held at Mulia Hotel
 

Coming soon to your neighbourhood is Sabre Travel Network (Brunei) Sdn Bhd’s Annual Travel Fair which will be located at the OneCity Shopping Centre on August 3-4. This will be the first time that the travel fair will be having their presence at the new mall.

Further more, Hua Ho OneCity will be having special deals for travel accessories and also discounts on luggages to make it more convenient for potential travelers.

Abdul Halim bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Senior Manager of Sales and Marketing at Sabre Travel Network Brunei, has been very appreciative of the past customers for the past decade.

“As expected, The Sabre Brunei Travel Fair always attract large crowd because it is able to offer travelers better deals and packages for their dream vacation. Just last year, the Sabre Brunei Travel Fair welcomed over 13,500 visitors. By continuing to provide exclusive opportunities to travelers, and with the support of our partners and travel agents, we are confident that we will record incremental growth again this year.”

That number is actually a 14% from 2017’s statistics. I’m pretty sure that it won’t be a surprise to see another huge crowd, this time at OneCity Shopping Centre.

It’s also good to note that Royal Brunei will be playing a major part in the travel fair and furthermore, with new routes, this gives more choices for travelers to discover newer destinations. Fresh from obtaining the Skytrax 4-Star airline accreditation, Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) as the official airline partner for the Sabre annual travel fair will be offering attractive travel deals, with irresistible fares and prizes to be won.

RB Country Manager Brunei Lim Guat Wen said, “Any customer who purchases an RB ticket is entitled to a lucky draw featuring air tickets, Royal Skies miles and RB merchandise as prizes. They can be won daily with 7 draws each day. We also have an attractive travel deals with irresistible fares and prizes to be won during the travel fair.”

“In addition, we are giving away RB tickets to London, Brisbane or Melbourne and Tokyo bundled up with Baiduri MasterCard cash card pre-loaded with BND 900, BND 500 and BND 300 respectively sponsored by Baiduri Bank. The grand draw will be announced soon after the travel fair.”

“We also have an attractive Customer Reward programme for our guests who will receive limited edition RB merchandise in the form of a luggage belt, luggage protector and a travel pouch set.”

This one, I have to say are really superb RB merchandise. I had a look at them myself and makes me want own one. I believe if you purchase a minimum of $500, you are entitled to an RB luggage belt merchandise and the more you spend, you will be entitled to more RB merchandise (while stocks last).

Participating travel agents include Anthony Tours & Travel Agency, At-Taqwa Travel Tours, Century Travel Centre, Dar El Ehsan Travel, Darussalam Holdings, Freme Travel Services, Grace Travel, JJ Tour Service, Pan Bright Travel Service, Southern Cross Travel Agencies and Straits Central Agencies.

National tourism organisations attending the Brunei Travel Fair include the Brunei Tourism Board, the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, Ministry of Tourism – Republic of Indonesia, Sarawak Tourism Board, the Singapore Tourism Board and the Taiwan Tourist Bureau.

Baiduri Bank Berhad, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam, Club Med, Korean Air, Standard Chartered Bank, Travel Recommends and RB will also be at the venue with their own booths, to support the participating travel agents.

Medical and insurance services will be represented by Bangkok Hospital, Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council and Takaful Brunei Am.

The other participating partners are Fitness Zone, Hua Ho Department Store, Kingston Beverage & Creamery (free ice-cream) and Progresif Radio (giving out perhaps one lucrative prize that’s worth more than $5,000).

Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines will also be supporting the travel fair by providing attractive fares to participating travel agents, as well as lucky draw prizes. Singapore Airlines will be promoting their Premium Economy seats (exiting Singapore sectors) and also their flight to cruise promotion with the support from Freme Travel. Singapore Airlines will be sponsoring a prize – a return economy class air ticket to Beijing via Singapore and 10 prizes for the quizzes. Malaysia Airlines will have a lucky draw of one return economy class air ticket to Kuala Lumpur and one return ticket to Phuket via Kuala Lumpur.

So come down to OneCity this weekend and check out the amazing fares the travel agents have to offer.

 

 

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During the press conference
 

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Awesome RB merchandise
 

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Now Pan Bright has stepped up their game by giving out more attractive prizes
 

 

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At-Taqwa giving away a car in commemorating their 5th year anniversary
 

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Travel Recommends making a presence, thanks to Grace Travel
 

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Now this is it!! The biggest package to be won that is worth more than BND 5,000 and it’s a Holiday for 4 to Club Meb in Bali. Just tune in to Progresif Radio to find out more.
 

Tottenham Hotspur wins the 2019 Audi Cup

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

 

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Winner Audi Cup 2019: Tottenham Hotspur FC. Getty Images.
 

Four top-caliber matches on two days, 31 goals in total and an electrifying spectacle for some 140,000 spectators: The sixth edition of the Audi Cup ended in a triumph for Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night. The English team beat the hosts 8-7 on penalties in the final. Previously, Real Madrid C.F. had defeated the team of Fenerbahçe Istanbul in the match for third place 5-3.

FC Bayern München missed out on its fourth triumph in the Audi Cup in front of a home crowd: In a dramatic final that was only decided on penalties, the guests won 8-7. The score at the end of the regular playtime had been 2-2 after Bayern had still made up a 0-2 deficit after halftime. Tottenham celebrated their first success in the high-calibre preparatory tournament in Munich. The winners’ trophy was presented by Bram Schot, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG.

In the match for third place, Real Madrid and Fenerbahçe Istanbul had previously fought a fiery duel. After the guests from Turkey had initially taken the lead, both teams kept equalizing the score up to 3-3 before the squad from Madrid ultimately won 5-3.

With a turnout of some 140,000 spectators, the Allianz Arena was sold out on both matchdays. International interest was huge as well: Television coverage of the Audi Cup was aired in nearly 200 countries of the world. The fans not only got to watch top-class football but also a tremendous show. On both days, 220 apprentices of AUDI AG openend the games with a choreographed performance and for the closing ceremony, the stadium was electrically charged with a spectacular light show: perfectly fitting “Electric has gone Audi,” the slogan with which Audi promoted the e-tron, the brand’s first all-electric model, in conjunction with the tournament.

On the final day, two players were again recognized for the “Most Electrifying Moment” of a match. Real Madrid’s striker Karim Benzema was awarded the trophy featuring a sophisticated design for his headed goal in the “small final” for third place. In the last match of the tournament, it was Christian Eriksen from Tottenham whose goal that scored the 2-0 result was rewarded with the trophy.

The Audi Cup was the final acid test before the teams start fighting in earnest in the respective competitions of their countries. FC Bayern München will contest the Supercup against Borussia Dortmund as early as next Saturday night. Tottenham, their rivals in the final, will start to the new Premier League season with a home match a week later, on August 10.

 

 

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Daniel Abt, Formula E driver. Image source: stefanboesl.de 
 

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Bram Schot, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, with 220 trainees of AUDI AG, who presented the opening ceremony. Getty Images.
 

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Trophy for the “Most Electrifying Moment” for the Audi Cup 2019. Getty Images.
 

Contact RA

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Contact: +6738677773

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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