The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4Matic

The SUV Trendsetter brought to you by Mercedes-Benz Autohaus. The new Mercedes-Benz GLE is not exceptionally dynamic and more comfortable on the road, it’s almost more competent off the beaten track than ever before. Well, I hope there will be a test drive version for the latest GLE because the specs and the features are one of the best in the Mercedes-Benz line.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4Matic as the first petrol model is powered by an in-line six-cylinder engine systematically electrified with 48 volt technology. Its performance data 367 horsepower and 500Nm of torque with a further 250 Nm of torque and the best thing is that they have another 22 horsepower available via EQ Boost over short periods.

This is also a 7-seater, ideal for family with kids who can seat at the back. The seats are automated as well for the convenient of passengers instead of using the latch manually to move the seats back and forth.

The exterior design has a powerful presence, even during my first viewing of the new GLE at Mercedes-Benz Autohaus. Let’s just say the design has awaken the desire of many Mercedes fans. The GLE 450’s proportions with a long wheelbase, short overhangs and large, flush-fitted wheels. The front section is designed with upright radiator grille in an octagonal SUV interpretation, the prominent, chrome-plated underguard.

You may even find the latest GLE sleeker and sportier as it cuts an athletic figure from the rear.

As for the interior design, it’s luxuriously elegant and powerfully aggressive. The driver and the passenger will enjoy the robust, progressive features of an SUV. The central element in the dashboard’s design is a sporty, stylish cockpit unit embedded in a striking dashboard support.

It was nice to see two prominent grab handles in between the drive and front seat passenger to indicate that this has a off-road feature. You will definitely enjoy the ergonomics of the latest GLE 450 and you will also appreciate the flowing leather surface that create a modern, luxurious impression.

Do check out the 7-seater Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4Matic at Mercedes-Benz Autohaus from today till Sunday from 10am to 5pm and refreshments are also provided.

Loving the new display

The ergonomics of the new GLE is top notch

The back view

The all-new Rexton 7-seater petrol edition (hi-spec) being launched at the SsangYong’s showroom at TCY Motors Kiarong

The classy interior of the hi-spec of the new Rexton

The All-New Rexton as the new Authentic SUV will re-establish SsangYong’s brand identity. It’s bigger, better and bolder. It implicitly expresses the Great 4 Revolution through its brand name as it inherits the brand value of the iconic Rexton for a flagship SUV.

In particular, the all-new Rexton is applied with Quad Frame using Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) newly developed based on a strategic partnership with POSCO, in order to offer greatly improved body strength while minimizing weight.

Did you know that SUVs are dominating the automative market in Brunei? So now it’s no surprise that T.C.Y. Motors, the sole distributor of Ssangyong Motor has unveiled the all-new Rexton 7 seater petrol yesterday. Previously they unveiled the diesel version many months ago.

The Korean manufacturer, with the growing demand for stronger off-road driving performance and a larger towing capacity in the large-sized SUVs, expects to see more applications of the frame-type and FR drive systems in the large-sized SUVs in the global market and Brunei is definitely the right market segment for the new Rexton model.

The strong and dynamic styling of the all-new Rexton was inspired from the majestic look of the Greek temple Parthenon and SsangYong’s design philosophy “Nature-born 3Motion” in particular, the Dignified Motion was the motive behind the embodiment of Nature’s magnificent movement in styling.

The interior space aims to be a “redefined deluxe” which can be used for various purposes depending on the seat arrangement. The leather seat (hi-spec) which is the highest grade Nappa leather, the memory system that saves the preferred seat and door mirror positions of the driver are the features that increase the emotional quality for the passengers.

Now if you want talk about luggage space at the back, the all-new Rexton delivers. You can adjust the rear 3rd row seat and you can fit as many as 4 golf bags. That’s how spacious the back compartment can fit in.

For the driving specs, the all-new Rexton 7-seater has a G20DTR petrol engine and Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission (a plus for driver). It’s a newly developed high-efficient 2.0 litre GDI turbo petrol engine, engineered to perform well at low end torque. A combination of a front double wishbone and a rear multi-link independent suspension ensures a high level of driving stability and riding feel.

For the safety features, it has the most airbags in the SUV segment, 9 in total including the knee-airbag for the driver and the side-airbags in the rear and also uses various advanced safety technologies including the newly developed quad frame made of advanced high-strength steel to provide class-leading safety for passengers.

For the tech features, the infotainment system installed in the all-new Rexton is one of the model’s most attractive features. It offers a wide 8-inch touch screen and it offers great connectivity with the mobile device. The Apple CarPlay provide a mirroring service while all the contents including Whatsapp and phone contacts can be viewed.

What I like the most is the 220V/115V inverter at the passenger seat. So you can actually charge your notebook/laptop if you want. A very convenient feature for a person like me.

If you plan to test drive the all-new Rexton, you can visit their showroom at TCY Kiarong. So far, we test drove the standard spec of the all-new Rexton and it was such a comfortable drive.

The side view

The SsangYong’s Rexton standard spec

Giving this a test drive around Kiulap

The rear interior of the all-new Rexton

I test drove the new Porsche Panamera recently. My other experience driving the Panamera was last year during the Media Driving Academy ((MDA) hosted by Porsche Asia-Pacific at Sepang International Circuit. That model I drove was the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid and of course, it was fun, accelerating like there’s no tomorrow at the Sepang International Circuit.

The one I test drove is the second generation of the Porsche Panamera. According to the press release, the new Porsche Panamera, is a sports car and luxury saloon in one. Its engines and transmission were re-engineered, the chassis perfected, the display and operating concept interpreted for the future with multitouch controls, and its design embodies core brand values even more.

Okay, I have to say I like the multitouch controls though it took me a while to figure out what’s what. But after, it’s pretty convenient and user friendly for both the driver and passenger.

First let me share with your some of the specs of the new Porsche Panamera.

Concept. Four-door sports car. The four-seat Gran Turismo concept combines the performance of a high-performance sports car with the comfort of a luxury saloon. The tailgate, folding rear seat backrests and up to 1,304 litres of luggage volume make the Panamera the most versatile model in its class. Yes, I actually put two medium size luggages with ease. I didn’t expect that it could fit.

Design and Body. New evolutionary stage of the Panamera concept. Expressively designed – with extended, dynamic proportions, flared shoulders, athletic anks and a much faster roof line. This “ flyline” which is typical of Porsche cars creates a stylistic link to the 911 design icon. Body in aluminium/steel hybrid construction: door panels, bonnet, boot lid, wings, side panels and roof all consist of aluminium.

Powertrain. A V6 Petrol engine with a displacement of 2.9 litres, delivering 243 kW (330 hp). New Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK) with eight speeds and all-wheel drive for all models.

Chassis. Broad spread between performance and comfort sets standards in the luxury segment. New features include rear axle steering, three-chamber air suspension, the electromechanical roll stabilisation system Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) with Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) as well as networking of all chassis systems via 4D Chassis Control.

Electrics and Electronics. New Porsche Advanced Cockpit and state-of-the-art connectivity. Black panel surfaces and interactive displays combine the visuality and intuitive operation of smartphones with the practical aspects of controlling an automobile. New LED Matrix headlights and new assistance systems such as InnoDrive and Night Vision Assist (optional). This one is a clear winner. I totally agree that it’s quite intuitive.

Other features. Standard: 19-inch (4S and 4S Diesel) and 20-inch wheels (Turbo), LED head- lights and LED headlights including Porsche Dynamic Light System (Turbo), LED rear lights, rain sensor, automatic boot lid, Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with online navigation and Porsche Connect Plus (online services and app networking with smartphone), Bose 150-watt sound system, key- less engine starting system, part-leather seats (4S and 4S Diesel) or all-leather upholstery (Turbo).

The new Porsche Panamera, now available for test drive

Such a comfort feeling. Only thing is that I have to keep adjusting the seat to the front whenever I enter the Panamera.

How the interior looks at night

Driving down to Kuala Beliat was such a breeze in the Panamera

How I wish I could drive this for a lifetime

My thoughts. There’s something unique about the Porsche Panamera because if you look closely at the design flow of the latest Panamera, it does resembles that of the iconic Porsche 911. Speaking of 911, my favourite Porsche model is the 911 GT3. Now back to the Panamera. This is perhaps the most comfortable luxury segment saloon for both driver and passengers. Firstly it’s spacious.. Yes, very, very spacious for a space of four people. The interior itself are luxurious to say the least.

Let’s talk about the Porsche Rear Seat Entertainment. I like the fact that there is a 10-inch touchscreen located in the centre for the convenient of back seat passengers. The sound of the Rear Seat Entertainment is played back via the loudspeakers integrated into the touchscreens, the vehicle’s sound system. rear passengers can access the radio. The screens can also be used to display vehicle data and the current navigation route with related supplemental information. It is even possible to input destinations for the PCM’s navigation system via the Porsche Rear Seat Entertainment system. The functional range is also signicantly extended by giving rear passengers access to all products available at the Google® Play Store. The Porsche Rear Seat Entertainment system can be controlled by touchscreens or alternatively from the PCM.

Now the driving experience. It’s not just spacious but the new Panamera packs a power. It’s stable during roundabouts and corners even at higher speed. The transition between the gears in the Panamera’s eight-speed gearbox seemed seamless and smooth.

I took it for a spin from Bandar to Kuala Belait and I can assure if you for those who commutes from those points, you will eventually love driving back and forth. It is just simply comfortable and it’s a breeze, driving in the Panamera. Just have to be mindful to check your speedometer that you might exceed the speed limit because you won’t even feel how fast the Panamera can go.

For those interested in the new Porsche Panamera, there are many options to choose from such as optional Night Vision Assist and Innodrive. You can also opt for other models in the Panamera such as the Panamera Turbo or the Panamera 4S. You can contact Porsche Centre Brunei, QAF Eurokars Sdn Bhd if you’re interested for a test drive of the new Porsche Panamera.

Such a spacious booth for a Panamera. I could fit two medium sized luggages.

The Porsche Rear Seat Entertainment

Just look at that space

I love driving in sports mode but it does eat up petrol quicker than usual

Sound system powered by Bose

#BeliHelix Gift with Purchase
Reward your car after the Raya Drive

Get an exclusive umbrella with every purchase of Shell Helix Ultra (4L)

or

Get an exclusive car shade with every purchase of Shell Helix HX7 (4L)

*Offer ends 22nd July 2019. While stock lasts.

As part of its stakeholder engagement plan initiative, The Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) hosted an Introductory and Hari Raya Gathering event for its stakeholders yesterday at The Garden’s Veranda, Rimba.

Present at the event was Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mat Suny Bin Haji Mohd Hussein, Minister of Energy, Manpower and Industry, as the Minister responsible for SHENA.

Also, in attendance were Yang Mulia Awang Haji Azhar Bin Haji Yahya, Permanent Secretary (Energy) as Authority to SHENA, including other high-ranking Government Officials and Government Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) focal points from various ministries as well as relevant stakeholders from industry.

The Hari Raya event aimed to foster good relationship with stakeholders and create awareness on the establishment of SHENA and its mandate.

SHENA is the national authority for workplace safety and health, including environment and radiation matters. The Safety, Health and Environment National Authority Order, 2018 was enacted on the 6th October 2018.  SHENA has been set up to enforce the following legislations:

1. Workplace Safety and Health Order (WSHO), 2009;
2. Environmental Protection and Management Order (EPMO), 2016 and
3. Radiation Protection Order (RPO), 2018.
4.
Any inquiries or further clarification about SHENA, please visit SHENA website at www.shena.gov.bn, or contact +673 2382000 or email at info@shena.gov.bn.

Mercedes-Benz Star Select. Currently Jati Transport Sdn Bhd is offering 25% discount for 5-8 year old models of Mercedes-Benz and 35% discount for 9 years and older models of Mercedes-Benz.

If safety is your top priority, they have just the thing for you: Mercedes-Benz Star Select, the maintenance programme for 5 years and older models. It saves you up to 35% on all repairs.

Owing to increasing demand, the Special Offer will now be extended to 30th Juen 2020. Do call them at 2441763/2441777 to find out whether Mercedes-Benz Star Select is available for your Mercedes.

The test drive session held last weekend at Mercedes Autohaus. Coffee and refreshments were provided. 

Book and register any Mercedes-Benz from now until 30th June 2019, and enjoy special financing offers of 6 months* Free Interest or 2 months* deferred repayments. For more information call us now at 244 1763 or 244 1777 or visit Mercedes-Benz showroom today. You’ll be glad you did! Terms and Conditions apply. #MercedesBenz #MercedesBenzBrunei

Meet Tony Stark’s new ride in Avengers 4

This is the Audi e-tron GT and the third e-tron, unveiled at last year’s LA Motor Show. Yes it is all electric and news is the volume-production counterpart is set to follow in around two years.

A flat-floor architecture that provides for exciting proportions and a low center of gravity. 434 kW (590 metric horsepower) ensures performance fit for a sports car. The torque is transferred to the wheels via the quattro permanent all-wheel drive with torque vectoring, as you would expect for such a dynamic Audi. The performance subsidiary Audi Sport GmbH has been tasked to subsequently transforming the car into a volume-production model.

Jovian Mandagie with partners of the Boxing event next week

Continuing the success of 2 consecutive years of the annual ‘Raya’ sales event, JBoxing is returning to Brunei for its third year with brand new image, bigger venue, greater deals and more options from Jovian Ready-To-Wear for people to choose from.

Taking place at the Mercedes-Benz Autohaus from 26th to 28th of April 2019, 10 AM to 10 PM, the event is presented by the Bruneian powerhouse atelier and multi-label store, Bajoo Butik who remains as the Title Partner for the event and with an exclusive partnership with Jati Transport Sdn Bhd that is set to give a new reach, exposure and higher milestone.

“We have been so blessed with the overwhelming response we had received from our dearest Jovianistas in Brunei every year that without a fail, it’s the most exciting thing for us to keep coming back here. And this year, we thought we wanted to offer something bigger than what we’ve done before. New partners, new space and (of course) new collections!” –Dato’ Jovian Mandagie, Chief Executive Officer of Jovian Apparel Sdn Bhd and Creative Director of Jovian Ready-To-Wear.

Jackie Lim, founder of Bajoo Batik, with Jovian Mandagie

The crowd last night at Mercedes-Benz Autohaus

Jovian speaking to the audience

To fill a much bigger space at the Mercedes-Benz Autohaus’ flagship showroom, the event will carry a range of new collections from ‘Secret Garden’, ‘Jovian x Ria Miranda’, ‘Jovian Men’, ‘Jovian x OhMostWanted’, ‘Retro Raya’ and ‘Lace Edition” from Jovian Basic Raya. Not to mention, there will Jovian Hijab Exclusive to be launched exclusively during J Boxing Brunei only.

Joining in as the official Event Partner for J Boxing, Maszalina Event Management Services is the brainwork behind this year’s event setup to ensure the best shopping experience. With over 16 years in the field, Maszalina Event Management Services has handled massive production from corporate events, wedding, sales event, annual dinner, expo, and many more.

Apart from that, J Boxing is also supported by its other main corporate partners such as Mix Media Worx as the Official Digital Media Partner, Nyonya as the Official Catering Partner and CItyneon as the Official Media Display Partner.

For this three-day event, Jovian Ready-To-Wear will give away 15 special items to 5 lucky shoppers each day, not to mention special deals and promotions that will be happening during the period of ‘Happy Hour’ that should not be missed. Prices start from as low as BND10 and discounts up to 50% on selected items.

Jovian mingling with the management of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd

Dinner at Autohaus last night