Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism in his welcoming remarks during the launch of brunei.events portal
 

The guest of honour with other stakeholders under Brunei Festival 2017

Who says that Brunei has nothing to offer especially during the holiday period? According to Yang Mulia Awang Wardi bin Hj Mohammad Ali, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Tourism), Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, there are plenty of events to look forward to and not necessarily those who are traveling during the holidays will be away for the whole of December. Hence there are enough activities for the residents of Brunei Darussalam to enjoy from late November to December 2017.

Yesterday marked the launch of the www.brunei.events, a portal and application for tourism services for the general public as well as incoming tourists to be aware of any events in Brunei Darussalam. So what kind of events will be posted? There will be events such as roadshows, exhibitions, conferences, cultural activities, festivals and workshops. Just imagine it as the Time Out version of Brunei Darussalam.

The portal which will be available soon for mobile apps is a collaboration with Brunei Tourism Board, Progresif Cellular and Mixmediaworx.

The official launch took place at the Tourism Information Centre, Galeri Sini at the Royal Wharf and it was graced by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism.

Some of the main events lined up for December includes Brunei Film Blitz, Brunei E-Sports Tournament, Muslim Youth Camp, The Alpha Race, The Autofest, The Superwoman Run, Spotlight finals, Larian Festival Seni Belia Diri 2017, International Food Fair and not to forget the Bandarkuceria in all districts.

Wardi highlighted that this will be a yearly calendar for the upcoming Brunei December Festival. He hopes the objective of this event is to spur the growth of international tourist arrivals to Brunei Darussalam and also by having a yearly event, this will hope for a repeat participation from current vendors. Having these events in Brunei will also help to stimulate the domestic growth within the economy.

Also in attendance were Foreign Dignitaries

YB Dato Seri Setia Hj Ali bin Apong visited the organiser of the Superwoman Run slated for December

Siti Kaprawi briefing the minister on Larian Festival Seni Belia Diri 2017

Suherdy bin Suli, Managing Director of Andika Samudera Event Management will be organising a Hotwheel Bike and Car Show from 29th to 31st December

The BMW X5 cars will be the official car for Brunei Festival 2017

Traditional music is always soothing to the ears

How the portal looks like. Click image to find out more.

Whether by its spectacular latest-generation PEUGEOT i-Cockpit, by its exceptionally inspired design, by its optimised architectural efficiency or by its high-tech equipment, the new PEUGEOT 3008 SUV aims to assert itself from the off as a major player. It inaugurates for PEUGEOT a new SUV range for which it will be the worldwide emblem. With the all-new PEUGEOT 3008 SUV the brand is positioning itself in the C-SUV segment with an eminently desirable product consistent with the best know-how and an upmarket feel..

Check out the latest Peugeot 3008. Launching soon!

Breath-taking interior design

Getting into the all-new PEUGEOT 3008 SUV is to enter another world, surprising, original and oozing quality. A spectacular, almost futuristic dashboard immediately catches the eye. This coherent and highly technological ensemble is the latest generation PEUGEOT i-Cockpit®, a novel concept that has rewritten the book on the car cockpit. Here, everything seems to be at the service of the pleasure and concentration of the driver in a pronouncedly high-tech niche.

The steering wheel is even more compact and has been redesigned with two flats to make it easier to grip and to afford the driver maximum visibility and legroom. The close attention paid to material choices and attention to detail – full hide leather, chrome inserts, gloss black trims – deliver a high level of perceived quality and attractiveness.

The large 8” touch-screen resembles a tablet installed in the centre of the dashboard and is equipped with capacitive technology for greater reactivity and practicality.

It is accompanied by six elegant piano-key “toggle switches” – giving direct and permanent access to the main control functions: radio, climate control, navigation, vehicle parameters, telephone and mobile applications.

The heads-up instrument unit unveils in series production a high-resolution 12.3” screen with futuristic graphics. It can be completely configured and personalised, and brings together all that the driver could want in his field of view. Five different display modes – controlled from a knob on the steering wheel – allow the driver to configure the instrument unit “a la carte”. The « Personal » mode in particular, configured from the touch-screen, allows the driver to display a wide choice of information: driver aids, engine parameters and trip computer. The visual impact of each setting is highlighted by a series of animations and transitions which are a treat for the eyes..

Interesting interior inside the Peugeot 3008

The cockpit display is quite visible from the driver’s perspective and not blocked by the steering wheel

Inspired exterior design

The interior design of the all-new PEUGEOT 3008 is unique to the market. The design is successful and rich, and the on-board technology promises much.

This feeling is carried over to the outside. At first glance, the all-new PEUGEOT 3008 is striking and surprises by the strength of its character. The effect is strong, clear and self-evident: this is an SUV. The all-new PEUGEOT 3008 has adopted all the characteristics of this type of silhouette:
– A vertical front end,
– A long flat bonnet,
– Wide protective bands (bumper skirts, wheel arches, bottom of doors),
– Large wheels,
– Raised ground clearance,
– Shaped roof bars,

But the all-new PEUGEOT 3008 SUV doesn’t just settle for incorporating these characteristics. It adds meaning and emotion whilst keeping in mind consistency. Because what you notice first about the vehicle is a sense of harmony, of well-balanced proportions, of just the right quantity of everything. A shape inspired by the boundless creativity of its designers.

A jubilant driving experience

The all-new PEUGEOT 3008 is a true SUV, but above all it’s a PEUGEOT! And like any true SUV it has genuine off-road capability, especially thanks to Advanced Grip Control.

The driver and passengers just have to sit back and enjoy the ride! Journeys on board, even the shortest and most day-to-day trips, are enriched with new discoveries. This new PEUGEOT is a true invitation to travel, first-class, aided by excellent sound-insulation and numerous comfort features, most of which are above .

Peace of mind driving aids

It is a joy to drive, a feeling amplified by the compact steering wheel, and the driver can make the most of the dynamic abilities of this SUV, especially thanks to the support of the numerous driver aids available to him. These latest generation ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) minimise any source of danger on the road through an arsenal of safety features:
– Active lane departure warning;
– Driver attention warning
– Speed limit sign recognition
– Adaptive Cruise Control
For city driving, the driver is also assisted by a Visio Park (360° all-around vision)

Keeps you connected

The all-new PEUGEOT 3008 is like its driver – it moves with the times. So it meets the need to stay connected at the wheel and to be able to navigate calmly and peacefully, thanks to features like Mirror Screen and Android Auto.

Made in France

The new PEUGEOT 3008 is produced in the Sochaux plant, and the French Trémery and Douvrin factories supply all the power-plants. It will therefore carry from the outset the “Origine France Garantie” label..

A sneak preview for the media at Little Soho recently

Alvin Caro, P.R and Advertising Excective, T.C.Y. Motors (Peugeot) briefing to the media

Checking out the VR on Peugeot 3008. Apparently there will be giveaways for those who try on the VR on Peugeot during the 2017 Brunei Motor Show at Bridex

Rano’s take:

Can you imagine this? An affordable SUV that have high end driving experience. Basically you don’t have to own a luxury car to enjoy this and you can settle for the new Peugeot 3008. I saw the video presentation and why it won many accolades as being Car of the Year 2017. This means that many thought process has been given to this model and it even surpass many branded cars.

Now I’m just waiting for a test drive of the Peugeot to get the overall feel of the car. The Peugeot 3008 will be showcased hopefully at 2017 Brunei Motor Show at Bridex this weekend. So do check it out. The  Peugeot 3008 will be launched sometime in November 2017.

Posing with the new Audi A3 Sportback 1.2TFSI at Little Soho

The Audi A3 family is a true success story, with a multitude of driver assistance systems and engines available from which to choose. TCY Motors now reintroduces the Audi A3 Sportback which was last offered in 2013.

Design and lightweight construction
The designers have given the Audi A3 family sporty, expressive body lines. A short front overhang underscores the balanced proportions.
The headlights of the Audi A3 are a striking image with their jagged bottom edges. Audi Brunei offers LED headlights/tail lights with dynamic rear turn signals as standard.
Thanks to their body rigidity, the Audi A3 models offer a high degree of crash safety. A sound-absorbing windshield is standard.
Audi pairs the front-wheel drive A3 Sportback with a seven-speed S tronic and 4-mode Drive Select.

Suspension
The suspension of Audi A3 family boasts balanced, yet sporty tuning. The front axle is a McPherson construction with wishbones; the multi-link rear suspension absorbs the longitudinal and transverse forces. With the S line sport suspension, the body sits 15 millimetres (0.6 in) lower, and 25 millimetres (1.0 in) lower. The electromechanical power steering is highly efficient and very responsive.
17-inch wheels are standard with exclusive 18-inch 10-spoke design matt titanium look wheels for the S line model. Powerful brakes provide for a sportily taut, yet precise pedal feel.

Equipment and trim
Audi provides the A3 family with a generous range of equipment. The package of restraint systems comprises seven airbags and the integral headrest system as well as a knee airbag for the driver. Side airbags in the rear are available as an option. Other safety features include ISOFIX anchors with top tether for child safety seats on the rear seats, the adaptive brake light, tire pressure loss indicator and ESC stabilization control with electronic limited slip differential.

Standard features include bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, exterior mirrors with LED turn signals, the Audi MMI radio plus with a high-resolution 7-inch color display and manual air conditioning. The folding rear seats are split 60:40 in the Audi A3 Sportback. The acoustic windshield, power windows, height-adjustable front seats and the electromechanical parking brake complete the standard equipment.

Audi offers numerous options direct from the luxury class for the A3 family. For the interior, these include the automatic air conditioning, the auxiliary heater, heated, folding and automatically dimming exterior mirrors, the storage and luggage compartment package and the frameless, automatically dimming interior mirror with light and rain sensor. Options for the front seats include lumbar supports and partial or full power adjustment. Customers can also choose a folding rear seat split 40:20:40 for the Audi A3 Sportback.

The Audi A3 Sportback offers sporty versatility at the highest level. It measures 4,313 millimetres (14.2 ft) in length, is 1,785 millimetres (5.9 ft) wide and 1,426 millimetres (4.7 ft) high. In the rear, the A3 Sportback offers ample head, elbow, knee and foot room. The luggage compartment capacity is 340 to 1,220 liters (12.0 to 43.1 cu ft).

The driver’s view

The gear of the Audi A3 Sportback 1.2TFSI

The interior of the Audi A3 Sportback 1.2TFSI

You can fold the back seat

Very convenient if you have big items to bring along

Rano’s thoughts: I haven’t test driven the car but first impressions were good. When a 2013 Audi A3 owner who walked past the newer model, he was impressed with the face lift design. I had the chance to see the standard model as well as the S Line model (grey) during the press viewing at Little Soho yesterday. It seems Audi has listen to the growing demands and the different trends as of late and in Brunei, it’s no different. The trend now more into comfort with a strong brand and affordability.

Hence you are now able to afford the newest Audi A3 Sportback and enjoy what Audi has to offer from the specs given above. I hope to test drive the model hopefully by early November and give a feel of the Audi A3.

Recently launched at their Audi Showroom a few weeks ago

The new Kia Stinger

Grand Motors Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor of Kia vehicles in Brunei Darussalam recently launched a powerful all-new fastback sports sedan – the KIA STINGER. It was first unveiled at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Kia’s powerful new fastback sports sedan channels the spirit of historic grand tourers – powerful, elegant vehicles capable of moving their owners in style, at speed. At every stage of development, the Stinger has been designed and engineered to be the perfect gran turismo. The car features a head-turning aesthetic, ample room to accommodate five occupants and their luggage, a stable, unruffled ride, and nimble handling with engaging, rear-biased power delivery.

In Brunei, the Stinger will be available with a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine (255 ps power output, and 353 Nm maximum torque) and a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6. The 3.3-liter engine produces 370 ps with a maximum torque output of 510 Nm, and accelerates from 0-to-100 kph in 5.1 seconds – making it the fastest accelerating and most powerful car Kia has ever produced.

The Kia Stinger is available in rear-wheel drive and equipped with a range of active safety systems, an electronically-adjustable suspension system (Dynamic Stability Damping Control), and a five Drive Mode Select system.

The Stinger is the result of years of dedicated design and development work. “The Kia Stinger represents a number of firsts for Kia Motors. Not only is it the brand’s first fastback sports sedan but it is also Kia’s first truly dedicated, and the highest, performance model to date. Countless decisions regarding design and engineering were made during the car’s conception in order to generate true heart-pounding performance,” said Mr Frankie Ho, Managing Director of Grand Motors during the launch last 7 October.

Kia Stinger is a product of passion. Designed and engineered to head-turning perfection, the Stinger represents the realization of a longstanding dream for Kia’s design team. With an eye-catchingly stunning design and groundbreaking performance, the Stinger marks a turn in design direction that Kia has never taken before. World renowned Kia big names including Peter Schreyer, Gregory Guillaume and Albert Biermann have laboured over the vehicle’s conception for years and there is no doubt that the final outcome of their collaboration has brought the Kia brand to another level.

For more information, visit our showroom in Beribi or call 261 3888 Ext 241 to book for test drive. Follow us in facebook or instagram @kiabrunei to know more details about our products and upcoming promotions.

He didn’t have much impression of Kia until he test drove the Kia Stinger. He was impressed and surprised with the specs.

Media test drive yesterday at Roasted Sip

Rano’s take: Freaking awesome!!! Who would have thought this monster can come from a Kia. The design itself have created a lot of comments when I posted on my IG and I know this car is gonna be a hit. During the launch last weekend, there are already two Kia Stingers on the road and Grand Motors Sdn Bhd has open for pre-orders. The other two units will be for the showroom and also for test drive.

I had the opportunity to test drive the Kia Stinger and it has what it takes to be competitive in their segment of twin turbo cars. It feels that Kia is breaking its tradition and entering the European segment. It’s quite responsive especially with the different driving modes available. I used the comfort and sports mode of course. Oh yea, not to forget the launch control 😀

Handling was good as well on sports mode. I feel safe while speeding (within speed limits :p). Ok, the Kia Stinger is powerful and fast. It doesn’t feel fast even though I was driving at 100kph. Go for a test drive and you will know what I mean 😀 Verdict: I never thought Kia would create such a pedigree. Maybe the most impressive car I’ve come across this year alone due to the surprise factor.

The Suzuki Ignis with the Hikarii bodykit with the sales team of Boustead Sdn Bhd (Suzuki) at The Mall today

Check out the Suzuki Hikarii Roadshow at The Mall. Happening today and tomorrow, Sunday 24th September. So far it has been a good hit among the crowd. Their roadshow has been overwhelming since morning.

The Suzuki models that are being showcased are the Suzuki Swift GLX/GL and Suzuki Ignis. Now they are fitted with a bodykit called “Hikarii”. Both the models were launched a few months ago and now for interested customers, you can enjoy the additional bodykit on these models and yes, they are JPD approved.

There will be games and mascot appearances hosted by McDonald’s at the Mall Atrium to support the Suzuki Hikarii Roadshow. And who knows you might be the lucky ones when you get a FREE McCafe voucher for every prospect who checks out the Suzuki models.

On Sunday, there will be a colouring contest, also hosted by McDonald’s.

So do drop by The Mall to check out the Suzuki Hikarii Roadshow and tomorrow is the final day.

A nice finish for the Suzuki Ignis

The Suzuki GLX with Hikarii bodykit

McDonald’s running activities for the children

The appointed agent for the Suzuki Hikarii bodykit

Sales team with the McDonald’s mascot

Mark Raine, Mercedes-Benz Cars vice-president of sales and marketing (Malaysia), has been active in the car scene lately, leading record sales for Mercedes last year with almost 12,000 units sold in 2016. There are many interesting factors that contributed to the growth of Mercedes-Benz in Malaysia and also in South East Asia.

What has made the premium brand a success as of late? What are their recipes to success and sustainability? I have the privilege to interview Mark Raine during my short visit to Kota Kinabalu last week. Mark is a very easy going lad and very approachable. Thank you for hosting the media and customers last week and arranging a great three day event in showcasing how Mercedes-Benz is not just a product but a lifestyle.

Interviewing Mark Raine at Shangrila’s Rasa Ria

Rano Iskandar: Can you share the growth of Mercedes-Benz and its growing presence in South East Asia?

Mark Raine: I believe we have a holistic approach in our brand, Mercedes-Benz and this has been a huge factor in our growth and being a brand leader in the premium category. We don’t only have the best car but also focusing on customer centric in a way of doing our business, to give a more positive customer experience before and after sales. Even the process of buying a Mercedes is taken into account such as having a competent website, digital approach and also the consultation process. All these are essential in the buying process so in the end, the customers are happy with their choices. This is already half the victory in catering to what the customers want.

The real deal starts after the sales and we at Mercedes emphasizes deeply in this area as this will determine our loyalty of our customers. It has proven a success and it is no doubt that the growth of Mercedes in the premium sector has increased despite the downturn in the economy in SEA.

The extension of the models from Mercedes-Benz has helped to elevate the growth of the brand in the premium sector. These are such as the SUV models – the GLEs, GLCs and GLAs being introduced in the market.

Rano Iskandar: Speaking of the trend, is this segment a huge trend in the region for Mercedes and how it came about?

Mark Raine: Yes, this is more of a global trend that SUVs have impacting the trend. However, there was little choices in the premium segment. We have a gut feeling and took a gamble in this segment and we believed that SUV is the thing of the future. This was also the key element of positioning of the Mercedes brand (in the SUV segment), focusing on lifestyle and affluent customers. This has helped to rejuvenate the brand while improving on innovation and technology.

Rano Iskandar: Why Kota Kinabalu as the prime destination for the #hungryforadventure ?

Mark Raine: The destination speaks for itself and we want to associate the mindset of our customers that our brand offers endurance, great positioning for different walks of life such as taking your children to school or on the weekend, bring your bike for a spin or going for a round of golf and lastly Kota Kinabalu gives a sense of adrenalin which resonates with our brand. We were fortunate that we have different weather conditions during our hill drive this morning at Sabah National Park and it showed what our SUVs are capable of.

We at Mercedes tend to organize events like this twice a year. We will invite our stakeholders along such as the media, the customers to showcase what SUVs are about and also being a premium brand, we want to be approachable to our customers by having a touch and feel on what Mercedes have to offer.

Rano Iskandar: Which model in Malaysia has been a top seller?

Mark Raine: It will be the C class and it targets all walks of life. However, it’s not the only model that has been popular but the compact cars and other models such as the E Class that was launched last year in Malaysia. Pretty soon we will be launching the new E 350E the latest hybrid brand. In terms of growth, it will be the SUVs and the GLC is the best selling in Malaysia and we sold over 3,000 units since its launch.

Mark Raine, Mercedes-Benz Cars vice-president of sales and marketing (Malaysia), posing with the latest Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 at Hap Seng Star showroom at Kota Kinabalu recently

Rano Iskandar: Why introducing the GLC 200 if you already have the GLC 250?

Mark Raine: We have the GLC 250 which is a brilliant product. It’s an SUV 4WD and offers great speed and comfort, positioning it as a very sporty, luxury model.

However to a certain extent, we are only capturing a lot of market but there are customers who want different qualities and traits and their mindsets are different from other customers. Hence the GLC 200 repositions itself in more exclusive luxury segment. It comes standard in on-road package or off-road package. The interior package also makes the value perception of this vehicle very, very high. The GLC 200 is just a notch below the GLC 250, hence makes it more affordable for most customers in the market. The unique selling point of the GLC 200 will be the exclusive luxurious appeal with high value perception and many features at a very competitive price.

Rano Iskandar: The GLC 200 is locally assembled in Malaysia. Is there any difference from the ones being imported?

Mark Raine: No difference at all. Same car, same quality, same quality checks. In essence, the same car. In South East Asia, we have a local production because we have tax exemptions and it makes the pricing more attractive.

Rano Iskandar: The GLE 43 Coupe OrangeArt Limited Edition. Share me more about it.

Mark Raine: It’s already available through order. It’s very limited and exclusive order. It’s very eccentric and flashy feel. It has a 21 inch AMG wheels with the OrangeArt Edition exterior package. We even have the Night Package. The eccentric and unique edition features extravagant design highlights including striking expressive decals in the orange on the front apron and the AMG wheels painted in high-gloss black and rim flange painted in orange.

The GLE 43 Coupe Orange Art Edition making it a high end personalised edition giving that special, individualized character and it’s definitely a striking appeal.

I had the privilege to test drive the GLC 200 and it will available in Brunei market hopefully by November 2017

Loving the feel and the drive. Of course, I love the AMG GLC 250 but this model is still good enough to keep me satisfied

A nice touch when I opened the door of the GLC 200

Kenny Ng, General Manager of Emerging Markets, Daimler South East Asia and Ho Ley Hoon, Sales Manager of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd with selected owners of Mercedes-Benz SUVs before heading off on a road trip to Kota Kinabalu.

Jati Transport Sdn Bhd invited selected SUV owners of Mercedes-Benz and two members of the media for Mercedes-Benz SUV Endurance Road Trip to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

This was considered my fifth overseas assignment for automative in the past few years and this time it’s a road trip from Brunei to Kota Kinabalu. Yes, I’ve been on the road once but only from KK to Brunei and not back and forth. It’s an honour to have Jati Transport organizing the Mercedes-Benz SUV Endurance trip and also inviting me to be part of the media team. Thank you, thank you.

The flag off took place at 7am yesterday at the new Mercedes-Benz Autohaus at Beribi. There were a convey of 8 Mercedes-Benz and they were flagged off by Kenny Ng, General Manager of Emerging Markets, Daimler South East Asia and Ho Ley Hoon, Sales Manager of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd before the entourage departed to Kota Kinabalu.

The trip took roughly six and a half hours before arriving at Hap Seng Star showroom (Mercedes-Benz KK). The entourage is expected to drive back from Kota Kinabalu tomorrow lunch time.

Kenny Ng doing the honours to flag off at Mercedes-Benz Autohaus

Lo Hey Loon flagging off the endurance drive

Catching the ferry at the half way point to Kota Kinabalu

The ferry must have been worth a lot since it carried 8 Mercedes-Benz vehicle and one Kijang on the one minute ride

Some parts were affected by the flood.

What was being showcase? The media from Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia and Cambodia and selected Mercedes-Benz owners from Brunei Darussalam were invited for the exclusive launch of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 at Hap Seng Star showroom at Kota Kinabalu.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 was unveiled by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia sales and marketing, passenger cars vice president, Mark Raine, who flew in from Kuala Lumpur for the 3 day event.

Another edition has been added to the Mecedes-Benz SUV family – the GLC 200. This is to cater to the unique lifestyle and demands of its customers with the launch of the new GLC variant: the GLC 200. It is equipped with numerous high-end features including the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, an Off-road exterior package, 19 inch 5-spoke allow wheels and LED High Performance headlamps. The interior has a luxurious appeal with a high value perception. The interior colors ranging from black, espresso brown to silk beige in combination with the exclusive brown open-pore ash wood trim and the ARTICO man-made leather dashboard underline the exclusive appearance of the premium SUV.

Malaysians had the privileged of the locally-assembled GLC 250 4MATIC and now they have brought it a new variant to underline its claim as the leader in the premium SUV segment in Malaysia and this also provide a wider avenue for their customers to choose from.

According to Mark Raine, “The introduction of Mercedes-Benz’s premium SUB range has establish this segment to the luxury market. As the No.1 premium brand, we combine ultimate driving comfort, dynamic handling and great ability, as our SUVs define new benchmarks, break conventions and provide our customers with their ultimate choice of vehicle for their unique and active lifestyle. As the locally produced GLC a crowd favourite, we are excited to bring the GLC 200 as an additional choice for those who desire and exclusive SUV.”

The GLC 200 is powered by a 2.0 liter 4 in-line engine, which produces an output of 135kW (184hp) and 300 Nm of torque. The nee-stage 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission also comes as standard on the GLC 200. Depending on the mode selected for the DYNAMIC SELECT dynamic handling control, the automatic transmission with a torque converter boasts great agility and responsiveness.

Its interior features Exclusive line, including upholstery in ARTICO man-made leather/fabric, ARTICO-covered dashboard with contrasting topstitching in three colors, seats featuring an exclusively upholstery layout, wood trim in high-gloss brown line structure lime and the 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel.

Hap Seng Star showroom at Kota Kinabalu. Nice, nice!!

Mark Raine posing with the newly launched GLC 200

Members of the media from other countries came in to witness the launch

Now this OrangeArt Edition caught my eye. Very limited too.

The Mercedes-Benz that was given for me to drive – the GLC AMG 43… Wooohooo

The interior of the AMG 43

Our hotel room at Shangrila’s Rasa Ria which was quite far from the city. Love the hotel and thank you, Mercedes-Benz, for hosting us

Let’s have fun during our endurance trip

The new A5 range will boost 252hp with quattro all-wheel-drive

Some cars are in your face – I’m looking at you, Ford Mustang – while others prefer elegance to ostentation.

The Audi A5 certainly falls into this latter category. It isn’t covered in scoops and bulges. It doesn’t turn heads everywhere it goes. But it is smooth, elegant and beautifully proportioned.

It is, essentially, a sleeker looking albeit less practical version of the A4 saloon. Prices start around the £31,500 mark, pitching it slightly higher than its saloon sibling but that’s the price you pay for style.

There’s the usual choice of 2.0 litre petrol and diesel engines with varying power outputs and a creamy-smooth 3.0 litre diesel. If you have deeper pockets there is also the very fast S5 and even faster RS5.

As usual with Audi, you can have front or quattro four-wheel drive. Given the deluges we’ve been subjected to this summer I was pleased Audi sent me a four-wheel drive version.

Mine had a 252bhp petrol engine, was in high spec S Line trim and had the S tronic semi-automatic seven-speed transmission. That all adds up to an asking price over £40,000 – and Audi whacked £8,000 of optional extras on its press demonstrator, including head up display (£900), Light and Vision pack (£975) and Driver Assistance Pack (£1,250).

The A5 is aimed at those who might like a TT but need some practicality. Whereas the TT’s rear seats are all but useless for people, the A5 can fit adults in the back, albeit small ones. At 45 litres, the boot is capacious – although Audi could easily make the A5 a practical hatchback without changing its svelte shape.

If you think the exterior looks good you should see the inside. Audi quite simply does the most beautiful and most user friendly interiors in the mainstream car market. Every switch and dial feels top quality and the Virtual Cockpit – a screen behind the steering wheel where dials would be – is tremendous.

The A5 has a nice balance between handling and comfort. Ride quality is firm enough to enjoy sharp cornering but not harsh enough to be uncomfortable on long journeys. In fact, it’s a beautiful long distance cruiser.

With 252bhp on tap, my petrol model absolutely flew. Diesels are a bit slower but offer better economy.

The A5 is not a car that likes to shout about its abilities. Calm, refined and understated, it’s happy to look good without drawing undue attention.

Matrix LED Headlights will be standard

Born of pure imagination. Built with innovative reality. The all-new Audi A5.

A 4-door Sportback version will also be available with the same engine output and transmission

The new A5 range for Brunei will be packed with tech goodies such as the digital 12.3 inch Virtual Cockpit, navigation and B&O sound system