Lim Jin Lee, Executive Manager of AutoMagination (3rd from right) with representatives from TEIN, INC. Japan (in green) and management of AutoMagination during the launch of TEIN EnduraPro Series

The brand TEIN has been around in Brunei for the past few years. Many car enthusiasts will be aware of the TEIN brand as they are known for good quality shock absorbers for your car. Recently AutoMagination company has brought in newer models of TEIN absorbers which are known as TEIN EnduraPro series.

The latest models from TEIN was launched with the presence of the TEIN, INC (Japan), notably Mr. Yasushi Furubayashi, Director of TEIN, INC, Mr. Tomoaki Himeno, Overseas Sales Manger of TEIN, INC and Mr. Ayumu Kikuchi, Overseas Sales Person of TEIN, INC. Also present was Lim Jin Lee, Executive Manager of AutoMagination, the sole distributor of TEIN products.

For the record, TEIN, INC. is a well recognized reputable manufacturer and distributor of high-quality automative suspension parts. So if you really, really, really want good quality suspensions, the choice is definitely TEIN.

Now with a better version, the EnduraPro Series, you can expect comfort, reliability, durability and adjustability to cater to different road conditions (especially in Brunei), streets, highways and winding roads for better ride quality.

The new feature being highlighted is the Hydraulic Bump Stopper (HBS). Basically this feature helps to convert the impact of the stroke to thermal energy (heat) and absorb it. This means it reduces the impact that disturbs the vehicle’s behaviour. This also means less damage or harm on the dampers in the long run and hence, increases the durability of the shock absorbers.

If you prefer a much better absorber, then I would recommend the EnduraPro Plus because it’s adjustable – whether you want it softer or firmer. Furthermore, if you want a much better experience with the EnduraPro Plus, then invest in the EDFC series where it’s a gadget that sends signal via an electronic controller from the cockpit and remotely adjust the damping force.

So you may be wondering to which cars are suitable for this? Well, any comfort cars are highly recommended with the new TEIN absorbers, be it Japanese cars (Toyota, Nissan, Honda), be it Korean cars (Hyundai, Kia).

Those interested to know more about the TEIN latest products, do visit their showroom at Lambak Kanan Industrial Area at AutoMagination. Oh yea, it also offers one year warranty for all TEIN products.

Would I recommend to install one? I would say yes if you are concern too much about the roads here in Brunei and if you drive to Miri regularly, this would be so, so ideal because of the bumpy road conditions.

The EnduraPro Plus (adjustable) and The EnduraPro absorbers

Mr. Tomoaki Himeno, Overseas Sales Manger of TEIN, INC, explaining the EDFC series where you can use an electronic gadget to adjust the absorbers from the cockpit

The older models from TEIN

You can get a bundle package if you buy the EnduraPro Plus with the EDFC

Lim Jin Lee believes many customers will appreciate the durability and features of the TEIN EnduraPro series

Check out the new Nissan Teana at Boustead showroom

I love how you can start the car remotely within 100 metres

After a few years, Nissan Teana has unveiled its updated, refurbished look and of course, not forgetting its latest features. The Teana finally arrived in Brunei Darussalam last weekend, being showcased at Boustead showroom at Beribi. As you know, Boustead Sdn Bhd is the sole distributor of Nissan in Brunei Darussalam.

It does look sportier compared to the older model. It looks bolder with a slicker front design with the Nissan V motion grille. If you are familiar with the older Teana, the new model is longer and slightly higher too.

Perhaps the best feature is the Remote Start Engine. Maybe the first I’ve seen in Brunei. Basically you can start the engine of Teana remotely within 100 metres, using the Nissan Intelligent Key. This is definitely an advantage for me since I’m always on the move and I can convenient warm up the car’s engine before driving off. I’m pretty sure other competitors will follow suit but for now, Teana has the edge.

There is also the new four-inch 3D Information Display for the convenience of the passenger.

The Nissan Teana is powered by a 2.0 litre engine and has a horsepower of 136 with a maximum torque of 190nm at 4,400rpm.

If you are keen to know of the price or check out the new Nissan Teana, do visit the showroom at Beribi or Kuala Belait.

The interior of Teana

Check out the new facelift of Audi A4 quattro

Members of the press having a short drive of the Audi A4

The 2019 model year sees the A4 Sedan with newly designed bumpers, which together with the new wheel designs accentuate the sporty character.

In the new model year, the Audi A4 stands out with a more striking front-end from the design and sport lines. Powerful, pentagonal contours surround the exterior air inlets – aluminum-look bars structure their inside. The S line exterior package features new bumpers with a sportier look. Their pronounced wedge-shaped design makes them even more eye catching. A U-shaped clip separates the exterior and the interior area, which is finished off with a honeycomb grille. Separate openings in the air inlets guide a portion of the airflow into the wheel housings, where it flows past the wheels.

The singleframe grille also helps differentiate between the equipment lines. In the S line exterior package, the grille now also features slats with a 3D look. A blade finishes off the lower part of the front-end. The rear bumper also comes standard in the new look. Two wide, trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes replace the previous round tailpipes. The diffuser area between the exhaust tailpipes is now narrower. The wheels, which are available in 16 to 19-inch versions, have also been redesigned.

The new Audi A4 is currently available with a 2.0 turbo 252hp engine with the latest quattro all-wheel-drive technology. Compared to the previous model’s tech equipment, the improved A4 now comes additionally with Audi’s Virtual Cockpit display, MMI navigation plus, side assist blind spot detectors and pre-sense rear collision protection system. This makes it more than a dozen driver assistance and car technology in one single Audi model.

A 1.4 turbo 150hp variant will also be available soon for the Brunei market. Please visit their showroom at Kiarong and also follow @audibrunei on Instagram for updates.

Fairol giving this a ride

Upgraded interior compared to the previous A4 model

Even the front bumper looks sportier than the previous model

You will enjoy the Audi A4

The newly redesigned Mercedes G-Wagen

News from Jalopnik website. The newly redesigned Mercedes G-Wagen, the expensive body-on-frame off-roader that for the first time ever has independent front suspension, was crashed tested by the European New Car Assessment Program, and the results are exemplary. Just watch as this boxy fortress shrugs off barriers and avoids pedestrians with ease.

“Mercedes-Benz’s rugged G-Class also comes in with a five-star rating with an impressive performance in each of the four areas of assessment,” Euro NCAP says in its press release, lauding the G-Class’ safety assist systems, as well as its ability to protect adult occupants, child occupants, and pedestrians. Here’s a look at the G-Wagen being put through the wringer.

But the gist of it is that the vehicle scored 90 percent, 83 percent, and 78 percent in the areas of adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, and “vulnerable road user” protection, respectively. The Magna Steyr-built poshmobile did especially well in side impact testing, managing 16 out of 16 points for adult occupant protection and managing the full 8 points for child protection.

The G-Wagen also managed a 72 percent in the “safety assist” category, thanks to a good Automatic Emergency Braking system, as well as features like a seat belt reminder and speed limit assist, though apparently the lane keeping system isn’t great. From Euro NCAP’s report:

The AEB system gave generally good results in tests of its functionality at highway speeds. The car has a lane assistance system which helps prevent inadvertent drifting out of lane but can also intervene in some more critical situations. The speed control system uses digital mapping combined with a camera to identify what the local speed limit is and to inform the driver, who can then set the limiter to the appropriate speed. A seatbelt reminder is standard for front and rear seats.

The new G-Wagen has been receiving rapturous driving impressions from journalists, and now it has scored top safety marks. Plus it looks good. It took Mercedes decades to finally do a major G-Class redesign, but it appears to be paying off.

Check out Mercedes-Benz A200 and it’s now available for test drive

Ruby test driving the A200 and she was quite impressed

Hey Mercedes!!! This is the first voice operated command for Mercedes-Benz for the A200 and A250 model. You don’t even have to use the button and all you have to do is say “Hey Mercedes” and you can control the temperature, the moonlighting and a few more things. Though it’s not a full fledged like how it works in Siri, but this is already a big step for Mercedes-Benz.

I have driven both the A250 and A200 and I can understand why many opted for the A250 when it was launched back in November 2018. If you are into the body kit and just a little more power, then the A250 would be the obvious choice.

A200 is not much of a difference if you don’t take into account the exterior design. I have driven it for a few days and it’s so much of an upgrade compared to the previous version of the A200 (year 2013).

The A200 is quite a solid drive for the small nature of its size and definitely the most advanced car fo a hatchback segment. Handling wise, this is superb as I have taken this for a spin on the highway and corners – a ride that would give me more confidence.

I love the dual-screen layout which is similar to the E-Class and S-Class. The wide format makes it sleeker, showcasing stunningly vibrant and sharper resolution. The central display panel is a touch screen which is a plus for a driver like me.

I would have hoped for a slightly more leg space but it’s not bad for a A200 model. It’s a compact luxurious continental car that I won’t mind driving for my routine coverage.

Overall, the A200 justifies its position in the premium hatchback segment and furthermore, the price is quite reasonable from Jati Transport. The plus points are definitely the technology and infotainment and let’s not forget the safety features too of the Mercedes-Benz A200.

Drop by Jati Transport Headquarters or Autohaus for details of the Mercede-Benz A200. You can give this a test drive too.

Taking the A200 for a spin. I wish I had the A200 a little longer.

Loving the display panel and the interior of the A200

It’s even more colourful at nightfall

We also test drove the A250 and this was during our trip to Sepang International Circuit, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

One of the invited Bruneians test driving the A250 on the circuit. The A250 has been a huge hit in Brunei Darussalam.

Management of Brunei Shell Marketing with the management of Chua Automobile Repairing and Servicing (Chua Auto) at the launch of Chua Auto as Shell Helix Branded Workshop yesterday

Mr. Chua Kee Hoe, the sole proprietor of Chua Auto, Pg. Shamhary bin Pg Dato Paduka Hj Mustapha, Managing Director of Brunei Shell Marketing, Mr. See Shieng Meng, Manager of Chua Auto and Mohd Adini Mohd Daini, Head of Branding and Communications of Brunei Shell Marketing officiating the launch with a ribbon cutting.

It is slowly growing, the branding of Shell as they turned some of the local workshops as Shell Helix Branded Workshop. Yesterday saw the 4th of its kind as Chua Automobile Repairing and Servicing (Chua Auto) launched as a Shell Helix Branded Workshop which is located at the heart of Gadong commercial area.

The company has been in operation in Gadong since the 1980s and it has a very strong customer base because of the owner, Mr. Chua Kee Hoe, has a reputable relationship with his loyal customers. Most of the cars handled are continental cars and their customers have always been very satisfied with their service.

Chua Auto has also a lasting relationship with Brunei Shell Marketing Sdn Bhd as the workshop has providing and purchasing Shell Lubricants since 2000. Chua Auto has always strived the mission of providing high quality service to customers by supplying genuine Shell Lubricants and having experienced technicians.

Now Chua Auto being the 4th Shell Helix Branded Workshop, there will be more workshops in the pipeline and this is a good sign for customers as these will give more confidence because of the Shell brand.

BSM initiated the Shell Helix Branded Workshop programme with the vision of supporting the relationship of workshops with their customers in an environment which reassures consumer that the products on sale are genuine and the service is excellent and reliable. This, in a way, increases customer satisfaction.

Present during the launch were Mr. Chua Kee Hoe, the sole proprietor of Chua Auto, Pg. Shamhary bin Pg Dato Paduka Hj Mustapha, Managing Director of Brunei Shell Marketing, Mohd Adini Mohd Daini, Head of Branding and Communications of Brunei Shell Marketing and Mr. See Shieng Meng, Manager of Chua Auto.

You can visit their workshop at Bangunan Hj Tahir. It’s a shop located located on the hill above Papparich in Gadong.

The first car being serviced after the launch

Genuine Shell Lubricants at Chua Auto

Group photo with the attendees

The GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ is the fastest series production SUV on the North Loop of Nürburgring

Affalterbach/Adenau.  With an officially measured and notarised lap time of 7.49.369 minutes, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ (combined fuel consumption: 11.9 l/100 km, combined CO₂ emissions: 270 g/km) is the fastest series production SUV in the world on the North Loop of Nürburgring. In autumnal track conditions, AMG development engineer Markus Hofbauer at the wheel of the series-production eight-cylinder model bettered the previous record time by a competitor at the first attempt.

The technical concept of the mid-size high-performance SUV provides the ideal basis for this outstanding lap time: apart from the powerful, high-torque 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, this includes the air suspension system with adaptively variable damping, the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution, the rear axle locking differential and the high-performance ceramic composite braking system. The GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ is not only the top performer, but also fully day-to-day suitable: it has plenty of space for passengers and luggage, a variable interior, extensive safety features and a high level of long-distance comfort.

As is usual at Mercedes-AMG, the record lap was measured precisely by the independent experts of “wige SOLUTIONS”. An independent notary also confirmed the lap time and that the vehicle’s condition was in accordance with regulations.

Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Wadood Bolkiah Ibni Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz (center) as the guest of honour during the launch of the All-New Nissan Terra at the Indera Samudra, Hall 3, The Empire Hotel and Country Club last weekend

Boustead Sdn. Bhd., the sole distributor of Nissan automotive in Brunei, launched the All-New Nissan Terra last weekend.

The latest addition to the Nissan’s line is considered one of the greatest highlights for the brand’s history as it represents a huge milestone in its innovation. And for that, the exclusive event for such innovative model was held at Indera Samudra, Hall 3, The Empire Hotel and Country Club.

The reveal of the Nissan Terra was exclusively attended by Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Wadood Bolkiah Ibni Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz as well as the management of banks and finance institutions, members of the media and the customers.

“Nissan has been involved in building SUVs for more than 60 years and has received its reputation in traversing challenging terrains around the world which has proved Nissan’s capability to build strong and tough SUV. Hence, based on that, it went into the development of the All-New Nissan Terra which means that you can always count on your Terra to take you anywhere.” said Mr Lim Jin Lee, The Executive Manager of Boustead Sdn Bhd.

Nissan Terra has been developed in Asia, build in Asia for Asian customers. The exterior offers the strength and ruggedness of a utility vehicle including the signature V-Motion grille and the boomerang headlamps which give it a more streamlined look. Available in eight colors; Dark Blue, Black Star, Burning Red, Gold Beige, Brilliant Silver, White Pearl, Earth Brown and Twilight Gray.

Inside, the Nissan Terra can accommodate seven passengers and offers roominess with best-in-class cabin space and quiet interior which provide comfort for everyone on board. Additionally, it has a theater seating arrangement where the front seat and the front floor were arranged lower position to give better visibility for the second and third row seats.

Launched with three variants; Mid, High and Premium Grade, and they are all reasonably well equipped. The Mid Grade offers a 2WD system with a manual transmission and a 17-inch alloy wheel. The interior is equipped with a urethane to keep the car cool and comfortable. It also has a low-cost maintenance which is suitable for those looking for value for money.

The High Grade offers a 2WD system but with an automatic transmission and an 18-inch alloy wheel. The interior is also equipped with a urethane while featuring some premium conveniences which are also available in the Premium Grade including a 10.1-inch Android Player for onboard entertainment, hence, making every journey more pleasurable.

The 2WD High and the 4WD Premium Grade are further enhanced with a Power Liftgate to provide more convenience to the drivers and passengers in which the trunk door can be opened in various ways either by pressing the unlock button on the key three times, pressing the button on the trunk door or pressing the switch button at the vehicle’s centre console. The angle of the trunk door can also be adjusted according to the driver’s preference.

For those who prefer a vehicle with a superior and premium feeling, the 4WD Premium Grade, which is the finest grade among the three, has a luxurious interior furnished with leather and first-class comfort and features advanced Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies.

Check out the Nissan Terra

It comes in three different grades

Guest of honour handing over a key to one of the first customers, Thomas

Mr Lim Jin Lee, The Executive Manager of Boustead Sdn Bhd, handing over a key to one of the first customers

As part of Nissan’s plans to move towards its future direction, Nissan Intelligent Mobility, in which it aims to achieve a goal of zero emission vehicle and zero fatalities on the road by transforming the car into a more responsive partner by redefining how the car is driven, powered and integrated into society, the 4WD Premium Grade adds Intelligent technologies for a safer and confident drive.

One of the highlighted technologies equipped into the 4WD Premium Grade is Around View Monitor. It is a monitor that provides a virtual 360-degree scene of the car in bird’s-eye view. It assists the drivers by giving real-time information about the vehicle’s surroundings which makes parking much easier and safer. Another technology equipped into the 4WD Premium Grade is Lane Departure Warning in which it assists in maintaining safety by alerting the drivers when it detects that the car has strayed from its intended lane. It also recognizes the lane in which the car is travelling. Thus, when the driver unintentionally drifts out of the traveling lane, the system alerts the driver with a visual warning on the display and an audible signal. These technologies help in seeing and detecting any potential obstructions around the vehicle for better safety.

Furthermore, all models are equipped with a Zero Gravity Seat. This technology reduces fatigue for drivers and passengers when driving by pursuing the ideal posture to make long drives more pleasant and maintaining seating comfort, thus making the Nissan Terra suitable for long journeys.

Powered with 2.5-litre diesel engine providing best-in-class performance, it offers impressive 190Kw horsepower and 450Nm torque that ensures an exciting drive of speed and acceleration. It also has high ground clearance which can reduce the risk of damage from uneven roads, hence, suitable for both city drive and off-road drive. Moreover, Nissan Terra is equipped with ladder-frame chassis which provides greater rigidity to give comfort and convenience and further satisfy the outdoor adventure enthusiasts.

To kick off the memorable journey of the first batch of owners of the Nissan Terra, the official delivery of the latest versatile SUV from Nissan was conducted during the launch event. The handover of the keys was personally distributed by Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Wadood Bolkiah Ibni Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz.

Members of the public who are interested to have a closer view of the Nissan Terra or to inquire further information are welcomed to visit Nissan’s showroom in Beribi and Kuala Belait and get assisted by the friendly sales representatives of Nissan.

Jeremy Lim, Product Manager of Boustead, Tan Teck Hock, Senior Sales & Marketing Operation Manager of Boustead , and Khairul Izzat, Product Executive of Boustead during the press conference

Pong Bee Thing, represented by her daughter (2nd from right), won the grand prize, a return ticket to Bangkok as part of the “Test Drive & Fly” promotion. The prize presentation was held last Friday at Indera Motors Showroom.

A lucky draw event was held at Indera Motors Showroom yesterday for the “Test Drive & Fly” Promotion. The Campaign was held in conjunction of 2018 Year End celebration which was held from November to December 31st.

Pong Bee Thing, emerged as the grand prize winner and took home a return flight ticket to Bangkok. Muhd Nurul Hafiz, announced as the first runner up and won a return flight ticket to Bali and Hisyamuddin Hamzah, the second-runner up won a return trip to Manila, while the rest all went home with Jaguar and Land Rover merchandise.

There to draw the 10 lucky winners were Ms Anisahatiajar Zaini, Marketing Officer of BIBD At-Tamwil and Mr Eugene Tan, Business Support Assistant Manager of Baiduri Finance. The grand prize was presented by Mr Pierce Lim, The Marketing Manager of Indera Motors Sdn Bhd.

Drawing the finalists during the lucky draw

Mr Eugene Tan, Business Support Assistant Manager of Baiduri Finance drawing a name

The new A-Class

Löwen/Stuttgart.  Best vehicle tested in 2018 and best in class in the small family vehicle segment: The European safety organisation Euro NCAP has presented the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class with an award for best performing car in safety.

The new A-Class from Mercedes-Benz has undergone European NCAP crash tests, and achieved outstanding results in them. As a result, it was awarded the top rating of five stars. “This Euro NCAP award, which we are delighted about, is recognition of the excellent standards of safety in our vehicles,” explained Prof. Dr. Rodolfo Schöneburg, Head of Passive Safety and Vehicle Functions at Mercedes-Benz Cars. “However, the standardised crash tests only represent a small sample of the real-life accidents that may be encountered on the street. For that reason, Mercedes-Benz designs all its model series using around 40 different accident constellations.”

Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) is an organisation of European transport ministries, automobile clubs and insurance associations. It carries out crash tests and assesses vehicle safety based on the safety systems available. The General Secretary of Euro NCAP, Michiel van Ratingen, says:

“In 2018 we introduced new, tougher tests, with a particular focus on protecting particularly vulnerable road users. The winners of the “Best in Class” awards clearly show that the vehicle manufacturers are striving for the highest levels of safety and that the Euro NCAP ratings act as a catalyst for significant progress where safety is concerned.”

The new A-Class: exemplary active and passive safety

The new A-Class is also the first Mercedes-Benz model to have been developed in part at the new Technology Centre for Vehicle Safety (TFS). The design of the vehicle structures incorporates findings from research into real accidents. The centrepiece of the body’s safety concept is the highly rigid passenger compartment. Its great rigidity in accident conditions, e.g. in frontal, lateral or rear-end collisions and roll-overs, is above all due to the greater use of high-strength, ultra-high-strength and press-hardened sheet steel.

The driver and front passenger each have a three-point seat belt with belt force limiter and belt tensioner. In conjunction with the PRE-SAFE^® system (optional equipment), the front seats are equipped with reversible belt reel tensioners. Both of the outer rear seats are fitted with a seat belt with reel tensioner and belt force limiter.

The new A-Class is equipped with driver and front passenger airbags, a driver’s kneebag and windowbags as standard. Unlike in many competitor models, the windowbag also covers the A-pillar for more complete passenger protection. Thorax-pelvis sidebags are also fitted as standard in the front. Rear sidebags are optionally available.

The new A-Class has the very latest driving assistance systems with cooperative driver support, giving it the highest level of active safety in this segment, with functions adopted from the S-Class. For the first time, the A-Class is able to drive semi-autonomously in certain situations. It keeps a very close eye on the traffic situation: improved camera and radar systems allow it to see far ahead. The A-Class also uses map and navigation data for assistance functions. For example, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC as part of the Driving Assistance package is able to support the driver in numerous route-specific situations, and predictively and conveniently adjust the speed e.g. when approaching bends, junctions or roundabouts.

The new A-Class comes with expanded Active Brake Assist as standard. Depending on the situation, it can effectively help to mitigate the consequences of rear-end collisions with slower-moving, stopping or stationary vehicles ahead, and even with crossing pedestrians and cyclists, or prevent them altogether.