Cruise Control

The new Subaru Forester is an upgrade over its predecessors, but for the model that was brought in to Malaysia last year, the upgrade came with a significant change—the once locally assembled model is now fully imported. That resulted in a more solid car for consumers, but at a significantly higher price. Daniel shares his honest thoughts on the car and its competition in the market.But before we review the Forester, we unpack the situation that Volvo and its parent company, Geely, are currently facing, having to recall a few models of their electric cars due to a battery problem.There's a flurry of new car launches, with a lot of companies starting the year with a bang. Chery announced a new variant of its Tiggo 8 lineup, with Xpeng doing the same with a Rear Wheel Drive version of its popular G6 line. Kia announced a facelift version of the popular Carnival, while BMW and Mercedes got in on the act with the i5 eDrive40 M Sport Pro and the CLA 250+ EV respectively.We talk about motorcycles in this episode too, highlighting Thunder Motorcycle's debut here in Malaysia, as well as giving a nod to the Royal Enfield owners here in Malaysia as they gathered at the Sepang International Circuit recently, setting a new Malaysia Book of Records along the way.Photo credit: dsf.my

The new Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8.5 might look like an incremental upgrade from its predecessor, the Mk8. But it turns out, the 0.5 difference is a big difference. After taking the car out for a spin, Daniel insists that people who are interested in the car should take it out for a test drive to truly understand the difference between the two.In our discussion segment, we try to make sense of the recent rise in cases of cars catching fire across the city. What's triggering these incidents? Will the findings be made public to everyone?In the news slot, we talk about the Mitsubishi XForce, the HEV edition of the Toyota Vellfire, the Toyota GR Corolla Auto, Chery's Prosperity Deal for the new year, as well as the all-new Peugeot 408.Photo credit: dsf.my

The iCaur V23 reminded Daniel of the MINI - a car that, according to him, is worth challenging MINI's iconic status as a brand that's quirky, unique, and distinctive. He finally got his hands on one for a test drive and was totally enthralled by it.But before he shares more about the iCaur V23, we discuss charging stations in Malaysia and why, despite the progress we've made, we're yet to hit the target we set for ourselves by the end of last year under the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint (LCMB): 2021 to 2030.In our news segment, we talk about the launch of the Perodua Traz and TQ Wuling Bingo, Kia's new strategy for 2026, used car prices going down, as well as the Open Market Value, or OMV, calculation for CKD vehicles, which was delayed again until the middle of this year.Photo credit: dsf.my

Recently, Daniel got the chance to test drive the Ferrari 12Cilindri—a beast of a car that signifies Ferrari's attempt at combining both their heritage and tradition with modernity. Just like the Prancing Horse, he came back from the test drive neighing with excitement. Tune in to hear his thoughts on this wonderful piece of machinery and what makes it special.In our discussion segment, we unpack why, despite the convenience it offers, wireless smartphone chargers included in modern cars are still not the most efficient way to charge your smartphone.In the news segment, we talk about Mercedes' new GLC 200 4MATIC, the GWM Wey G9 MPV, Xpeng's partnership with EPMB, Hyundai Motor Malaysia's collaboration with EON Berhad, as well as Kia's new Seltos and whether we'll see it in Malaysia soon.Photo credit: Ital Auto & dsf.my

The Suzuki Fronx, a compact crossover with a very unique name, joins a market that's pretty saturated and also price-sensitive. The car is fully imported with all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a high-quality modern car. But with its relatively higher price, can it compete with the rest? Daniel Fernandez shares his thoughts on the car and whether it has a chance here in Malaysia.But before we get to that, we discuss China's decision to pull more subsidies for EVs in their market and how this will affect the smaller, burgeoning companies over there, and more importantly, across the world.In our news segment, we discuss Nissan's 6th Gen Serena, Chery's end-of-year deals, Naza Italia ending their relationship with Maserati, as well as the Lotus Encor 1, a Lotus Esprit-inspired model.Photo credit: dsf.my

Daniel has just returned from the Guangzhou Auto Show 2025, so naturally, we’re going to be talking about what he saw there. There were brands that may or may not make their way here, in the form of ROX and IM Motors, but there were also other brands that showcased their latest models, including Xiaomi, JAC, Chery and Zeekr, among others. Daniel highlights some of the cars he thinks made the biggest impact during the auto show.In the second part of the show, we chronicle Alfa Romeo’s journey in Malaysia so far, as they reenter the country again for the third time. With the Giulia Veloce and the Stelvio Veloce in tow, will their third entry into the country be the charm this iconic Italian brand has been waiting for?Photo credit: dsf.my

A situation familiar to many Malaysians, a runner is a paid middleman who manages vehicle paperwork and bypasses the queue by going straight to specific counters where officers readily accept their documents. This slows the regular queue and raises concerns about fairness and integrity, leaving many people in line feeling frustrated but unable to object. This prompts questions about whether runners are a practical response to inefficiency or an unethical shortcut, and whether JPJ should regulate the practice or create dedicated counters to prevent queue-cutting.Also, we break down a whole bunch of car launches during the week & then pit two Chery cubes together - the Jetour T2 and iCaur V23.

In Japan, BYD revealed the Racco electric kei car, the first electric kei car designed specifically for the Japanese market, featuring a compact, boxy body, sliding doors, and a tall roof ideal for tight urban environments. Powered by a 20 kWh LFP battery, it offers an estimated 180 km WLTC range and supports up to 100 kW DC fast charging, making it practical for daily city use. Will it make its way to Malaysia? In the news, Proton launched Malaysia’s first affordable EV, the e.MAS 5, while the government expanded the Budi95 fuel subsidy to 800 litres monthly for high-mileage e-hailing drivers. Touch ’n Go unveiled its Titan Flow RFID toll system for smoother, barrier-free travel by 2027, and Rolls-Royce is seeking a new Malaysian distributor after parting ways with Quill Motorcars, leaving after-sales support in transition.

In this week's condensed episode, we dive into the all-new BYD Seal 6, the electric sedan that’s turning heads. Unlike BYD’s earlier high-performance EVs, the Seal 6 shifts gears toward accessibility and comfort, offering a big-sedan feel, smooth power delivery, and premium features at a surprisingly attainable price. Tune in as we break down what sets the Seal 6 apart from its siblings, how it fits into Malaysia’s fast-growing EV scene, and why it might just be the electric car that converts traditional ICE owners once and for all.photo: dsf.my

From Nissan bringing back the Teana in China and introducing the PHEV-powered N6, to BYD’s huge battery recall, we look at the latest moves and challenges shaping the global car scene. We also take a closer look at Toyota’s new Land Cruiser FJ 2026, a smaller 4×4 that keeps the Land Cruiser spirit alive, and dig into Porsche’s EV journey, including leadership changes aimed at speeding up their electric plans.But the spotlight this week is on the Hyundai STARIA, now locally assembled in Malaysia for the first time. We explore what this means for buyers — from its roomy, comfortable interior and advanced safety features to the launch perks like free servicing, rebates, lifestyle vouchers, and extended warranties. Local assembly not only makes the STARIA more accessible but could give Hyundai an edge over its competitors. Tune in to see why this MPV is turning heads and what it could mean for the future of family cars.

It was a pretty positive Budget 2026 for the automotive industry, as the government finally announced measures to tackle some of the things the show has been talking about for quite some time, including a vehicle scrapping incentive and a lemon law. A glowing Daniel Fernandez shares his reactions to these, and other announcements made.After talking about the Budget, Daniel talks about his experience driving the Chery Tiggo Super Hybrid SUVs - the Tiggo Cross, 7, & 8 - at the Sepang Driving Experience Centre. The event was meant to showcase the cars’ handling, and boy, was he impressed.In our news segment, we discuss Perodua’s new super app, the P-Circle, GWM’s new Ora Good Cat that comes in two versions, a Sepang Edition Volkswagen Golf GTI and Hyundai launching the CKD version of their MPV here, the Staria.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance LifePhoto credit: EROS ATTILIO - Photo / Shutterstock.com

The saturation of new cars in the market has led to this inevitability - a price war! Manufacturers are slashing prices of their cars left, right, and centre, with established brands joining the Chinese manufacturers. We break down some of the discounts currently available in the market.But first, we talk about the rising numbers of cars catching fire and what might cause them. Tune in for a quick reminder on what we can do to prevent them.In our news segment, we highlight the brand new cars entering the market, from GAC with their new Emkoo SUV, to Chery with two new plug-in hybrids - the Tiggo 7 and 8. We also cover Xpeng with their brand new G6, as well as Proton teasing the market-disrupting price of the new e.MAS 5.Photo credit: Mayy Contributor / Shutterstock.com

The competition in the luxury MPV segment is heating up, with Zeekr now throwing its hat into the ring with the 009 Executive. While another EV from China continues the threat to the traditional, mainstay brand and models in this segment, how will Zeekr fare against similarly priced competitors from its own country? Daniel shares his thoughts on this, as well as his experience driving the MPV.But before we talk about that, we unpack the issue of unpaid road tax involving luxury cars in Malaysia, that's reportedly costing the country RM35.7 million. Why are these luxury car owners refusing to pay their road tax, despite being able to afford these cars?In our news segment, we talk about BYD releasing another variant of its sedan, the Seal 6, with a price that's highly disruptive to the local EV market. At the other end of the spectrum, Porsche launched the latest iteration of its iconic 911 GT3. The car industry in China continues its boom this year, with 4.2 million units already exported as of August. German manufacturer, BMW, meanwhile, had to deal with a ransomware threat from a group called Everest.Photo credit: Teddy Leung / Shutterstock.com

Another week, another value-for-money vehicle released for the mass consumers out there looking for a car that’s worth their money. Chery Tiggo Cross entered the market aiming to disrupt the popular players, and with the kind of offerings that they have, can they finally sway consumers? Daniel Fernandez had the chance to take the turbo variant of the car out for a ride, and he’s here to share his thoughts and recommendations.But as always, before we get to that, we talk about the luxury car market and how the use of something called “carnet” has allowed for abuse in this segment of the industry.In our news segment, we talk about the Budi95 petrol subsidy rationalisation, GWM’s new MPV, the Wey G9, as well as problems affecting Tesla and the Xiaomi SU7.Photo credit: dsf.my

By now, Chinese brands are gaining a larger share of the market, especially in the SUV segment, with Malaysian consumers beginning to trust them more and more. But what's the landscape like in the pickup truck segment? Daniel Fernandez gives us the lowdown on consumers' preferences here, and whether a brand like JAC with its T9 truck is able to challenge a veteran like Isuzu with its highly reputable D-Max. But before we unpack that, we discuss some of the latest announcements and releases in the Malaysian market, including Mercedes-Benz launching two models from their AMG line, Chery launching the new O5 to replace the outgoing Omoda 5, and iCaur announcing its official arrival with the rugged-looking 03. Over in the global market, Leapmotor announced the B05, a hot hatch EV, while Hyundai unveiled the IONIQ Concept THREE. Photo credit: Pavel Dorogin / Shutterstock.com

The SUV market is getting more saturated day by day, but that means more options for consumers. The Jaecoo J8 is another alternative for buyers seeking a premium SUV with high-end features at a competitive price point. Daniel took the car out for a spin, both on- and off-road, and shares his thoughts on the show.However, before diving into this Chinese success story, we examine the slow decline Germany's automotive industry is currently facing, as more workers continue to be laid off. Will they, and the broader European market, recover from this?In our news segment, we talk about Proton’s new EV plant in Tanjung Malim, Perak, Mazda’s new SUVs in the form of the CX-60 and CX-80, as well as both Mercedes-Benz and BMW building new platforms for their upcoming EVs.Photo credit: dsf.my

BYD’s latest model, the Atto 2, is hitting all the sweet spots in terms of its price, features, and driving experience. So, should you get one? Tune in to hear Daniel’s thoughts on the car. Before we get to that, we talk about Nissan’s latest pickup to hit the Malaysian market, the Navara X-Tremer. We also report on the bookings made for the newly launched Zeekr 7X, as well as two new cars that were released globally - the Peugeot 308 and the BYD Leopard 3. Which one will come to Malaysia and which one won’t? Photo credit: dsf.my

Chery Tiggo Cross came into the Malaysian market with a very aggressive pricing strategy of below RM100,000 for both its Turbo and Hybrid variants. Not only that, the car also includes all the bells and whistles that you expect from a car that’s usually above that price range. So, does the Chery Tiggo Cross represent the best value your money can buy for a car in this segment? Daniel Fernandez shares his thoughts after taking the car out for a spin. While we discuss Chery’s latest car in the market, we also talk about another car company from China that’s already here, but has yet to release any model in the market. BAIC came to Malaysia last year, but their cars have yet to hit Malaysian roads. What happened? In our news segment, we talk about the new Omoda C9 PHEV, the latest BYD Seal, the Ford Ranger WildTrak 3.0L V6 Turbodiesel as well as the Mercedes-AMG Concept GT XX. Photo credit: dsf.my

Daniel got his hands on the new, electric John Cooper Works MINI, and after taking it out for a ride, he has some things to say about the whole experience. Are they positive or negative? Tune in to hear his full thoughts on the car. Before we get to the review, we talk about a recent practice by manufacturers that buy cars that are defective and sell them back to customers again. Is this appropriate? Should this solidify the need for a lemon law here? In our news segment, we talk about hyper-GT cars and supercars - with Lotus releasing the new variants of their iconic Emeya line, and BYD’s super luxury arm, Yangwang showcasing a new supercar called the U9 that’s reportedly able to compete against the best supercars from Europe. We also discuss Grab’s investment in WeRide and what this means for the future of mobility in the region. Photo credit: dsf.my

Honda's first EV in Malaysia, the e:N1, was highly anticipated, and now that it’s officially here, what’s the verdict? Daniel shares his thoughts after test driving the car, and contextualising its existence with its competitors here. But before we get to that, we also unpack why Honda and its peers from Japan and Europe are now struggling to compete with the Chinese brands that are thriving all across the globe. What went wrong, and how can they compete again? In our news segment, we preview the Proton e.MAS 5, ahead of its official launch anytime soon, as well as talk about MG Cybersters’ success here, and Mercedes GLC’s new front grille that has been teased. Photo credit: dsf.my