28/12/2025

theSunday Special XV ON SUNDAY DEC 28, 2025

No fear to change?

phones when driving? It could come down to enforcement and the fear that comes with it. In Australia, you stand to lose your license if you’re caught on your phone as it comes with deduction of demerit points. The fine is also hefty, and it is the same in the United States as well. In Malaysia however, we get discounts for our fines and don’t bother showing up for court dates if we fail to pay the fine. We also have the demerit points sys tem in Malaysia called Kejara but that has not been enforced. But that may be about to change though. Anyway, it all comes down to enforce ment, and a lack of fear of among traffic offenders. We can have the most advanced tech in the world, but if enforcement is lax and there is no fear of the consequence of their actions, then there really is no reason to change.

THE next time you are stuck in rush hour traffic, try to take a moment to notice the sheer number of drivers who are on their phones. I am not talking about browsing or replying to messages but having a conver sation with their phones held to their ears. I notice this a lot because I spend a lot of time commuting by motorcycle. So, I try to look around to see who is paying atten tion to the road and who is not. Those who are on their phones are distracted, so I give them a wider berth. It’s just one of the ways I try to keep safe when riding. And yes, sometimes I do wish I had the power to fine them or even take a photo to send to the police for them to issue a fine. But that’s a different story, and something I have previously written about. I still do believe the authorities should allow road users to submit photos or vid eos of traffic offenders with a small per centage of the fine given to the photo/video taker as a “commission”. The police surely cannot be every

podcasts, and even reads out your whatsapp messages to you and replies them as well. So there really is no need to be using your phone when driv ing, and that is without mention ing that it is against the law as well. A recent survey conducted in the United States showed that 55% of drivers said that they would walk away from a deal if

where so why not utilise mod ern tech? Besides, everyone has a camera phone these days, so why not? Might as well help people make a couple of ringgit and keep traffic offenders at bay.

Anyway, the other point I am trying to make is the seemingly lack of awareness about car technology these days. Almost all modern cars come with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple Carplay and Android Auto. All these features allow the driver to connect their phones to the infotainment system so they can focus on driving and take their calls hands-free. Features like Carplay and Android Auto also provides access to navigation, music,

WRITTEN BY KESHY DHILLON

the car they were about to buy had no Apple Carplay. The same survey showed 36% of Android Auto users felt the same way. So, there is obviously enough aware ness about these technologies Stateside. But what is it about Malaysians then? Why are people still clueless and still use our

Fresh alternative Perodua Traz tailor-made for Malaysians

PERODUA has ended the year with the launch of its latest sports utility vehicle, the Perodua Traz, a five-seater SUV designed to meet the needs of urban drivers while remaining practical for family use. Positioned as a user-friendly and accessible model, the Traz is aimed at customers seeking a compact SUV that balances eve ryday usability with modern features. Developed under the tagline “Engineered Simply”, the Perodua Traz has been tailored specifically to Malaysian driv ing preferences and conditions. The new model is intended to complement Perodua’s existing SUV line-up, sitting alongside the Aruz and Ativa, while offer ing a fresh alternative for buy ers looking for a slightly larger and more feature-rich option in the brand’s portfolio. The Perodua Traz is offered with a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with a D-CVT transmis sion, and is available in two

selector. A 3-in-1 luggage deck board enhances cargo flexibil ity, while rear passengers bene fit from dedicated air-condition ing vents, a feature highlighted as one of the SUV’s key conven iences. Infotainment is handled by a 9-inch touchscreen display with Android Auto support and Apple CarPlay readiness. The X variant is equipped with four speakers, while the H variant upgrades to six speakers includ ing tweeters. USB connectivity includes Type-A and Type-C ports at the front, dual Type-C ports at the rear, and a 12V power outlet. Comfort and convenience features include digital air-con ditioning, with automatic cli mate control available on the H variant, tilt and telescopic steer ing, steering-mounted controls, push-start ignition, and smart entry, with the higher variant offering key-free access with door handle sensors. One of the standout features

A 42-litre fuel tank is fitted as standard. On the chassis side, the Traz is equipped with 16-inch venti lated front disc brakes, solid rear discs, and an electronic parking brake. It rides on 215/60 R17 alloy wheels, with a steel spare wheel provided. Exterior highlights include full LED headlamps with Follow-Me-Home and Leaving Home functions, LED daytime running lights, LED fog lamps, and auto-retractable side mir rors with integrated welcome lamps. A rear spoiler with an LED third brake light completes the exterior look. Inside, the cabin focuses on practicality and comfort. The Traz features a 4.2-inch TFT instrument display, fabric seats with different graphic finishes depending on variant, and a rear seat armrest with cup hold ers. The H variant adds leather wrapped touchpoints such as the steering wheel and gear

variants, X and H. Pricing starts from RM76,100 and goes up to RM82,000 on the road without insurance, placing it competi tively within the compact SUV segment. Measuring 4,310mm long, 1,770mm wide and 1,655mm tall, the Traz features a wheel base of 2,620mm and a ground clearance of 210mm, giving it a balanced stance for city driving and light outdoor use. Luggage space is rated at 471 litres, while a 5.2m turning radius improves manoeuvrabil ity in urban environments. Kerb weight stands at 1,145kg for the X variant and 1,150kg for the H. Power comes from Perodua’s 2NR-VE 1.5-litre four-cylinder DOHC engine, producing 104hp at 6,000rpm and 138Nm of torque at 4,200rpm. Fuel efficiency is rated at 21.3km per litre based on the Malaysia Driving Cycle, sup ported by selectable Eco, Normal and Power drive modes.

is the power tailgate with kick sensor, making boot access eas ier when hands are full. Safety is a major focus, with the Perodua Traz achieving a five-star Asean NCAP rating. Standard equipment includes six airbags, ABS with EBD and Emergency Stop Signal, and Vehicle Stability Control with Brake Assist. The Advanced Safety Assist suite brings features such as pre-collision warning, autono mous emergency braking for vehicles and pedestrians, front departure alert, and pedal misoperation control. Additional assistance systems include lane departure warn ing, lane departure prevention, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and a 360° panoramic view monitor. The Perodua Traz is available in a range of exterior colours, including Cranberry Red, Electric Blue with Black Roof, Glittering Silver, Ivory White, and Granite Grey.