29/03/2026

theSunday Special XV ON SUNDAY MAR 29, 2026

The more the merrier

Omoda C9 Phev joins existing C9 line-up as electrified flagship, priced at RM209,000

THE 2026 Omoda C9 Phev has now been officially launched in Malaysia, priced at RM 208,800 (OTR without insurance). This plug-in hybrid (Phev) variant joins the existing C9 line-up as the electrified flagship. Power comes from a 1.5-litre turbo charged petrol engine paired with three electric motors (two front, one rear) to deliver all-wheel drive via a 3-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT). Total system output is rated at 537PS

and 650Nm, enabling a 0-100kph sprint in 4.9 seconds. A 34 kWh battery provides up to 145km of pure electric range (WLTP). Combined range is rated at up to 1,100km, with fuel consumption quoted at 1.4 L/100km. Charging supports 70kW DC fast charging (30-80% in 25 minutes) and 6.6 kW AC charging. Exterior highlights include a dia mond-matrix grille, “Sigma” LED DRLs, adaptive LED headlamps, LED tail

why not? 6. Plan & combine your trips Need to do the groceries in the morning and visit the bank in the afternoon? Try to combine this trip so you save on overall mileage. By batching your trips into a single jour ney, you spend less time on the road. This does not only save you more time but also lowers overall consump tion. 7. Remove your roof racks The point over here is to reduce drag. I see many leave their roof boxes in place even when they’re not using it. This adds drag and that means the car needs to fight harder against the wind, thus increasing the amount of energy it needs to move forward. If you’re not using it, remove it. There are many ways to reduce fuel consumption. The points above are some basic things you can start with right away that does not cost you any thing. Even replacing your engine oil more frequently makes it run smoother. We live in some unpredictable times, so every ringgit saved can go a long way. front windows. Driver assistance is provided via a Level 2.5 Adas suite, including adaptive cruise control, AEB, lane keeping assist, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, lane change assist and traffic jam assist There’s also hill descent control, tyre pressure monitoring, and driver monitoring with fatigue alert. The Omoda C9 Phev is covered by a 7-year, 200,000km vehicle warranty. The 1.5-litre engine is backed by a 10 year, 1,000,000km warranty, while EV components including the battery and electric motors are covered by a 10-year, 200,000km warranty. For early customers, a launch pack age includes a RM3,000 rebate, along with a complimentary V2L cable (worth RM730). Selected units will also come with free one-year insurance (while stocks last).

lamps and a powered tailgate. The SUV rides on 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 245/50 tyres. The chassis setup consists of MacPherson struts (front) and multi link (rear), paired with Continuous Damping Control (CDC) adaptive sus pension. Inside, the cabin features dual 12.3 inch displays (instrument cluster and infotainment), along with a 14-speaker Sony sound system with headrest speak ers, head-up display and three-zone cli mate control with fragrance system. Comfort features include heated and ventilated seats for both front and rear passengers, powered front seats with memory, and rear seats with power recline. Other features include a panoramic sunroof, 540° camera, dashcam, electric steering column, and double-glazed

Drive economically

OUR Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, recently announced that 50% of Malaysian oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. If you have been living under a rock, the Strait of Hormuz is currently one of the most dangerous stretch of water in the world as it is under the control of Iran. With the war currently raging in the Middle East between the United States, Israel and Iran, that strait has become an unlikely weapon used by Iran to deadly effect. And the effect are being felt by everyone around the world. Iran has retaliated against the attacks by closing the Strait of Hormuz, allowing only selected ships to sail through. Because 20% of the world’s oil supply flows through there, the closure has resulted in the spike in oil prices around the world. Reports coming out of Bangladesh say that the country could close all of its petrol stations. The accuracy of such reports have not been verified yet, but if true, this can cripples governments, businesses and communities. Malaysia is lucky in that sense. We are still okay, but it is a good time to save as much fuel as we possibly can. But how do we do that?

There are hundreds of articles and videos available that tell us how to drive economically but here’s some of the most important tips that actually work: 1. The egg technique This technique asks that you imagine an egg between your foot and the

3. Check your tyre pressure Its the most simplest thing that a lot of people get wrong. Having your tyres rolling on the correct pressure does not only ensure efficiency but also ensures even ware and tear of your tyres. This ultimately results in compounding sav ings. 4. Lighten your car

accelerator pedal. This forces you to accelerate gently and gradually. Flooring the accel erator every chance you get, especially when you can see traffic building up or a traffic light that has turned red up ahead, results in unnecessary consumption. Master this and you could get an additional 20 to 30km per tank. 2. The coast rule

I have seen cars filled with pillows, shoes, gym clothes from three months ago and unspeakable junk. If you have 20kg of things that do not need to be in your car, that is less load for your engine to deal with. Lighten the car, clear out the junk and watch your car become more effi

WRITTEN BY KESHY DHILLON

cient. It is not going to save you RM50 per tank, but the compounding effect of this simple act is undeniable. 5. Excessive idling I know that we cannot help but idle in traffic, but do you really need to leave your engine on while your spouse hops out to get your favourite nasi baget ? I know it is hot these days but if dealing with some heat during difficult times helps you to save, then

Braking and accelerating are the biggest energy guzzzlers in your car, so minimising this in a safe manner could save you a lot. Ease off the accelerator and coast as much as you can. Driving downhill? Coast. Look as far as you can, and coast if you see traffic slowing down. Coast again when you see traffic lights turning red up ahead. Just coast as much as you can.