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Cruise Control
Published by BFM Media
- Entertainment News
- News
Get the latest news and stories from the local and global automotive scene with Ariff Roose, Richard Bradbury and Daniel Fernandez, as they discuss industry trends, technology, road safety, new and used cars, and more! Keep up to date with Cruise Control on Instagram at @bfmcruisecontrol
Listen on Apple PodcastsRecent episodes
- Jetour T1 - Maximum Value, Minimum Compromise
Daniel returned from his test drive trip to Kemaman with the Jetour T1 full of rave reviews and beaming with smiles, as he wonders whether this is as good as it gets when it comes to a well-priced SUV in the Malaysian market. Tune in to hear his full thoughts on the car.In our discussion segment, Daniel looks at the investments made by automotive companies in neighbouring countries and wonders whether this is a missed opportunity for Malaysia to attract them instead.Our news segment is packed with SUV news, as we cover new announcements by Jetour, Ford, iCaur, and Jaguar Land Rover.Photo credit: dsf.my
- Which Cars Lose Value the Fastest in Malaysia?
This episode of Cruise Control discusses two closely related topics — car depreciation and the used car market. Daniel shares some of the cars that depreciate the most in the Malaysian market, after speaking to used car dealers for his research.We also spend time talking about used European plug-in hybrids in our market and whether they're worth a punt. Hint: it's better to stay away.In our news segment, we talk about Denza's new Grand Tourer, the Z9GT, whose price is set to shake the market, BMW's first M3 Touring here in the country, as well as Maserati's return to the official Malaysian market, among other things.Photo credit: IZWAN IS / Shutterstock.com
- Japanese MPVs vs Chinese Luxury MPVs - Why Old Habits Die Hard
MPVs are practical choices for families who want to travel in comfort, and luxury MPVs seem to be the preferred choice among those who can afford them. Despite the rise in the number of luxury MPVs from China, consumers in Malaysia seem to still prefer Japanese MPVs - to the point where they would rather pick used Japanese MPVs in the grey market. Why is this the case? Daniel shares his thoughts and theories.In our discussion segment, we speak about the potential return of physical knobs, buttons and levers in vehicle cabins, as Audi plans to bring them back. Is this the right move, as the industry grows tired of using touchscreens to control everything in the car?In our news segment, we talk about Jaecoo's new J5 EV, Volkswagen launching the Tayron SUV at a competitive price point here in Malaysia and both Xiaomi and Chery announcing their new Extended Range EV (EREV) over in China, among other news items.Photo credit: Harazaki Ananta Hondro / Shutterstock.com
- Dongfeng 007 - Licence To Thrill
With the 007 moniker, sharp design and a "Combat Mode", Dongfeng's second model in Malaysia truly has a licence to… thrill. Tune in to hear how impressed Daniel was with this car and whether he thinks it can compete with its key rivals, the BYD Seal and the Tesla Model 3.In the discussion segment, we talk about legacy carmakers' position in China, as they struggle for market share amidst the rise of local EV and ICE manufacturers, whose vastly improved quality and value are reshaping the market.In the news segment, we highlight the completion of the first phase of Chery's Smart Auto Industrial Park in Lembah Beringin, the new BMW X5 Neue Klasse, Polestar's precarious position in America, Honda and Nissan potentially collaborating, and other news items.Photo credit: dsf.my
- Used Car Review: Audi e-tron GT - A Sleek Alternative
If you're in the market for a used EV supercar, the Audi e-tron GT is a very sleek alternative to the popular Porsche Taycan. Sure, the brand name may not be as prestigious as Porsche's, but if you don't care about status, an Audi is still solid, reliable and trustworthy. There are caveats to this though, as our automotive expert, Daniel Fernandez, shares in this week's episode.In our discussion segment, we talk about removable sunshades and the online chatter surrounding them recently.In our news segment, we discuss updates involving Suzuki and their new e-Vitara, Honda and their new City variants that were launched in Thailand, as well as Chery's new Tiggo 9, among others.Photo credit: Vivid Brands / Shutterstock.com
- KLIMS 2026: New Cars Galore
The Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show, or KLIMS 2026, was the platform for many manufacturers to showcase their latest cars. Daniel shares some of the biggest launches that caught his attention when his team was there, from Mazda with a new, slightly different CX-5, Hyundai releasing performance variants of their IONIQ 5 and 6, as well as Honda with their new Prelude, among many others.In our discussion segment, we talk about some of the brands that were missing from the showcase, and why they weren't there.Photo credit: dsf.my
- Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport - Cosmetic Updates, But With Compromises
The new Toyota Corolla Cross HEV GR Sport comes with the cosmetic updates that you expect from a "sport" upgrade, but does it drive like it's supposed to? Daniel shares his experience after spending a weekend with the car.In our discussion segment, we talk about the Ferrari Luce and the industry's reaction to it. Are people overreacting?In our news segment, we talk about WTC Automotif's milestone achieved with the GAC G3 Emzoom, BYD Atto 3's new model for this year, Ford Everest Platinum's debut in Malaysia, as well as other industry updates.Photo credit: dsf.my
- Jaecoo J5 - Another Competitive Disruptor In The SUV Segment
The Jaecoo J5 is another SUV in the market that offers a few differentiating factors that are unique, at a very competitive price. At this rate, will these factors, coupled with its price, turn people away from conventional brands? Daniel shares his thoughts on the show.In our discussion segment, we talk about the Advanced Driving Assistance System or ADAS and how, despite its sophistication, the system can be… annoying to some? Should we learn to live with it?In our news segment, we discuss Denza, GWM, Chery, and Stellantis, as well as Ferrari and its new EV, the Luce.Photo credit: Al Qadri Zul / Shutterstock.com
- 2026 Isuzu D-Max - Designed for Comfort
Diesel prices are on the up now, due to the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region, but for those looking to get a pick-up truck out of necessity, the new 2026 Isuzu D-Max is perhaps a good choice as it improves on the cabin comfort, while retaining the model's other iconic traits. Daniel shares more on the show, after taking the truck out for a full-day test drive.In our discussion segment, he shares his thoughts on European hybrid cars and the lack of progress European carmakers have made since introducing some models to the market in the early 2010s.In our news segment, we highlight new releases from Xpeng, Land Rover, and Audi, as well as talk about Stellantis' rumoured restructuring of its portfolio.Photo credit: dsf.my
- MITI's CBU EV Floor Price - Not All Doom and Gloom?
The fallout from the controversial decision by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to raise the floor price of CBU EVs to effectively RM300,000 (after taxes and other costs) continues, with most voices out there criticising the decision. Daniel decides to share a different perspective on the topic, after digesting most of the conversations out there.In our news segment, we gush over new releases elsewhere, with BYD, Lexus, Lynk & Co, and others all revealing their latest vehicles to the market.Photo credit: Allora Empire Art / Shutterstock.com
- MITI’s New CBU EV Floor Price - Good or Bad?
The local EV industry woke up to a shocking development today, as the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) is reported to be planning to raise the floor price of fully imported EVs to effectively RM300,000 (inclusive of taxes and other costs), as well as set a minimum power output limit for imported models. Daniel shares his thoughts on this development and what it means for the local auto industry and consumers.In our news segment, we go back to new car launches, including Audi with their brand new Q5s, Jetour with the T1, GAC with a new look GS3 EmZoom, and others.We also review the 2025 Honda HR-V e:HEV RS and ponder whether the HR-V can continue its popularity in its segment.Photo credit: Abdul Razak Latif / Shutterstock.com
- Beijing Auto Show 2026 - Driven by the Future
Daniel returned from the Beijing Auto Show 2026 with plenty to share! Due to the limited time spent there, he decided to focus on the most interesting showcases relevant to the Malaysian market. Some of the models that he will be highlighting in this episode include Denza's rugged compact SUV, the B3, Huawei's luxury wagon, the Stelato S9T, Lotus's foray into the world of plug-in hybrids with a redesigned Eletre, and Hyundai's China-only release, the Ioniq V, among others. Tune in for a peek into what's next in the automotive world.Photo credit: dsf.my
- Are Plug-In Hybrids the Next Frontier?
As EV sales across the world slowly plateau due to various factors, manufacturers are now ramping up production of plug-in hybrids as alternatives to both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicles. China leads the way again, overtaking traditional big name manufacturers in this department. Will this mean we'll see more plug-in hybrids in the market in the future? What will this mean for the growing EV market, as well as conventional ICE cars? Daniel shares his thoughts on the matter.In our used car review segment, Daniel talks about the problematic Proton Perdana V6 and why it might be appealing to enthusiasts out there, despite its troubled track record.In our news segment, we talk about the latest Porsche Cayenne, as well as discuss the vehicles that appeared in the Allianz DSF Vehicle of the Year 2026 list.Photo credit: Rathaphon Nanthapreecha / Pexels.com
- Can We Traz Perodua With This One?
Perodua launched its latest model, the Traz, in an environment that is vastly different from what it once was. The landscape has become much more competitive, with various SUVs flooding the market at similar prices. Despite sitting at the lower end of the price spectrum, does the Traz offer enough for prospective buyers? Daniel shares his thoughts after taking the car out for a ride.In our discussion segment, we talk about the importance of maintaining a tidy driving cabin and what you can do to achieve that.In our news segment, we talk about Mitsubishi's new Xforce, the MINI 1965 Victory Edition, Quartz Black Proton X50, Tom's Racing Toyota AE86 and Kia's plans for the future.Photo credit: dsf.my
- TQ Wuling Bingo - Cheap and Cheerful
The TQ Wuling Bingo is another affordable compact EV in the Malaysian market that's meant to give Malaysians an alternative to the Proton eMAS 5 for those looking for a small electric car. But how do the two compare? Daniel shares his thoughts on this cheap and cheerful car after taking it out for a spin.In our discussion segment, we talk about the state of the used car market now, and whether it's wise to buy or sell your car in this space.In our news segment, we talk about the Allianz Malaysia Motorcycle of the Year Awards 2026 as well as Toyota's three new cars - the bZ4X, the Hilux BEV and the Urban Cruiser EV.Photo credit: dsf.my
- Jetour T2 - The New Standard for Off-Road SUVs
The world of off-road-capable SUVs is being shaken up, as Jetour enters the market with the T2 - despite being dubbed the "Baby Defender," the SUV is aiming to face its competition head-on, with a competitive price, without compromising on quality. Tune in to hear Daniel's thoughts on the car.In our discussion segment, we forecast EV sales this year after they've enjoyed a great year in 2025. Will the industry replicate its performance in 2026, taking into account the rising oil prices caused by the conflict in the Gulf region?In our news segment, we talk about SAIC's two new upcoming EVs that have a promised range of up to 905 km, Mercedes-Maybach retaining its V12 variant, the return of Freelander, as well as the demise of AC Schnitzer Tuning.Photo credit: dsf.my
- Toyota Vios Hybrid - A Worthy Upgrade?
The Toyota Vios Hybrid has finally entered the market, giving long-time fans of the model, or those looking to upgrade to a modern and economical sedan, an option. But did they take too long to bring this model to the country? Daniel shares his thoughts on the Vios Hybrid after spending a weekend with the car.In our discussion segment, we talk about clone cars and the threat that they pose to consumers and the local car industry, after the Malaysian authorities recently seized cloned cars across Malaysia worth approximately RM1.1 million.In our news segment, we talk about the recently launched Omoda C9 Plug-In Hybrid, BMW's upcoming i3, as well as the new Honda Freed and whether it's coming to Malaysia, as well as other news items.Photo credit: dsf.my
- GAC M8 - Challenging The Establishment
Daniel got the chance to review another luxury MPV this week, as he took the GAC M8 out for a spin, both as a driver and as a passenger. Priced above RM300,000, the GAC M8 is looking to challenge the more established players in the luxury MPV segment. Is it able to do so? Daniel shares his thoughts.In our discussion segment, we react to ASEAN NCAP's decision to give the new Proton X90 a 1-star rating, after Proton removed its Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) safety feature, consequently lowering the price of the car. For context, the previous version of the Proton X90 was given a 5-star rating by ASEAN NCAP. Was this a fair move by ASEAN NCAP?In our news segment, we talk about the new Jetour T2, Ferrari Amalfi's debut in Malaysia, as well as Honda's decision to cancel its EV plans in North America, among others.Photo credit: dsf.my
- Nissan Serena e-POWER - A Pleasant Mid-Size MPV
The new Nissan Serena e-POWER enters the market with its unique technology that's not only economical, but also surprisingly powerful for an MPV with a relatively small engine. It's also comfortable to drive and ferry passengers around, according to Daniel, who took the MPV out for a test drive. Tune in to hear more about the car.In our discussion segment, we remind listeners to be more responsible when it comes to allowing underage and unlicensed children to drive their vehicles.In our news segment, we talk about Jaecoo's new car, the J5, limited edition releases by Mitsubishi, as well as the collapse of Australia's CarConnect, among other topics.Photo credit: dsf.my
- Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS - Everyday Supercar
We feature another hybrid car this week, albeit from a totally different price bracket. The Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS is a supercar that, compared to its direct competitors, the McLaren Artura and Ferrari 296 GTB, is relatively cheaper. More importantly, it is a supercar that can be driven every day, unlike the other two. That's what Daniel thinks after taking the car out for a quick test drive. Tune in to hear more of his thoughts.In our discussion segment, we highlight the rise in cases of luxury cars caught not having a proper road tax, or worse, using a fake road tax.In our news segment, we talk about BYD's new hybrid car, the Seal 5 DM-i, the new Volvo EX30, Lamborghini's decision to go full PHEV, and crashes involving Tesla's Robotaxi.Photo credit: dsf.my