Various vehicles, but which one will be the best car of 2022

(Wapcar Automotive News) 2022 is a year filled with incredible cars that have popped up locally. So many that it is difficult to choose the best among the best.

It’s no surprise that automakers are finally able to roll out their products without the disruption of the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns.

It also means nearly two years of pent-up launch along with this year’s rollout. If you are looking for a car, you are spoiled for choice. Perhaps one of the biggest surprises has been the massive arrival of electric vehicles (EVs) this year. We had expected that the market would have some expanding options, but not at this rate.

Best car in segment B: 2022 Perodua Alza

PERODUA’s latest is also one of the hottest B-segment vehicles for 2022 – talking about five-figure pre-orders and a wait time of at least six months. However, Perodua Axia 2023 also has hit the market for a while.

The all-new Alza 2022 is an all-new version of the already popular but outdated Multipurpose Vehicle (MPV) in all the right places.

Most important is the value for money you get here. The car offers so much that it’s hard not to recommend it, no matter what your budget.

Its new sporty, boxy design creates a larger interior compartment than its predecessor, especially in the third row, which is now equipped with a rear air-conditioning unit.

The luggage compartment capacity is 137 liters and increases to 498 liters when the 3rd row seats are folded down.

Ground clearance is 160 mm and fuel efficiency is said to have been improved and is considered one of the best in its class with speeds up to 22 km/l.

It runs on a 1.5L dual VVT-i EEV engine combined with a D-CVT gearbox that delivers a decent capacity of 105 hp and 138 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm. Other new features include 360-degree panoramic view, electronic handbrake with automatic brake hold, rear disc brake and three driving modes “Normal”, “Eco” and “Power”.

Safety features include six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, vehicle stability control with brake assist and rear sensors for parking assist.

Perodua Intelligent Driving Assist as standard for all variants includes advanced safety assistance functions such as pre-collision warning, pre-collision brake assist (vehicle and pedestrian) , operation control when wrong pedal and forward departure warning.

All variants will also have Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention, High Beam Assist and Hill Start Assist.

Prices start at RM62,500 and are available in five color options:

Ivory White, Sparkling Silver, Garnet Red, Gloss Black and Classic Brown. Some brands are even successfully introducing a full line of electric vehicles before the end of the year.

We’re also starting to see more electric vehicles below the RM200,000 mark, which is good news for the budget conscious.

Which brings us to the key factor in picking the best cars of the year – which cars can offer the most for the best price.

A year that has seen fuel prices soar and with the Sales Tax Exemption (SST) at the moment, the economic factor has never been more important than it is now.

Best car of 2022: Honda Civic 2022 (11th generation)

THE Civic has always been popular with Malaysians for certain reasons. Besides being a practical, passenger-centric sedan, it’s also one of the few models that can deliver a high-performance driving experience in the C-segment price range.

Now, imagine that the latest version of the Japanese model has received performance tweaks and continental-inspired design updates. The result is our top pick for 2022.

Performance and driving comfort are improved compared to its predecessor, smoother brakes, a balance between Asian sportiness and modern European styling, updated features and better ergonomics. There’s a lot that Honda has done well with the 11th-generation model, especially with the RS variant making its debut on a Civic.

One of his winning traits is the way he balances the new with the familiar. It’s a basic Civic for anyone who owns or drives one, just the premium. Even more with the more powerful and fuel-efficient new e:Hybrid HEV variant with a higher price trade-off.

Thankfully, it was a subtle move that Honda took because it was necessary to maintain interest in the product line without alienating its fans, while adding a much-needed spice. for the mostly safe segment. .

Standard powertrains include a 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo four-cylinder engine mated to an EarthDreams CVT transmission.

This delivers 182 hp and 240 Nm of torque for a top speed of 200 km/h and a fuel consumption of 6 liters per 100 km.

He was also able to complete the sprint of the century in 8.3 seconds. The most advanced version comes with a 2.0L e engine. The HEV powertrain combines with an electrically continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) and an intelligent power unit (IPU).

All variants come with Honda Sensing’s advanced safety suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning and automatic high beams. motion, and many other features.

Prices start at RM143,700.

Best EVs: Pure Charger XC40 P8

CHOOSE the best electric vehicle (EV) wasn’t easy this year and it’s possible from now on, as we might finally see a bunch of them debuting locally.

This is made even more difficult as not only models at different price points hit the market but also how EVs will eventually become the norm as the country moves towards its goal of neutrality. carbon in the coming years.

In the end, Volvo’s XC40 Recharge Pure Electric P8 won the coveted title after much deliberation.

Priced at RM26,888 with a 5-year warranty and roadside assistance, as well as an 8-year battery warranty, the electric sport utility vehicle (e-SUV) is one of the first this year to introduce a version. The most complete version, the strongest and the most advanced exercise. experience for the segment.

It does this by setting the bar and assessing the true potential of electric vehicles as more than just a means of getting from A to B and without sacrificing driving pleasure. In addition to its achievements, it is also the first fully electric vehicle (CKD) in Malaysia.

Together, the dots place the XC40 Recharge on the EV pedestal.

It is powered by a 78kWh lithium-ion battery that transfers its power to two electric motors – one for each axle – for a total system output of 402 hp (300 kW) and 660 Nm of torque. .

This allows the XC40 Recharge EV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. As a safety measure, its top speed is limited to 180 km/h. The design is almost identical to the standard XC40 with “Thor’s Hammer” LED daytime running lights, LED headlights and taillights, and a glossy black roof spoiler.

Its difference is 19-inch wheels with Pirelli P Zero Elect tires and a front design without a grille.