I love omakase, and so I picked up Victoria, and we headed over in the MG Cyberster to Genji Japanese restaurant at Hilton Petaling Jaya. The hotel was kind enough to arrange a parking spot for us in their porte cochère, which was pretty busy and unsurprisingly, the car got loads of curious and envious glances (I was getting rather used to this by now).

Apart from the MG Cyberster’s advanced battery technology (outlined in part 2), its powertrain is also a key part of its appeal, offering an electric driving experience with breathtaking performance. As traffic was really light that evening on our way over to Hilton Petaling Jaya, I got to stretch the Cyberster’s legs a bit, keeping to the speed limit of course. The acceleration was nothing short of exhilarating, and although it was fun, I only tested this on empty/ private roads where it was safe to do so.

The all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant, which I was driving (there’s also a 2WD version which is slightly cheaper, but trust me – just get the AWD version!), sits at the top of the range, features a dual-motor setup powered by a 77 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This combination delivers a maximum output of 544 PS (400 kW) and 725 Nm of torque, providing breathtaking acceleration and smooth power delivery.

This performance is reflected in the car’s 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of just 3.2 seconds, placing it in the realm of notable electric sports cars. The instant torque from the electric motors means the Cyberster can respond rapidly, whether launching from a standstill or overtaking on the highway, while the AWD system enhances stability and traction across a variety of road conditions. I was somewhat mesmerised by how the Cyberster shows on the central display exactly where the power was going to (read wheels or AWD).

Charging the Cyberster is convenient with support for up to 150 kW DC fast charging. Using a compatible public rapid charger, the battery can be quickly replenished from 10% to 80% in about 38 minutes, reducing downtime and allowing drivers more flexibility in planning journeys.

In terms of drivetrain and handling, the Cyberster benefits from a well-engineered chassis setup, including double wishbone suspension front and rear. This design provides a refined balance between ride comfort and agility, enhancing the driving experience whether navigating city streets or winding roads. Brembo brakes with disc rotors on all four wheels add to the car’s confident stopping power.

Another refinement is the adjustable regenerative braking system, offering varying levels that allow drivers to customise the intensity of energy recovery to suit their preferences. This feature not only helps maximise efficiency but also adds an element of control that can enhance the driving feel. I kept it on the minimal level to keep the car gliding as smoothly as possible when I was not accelerating (your passenger will thank you!).

For over three decades, Genji has been synonymous with authentic Japanese dining in Petaling Jaya. Now, this beloved institution embarks on an exciting new era, unveiling a stunning renovation that honours its rich heritage while embracing modern sophistication. The result is a dining sanctuary where traditional Japanese artistry meets contemporary design—a space that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.

At the heart of Genji’s culinary transformation is the appointment of Head Chef Kunihiko Hamada, a seasoned culinary artisan whose career spans celebrated kitchens across Japan and beyond. Chef Hamada’s philosophy centres on respecting time-honoured techniques while allowing creativity and seasonal inspiration to guide his presentations. His arrival marks a new culinary chapter for Genji, one that balances the restaurant’s established reputation with fresh perspectives on Japanese gastronomy.

Chef Hamada’s artistry shines brilliantly in the Nara Omakase Kaiseki, a meticulously curated five-course experience that takes diners on an intimate journey through Japan’s seasonal bounty. Each course builds upon the last, creating a narrative of flavours, textures, and temperatures that exemplify the kaiseki tradition.

The experience opens with a trio of carefully crafted appetisers—Genya Maki, Shiki Maki, and Uzaku-su. These bite-sized introductions serve as the overture to your meal, each offering distinct flavour profiles and textures designed to awaken the palate and prepare you for what’s to come. The delicate balance between vinegar, umami, and fresh ingredients in these opening bites sets the tone for the refinement ahead.

The second course elevates the experience with an assorted sashimi presentation featuring some of the ocean’s finest offerings. Hon Maguro, the prized bluefin tuna, delivers that characteristic clean, almost buttery flavour that melts on the tongue. Salmon Toro, the fatty belly portion, offers luxurious richness that contrasts beautifully with the leaner cuts. Kampachi, or greater amberjack, brings a subtle sweetness and firm texture, while Amaebi—sweet raw shrimp—provides a delicate, almost creamy finish. Each slice showcased the chef’s impeccable knife skills and understanding of how to present fish at its absolute peak.

The third course, Yakimono, shifts the experience from raw to grilled. Here, Isaki fish is expertly grilled and paired with Soramame sauce made from fava beans. This course demonstrates the Japanese mastery of cooking with fire—the fish develops a delicate char while maintaining moisture and tenderness within. The Soramame sauce adds an earthy, slightly sweet element that complements rather than overwhelms the fish’s natural flavours, showcasing the principle of ingredient harmony central to Japanese cuisine.

As the meal progresses into the fourth course, an assorted sushi selection arrives alongside warming egg drop miso soup. The sushi course is where Chef Hamada’s creativity truly shines. Wagyu Teriyaki Sushi merges land and sea in an innovative way, with tender beef bringing an unexpected richness to the sushi experience. Japanese Toro and Tai (sea bream) represent the traditional heart of sushi craftsmanship, while Negitoro Maki—chopped fatty tuna with scallions wrapped in nori—offers textural variety and bold flavour. The accompanying egg drop miso provides comforting warmth and umami depth, serving as the perfect palate cleanser between bites.

The journey concludes with a thoughtful dessert course that balances sweetness with refreshment. Assorted fresh fruits provide natural sweetness and acidity, traditional mochi offers its characteristic chewy texture, and Yuzu ice cream delivers a bright, citrusy finale that cleanses the palate and leaves you with lingering notes of this aromatic Japanese citrus.

Beyond the culinary excellence, Genji’s refreshed physical transformation deserves equal applause. The 50-seat main dining area now features contemporary Japanese interiors that create an atmosphere of understated elegance. Clean lines, natural materials, and thoughtful lighting work in harmony to enhance both the space and the cuisine being served.

Seven private rooms—including traditional Tatami and Western-style options—provide intimate settings perfect for special celebrations, business dinners, or exclusive gatherings where privacy and ambiance matter. Each room has been designed with attention to Japanese principles of balance and beauty, creating environments where every meal feels like a special occasion.

Whether you’re seated at the sushi counter watching chefs work their magic or tucked into a private tatami room, the environment elevates the entire dining experience. Every detail, from the tableware to the arrangement of each dish, reflects the essence of Japanese hospitality and artistry.

Hilton Honors members enjoy up to 25% discount, making this exceptional dining experience even more accessible. Genji is open daily from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm for lunch and 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm for dinner.

For reservations or more info, call 03 7955 9122, WhatsApp: 016 216 0414, email PETHI_FB@hilton.com or visit http://eatdrinkhilton.com

MG, short for Morris Garages, is a British marque with a rich heritage dating back to 1924. Founded in Oxford by Cecil Kimber, MG initially built its reputation through sporty, affordable cars known for their driving enjoyment. The brand also has strong ties to motorsport, with early successes in racing helping to establish its performance credentials and enthusiastic following. Over the decades, MG’s identity as a maker of classic British sports cars became iconic worldwide. Today’s MG Cyberster carries forward this legacy by combining the marque’s traditional roadster spirit with contemporary electric vehicle technology, reflecting both its historical roots and future-focused ambitions. Arsenal fans will be happy to know that MG is the “Official Automotive Partner” of Arsenal Football Club.

​Besides the flagship Cyberster, MG also has various other models available in Malaysia, including the highly accessible MG5 sedan (NA engine), as well as multiple SUVs and crossovers like the powerful MG4 EV (my favourite besides the Cyberster!), MGS5 EV, MG ZS EV, and MG HS (NA engine). MG has some attractive year-end promotions for their ICE and EV models, so do check out their social media pages or website at https://www.mgmalaysia.com/

If you’re looking to get a CBU MG EV, you might want to do so before the (CBU EV) tax holiday ends in Malaysia on 31 December 2025.

Test drive the MG Cyberster at authorised MG showrooms in Malaysia. For more info, head over to https://www.mgmalaysia.com/model/mg-cyberster/

Photos captured with the vivo X200