Upcoming cars in Malaysia for 2021, from Iriz crossover to GR 86

As we venture further into Q2 of 2021 with several launches already taken place earlier this year, let’s continue looking forwards to upcoming cars that are slated to be launched in Malaysia sometime in 2021.

Do note that some of the cars mentioned are based on prediction, with varying levels of possibility. With that out of the way, let us crack on.

Upcoming cars in 2021 - Toyota Camry facelift / GR 86

UMW Holdings Berhad outlined the models that are set to be introduced here in the fourth quarter of 2021, which is anytime between October and December. We believe the sedan and GR model in question are the Toyota Camry facelift and Toyota GR 86.

Also read: 2021 Toyota Camry facelift, new GR model launching in Malaysia, Q4 2021 - UMW confirms

Changes in the exterior of the Toyota Camry facelift are fairly minor with a redesigned front-end that has a more prominent lower air intake, while headlamps appear to be unchanged. 

The more prominent change takes place in the interior. There’s a floating-style infotainment display with the air vents positioned below it. This change is somewhat reminiscent of the 2019 Proton Saga facelift, in which its air vents and infotainment swapped positions.

The Toyota GR 86 is the latest generation of the Toyobaru twins. It still maintains the enthusiast-favoured formula – rear-wheel drive, relatively light weight, and manual transmission.

Also read: The 2021 Toyota GR 86 is here to rage your dreams

Upcoming cars in 2021 - Honda City Hatchback / Odyssey facelift

Like the rest of the ASEAN region, the City Hatchback will supersede the Jazz in Malaysia. We expect Honda Malaysia to introduce the City Hatchback sometime in the second half of 2021.

As the model will be locally-assembled in Pegoh, Melaka, a longer lead time is necessary before the model can be launched here.

Expect the same 1.5-litre engine/CVT combo as the Honda City sedan, producing 121 PS and 145 Nm. A full hybrid e:HEV variant could be offered to mirror the sedan’s line-up.

Also read: Review: Here's what the Thai media says of the 2021 Honda City Hatchback

Besides the City Hatchback, we can also expect the Honda Odyssey facelift to arrive sometime in 2021.

Also read: Honda Odyssey facelift with Star Wars tech coming to Malaysia in 2021

Upcoming cars in 2021 - Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8 / Arteon facelift

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8 was spotted undisguised last year doing its rounds in Putrajaya. What we know so far about the Mk8 Golf GTI is that it will be locally-assembled (CKD) in VW's Pekan assembly plant.

What is unknown as of yet is whether the local assembly plan includes the regular Golf TSI range. But 2021 is shaping up to be an interesting year for Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM).

The Volkswagen Arteon facelift was also spied on the road. Changes are subtle in terms of exterior styling, with revised bumper designs and taillamp graphics. The interior sees a more obvious change, which differentiates it from the Passat.

Since the Arteon was spotted in Kuantan, Pahang, where VW has a plant in Pekan, this points to the Arteon facelift being locally assembled (CKD) as well.

Also read: CKD 2021 Mk8 VW Golf GTI for Malaysia - can it still make it for SST-exempted price?

Upcoming SUV in Malaysia 2021 - Peugeot 508 / 2008

Berjaya Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd (BAASB) now controls Groupe PSA brands in Malaysia, and among their first launches is touted to be the 2021 Peugeot 508 and Peugeot 2008 SUV.

Upon its launch, the 508 will go up against the likes of Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Volkswagen Passat. We expect the 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which produces 162 PS/250 Nm, to be one of the main options here, paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The second-generation Peugeot 2008 was introduced in Europe back in June 2019. It is a B-segment SUV that competes against the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, and Proton X50. A 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine, paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission is possible.

Also read: Can Peugeot’s new logo and distributor revive the brand in Malaysia?

Upcoming cars in 2021 - BMW 5 Series facelift (LCI) / 7 Series M Sport

The G30 2021 BMW 5 Series facelift (LCI) has been previewed in Malaysia, with 2 variants announced - 530e and 530i, both in M Sport guise. Estimated prices are RM 343,000 for the BMW 530e and RM 396,000 for the BMW 530i. Stay tuned to the launch for the confirmed pricing.

Also read: G30 2021 BMW 5 Series facelift (LCI) in Malaysia; from est. RM 343k, ACC with Stop&Go, Laserlight

Word on the grapevine is that the G12 7 Series is set to receive the M Sport treatment. Considering the majority of BMW models sold in Malaysia have the M Sport option and are generally well-received here, it's reasonable to expect the 7 Series to gain an M Sport variant.

Also read: Malaysia set to introduce 2021 G12 BMW 740Le xDrive M Sport in April?

Upcoming cars in 2021 - Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift (W213) / CKD A-Class Sedan / GLA / GLE

The 2021 (W213) Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift was spotted late last year, but the Covid-19 situation in Malaysia may have delayed launch plans. That being said, we're still expecting the facelifted E-Class to be launched later this year.

Buried within the company’s press release recapping its activities for year 2020 and the launch of its new virtual showroom, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia said, “The company aims to expand its CKD footprint with plans to localize additional models in the compact car and SUV segment this year.”

While Mercedes-Benz Malaysia did not specify any models in the CKD plan, one doesn’t need to make too far of a leap to read between the lines. We are expecting popular models like the A-Class Sedan and GLA to be included. And since GLC is already a CKD model, the X5-rival is the obvious missing model - so the GLE is likely.

Also read: Malaysia to launch CKD 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan, GLA, GLE - 5 new CKD models coming

Upcoming cars in 2021 - Proton Iriz facelift / Iriz Active / Persona facelift

The 2021 Proton Iriz and Proton Persona facelift has been spied several times. We are also expecting a crossover variant of the Proton Iriz to be introduced.

From the spyshots, a rather large floating infotainment can be seen sitting on the centre dash of the Proton Iriz. This would mimic the change seen in the 2019 Proton Saga facelift.

Another aspect that may follow the Saga’s footstep is the change from CVT to a 4-speed automatic, but recent reports contradict the speculation. Whichever transmission it turns out to receive, we hope Proton engineers nail the calibration exercise.

Also read: Wait, no 4AT? 2021 Proton Iriz and Proton Persona MC2 might retain Punch CVT

Upcoming cars in 2021 - MG HS / ZS EV

2 SUVs from the British-Chinese brand, the MG HS and MG ZS EV, have been caught several times on Malaysian soil.

The MG HS is a C-segment SUV that rivals the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Proton X70. In Thailand, the MG HS features a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 162 PS/250 Nm, drive goes to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The MG ZS is a B-segment SUV that rivals the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-30. While there are several powertrain options in Thailand, we believe the ZS will be offered as an EV variant in Malaysia as it’s the only variant spotted here so far.

Also read: Spied: 2021 MG ZS EV spotted testing in Malaysia - launching next year?

Upcoming cars in 2021 - Hyundai Kona N-Line

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors has confirmed the arrival of the Hyundai Kona N-Line. While it isn't quite the full-on Kona N, it's still a rather spicy B-segment crossover with a 1.6-litre turbocharged mill that puts out 198 PS/265 Nm, paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Upcoming cars in 2021 - Mazda BT-50

The Mazda BT-50 was developed in collaboration with Isuzu. Mazda has re-skinned the Isuzu D-Max with its own styling, but underneath lies the same mechanicals as the D-Max.

Previously, Bermaz Auto - the parent company of Bermaz Motor, which is Mazda's distributor  - said that the Mazda BT-50 will be launched in Malaysia sometime in Q1 2021 but as you can tell by now, this is no longer the case.

WapCar.my understands that there is a direction by Mazda Motor for its overseas distributors to show respect to its partner Isuzu by granting Isuzu the privilege of launching the D-Max first.

Also read: All-new 2021 Isuzu D-Max to be launched in Malaysia ahead of Mazda BT-50

Upcoming cars in 2021 - Haval H6 / First Love

A host of Great Wall Motors (GWM) models were spied at a nondescript location in Shah Alam. The models include the Haval H6, Haval First Love, GWM Pao, Ora Good Cat, and Ora Black Cat.

Also read: Spied: Exclusive look at the Haval H6 on Malaysian soil - Be very afraid, X70

In China, the First Love competes with lower priced models like the Geely Boyue (Proton X70). Meanwhile, the H6 competes in a higher-priced segment of SUVs like the Honda CR-V.

Also read: Spied: Haval First Love spotted in Malaysia!

Upcoming cars in 2021 - GWM Pao

The GWM Pao is a pick-up truck that is set to challenge class rivals like the Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton, Isuzu D-Max, Ford Ranger, and Nissan Navara.

Also read: GWM Pao is in Malaysia and it wants to shift your attention from the Hilux

Upcoming cars in 2021 - Ora Good Cat / Black Cat

The Ora Good Cat is an EV developed on GWM’s LEMON platform. Its electric motor on the front axle makes 145 PS/210 Nm and depending on the battery size, range is up to 500 km.

Also read: Spied: We got up close and personal with the Ora Good Cat in Malaysia

Meanwhile, the Ora Black Cat is the company's most affordable EV, with an electric motor producing just 49 PS/125 Nm and a driving range of 301 km.

Also read: Spied: Ora Black Cat in Malaysia, budget EV with 301 km range

But don't get too excited just yet. There are still uncertainties surrounding the GWM models such as availability, pricing, or even the distributorship in Malaysia. We expect GWM's new local distributors to make an announcement soon to clear the air.

And thus concludes our highlights for models that are yet to come in Malaysia. So, which of these are you anticipating? Let us know in the comment section.