7 new sedans and hatchbacks that are Malaysia-bound in 2023, from the Proton S50 to the BMW i7

Enough of SUVs and MPVs as sedans and hatchbacks also have their own followers. Come 2023 and there are a number of brand-new sedans and hatchbacks that are Malaysia-bound.

As the year goes by, we predict that there are roughly 7 new sedans and hatchbacks that Malaysians can look forward to.

2023 Perodua Axia

Kicking this list off is the 2023 Perodua Axia. Codenamed D74A, this new A-segment hatchback will most likely be underpinned by the tried-and-tested DNGA platform, as well as featuring a Dual-mode CVT (D-CVT) – similar to other recently-launched Perodua models like the Alza and Ativa.

​ While the D74A Axia will most likely receive a new transmission, its engine could be carried over, meaning the naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre 1KR-VE (68 PS, 91 Nm) will soldier on for a foreseeable future.

A bump in equipment count can also be expected for the D74A Axia, such as LED headlights and improved ASA ADAS suite.

Also Read: Trial production started for 2023 D74A Perodua Axia - No more 5MT, D-CVT only, same 1.0L NA as before

2023 Proton S50

After two successful SUVs, Proton isn’t quite done with rebadging Geely models and the 2023 Proton S50 will continue that trend. The S50 will be the first Geely sedan to receive Proton's touch.

Touted to be based on the Geely Emgrand, the Malaysian-spec 2023 Proton S50 could debut a turbocharged engine, considering its power-to-weight ratio with the naturally-aspirated engine is lower than rivals like the Honda City and Toyota Vios.

Also Read: Geely Emgrand-based Proton S50 is heavier than City and Vios, Malaysia could debut 1.5 Turbo

Right-hand drive (RHD) prototypes have been spotted around the country, signaling that development is well underway and its debut could happen sooner than later.

What remains to be seen is which segment the S50 will compete in, as its length is longer than both the Preve and Persona, but with an identical 2,650 mm wheelbase as the C-segment Preve.

2023 Toyota Vios

The all-new Toyota Vios was developed under the D92A project code and gets the AC100 chassis code. Yes, the Daihatsu-format project code indicates that the model was developed by Daihatsu and Perodua.

If Indonesia’s Vios is any indication, our locally-assembled (CKD) AC100 Vios should be soldering on with the same naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre 2NR-VE 4-cylinder petrol engine.

Yes, for those eagle-eyed readers out there, the Vios now shares the same engine code as the Perodua Myvi, owing to its Daihatsu root.

Also Read: D92A 2023 Toyota Vios: Designed by Daihatsu? Let's spot the similarities with a DNGA Ativa

Expect the AC100 Vios to feature a host of upgrades of the outgoing model, including tilt and telescopic steering adjustment, rear air-conditioning vents, PM2.5 air filtration system, electric parking brake, and ambient lighting.

Also Read: Finally! 2023 Toyota Vios gets telescopic steering (and more), closes gap with Honda City

2023 Honda City

Since its global debut in 2019, the GN-generation Honda City is already approaching the 4-year-old mark and is due for its mid-life update.

Said facelifted City has been spotted, albeit with heavy camouflage, in Thailand and India, hinting at the model’s imminent arrival. Sources within India mentioned that the facelifted City could debut as soon as January.

Also Read: India is next to spy the 2023 Honda City (GN-series) sedan facelift, launching in January?

Factoring in the lead time required for local assembly work (typically between 5 to 8 months, if previous model launches are any indication), Malaysia could debut the facelifted City later this year.

Powertrain options should remain unchanged, though there could be upgrades in the safety department, such as the inclusion of Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN), a feature that debuted in the RV-generation Honda HR-V.

2023 G20 BMW 330 Li and M340i

​ Just yesterday BMW Malaysia took the covers off the 2023 G20 BMW 3 Series LCI range, including the 320i, 330i, and 330e, all in M Sport guise.

Curiously missing from the line-up are the 330 Li and M340i. BMW Malaysia did mention that these two models are expected to be launched here by March.

Also Read: 2023 BMW 3 Series (G20) LCI launched in Malaysia; priced from RM 284k to RM 317k

Expect both the LCI versions of the 330 Li and M340i to feature the same upgrades as the rest of the G20 line-up, including sharper LED headlights, wide front grille, BMW Curved Display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display.

Like the other G20 3 Series LCI models, prices of the 330 Li and M340i are also expected to increase. To recap, the BMW 330 Li is currently priced from RM 305,800 and the hotter M340i is priced from RM 379,800.

Also Read: Starting price for G20 BMW 3 Series has increased by RM 26k!

2023 BMW i7

The BMW i7’s arrival in Malaysia is practically an open secret by now. Registration of interest (ROI) for the electric luxobarge was opened in mid-2022 and the car has been spotted around town.

More recently, several units of the BMW i7 were seen at the launch venue of the 2023 BMW 3 Series.

Also Read: All-electric 7 Series - BMW i7 EV in Malaysia, xDrive60 M Sport

While BMW Malaysia has yet to reveal specifications of the local-spec i7, the units we saw earlier that day wore the xDrive60 emblem, denoting that it has two electric motors that does 544 PS and 745 Nm, juiced by a 101.7 kWh battery pack. Range is quoted at 625 km under the WLTP test cycle.

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 500 4Matic

​Apart from the BMW i7, the other luxobarge that could debut this year is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 500 4Matic. The EQS 500 4Matic will be positioned above the current EQS 450+.

Local assembly (CKD) work is already underway at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s plant in Pekan, Pahang.

Also Read: Launching in Malaysia soon, CKD Mercedes-Benz EQS has entered production in Pekan

The 4Matic moniker means that the EQS 500 has one motor on each axle, producing a total of 449 PS and 828 Nm. The century sprint is completed in just 4.8 seconds.

The EQS 450+ currently retails for RM 698,888. Keep in mind that this already includes import, excise, and road tax exemptions, which means that the CKD EQS 500 won’t be any cheaper. Plus, considering that it is a higher-range variant, it could very well be even more expensive than the EQS 450+.

Conclusion

Despite the SUV craze, Malaysians still can look forward to quite a number of sedans and hatchbacks in 2023.

Out of these cars, which one are you looking forward to the most?