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The outgoing Honda City Hatchback was the standard bearer for the safest, most practical, fuel-saving, affordable family hatchback. It’s not the cheapest hatchback model on the market but it’s easy to see where the extra money went to. None of its competitors can even come close to matching Honda’s combination of fuel-saving powertrain technology and balik kampung-friendly space. Fuel-saving or power? Why not both? First, there’s the dual-motor 1.5-litre e:HEV full-hybrid, which offers a very el

Hans

Apr 26, 2024

Yesterday, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) introduced the 2024 Toyota Yaris G Limited in Malaysia, a (600 unit) limited-run variant of its popular B-Segment hatchback, priced at RM 99,600. For the price premium, the 2024 Yaris G Limited adds an aero kit and aesthetic updates, handling upgrades (body braces and stiffer shocks), and notably a cold air intake system that boosts power. The latter of which, is quite uncommon. What does a cold air intake do? Well to understand, let’s get back to basics. Any p

Arvind

Apr 26, 2024

Blink and you will miss it. The Toyota Motor group (including Daihatsu and Hino) had just set a new sales record for its financial year ending March 2024, with 11,090,108 units sold, 5 percent higher than last year’s record of 10,558,230 units. Unlike other manufacturers, Toyota didn't make any grand announcement of its latest sales record. There was not even a single mention by Toyota that it had set a new sales record. In fact, the numbers were hidden in an obscure link to an Excel file. Toyot

Hans

Apr 26, 2024

These are the Toyota bZ3C and Toyota bZ3X battery electric vehicle (BEV) concepts that have just made their debut at the ongoing Beijing International Auto Show, previewing the Japanese carmaker's upcoming selection of fully-electrified vehicles. Launching in China next year, both these models were built in conjunction with Chinese partners familiar to Malaysians. The bZ3C sedan is jointly developed by Toyota, BYD, and local partners FAW. On the other hand, the bZ3X crossover is a result of shar

Sanjay

Apr 26, 2024

Tesla Malaysia has cut prices for its Model 3 and Model Y. All models / variants except for the recently announced Model 3 Performance have been slashed by RM 8k. The latest prices for Tesla Malaysia models are as below: Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive: RM 181,000 Tesla Model 3 Long Range All-Wheel Drive: RM 210,000 Tesla Model 3 Performance All-Wheel Drive: RM 242,000 Tesla Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive: RM 191,000 Tesla Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive: RM 238,000 Tesla Model Y Performance All-Whe

Hans

Apr 26, 2024

After months of teasers, the all-new MINI Aceman has officially made its debut. The new model is the brand's first BEV crossover and second full-electric offering after the 3-door MINI E. The MINI Aceman measures 4,076 mm or 4,094 mm in length, depending on the variant, the width is 1,754 mm, with a height of 1,515 mm. It rides on a 2,606 mm wheelbase. In terms of size and positioning, the Aceman (not a direct successor to the outgoing Paceman) will slot between the 3-door MINI Cooper and the MI

Arvind

Apr 26, 2024

At the Beijing Auto Show 2024, Chery has expanded its Tiggo range and introduced its flagship SUV, the Tiggo 9. Sajdin Osmancevic, Technical Design Director at Chery, highlighted the design inspiration behind the Tiggo 9 Series, drawing from two key concepts: "Conquer" and "Guard.” The Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV’s exterior embodies the “Conquer” philosophy, featuring an octagonal grille called “Saturn’s Ring,” 20-inch multi-spoke wheels, and the obligatory full-width light bar at the rear. In terms of d

Shaun

Apr 26, 2024

The latest EV Index from the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) unveils a notable shift in Australians' vehicle preferences, which despite showing a decline in traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) models, sees a continued increase in hybrid vehicle (HEV) sales, reports news portal Go Auto. In the first quarter of 2024, both battery electric vehicle (BEV) and HEV new vehicle sales surged, achieving record market shares. Petrol-electric HEV models notably retained their popularity amo

Sanjay

Apr 26, 2024

Toyota Gazoo Racing Thailand (TGRT) has announced that several cars powered by synthetic e-fuels will be racing domestically this year, in a bid to promote carbon neutrality through motorsports. The models are the Toyota Yaris, Toyota Yaris Ativ (Vios for Malaysia), and the Toyota Corolla Altis – all of which will run on synthetic fuel. While the latter two models will take part in their respective One Make Races, the Yaris and Altis will go on to compete in the Thailand Super Series and Idemits

Sanjay

Apr 26, 2024

In Malaysia, the gap between the Mazda CX-3 and Mazda CX-5 is filled by the Mazda CX-30. Why isn’t there a Mazda CX-4? There exists a Mazda CX-4, but it’s a China-only model. The Mazda CX-4 was first introduced in 2016 but it was discontinued late last year. The Mazda CX-30 is also sold in China but it’s uncompetitive the salvo of Chinese battery EV (BEV) models coming onto the market. This Mazda Arata concept is developed in partnership with Mazda’s local partner Changan, and if its sloping roo

Hans

Apr 25, 2024

The facelifted 2024 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (G24) and i4 Gran Coupe (G26) have been unveiled. Roughly 3 years after their initial introduction in 2021, both models now get a range of aesthetic and technology updates as well as a new i4 BEV variant to top things off. Starting with the commonplace updates, both models now feature a newly designed grille, with the i4 having a half-enclosed surface whilst the 4 Series Gran Coupe sports a mesh structure. Both models also feature a new headlight desig

Arvind

Apr 25, 2024

Freshly unveiled at the ongoing 2024 Beijing International Auto Show, this is the all-new Mazda EZ-6, a product of the Mazda-Changan joint venture to take on the deluge of rivals within the Chinese market. Unmistakeably Mazda in its styling, the EZ-6 is scheduled for launch in the Middle Kingdom by the end of this year. At point of publication specification and prices are not disclosed just yet, though Mazda says it will come with a battery-electric or a plug-in hybrid (BEV, PHEV) powertrain. It

Sanjay

Apr 25, 2024

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has introduced the 2024 Toyota Yaris G Limited in Malaysia, as a limited-run variant of the popular Honda City Hatchback competitor. Only 600 units are available, priced from RM 99,600 a unit. This means prices for the Yaris range in Malaysia are now as follows: Yaris 1.5 E - RM 88,000 Yaris 1.5 G - RM 91,600 Yaris 1.5 G Limited - RM 99,600 The G Limited – a throwback name, the last time we had a similarly-named variant was in 2011 with the NCP93 Vios – comes with a host

Sanjay

Apr 25, 2024

BMW Malaysia has launched a new variant of the BMW iX3, the Final Edition variant. Priced at RM 319,600 (with 5-year extended warranty and service package), the iX3 Final Edition is RM 9k less than the iX3 Inspiring M Sport variant. Despite its name, the Final Edition variant still gets M Sport styling package. Also available are the following M Performance equipment: M Performance Carbon Mirror Caps M Performance Carbon Fibre Door Sill M Performance Rear Spoiler Adaptive M Suspension lifetime u

Hans

Apr 25, 2024

The second-generation 2024 Citroën C3 Aircross has officially been launched in Indonesia, as the brand's first seven-seater. Prices for the C3 Aircross start from IDR 290 million (~RM 86k), or IDR 295 million (~RM 88k) for customers opting for dual-tone colourways. Despite its capability to seat seven people in a 5+2 arrangement, the C3 Aircross is closer in dimensions to a Honda HR-V / Toyota Corolla Cross, rather than a BR-V. It measures 4,323 mm long, 1,796 mm wide, and 1,669 mm tall, all fit

Sanjay

Apr 25, 2024

This is the third model under the Geely-Mercedes-Benz joint venture brand Smart, the Smart Concept 5. It’s currently still a concept car, so some of the finer details are not representative of the production car, but the intent is clear: Smart is not limited to just small cars. The Smart Concept #5, when it enters production, will be Smart’s biggest model ever. Dimension details were not released, but Smart says the Concept #5 measures 4,600 mm long, which slightly shorter than a Honda CR-V (4,6

Hans

Apr 25, 2024

Fuel price movements in Malaysia from 25-April to 1-May 2024 are as follows: Fuel Price Update 25-April to 1-May 2024 RON 95 RM 2.05 RON 97 RM 3.47 RON 100 RM 5.00 Shell V-Power RM 6.00 Diesel EURO 5 B10 RM 2.15 Diesel EURO 5 B7 RM 2.35 Follow fuel price live updates: Petrol Price Malaysia

Sanjay

Apr 24, 2024

Premium battery electric vehicle (BEV) maker, Zeekr, will commence sales in right-hand drive (RHD) Asia Pacific markets beginning Q3 2024, confirmed the Vice President of Zeekr Technology, Zhao Chunlin at the ongoing Beijing International Auto Show. Zhao said that this is part of the greater plans to reach 50 countries, and Malaysia is mulled to be among the markets in the list that also includes New Zealand, Australia, and Thailand. The company has also confirmed that the first RHD models will

Sanjay

Apr 24, 2024

Get ready for adrenaline-pumping autocross action at the upcoming GRA Academy Autocross 01 event happening 11-May 2024 at (MARDI) MAEPS Serdang. Organised by local outfit, Grass Racing Autosports (GRA), the GRA Academy event is aimed at amateur and seasoned drivers who want to experience the thrill of grassroots autocross/gymkhana driving in a safe and controlled environment. Designed as an autocross driving clinic, the GRA Academy event allows drivers to learn, play and compete against others i

Arvind

Apr 24, 2024

To the tycoons wanting to offset some of that carbon footprint, this here is the first-ever fully-electric 2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Class BEV. Officially, it's named the Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology, but that's a bit verbose so we'll stick to calling it the G-Class/G-Wagen BEV. It's hard to tell this and the conventional G-Class apart, and that's a good thing. It still looks ever ready to drop in a hot zone in a moment's notice, with the only obvious changes being the most subtle – the lack

Sanjay

Apr 24, 2024

After months of teasers, Tesla has finally unveiled the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance, which is announced simultaneously with the opening of order books in Malaysia. Billed as the most powerful Model 3 ever; prices of the 2024 Tesla 3 Performance start from RM 242,000 before options, registration, and insurance charges. The Model 3 range in Malaysia now consists 3 variants, priced as follows: Tesla Model 3 RWD (513 km range): from RM 189,000 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD (629 km range): from RM

Arvind

Apr 24, 2024

Despite the number of cars booked and a surge in battery electric vehicle (BEV) interest in Thailand at the recent Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) 2024, Nikkei Asia reports that loan defaults and price wars sparked by Chinese manufacturers bodes ill for the Kingdom's auto industry. The final sales figures may only reach half of the 53,000 cars booked at the event, which concluded last Sunday. A concerning 12% of auto loans were non-performing as of February, leading financial institution

Sanjay

Apr 24, 2024

Ahead of its Q2 2024 launch, the 2024 Honda City Hatchback facelift is now open for booking in Malaysia. There's lots to expect from the model in this update – including a new look and a bevy of feature enhancements. Our earlier article centred on the changes the RS e:HEV hybrid variant is bound to receive, while this piece chronicles the expected updates to the non-electrified variants. Photos used of the updated vehicle are from Thailand, which is largely identical to those soon to go on sale

Sanjay

Apr 24, 2024

The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) has announced that 71,052 new cars were sold in March 2024. While sales of the month were 10% more than February, it's 10% lesser than the same month last year. MAA remarked that the heightened deliveries for March 2024 could be drawn to two factors: rush for deliveries before carmakers end their fiscal year, and promotional campaigns in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Meanwhile, production output in March 2024 went up slightly compared to Februa

Sanjay

Apr 23, 2024

The 2024 Honda City Hatchback facelift is on the brink of its launch here in Malaysia, and bookings are now open ahead of its Q2 2024 launch. Alongside its visual makeover, the facelift brings a slew of key feature enhancements, largely mirroring what the City sedan offers. For clarity, we've utilised images of the Thai-spec car for the new version, which is largely identical to those soon to go on sale in Malaysia. Exterior: New bumpers, black wheels for RS In typical facelift fashion, the City

Sanjay

Apr 23, 2024

Chery’s new Barcelona plant will have an annual production capacity of 150,000 units by 2029 and will be one of the Chinese company’s main export facilities, reports Reuters. Chery’s Zona Franca plant in Barcelona was first opened in 1983 by Nissan, in partnership with Spanish truck manufacturer Motor Iberica (producing the Patrol, Terrano, and later the Pathfinder, Navara, NV200 and Primastar light truck. Nissan shut down the plant in December 2021. Earlier this month, Chery announced that it i

Hans

Apr 23, 2024

The Kia Tasman will soon be upon the world and the Korean carmaker has given a clear (albeit camouflaged) first look at the pick-up truck earlier today. Kia says that the model will be launched in global markets, including Korea, Australia, and the Middle East starting in early 2025. A mid-size pick-up, it will take the fight directly to long-standing rivals like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, and Mitsubishi Triton – and along the way, contend with the upcoming BYD Shark. Also read:

Sanjay

Apr 23, 2024

Indonesian buyers of the Suzuki Jimny 5-door will have to wait for at least 10 months before taking deliveries, reports CNN Indonesia in February. Suzuki’s Indonesian distributor, PT Suzuki Indomobil Sales (SIS), explained that the supply of the Japan-made 3-door Jimny is approximately 50 units per month. In February, PT SIS had accumulated 800 orders, which means it will take about 16 months, or 1.5 years, to fulfill them. Meanwhile, the supply of the 5-door Jimny from India is larger, at 100 u

Shaun

Apr 22, 2024

G-Tekt, a supplier to the Honda Motor group, has announced that it has entered into a licensing agreement with global steel giant ArcelorMittal on a cost-effective solution for manufacturing auto chassis components, potentially driving down the production cost of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Under the partnership, G-Tekt will acquire licensing for cutting-edge technology from ArcelorMittal, headquartered in Luxembourg. This technology aims to streamline the formation of EV body sections by

Shaun

Apr 22, 2024

A German-Austrian company, Obrist Group, has proposed a solution for end-of-life battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) with depleted battery packs: repurposed internal combustion engine (ICE) setups. Their "HyperHybrid" powertrain concept, akin to systems seen in Nissan e-Power systems, substitutes a compact petrol ICE as a generator for the vehicle's electric motors. HyperHybrid's fundamental principle lies in the integration of a compact combustion engine solely responsible for generating electrici

Shaun

Apr 22, 2024