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• Mercedes-AMG One Service Hub, Hap Seng Star Bukit Tinggi – SE Asia service centre for F1-derived hypercar

  In Cars, Local News, Mercedes-Benz / by Mick Chan / 21 October 2026 10:46 pm

  

  Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched Southeast Asia’s first Mercedes-AMG One Service Hub in Hap Seng Star Bukit Tinggi, which positions Malaysia as the regional home for maintenance needs for the Mercedes-AMG One, the German manufacturer’s Formula 1-derived road-going hypercar.

  The result of a RM2.2 million investment, the facility in Hap Seng Star Bukit Tinggi is part of a select network of Mercedes-AMG One Service Hub locations worldwide, with other outlets located in Germany, Switzerland, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, and Japan.

  From a total production run of 275 units for the One, 100 units were destined for the United States, 100 units in Europe, and 75 units in Asia Pacific. Mercedes-AMG One owners in the Asia Pacific region will be served by both this latest Service Hub in Hap Seng Star Bukit Tinggi, as well as the one in Japan.

  

  

  

  

  Out of all Mercedes-AMG outlets in Southeast Asia, why was Malaysia chosen to be the location of the Mercedes-AMG One Service Hub? The choice was the result of a combination of geography, expertise and language.

  Port Klang is a high-traffic maritime gateway, and the Hap Seng Star Bukit Tinggi location was chosen for its proximity to Port Klang, which eases logistics. According to Mercedes-AMG, the level of technical expertise in Malaysia is among the highest in Southeast Asia, which aided in the decision to locate the service hub for its halo performance model in Malaysia.

  Additionally, among the reasons for the service hub’s location in this country is that Malaysia has a stronger command of the English language relative to other part of Southeast Asia, which eases communication with an international client base.

  

  Servicing of the Mercedes-AMG One is conducted by specially trained technicians, with a dedicated team of Flying Doctors attending to each customer car.

  For the latest Mercedes-AMG One Service Hub here in Malaysia, there is a team of six Flying Doctors, including one Malaysian. This Service Hub will also offer access for local Mercedes-Benz Malaysia technicians, including participants of its apprenticeship programme to learn the servicing of the One.

  The Mercedes-AMG One is naturally a riot of numbers, given its Formula 1 origins, and that extends to its servicing costs as well. While the work required in the upkeep of a vehicle varies case by case, there are two notable tiers of servicing for the Mercedes-AMG One.

  

  The first is Service A, which will cost in the region of six figures, according to Mercedes-Benz Malaysia. This is in line with figures according to an RM Sotheby’s listing of a 2024 unit, which noted that Service A costs 37,610 euros (RM172,434).

  According to service records of a Mercedes-AMG One as reported by TopSpeed, Service A entails the replacement of a majority of fluids including front axle oil, as well as a complete inspection. This is a job that requires 80 work-hours, or around two weeks for each service.

  The other, Service B, is a major tier of servicing that involves an engine replacement when the Mercedes-AMG One reaches 50,000 km of mileage, and this is reportedly a job that costs 800,000 euros (RM3.67 million). However, hypercars such as the Mercedes-AMG One are typically rarely driven, and some examples may never see such mileage.

  

  

  

  

  Also among notable items are the wheels, which are magnesium units measuring 19 and 20 inches in diameter front and rear, with carbon-fibre aero covers. Each unit costs 21,300 euros, or around RM97,656. Try not to kerb them.

  Wheel removal requires special tools in the case of the Mercedes-AMG One, which means that tyre changes will be the domain of the Mercedes-AMG One Service Hub.

  Rubber for the halo model is the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyre, a make and model that is also offered on other track-focused, high-performance cars but the One gets a bespoke version, as denoted by the car’s stylised outline imprinted on the tyre sidewalls.

  The reason for such specialised tyres on the Mercedes-AMG One is, of course, its prodigious performance broadly based on the marque’s powertrain used in Formula 1 between 2014 and 2025. To recap, the road car’s F1-derived powertrain outputs 574 PS from its 1,599 cc turbocharged V6 on its own, and spins to 11,000 rpm.

  

  

  

  

  A Motor Generator Unit-Heat (MGU-H) rated at 122 PS draws energy from exhaust gases to spin the compressor, while surplus energy is sent to the Motor Generator Unit-Kinetic (MGU-K) that sends another 163 PS to the crankshaft, and the engine’s output is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed automated single-clutch gearbox.

  The Mercedes-AMG One has two more 163 PS motors on the front axle – not found in the F1 car its engine is derived from – and all together the powertrain outputs 1,063 PS and propels the One from 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds, 0-200 km/h in seven seconds and 0-300 km/h in 15.6 seconds. Top speed is 352 km/h.

  Plenty of acceleration with which to make good use of the active aerodynamics in the One, such as the front diffuser flaps, front fender louvres, two-piece extending rear wing, rear diffuser and more to offer different aero profiles depending on the drive mode selected. What price, channelling your inner Rosberg, Hamilton and Bottas?

  That would be in the region of RM11 million before taxes, or in excess of RM20 million with taxes. Certainly a lot of money, but it is also a lot of engineering that has gone into applying complex Formula 1 technology to a road car. One that is now served in the Southeast Asian region by the new Mercedes-AMG One Service Hub in Hap Seng Star Bukit Tinggi.

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  Launch of the Mercedes-AMG One Service Hub, Hap Seng Star Bukit Tinggi; official images

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• Malaysian fuel prices Oct 22-28, 2026 – all prices down; diesel to RM5.07, RON95 to RM4.32, RON97 to RM4.80

  In Local News, Malaysian Fuel Prices / by Mick Chan / 21 October 2026 8:14 pm

  

  It is Wednesday, which means that it is once again time for the weekly fuel price update from the ministry of finance, which has released the retail prices of fuels for the coming week of October 22 to 28, 2026.

  Both petrol and diesel fuels see price reductions for the coming week. For the price of unsubsidised B10 and B15 grades of diesel, this is a drop of 10 sen this week to RM5.07 per litre, compared to the RM5.17 per litre price of last week. Therefore, Euro 5 B7 diesel, which costs 20 sen more per litre than B10/B15 diesel, goes to RM5.27 per litre.

  As of July 1, Malaysians owning a diesel vehicle pay a subsidised retail price of RM2.10 per litre for B10 and B15 diesel blends, with eligible users now allocated a monthly quota of 300 litres as of September 1. This is still shared with Budi95, which means the increase from 200 to 300 litres applies to both fuels.

  

  For petrol, the price of unsubsidised RON 95 petrol drops 30 sen to RM4.32 per litre, down from the RM4.62 per litre price of last week, while RON 97 drops by the same 30 sen margin to RM4.80 per litre, from its RM5.10 per litre price of last week.

  As before, subsidised RON 95 petrol under the Budi Madani RON 95 (Budi95) scheme continues at RM1.99 per litre, with Malaysians holding a valid driving licence being eligible for the fuel at a monthly quota that has now been restored to 300 litres as of September 1.

  These prices take effect from midnight tonight until Wednesday, October 28. This is the 44th edition of the weekly fuel pricing format for 2026, and the 407th in total since the format was introduced at the start of 2019.

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• Waze banned for civil servants over Israel links; PM urges all Malaysians to switch to TuJu

  In Local News / by Harvinder Sidhu / 21 October 2026 7:24 pm

  

  The government has banned all civil servants from using the Waze navigation app, and prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is urging the rest of the country to stop using it too. In a media statement today, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said the ban is meant to protect government information and users’ personal data from misuse by the “Israeli regime”.

  The PMO said the decision takes into account the position of Waze Mobile Ltd, the controller of the app’s user data, which it says is incorporated and operates under Israeli law. “Sensitive government information and the people’s personal data must be protected from being exploited by the Israeli regime to the detriment of the country’s security and sovereignty,” the statement read (our translation).

  It also called on Malaysians to stop using Waze and switch to local alternatives such as TuJu, citing the security and personal data protection it offers. “The MADANI government’s stance is firm, and we will close any gap that could be used by the Israeli regime to threaten the security of the country and its people,” it added.

  The ban was set out in a letter dated October 20 from the Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Bernama reports. It follows a decision made that day at a meeting of the National Cyber Security Committee chaired by Anwar, and takes effect immediately.

  The letter went to the secretaries-general of all ministries, heads of federal departments and federal statutory bodies, state secretaries and heads of local authorities. Questions about the directive are to go to the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) under the National Security Council.

  Anwar first raised the matter in a Facebook post after yesterday’s meeting, saying Waze is bound by the laws of the Israeli government. “We cannot compromise when it comes to the security of our citizens’ data and identities,” he said. According to Reuters, he did not give any details of the risks.

  The reports so far don’t say whether the ban covers civil servants’ personal phones or use outside working hours. Raub MP Chow Yu Hui has asked the government to explain this, FMT reports. He also asked, “what is the difference in data security risks between Waze and Google Maps, which are owned by the same parent company?”

  Alor Setar MP Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden said that if Waze posed a genuine threat, it should be blocked for everyone in the country, not just civil servants.

  Waze was founded in Israel and was bought by Google in 2013, for about US$1 billion according to Reuters. It uses crowd-sourced reports from drivers to provide real-time traffic information.

  

  TuJu was developed by the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) with Prosignal Consortium, and launched last November. Besides navigation and live traffic, it shows toll charges, R&R facilities and live feeds from LLM’s highway CCTV cameras, and has an SOS button for emergencies.

  When we covered its launch, TuJu used Google’s mapping and point-of-interest data, as well as technology from Maybank. An LLM official also told us then that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support was planned, but TuJu still has neither. Its Google Play listing shows it for phones only, while Waze’s also lists cars.

  The Android version was last updated in August, adding toll announcements along your route and voice search, but the iPhone version hasn’t been updated since its launch. TuJu is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

  

  

  Alternatively, the Grab app has navigation built in, running on GrabMaps, Grab’s in-house mapping service. Just tap the Maps icon on the app’s home screen. It shows live traffic and reported incidents along your route, how many traffic lights you’ll pass and whether the route is “taken by many Grab drivers”, plus recommended parking near your destination.

  

  There’s also PINTAZ, a free navigation app that describes itself as “made in Malaysia, by Malaysians”. It shows the toll for each route option before you set off, gives voice alerts for AES and JPJ cameras, and takes community reports of roadblocks, accidents, hazards and floods. Junctions and flyovers are drawn as 3D roads with lane-by-lane guidance, and its maps cover Sabah and Sarawak too.

  Other touches include a motorcycle mode that follows motorcycle lanes, Malay and English voice guidance, and prayer times with a kiblat compass and nearby surau. It works with Apple CarPlay, though its Google Play listing doesn’t show Android Auto support. PINTAZ has no subscription or ads, and is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

  Other alternatives include HERE WeGo, on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, and Huawei’s Petal Maps, on the Google Play Store.

  Which app would you switch to from Waze?

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• ACE 2026: Turn heads with the iCaur 03 – RWD/iWD, up to 426 km NEDC, up to 279 PS/385 Nm, RM120k-130k

  ADVERTORIAL / by Jonathan James Tan / 21 October 2026 6:53 pm

  

  The paultan.org Auto Car Expo (ACE) 2026, powered by Petronas Primax, is set to open its doors in just a little over a week! October 31 to November 1 is the when, Setia City Convention Centre (SCCC) is the where, and as always, unprecedented deals on wheels are what to expect. Remember to bring your family and friends along!

  iCaur will be there, and besides the V23, the ‘Born to Play’ brand will also be featuring the 03. Like the V23, it’s an EV SUV that’s now locally assembled (CKD), but this has a more family, urban slant to it. No less head-turning, though!

  The RM119,740 RWD packs one 184 PS/220 Nm electric motor that makes possible a 10.5-second 0-100 km/h time, while its 65.7 kWh battery yields a 426 km NEDC range. The RM129,880 iWD has the same rear motor but adds a 95 PS/165 Nm front motor for 279 PS and 385 Nm of torque altogether. 0-100 km/h takes 6.5 seconds and the 69.8 kWh battery delivers a 418 km NEDC range. Come see which suits you best!

  ACE 2026 will also host, among others, Audi, BMW, BMW Motorrad, Chery, Dongfeng, GWM, Hyundai, Jetour, Leapmotor, Lotus, Mazda, MINI, Mitsubishi, Omoda | Jaecoo, Perodua, Proton, Proton eMas, smart, Volkswagen and Zeekr. Co-sponsors Jacar and Carro will showcase their own products and services. TNB Electron is also a co-sponsor.

  

  On top of all the brands’ own promos, paultan.org has prepared RM3,000 worth of vouchers for the first 200 confirmed bookings at the show.

  Each confirmed booking also enters you into a lucky draw with prizes worth RM57,000, including a grand prize holiday package worth RM10,000, three sets of Llumar window tint by Jacar worth RM4,000 each, five smartphones worth RM3,000 each and five DK Schweizer Prestige Leather Upholstery upgrades worth RM4,000 each.

  There are also goodie bags up for grabs, courtesy of V-Kool, Harman Kardon, DK Schweizer, Dodo, The Carage and Kuzig Glanz Detailing.

  So see you at ACE 2026, powered by Petronas Primax – October 31 to November 1, Setia City Convention Centre (SCCC). Entry is free. Learn more on the ACE 2026 microsite.

   

• ACE 2026: Get a Mitsubishi Triton and enjoy up to RM25,000 in deals, including up to 8 years’ free diesel!

  ADVERTORIAL / by Jonathan Lee / 21 October 2026 5:56 pm

  

  My, my, how time has flown – there are now less than two weeks to go before the paultan.org Auto Car Expo (ACE), powered by Petronas Primax, returns to the Setia City Convention Centre (SCCC) on October 31 and November 1. Among the bevy of brands present will be Mitsubishi, which will be exhibiting its renowned Triton range of pick-up trucks.

  The third-generation model is available with deals worth up to RM25,000, offered on the Triton AT Premium. This includes seven years of complimentary diesel, five years of free maintenance and a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.

  Step up to the range-topping Triton Athlete and you’ll receive eight years of complimentary diesel worth RM20,000, as well as that five-year warranty. Plus, you’ll benefit from up to RM10,000 in trade-in support if you exchange your current vehicle. Last but not least, the Triton AT GL will be offered with up to RM12,000 in diesel support, but remember, this deal is only available for a limited time.

  All those promos will get you behind the wheel of a confident, assured pick-up, which sports rugged “Beast Mode” styling and a high-quality cabin with available technologies such as an eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a Qi wireless charger. Under the bonnet lies the latest 2.4 litre 4N16 turbodiesel making up to 204 PS and 470 Nm of torque.

  

  Mitsubishi is but one of a whole host of brands present at ACE 2026, including Audi, BMW, BMW Motorrad, Chery, Dongfeng, GWM, Hyundai, iCaur, Jetour, Leapmotor, Lotus, Mazda, MINI, Omoda | Jaecoo, Perodua, Proton, Proton eMas, smart, Volkswagen and Zeekr, among others. The show is also co-sponsored by TNB Electron, as well as Jacar and Carro, which will showcase their own products and services.

  Each brand will have its own exciting promos lined up for the show, and on top of that, the first 200 confirmed bookings at ACE 2026 will enjoy RM3,000 worth of vouchers on us. Each confirmed booking also enters you into a lucky draw with prizes worth RM57,000. That includes a grand prize holiday package worth RM10,000, three sets of Llumar window tint by Jacar worth RM4,000 each, five smartphones worth RM3,000 each and five DK Schweizer Prestige Leather Upholstery upgrades worth RM4,000 each.

  There are also goodie bags up for grabs, courtesy of V-Kool, Harman Kardon, DK Schweizer, Dodo, The Carage and Kuzig Glanz Detailing.

  Again, the paultan.org Auto Car Expo (ACE), powered by Petronas Primax, will be happening from October 31 to November 1 at the Setia City Convention Centre (SCCC). Mark your calendars, and find out more on the ACE 2026 microsite. We’ll see you there!

   

• BYD Malaysia, Gentari sign MoU for 1,500 kW Flash Charging deployment – highway R&Rs explored

  In BYD, Electric Cars in Malaysia, Local News / by Jonathan Lee / 21 October 2026 4:44 pm

  

  We’ve waited a while for BYD’s much-vaunted Flash Charging tech to arrive in Malaysia, but the first move has been made with the Chinese conglomerate selecting Gentari as its local deployment partner. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two companies was signed in Shenzhen today by BYD Malaysia MD Jacob Ma and Gentari CEO Sushil Purohit.

  The collaboration will explore opportunities to deploy the ultra-fast DC chargers – which operate at up to 1,500 kW and can top up a compatible BYD or Denza from 10 to 70% in just five minutes and to 97% in nine minutes – as well as the battery energy storage systems (BESS) that will enable the technology to function without straining the grid.

  Among the sites being examined for suitability are “key intercity corridors connecting major population centres” (read: highway R&Rs). This is in addition to the selected BYD and Denza dealers already covered in a previous announcement.

  

  The partnership will also assess supporting power infrastructure, battery energy storage requirements, technical and commercial considerations, project development opportunities and potential operating models to enable future deployment at scale, Gentari stated. Renewable energy generation and energy storage will also be explored, drawing on the Petronas subsidiary’s clean energy expertise.

  “Malaysia’s EV market is growing, but the next phase of adoption will depend on the quality, convenience and reliability of the charging experience,” Sushil said. “Speed is one part of that equation. BYD’s leadership in EV, battery and high-power charging technology, combined with Gentari’s experience in developing and operating EV charging networks, gives us a strong foundation to strengthen Malaysia’s EV charging ecosystem and support wider adoption.”

  His comments were echoed by BYD vice president and Asia Pacific sales boss Liu Xueliang. “Malaysia is an important market for BYD, and we are pleased to bring BYD Flash Charging here as part of our continued efforts to support the country’s growing EV adoption. Through our collaboration with Gentari, we look forward to exploring how this technology can contribute to a faster, more convenient and more connected charging experience for Malaysian EV users.”

  

  

  

  Ma added: “We are very excited to see this collaboration come together. We want to give our customers the confidence to make the switch to electric and enjoy a truly seamless EV ownership experience. This is an important step for BYD in Malaysia, and we are proud to be part of the journey to build a stronger and more complete EV ecosystem for Malaysians.”

  Currently, the only model that supports Flash Charging in Malaysia is the Denza Z9GT. Launched here in July, this low-slung electric wagon is priced at RM358,800 nett, and for that, you get a triple-motor setup that produces a whopping 1,156 PS and 1,210 Nm of torque, plus a 122.49 kWh Blade LFP battery for a WLTP-rated range of 600 km.

  GALLERY: Denza Z9GT in Malaysia

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• Test drive an iCaur by Oct 31 to win an iPhone Duo, plus owner packages worth up to RM8k – 10 days to go!

  ADVERTORIAL / by Harvinder Sidhu / 21 October 2026 4:43 pm

  

  Time is running out to get in on the Born to Play, Born to Win campaign at the iCaur Carro pop-up at IOI Mall Puchong. Test drive an iCaur by Saturday, October 31, 2026, and you’ll get an entry into a nationwide lucky draw with an iPhone Duo as the grand prize.

  The iCaur Carro sales advisor will guide you through submitting your entry with photo proof during your test drive. Each completed test drive counts as one entry, and each customer can win a maximum of one prize.

  Here’s what’s up for grabs:

  • Grand prize: iPhone Duo
  • Second prize: iPhone 18 Pro Max
  • Third prize: Ray-Ban Meta glasses
  • Fourth prize: Samsung Galaxy Watch 9
  • Fifth prize: Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro
  • Consolation prizes: Huawei Band 11 Pro, for five winners

  Terms and conditions apply.

  October owner packages worth up to RM8,000

  If the test drive wins you over, every iCaur comes with an owner package this month. It starts with a free 7 kW AC home charger (or a RM2,000 cash rebate instead) and two years or 45,000 km of free service.

  • iCaur V23 iWD (RM132,780): package worth up to RM8,000, adding a year of free insurance and a 10-year/200,000 km battery warranty extension
  • iCaur 03 iWD (RM129,800): package worth up to RM6,200, adding a RM2,000 charging credit rebate
  • iCaur 03 RWD (RM119,740): package worth up to RM2,000

  All prices are on-the-road without insurance in Peninsular Malaysia.

  What you’ll be driving

  

  The star of the pop-up is the iCaur V23, the retro-styled electric SUV inspired by 1980s off-roaders. It’s locally assembled and sold here as the dual-motor V23 iWD.

  Its two motors make 211 PS and 292 Nm and drive all four wheels, for a 0-100 km/h time of 7.5 seconds. The 81.76 kWh battery is good for up to 430 km on the NEDC cycle, and a V2L cable and portable charger come as standard.

  

  

  

  Owners put iCaur’s Born to Play tagline into practice at Malaysia CampFest in Rawang last weekend, camping beside their V23s and 03s.

  If you need five seats, Carro’s iCaur sales advisors can take you through the iCaur 03, which is also locally assembled and comes as the 03 RWD or the dual-motor 03 iWD. The team can also help with financing and trade-ins. If you have a car to sell, they’ll assess it and roll its value into your new iCaur.

  Test drive at the iCaur Carro pop-up

  📅 Test drive period: now until October 31, 2026
  📍 Ground Floor, South Wing (in front of EICHITOO), IOI Mall Puchong

  Register your interest in the iCaur V23 or 03 here, and the Carro iCaur team will get in touch to arrange a test drive.

   

• Is a 2027 CFMoto 550MT adventure-touring bike coming?

  In Bikes, CFMoto, International Bike News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 21 October 2026 3:36 pm

  

  A larger-capacity adventure-touring motorcycle called the 550MT could be coming from China’s CFMoto, with camouflaged prototypes reportedly spotted ahead of a possible 2027 launch. Reports from European moto news sites have reported EICMA in Milan, scheduled for November 2026, is a possible unveiling venue ahead of a 2027 launch.

  The model is tipped to use a 526 cc parallel-twin engine derived from the unit in the CFMoto 550CL-C cruiser. In that application, the liquid-cooled engine produces 53 PS at 9,000 rpm and 51 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. Output figures for the 550MT are not yet available.

  The 550MT would sit above the existing CFMoto 450MT (priced at RM28,888 in Malaysia), whose 449.5 cc parallel-twin produces 44 hp and 44 Nm. The additional capacity could offer stronger highway performance and better flexibility when touring with a passenger and luggage.

  

  Spy shots reportedly show rally-inspired styling, a tall windscreen and an upright riding position. Possible equipment includes ride-by-wire throttle, cruise control and an upgraded TFT instrument display.

  Weight, suspension specifications, fuel tank capacity and pricing have yet to emerge. It is also unclear whether the 550MT would join the 450MT range or eventually replace it.

  For Malaysia, the 550MT could appeal to riders seeking more performance than the 450MT without moving into a larger-capacity adventure bike. Local availability and pricing remain unknown at this juncture.

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• KPDN seizes over 10,000 litres of suspected illegal diesel

  In Local News / by Jonathan James Tan / 21 October 2026 3:01 pm

  

  The Kedah domestic trade and cost of living ministry (KPDN) recently seized 10,920 litres of diesel, valued at RM52,197.60, after intercepting a tanker truck suspected of transporting controlled goods for unlicensed trade on Jalan Sematang Pinang, Kuala Kedah, Alor Setar, Bernama reports.

  According to state KPDN director Muhammad Nizam Jamaludin, the tanker was inspected and found to be carrying diesel, accompanied by a suspicious invoice.

  “Further investigation revealed that the diesel was obtained from a wholesaler who lacked a valid license to deal in controlled goods,” he said, adding that KPDN also seized the tanker for further investigation, bringing the total value of the seizure to RM102,197.

  He said a local man in his thirties was also detained to assist with the investigation and has been remanded for three days.

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• 2026 Kawasaki Z650RS launched in Thailand at RM31,400, RM5,800 cheaper than Malaysia’s RM37,200

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Kawasaki / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 21 October 2026 2:15 pm

  

  Kawasaki has launched the 2026 Kawasaki Z650RS in Thailand, priced at 239,000 baht (RM31,400). This is around RM5,800 less than the Z650 RS’ RM37,200 recommended retail price in Malaysia, before differences in taxes, registration and insurance.

  The retro-styled 649 cc middleweight was introduced at the Kawasaki Heritage Family Meeting in Petchaburi, Thailand, on October 18. It is available in Metallic Ocean Blue, with a promotion running until October 31 that includes a 3,000-baht (RM395) discount coupon, first-class insurance, registration fees and compulsory motor insurance. The first 20 buyers also receive a radiator guard.

  Power comes from a liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine producing 68 PS at 8,000 rpm and 64 Nm of torque at 6,700 rpm, paired with a six-speed gearbox and assist-and-slipper clutch. The Z650RS also features Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), with two modes for different riding conditions and the option to switch the system off.

  

  Styling cues include a round headlight, twin-pod instrumentation and classic proportions inspired by Kawasaki’s Z-series heritage.In Malaysia, the Z650RS was launched by Modenas in February 2025 at RM37,200, excluding road tax, insurance and registration.

  Wheel sizing on the Z650RS is 17-inches on cast alloy multi-spoke wheels, wearing 120/70 and 160/60 tyres. Braking is done with twin 300 mm diameter discs in front with two-piston callipers while the rear wheel gets a 220 mm disc and single-piston calliper.

  

  Telescopic forks, 41 mm in diameter, hold up the front end while the rear is fitted with a preload-adjustable monoshock. Weight for the Z650RS is listed as 187 kg wet, with 13-litres of fuel in the tank. Seat height for the Z650RS is 820 mm.

  The Z650RS competes in the retro middleweight segment against the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, priced from RM33,700, and Continental GT 650, priced from RM35,600. The Kawasaki offers a liquid-cooled engine and traction control, while the Royal Enfield models take a more traditional approach to the classic roadster formula.

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• Mercedes-AMG GT SUV – EV performance crossover, up to 1,169 PS, 700 km WLTP range, 0-100 km/h 2.7 secs

  In Cars, International News, Mercedes-Benz / by Jonathan Lee / 21 October 2026 12:50 pm

  

  After the gopping horror that was the new GT 4-Door Coupé, Mercedes-AMG has made a second attempt at creating an electric performance car. The mildly-easier-on-the-eyes GT SUV is Affalterbach’s first ground-up crossover, utilising the building blocks of its lower-slung sibling and offering a similar amount of performance.

  Built on the Mercedes-AMG Electrical Architecture (AMG.EA), the GT SUV is offered in GT53, GT55 and GT63 variants, the numbers obviously referring to the ascending performance. The GT53 utilises regular radial flux motors and a rear two-speed gearbox to send a maximum of 367 PS (270 kW, 544 PS/400 kW on boost) and 800 Nm to all four wheels, getting it from zero to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 250 km/h with the Driver’s Package.

  Step up to the GT53 or GT63 and you’ll gain AMG’s new axial flux motors that produce higher sustained power and torque in a smaller package. There are two at the rear – each with its own single-speed planetary ‘box – for torque vectoring, plus another motor at the front that can be disconnected when not needed for greater efficiency.

  Put that all together and the result is a preposterous amount of power. Even the GT55 will push out 721 PS (530 kW, 816 PS/600 kW on boost) and 1,860 Nm of torque, enabling it to complete the century sprint in just 3.1 seconds and hit 200 km/h in 9.9 seconds.

  

  But for the full effect, you’ll have to punt for the GT63, which churns out a ridiculous 1,169 PS (860 kW) and 2,000 Nm (!) on boost. So equipped, the car will fling itself to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds and to 200 km/h in a barely-believable 7.2 seconds.

  Top speed for both models is 270 km/h with the Driver’s Package, and what’s interesting is that the boost duration corresponds to the variant – 53 seconds for the GT53, 55 seconds for the GT55 and 63 seconds for the GT63. That’s more than long enough for any overtaking manoeuvre and sprints on circuit straights.

  Also interesting is the choice of batteries. Aside from the 106 kWh NMC battery from the GT 4-Door Coupé, the SUV gains a bigger 128 kWh pack to suit its larger size and extra weight; rather incredulously, it’s only available as an option on the GT55 and GT63.

  

  Range on the WLTP cycle is thus as such – up to 668 km for the GT53 and 585 km for the GT55 and GT63. With the bigger battery, the latter figure gets boosted to up to 700 km. All versions come with an 800-volt electrical architecture, but as standard, the GT53’s DC fast charging capacity maxes out at just 350 kW, which is barely any higher than the GLC electric. So equipped, it takes 16 minutes to be topped up from 10 to 80%

  You’ll have to pay extra for AMG Performance Charging, which nearly doubles this number to 600 kW, slashing the charging time down to 11 minutes. The 128 kWh battery boosts input to 710 kW, although the larger capacity means it takes an additional minute to be charged to the same percentage. More worryingly, AC charging is capped at just 11 kW, meaning that a full charge takes a yawning 11 hours – even for the smaller 106 kWh battery.

  At least Mercedes has seen fit not to skimp on the chassis tech. The GT SUV rides on multi-link suspension front and rear with forged aluminium links, steering knuckles and wheel carriers to reduce unsprung mass, as well as standard AMG Ride Control+ air springs and adaptive dampers. You can also spec the GT55 with AMG Active Ride Control+ with hydraulically cross-linked dampers; this is fitted as standard on the GT63.

  

  

  

  Also standard is rear-wheel steering at up to six degrees, along with steel brakes. Again, carbon ceramics are optional on the GT55 and standard on the GT63. Then there are the software toys, starting with AMGForce Sport+ that simulates engine noise, gear shifts and even the shaking of the seats, similar to the pioneering Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and 6 N.

  To synthesise the “exhaust note”, Mercedes used 16 microphones to make 100 recordings of various vehicles, including the GT R. The system creates a six-cylinder noise on the GT53 and a V8 rumble on the GT55 and GT63, analogous to the company’s combustion 3.0 litre M256 turbo straight-six and 4.0 litre M177 twin-turbo V8 engines.

  Adding further control to the car’s dynamics is the AMG Race Engineer Control Unit, which enables drivers to tweak the powertrain response, torque distribution and stability control intervention through triple knobs on the centre console. The drivetrain, brakes and energy recuperation are all managed by a centralised AMG Race Engineer Core computer.

  

  

  With more height to work with compared to the GT 4-Door Coupé, the SUV’s front end looks a lot less like an anglerfish, although it’s still not exactly pretty. L-shaped headlights with an elongated version of Mercedes’ typically gaudy star graphic sit atop a massive closed-off grille with illuminated vertical Panamericana strips. The GT55 and GT63 models throw on an upper scoop and “gills” on either side, adding unnecessary busyness to the whole look.

  More than just a GLC EV with a fancy frock, the GT SUV measures 5,084 mm long (+239 mm), 2,001 mm wide (+88 mm) and 1,656 mm tall (+12 mm) with a 3,040 mm wheelbase (+68 mm), making this the largest of Mercedes’ latest-generation EVs.

  The generous dimensions deliver an elongated roofline, made even more elegant by the fitment of frameless windows. Bonnet power domes and flared fenders make for a very aggressive look; the latter house wide wheels measuring up to 22 inches in diameter, and there are also fender vents at the front.

  

  The GT SUV’s height again pays dividends at the rear, making the (hideous) slatted, ski mask-like rear graphic – which house six star taillights and an optional light bar – look a trite less incongruous. An active tailgate spoiler on the GT55 and GT63 works with the active grille shutter and flush pop-out door handles to lower the drag coefficient to 0.27.

  Inside, the GT SUV carries over the 4-Door Coupé’s dashboard layout, which thankfully is a bit more sculpted compared to the flat panels of other Merc models of late. A curved display panel houses the 10.25-inch instrument display and a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen, the latter angled towards the driver. A second 14-inch passenger touchscreen is available as an option.

  All three screens run on the latest Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), featuring an updated “Zero Layer” interface and ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing and Google Gemini generative AI support. The GT SUV comes with a bespoke AMG Special gauge display as well as an AMG Performance Menu for real-time data, as well as AMG Set-Up, an AMG Track Pace lap timer and performance analyser and a Predictive Performance Manager for optimising energy deployment.

  

  

  

  A silvery hoop housing the centre air vents sit above a wide centre console, housing dual Qi wireless chargers and the aforementioned triple control knobs. There are more drive mode knobs clustered on the AMG Performance steering wheel, which also comes with Mercedes’ new “rocker and roller” controls, although physical switchgear remains in short supply.

  The GT SUV is only offered as a five-seater, with a Sky Control panoramic glass roof with electrochromic dimming coming as standard. This being a new-age Mercedes, however, the options list remains vast and includes an illuminated glass roof, heavily-bolstered AMG Performance seats and a Burmester 4D sound system with stainless steel speaker grilles.

  Lastly, the boot, which measures 607 litres with the rear seats up and 1,740 litres with the pews folded flat; there’s also a 78 litre front boot. The GT53 is available to order now, with prices starting from €113,050 (RM517,000) in Europe. The GT55 and GT63 will follow in the second quarter of next year.

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• New BYD Seagull launched in China – 425 mm longer, 5 seats, 5-min flash charging; from 65,900 yuan (RM40k)

  In BYD, Cars, Global Car Launches, International News / by Harvinder Sidhu / 21 October 2026 12:33 pm

  

  BYD has launched the second-generation Seagull in China, and its small EV has grown up in a big way. First seen in China’s MIIT filings in July, the new car is 425 mm longer than before, now seats five instead of four and has switched to rear-wheel drive. It also gets BYD’s flash charging, which can take the battery from 10% to 70% in five minutes.

  There are five variants, priced from 65,900 yuan (about RM40k) to 99,900 yuan (RM61k). A 3,000 yuan trade-in discount applies across the range, which brings the starting price down to 62,900 yuan (RM38k). The car was launched on October 20 at the Zhengzhou International Circuit.

  
  

  

  Second-gen BYD Seagull: China prices and key specs

  Variant	Battery	CLTC range	Motor	Price	Approx.
  Vitality	30.1 kWh	320 km	85 kW	65,900 yuan	RM40k
  Freedom	30.1 kWh	320 km	85 kW	72,900 yuan	RM44k
  Ease	39.2 kWh	420 km	95 kW	75,900 yuan	RM46k
  Flight	39.2 kWh	420 km	95 kW	82,900 yuan	RM50k
  Smart	39.2 kWh	420 km	95 kW	99,900 yuan	RM61k

  The new Seagull is 4,205 mm long, 1,810 mm wide and 1,570 mm tall, with a 2,650 mm wheelbase. Besides the extra length, it’s 95 mm wider and 30 mm taller than the old car, and the wheelbase is 150 mm longer. That makes it only slightly smaller than the Dolphin, which is 4,290 mm long with a 2,700 mm wheelbase.

  There’s now a proper three-seat rear bench, with 1,242 mm of hip room according to BYD. The boot holds 380 litres, or 1,380 litres with the rear seats folded, and there’s also a 94-litre front boot that opens electrically. The turning radius is 4.95 metres.

  BYD calls the design theme “Marine Aesthetics”, and the front gets trident-shaped position lights. The drag coefficient is 0.28. There are six colours: Lime Green, Berry Pink, Mango Orange, Ice Coconut Blue, Cream White and Sesame Grey.

  

  The motor now sits at the rear and drives the rear wheels. The two 320 km variants get 85 kW (116 PS), while the three 420 km variants get 95 kW (129 PS). Both make 130 Nm of torque, and BYD quotes a 0-50 km/h time of 4.9 seconds for all five. Top speed is 150 km/h.

  The rear suspension is now an independent multi-link setup, replacing the old car’s torsion beam, with MacPherson struts at the front. All variants have disc brakes all round and 205/60 R16 tyres.

  Both batteries are BYD’s second-generation Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) packs. The 30.1 kWh pack is good for 320 km on the CLTC cycle and the 39.2 kWh pack for 420 km, and BYD quotes energy consumption from 9.0 kWh per 100 km. AC charging tops out at 7 kW on all variants.

  

  Flash charging is only offered with the bigger battery, on the Ease, Flight and Smart. At BYD’s flash charging stations, it takes five minutes to go from 10% to 70% and nine minutes to reach 97%. BYD says charging at -30°C only takes about three minutes longer.

  BYD says it had built 12,165 flash charging stations in China as of October 20, and aims to have 20,000 by the end of the year. As a launch offer, private buyers of the three flash-charging variants get 12 months of free charging at these stations.

  

  All five variants get LED headlights, keyless entry and start, an NFC and Bluetooth phone key, automatic air-con, a 360-degree camera, sentry mode, front and front side airbags, vehicle-to-load (V2L) and 5G connectivity with over-the-air updates. The gear selector is a stalk on the steering column, and BYD has dropped the conventional instrument cluster, so driving information is shown on the central touchscreen.

  The Vitality and Ease are the basic versions, with 16-inch steel wheels, manually adjusted seats, four speakers and a 12.8-inch touchscreen. The Freedom and Flight add 16-inch alloys, a powered tailgate, curtain airbags (for six in total), power-adjusted front seats with heating and ventilation, a massage function for the driver, 50 W wireless phone charging, eight speakers, rear air vents and multi-colour ambient lighting.

  The Smart has everything in the Freedom and Flight, plus a larger 15.6-inch touchscreen, a dashcam and the lidar version of BYD’s God’s Eye B driver assistance system (DiPilot 300). It uses a lidar sensor, three radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors and 11 cameras, and brings navigate-on-autopilot on highways and in cities, adaptive cruise control, lane centring, blind spot monitoring, automated parking and autonomous emergency braking (AEB).

  The other four variants don’t get AEB at all. They make do with cruise control, the 360-degree camera and rear parking sensors.

  In China, BYD covers the battery, motor and electronic controls for life for the first private owner, while the vehicle warranty runs for six years or 150,000 km.

  

  Outside China, the first-gen Seagull is sold as the Dolphin Mini in Latin America, the Dolphin Surf in Europe and the Atto 1 in markets including Singapore and Indonesia, where it’s also assembled locally. BYD hasn’t said when the new car will go on sale outside China.

  The Seagull has never been sold in Malaysia. Under MITI’s CBU EV rules, which took effect on July 1, fully-imported EVs need a declared CIF value of at least RM200,000 and at least 180 kW of power, which rules out CBU imports of a car like this.

  The only way in would be local assembly. On October 15, BYD Malaysia picked Sime Motors’ Inokom in Kulim as its CKD partner, though it hasn’t said which models will be built there. Locally-assembled EVs are fully exempt from import duty, excise duty and sales tax until the end of 2027.

  Would you buy the new Seagull if it were assembled here?

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• Jetour F700 pick-up truck coming to Malaysia – PHEV with 904 PS, 1,135 Nm; sister of upcoming G700 SUV

  In Cars, Jetour, Local News / by Danny Tan / 21 October 2026 11:00 am

  

  Jetour Malaysia has already confirmed that the G700 premium off-road SUV will be its next new model. We now know that the F700 – the pick-up truck sister to the G700 – will also be heading to our shores. The F700 is part of the brand’s fleet at the ongoing 2026 Jetour Global Technology Experience Day event in Wuhu, China.

  There’s no firm timeline yet as the focus is very much on the G700 as the brand’s next product, so the F700 could either debut together with its SUV sister, or join the range at a later date. This means that buyers will have a choice of body-on-frame tophats to pair with a plug-in hybrid system with combined 904 PS and 1,135 Nm.

  Those eye-popping figures come from a 2.0-litre turbo-four petrol engine with 211 PS and 340 Nm of torque. The ICE is supported by a pair of electric motors, one on each axle. The front motor is rated at 286 PS/360 Nm, while the rear one makes 408 PS/435 Nm.

  

  Total system output is a whopping 904 PS (665 kW) and 1,135 Nm, channeled to the wheels via a two-speed dedicated hybrid transmission. 0-100 km/h is done in five seconds and top speed is 180 km/h.

  Juicing the electric motors is a CATL-sourced 34.13-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack wired into an 800V electrical architecture. The PHEV’s pure electric range is 150 km and total combined range is 1,300 km, but these are typically generous CLTC figures. DC charging speed maxes out at 175 kW and going from 30% to 80% SoC takes 10 minutes.

  Launched in China in August as the Zongheng F700, the truck is 5,495 mm long and 2,050 mm wide. That makes it 297 mm longer than the G700, and the truck’s 3,350 mm wheelbase is 480 mm longer than the SUV’s.

  

  For context, the T2 – considered big by family SUV standards – is 4,785 mm long and 2,006 mm wide, with a 2,800 mm wheelbase. Marketed as a go-anywhere vehicle (the F700 entered the famous Taklimakan Rally in Xinjiang this year with the G700, pics below), wading depth is 900 mm and approach/departure angles are 32 and 15 degrees respectively.

  The F700’s cabin design is similar to the G700, featuring a 35.4-inch ‘Horizon Screen’ at the base of the windscreen, plus a 15.6-inch screen in the conventional central position. The infotainment system is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8255 chip, and in typical Jetour fashion, there are plenty of physical buttons. The rear section has the option of two individual seats, which shouldn’t be a problem for a truck that won’t be bought as a workhorse or family car. There’s also a bench.

  Anyway, the G700 SUV – previewed at KLIMS 2026 – is expected to arrive in Malaysia next year. What do you think of Jetour’s flagship PHEV giants?

  GALLERY: Jetour F700 at Moganshan, China

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  GALLERY: Jetour F700 at Auto China 2026

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  GALLERY: Jetour F700 at the 2026 Taklimakan Rally

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  GALLERY: Jetour G700 at KLIMS 2026

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• iCaur brings ‘Born to Play’ to Malaysia CampFest 2026

  In Cars, Electric Cars in Malaysia, iCaur, Local News / by Jonathan James Tan / 21 October 2026 10:39 am

  

  iCaur Malaysia was the presenting partner of Malaysia CampFest 2026, which took place October 16-18 at Tému Campground in Rawang. The three-day festival saw 246 people camp alongside iCaur owners, enjoying campfires, outdoor games, wellness sessions, tea experiences, food and live entertainment.

  iCaurs 03 and V23 served as basecamps for their owners in an exclusive camp zone. Owners swapped camping setups, families gathered around the cars after dark and many visitors got their first close look at the retro-styled SUVs.

  

  

  

  “Born To Play is not a tagline we want people to read. It’s something we want them to live. Malaysia CampFest puts our cars where they belong: out in nature, surrounded by people having a good time,” iCaur Malaysia marketing director Daniel Lai said.

  We’re sure the vehicle-to-load (V2L) came in very handy! Learn more about the RM120k-130k 03 (RWD and iWD) and the RM133k V23 (now iWD only) via the links. They’re both EVs, but REEVs could be next for Malaysia, including this version of the 03, this big guy and this not-as-big guy.

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• Renting your motorcycle to an unlicensed rider in Malaysia: what are the risks?

  In Bikes, Feature Bike Stories / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 21 October 2026 10:36 am

  

  Allowing someone to rent or borrow your motorcycle might seem like an easy way to earn extra income, but owners who let unlicensed riders onto public roads risk prosecution, vehicle seizure and potentially serious insurance complications. This issue came into focus following enforcement operations by JPJ, which uncovered motorcycles registered to Malaysians but ridden by foreign nationals without valid driving licences.

  In early October, Penang JPJ seized 74 motorcycles ridden by foreign nationals without valid licences during Ops PeWA. Some riders were reportedly renting motorcycles from local owners for around RM200 a month.

  The question for motorcycle owners is straightforward – if you hand over your keys to someone who has no valid licence, how much trouble could you get into? Under Section 26(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, it is an offence to ride a motor vehicle on a road without a valid licence for the relevant class. It is also an offence to employ or permit an unlicensed person to ride it.

  A conviction under Section 26(2) can carry a fine of RM300 to RM2,000, imprisonment of up to three months, or both. This means owners cannot escape responsibility by arguing the rider was the one caught by JPJ and knowingly renting out a motorcycle to someone without the required licence could expose the owner to prosecution as well.

  

  Section 109 of the Act also addresses the responsibility of registered owners for offences committed by drivers, subject to the provision’s terms and applicable defences. JPJ indicated it intends to pursue both riders and owners in cases involving motorcycles rented to unlicensed foreign nationals, with senior enforcement director Datuk Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan instructing state JPJ directors to engage deputy public prosecutors and recommend higher penalties for repeat offenders.

  The immediate consequence for owners could be losing access to their motorcycles. Under Section 64 of the Act, JPJ is empowered to seize vehicles in specified circumstances, including to prevent the continuation of an offence. The 74 motorcycles seized in Penang illustrate how an informal rental arrangement can quickly become a costly problem.

  For someone collecting RM200 a month in motorcycle rental, the income may be modest compared with the potential expense of recovering a seized motorcycle, dealing with legal proceedings and paying associated costs. The same risks apply when a motorcycle is lent rather than rented, if the owner permits an unlicensed person to ride it on a public road.

  

  The consequences could be more serious if the rider causes a crash involving injuries or property damage. A valid road tax and insurance policy do not automatically guarantee protection in every situation.

  Coverage depends on the policy’s terms, the circumstances of the accident and the applicable law. An insurer may dispute a claim or, where legally permitted, seek to recover payments made.

  Owners should therefore check with their insurers before allowing another person to use their motorcycles, particularly under a paid rental arrangement. Private-use insurance should not automatically be assumed to cover commercial rental activity.

  

  Before handing over the keys, owners should verify that the rider holds a valid licence for the motorcycle’s class, confirm that the vehicle’s road tax and insurance are current, and establish whether the intended use is covered by the policy. Keeping a written record of the renter’s identity, licence details, rental period and agreement can also help establish the terms of the arrangement.

  However, paperwork does not make it lawful to permit an unlicensed person to ride with the principle applying to Malaysian and foreign riders alike. A rider’s nationality does not determine whether they are legally entitled to operate a motorcycle; the relevant question is whether they hold a valid licence for that class of vehicle.

  JPJ’s recent operations show that authorities are paying attention to motorcycles registered under local names but used by unlicensed riders. For motorcycle owners, the lesson is simple, check the licence before handing over the keys. A few hundred ringgit in monthly rental income may not be worth the potential legal, financial and insurance complications if something goes wrong.

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• Johor JPJ has issued 7,804 VEP-related saman totalling over RM1 million so far this year

  In Local News / by Jonathan James Tan / 21 October 2026 9:38 am

  

  The Johor road transport department (JPJ) has issued 7,804 Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP)-related saman from January to October 18, Bernama reports.

  State JPJ director Zulkarnain Yasin said this came out of 120,740 vehicles inspected at the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) and Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB).

  “However, the rate of non-compliance among foreign drivers is actually still low compared with the overall number of vehicles inspected,” he said in a Bernama interview recently, adding that JPJ mobile vans have been stationed at BSI and KSAB since early this month to facilitate saman payment.

  

  So far, no foreign vehicle has been barred from leaving the country via the two entry points for failing to pay saman, he said.

  “Our action is to prevent saman from accumulating. Automatically, they (vehicle owners) have to pay on the spot, which is why we have also provided a mobile squad,” he said.

  Although full enforcement of the VEP, which is RFID-based, began as far back as July 2025, some foreign vehicle owners still claimed they were unaware of the requirement. “We will not accept such excuses,” Zulkarnain said.

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• iCaur V25 shown in Wuhu – larger V23 available in EV, REEV variants; up to 455 PS, 505 Nm, coming early 2027

  In Cars, iCaur, International News / by Jonathan Lee / 21 October 2026 9:25 am

  

  Revealed in August, the global iCaur V25 has made its first live appearance at the recent iCaur International User Summit, held alongside Chery’s multitude of other brands. Essentially a stretched V23, this new energy SUV splits the difference between its smaller sibling and the V27, completing the retro-styled V-Series lineup.

  It’s also the best of both worlds under the bonnet, because this will be the first iCaur to be offered as both a battery EV and a range-extended EV. This differs from China, where the V25 is sold purely as an REEV.

  Still not much is known so far, apart from the fact that the dual-motor all-wheel-drive version will have a combined output of 455 PS (335 kW) and 505 Nm of torque, the same as the V27. Oddly, the petrol engine – likely the same 1.5 litre turbo four-cylinder as the V27 – has a slightly lower claimed thermal efficiency of 44.5% (versus the V27’s 45.79%), even though it produces the same 3.71 kWh per litre of fuel.

  

  We know rather more of the Chinese-spec model, which has just gone on sale. There, the car is available in rear- and all-wheel-drive REEV variants, with the former being obviously less powerful at 252 PS (185 kW) and 300 Nm. In the Middle Kingdom, the petrol generator retains the V27’s 45.79% thermal efficiency and makes 156 PS (115 kW) and 220 Nm.

  All REEV models get a 33.67 kWh Gotion LFP battery that delivers an EV range of 210 km for the RWD model and 200 km with AWD, both on the CLTC cycle (expect around 170 km and 160 km respectively on the WLTP cycle) and a total range of 1,240 km (1,210 km with AWD) with the 58 litre fuel tank included. With support for up to 90 kW of DC fast charging, the pack can be topped up from 30 to 80% in just 15 minutes.

  Measuring 4,636 mm long, 1,920 mm wide and 1,855 mm tall, the V25 is a massive 416 mm longer, five millimetres wider and ten millimetres taller than the V23, with 85 mm of that extra length going to the 2,820 mm wheelbase. Against the V27, the car is 419 mm shorter, 56 mm narrower and 39 mm lower, while its wheelbase is 90 mm shorter.

  

  iCaur says the V25 uses a cage-like body structure that utilises 80% high-strength and advanced high-strength steels, with a torsional stiffness of 30,000 Nm per degree. It will also have a towing capacity of 1,800 kg and add a centre airbag to the V23’s six airbags.

  While being obviously derived from the V23, the V25’s longer rear overhang gives it a boxier look more in keeping with the car’s pseudo off-roader aesthetic. There are also some unique touches such as the headlights, which gain thicker round instead of linear daytime running lights, as well as a more open grille with a rectangular insert; the latter appears to be exclusive to the REEV version.

  At the rear, the blind spot-inducing rear quarter panels feature a rectangular pressing, presumably to fit accessories. These likely form part of the 20 “native modification interfaces” that allow users to customise and modify their cars as they see fit. The rear number plate recess has also been pushed down from the tailgate into the bumper.

  

  That change was made to accommodate a full-sized spare tyre, taking the place of the Chinese market’s storage backpack; a vertical handle for the sideways-opening back door has also sprouted. Speaking of tyres, the V25 looks to wear Goodyear Eagle F1 rubber on its largest 21-inch wheel option, instead of the V23’s budget Chaoyang Radial RP76+ hoops.

  Not much has changed on the inside, where the V25 retains the V23’s rectilinear design, metal-look trim, chunky switchgear and 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen. Usability tweaks include an actual eight-inch instrument display, increased physical switchgear and a new centre console with twin phone holders and – finally! – a 50-watt Qi wireless charger.

  Other new features include a panoramic sunroof with a built-in sunshade, heated and ventilated front seats with driver’s side memory and a 15-speaker Pioneer sound system. The V25 also offers the usual Level 2 semi-autonomous driving functions such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, driver attention monitoring and park assist, plus a 360-degree camera system with transparency.

  

  The increased dimensions has had an effect on the rear accommodation, which not only offers more legroom but also enough width to fit a proper sliding and reclining bench for three-abreast seating. The V23’s rear seats were very much designed for two, even though there was a centre seat belt installed seemingly almost as an afterthought. With more space, the front seats can be reclined completely flat to serve as beds.

  The V25 also offers 41 storage compartments and 378 litres of boot space (versus just 234 litres for the V23), expandable to 998 litres (V23 744 litres) with the rear seats folded. Fully-electric models gain 22 litres of underfloor storage and, unlike the V23, a front boot of an unknown capacity. You also get a 6 kW V2L function.

  As for availability, the V25 will be rolled out globally starting early 2027, with the car set to be the first iCaur to be sold in Australia. Already spotted testing in Malaysia, it will likely arrive shortly after, with the brand currently busy readying the V27 for our market.

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• Omoda X debuts – brand’s first off-road crossover is the edgy-looking T1QC, with BEV, PHEV and HEV options

  In Cars, International News, Omoda Jaecoo / by Anthony Lim / 20 October 2026 11:52 pm

  

  Greetings from China, where Chery sub-brand Omoda has unveiled the Omoda X, which made its global debut earlier at the Omoda X Night, part of the brand’s activities at this year’s edition of the annual Chery International User Summit currently taking place in Wuhu.

  The Omoda X bears a new design language from the brand known as Crossvolution, which the automaker says encapsulates the sophistication and style of urban living while embracing the freedom and wild spirit of outdoor exploration, otherwise known as a rugged crossover.

  If the tone of the descriptors sound familiar, it’s because it is. This is the working example of the T1QC, the brand’s first off-road model that was hinted at during a future product presentation it made on the sidelines of Auto China 2026 in Beijing back in April.

  

  Save for a few changes, most of the study has been transcribed on to the X. Mixing aggressive sports car lines with off-road styling cues, the brand says the underlying philosophy of the design is essentially an expansion of the Cyber Mecha exterior language that debuted on the Omoda 4, with plenty of sharp, geometric lines and a rakish profile, including that of the roofline, visibly on display.

  Aside from the unmissable, pronounced wheel arches and taut lines, the signature lighting fixtures also run with the theme, with jagged-edged DRLs at the front and lightning-styled graphics found on the rear LED lamps.

  As is the case with such launches, specifications were generally absent, but we managed to get some info on the dimensions. Measuring in at 4,654 mm long, 1,920 mm wide and 1,702 mm tall, it’s quite a large creature, certainly bigger than the first Cyber Mecha creation, the Omoda 4, although it shares the same 2,700 mmm-long wheelbase, but not as large as the unibody Chery Tiggo V SUV/pick-up that debuted in Beijing (2,800 mm wheelbase).

  

  

  

  Like the Omoda 4, it’s not for everyone, but it’s clear that the aesthetic is obviously geared to appeal to younger buyers looking for something a bit edgier, this time in a package with clear off-road overtones.

  The utility elements in that equation include a 200 mm ground clearance and a 700 mm water wading depth, along with a 1,800 kg towing capability. A novelty is a self-healing, scratch resistant Progloss Plus Clearcoat finish, which the brand says will help preserve the exterior paint during off-road excursions.

  Some details of the interior were highlighted during the presentation. The Mecha Starship cockpit continues on the edgy theme from outside, with a dual wing layout providing driver and front passenger space a symmetrical perspective.

  

  Visual highlights include an X-shape oversized console that cuts across the central armrest, complete with a row of toggle switches and a central physical control knob as well as a Lamborghini-styled red starter button cover. The latter will look familiar – it follows the same scope as that on the fuel-burning versions of the Omoda 4.

  Other interior bits include a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch horizontal central touchscreen as well as a thermal imaging system with up to 90 metres recognition range for safer night driving and an Open Mic karaoke feature that requires no microphone for sing-alongs, with four independent zones handling voice pick-up duties. Also to be found is an X-Mode personalisation option to tailor the instrument display layout to your preference.

  The presentation didn’t mention powertrains at all, but we were informed later that there will be battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) options for the Omoda X. The display X was a PHEV, given the presence of the starter button and access flaps on both sides of the car.

  

  

  

  No intimation of whether the hybrids will be FWD or AWD, but should it be the former, the PHEV could well be the Super Hybrid System-Plug-in Hybrid (SHS-P) unit as seen on the Jaecoo J7 PHEV, which combines the workings of a 143 PS/215 Nm 1.5 litre turbo four-cylinder engine, a 204 PS/310 Nm electric motor, a single-speed dedicated hybrid transmission and an 18.3 kWh LFP battery, with total output being 279 PS and 365 Nm.

  As for the Super Hybrid System–Hybrid (SHS-H, the H suffix being for HEV), there’s one working with a turbo 1.5 litre mill, offering 224 PS and 295 Nm, and there’s also that which equips the Omoda 4 hybrid, in this case a 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder unit offering 96 PS and 120 Nm, working with a single-speed direct hybrid transmission (DHT) with two integrated motors to offer a combined system output of 204 PS and 310 Nm.

  Other bits of info are that the BEV will supposedly feature a 74 kWh battery, while the PHEV will get a 20 kWh unit, which would definitely present the Omoda X with a longer pure electric range than the J7 PHEV. Oh, and from a wall display containing a variety of items, it was implied that the crossover will be customisable to a degree. However, no mention of when series production will begin, and it remains to be seen if Malaysia will get it.

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• Denza Z9GT in Fjord Green in Malaysia – new batch?

  In Cars, Denza, Local News, Spyshots, Videos / by Jonathan James Tan / 20 October 2026 5:01 pm

  

  Yes, we know the Denza Z9GT has been launched in Malaysia for a few months already, but we’ve not seen it in Fjord Green before in this country. We thank reader James Bong for the photos.

  You see, the super-EV is officially only offered in two colours here – Obsidian Black and Rime Gold. This Fjord Green is the colour of the car Daniel Craig drove (and drifted) in Denza’s European ad campaign.

  

  We were previously told that the first batch has been sold out, so it looks like a fresh new batch is here. Enjoy your 1,156 PS and 1,210 Nm of torque, guys and/or girls!

  Other fantastic numbers associated with the car include a 2.7-second 0-100 km/h time, a 122.49 kWh LFP battery, a 1,000-volt architecture, the ability to support BYD’s 1,500 kW Flash Charging tech (10-70% in five minutes; 10-97% in nine minutes) and 20 Devialet speakers. All you need to know about the RM368,690 EV here.

  Denza Z9GT in Malaysia

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• ACE 2026: Enjoy RM17k in exclusive Deepavali rewards and low interest rates when you buy a GWM Haval H6

  ADVERTORIAL / by Mick Chan / 20 October 2026 4:27 pm

  

  The paultan.org Auto Car Expo (ACE) – powered by Petronas Primax – takes place from October 31 to November 1, 2026 at the Setia City Convention Centre (SCCC), and this is where you will find the latest deals on new automobiles in the Malaysian market.

  GWM is taking part in ACE 2026, and it will be bringing the Haval H6 HEV to the sales-driven expo with a host of attractive deals when you make your purchase of the SUV.

  Each purchase of the Haval H6 HEV makes you, the buyer eligible for exclusive Deepavali rewards worth RM17,000, along with low interest rates from 0.97%, and Touch ‘n Go RFID free of charge. Each Haval H6 comes with five years of free maintenance including labour and parts, and is covered by a 10-year engine and hybrid battery warranty.

  To get a Haval H6 HEV in your household or your fleet is to combine potent propulsion with fuel efficiency, as it packs a 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol hybrid powertrain with a dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT). Producing a combined 243 PS and 530 Nm, the powerplant enables the Haval H6 HEV to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 7.7 seconds.

  

  You can enjoy this performance alongside fuel efficiency, too, as the Haval H6 HEV is rated for a combined fuel consumption figure as low as 5.8 litres per 100 km, or a range of up to 1,000 km on a single full tank. This makes it ideal for the daily commute, interstate travel and family road trips.

  There’s space and practicality to spare in the Haval H6 HEV, given its versatile design that is suited to modern family lifestyles. With a luggage compartment that holds 560 litres, expandable to 1,485 litres with the rear seats folded, space is assured, made more accessible with the hands-free powered tailgate that makes loading and unloading the vehicle more convenient.

  Inside, digital device integration comes courtesy of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, accessed through a 12.3-inch infotainment unit, while the driver gets the necessary information delivered through the 10.25-inch instrument panel.

  

  GWM is one of many brands participating in ACE 2026, including Audi, BMW, BMW Motorrad, Chery, Dongfeng, Hyundai, iCaur, Jetour, Leapmotor, Lotus, Perodua, Mazda, MINI, Mitsubishi, Omoda | Jaecoo, Proton, Proton eMas, smart, Volkswagen and Zeekr, and more. In addition to Petronas Primax, ACE 2026 is co-sponsored by Jacar, TNB Electron and Carro.

  In addition to the offers from each of the participating brands, customers for the first 200 confirmed bookings at ACE 2026 will enjoy RM3,000 worth of vouchers from us.

  Each confirmed booking also enters you, the buyer into a lucky draw with prizes worth RM57,000, including a grand prize holiday package worth RM10,000, three sets of Llumar window tint by Jacar worth RM4,000 each, five smartphones worth RM3,000 each and five DK Schweizer Prestige Leather Upholstery upgrades worth RM4,000 each. Also up for grabs are goodie bags from V-Kool, Harman Kardon, DK Schweizer, Dodo, The Carage and Kuzig Glanz Detailing.

  The paultan.org Auto Car Expo (ACE) – powered by Petronas Primax – takes place from October 31 to November 1, at the Setia City Convention Centre (SCCC); find out more on the ACE 2026 microsite. See you there!

   

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