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  2027 Proton S70 RS – turbo FL, new interior

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  Mercedes-Benz C-Class EV previewed in Malaysia

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  2026 Honda City Hatchback FL - fr RM96k

Latest Stories

• 2027 Voge SR450X adventure scooter in M’sia , RM29,888

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, Voge / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 11 November 2026 11:34 am

  

  Now officially available in Malaysia is the 2027 Voge SR450X adventure scooter, priced at RM29,888, excluding road tax, insurance and registration. Previously launched in May, 2026, at the Malaysia Bike Show (Mforce MotoXperience 2026) at MAEPS Serdang, the adventure-oriented maxi-scooter is offered in three colours – Alpine Green, Cosmic Blue and Onyx Black.

  The SR450X comes with a 398 cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine, making it one of the few scooters in its class to use a twin-cylinder configuration. Power os claimed to be 42 hp at 8,000 rpm and 42 Nm of torque at 5,750 rpm, with an 84 mm bore and 72 mm stroke and an 11:1 compression ratio. Fuel delivery is via electronic fuel injection, while ignition uses a TCI system.

  Power is sent to the rear wheel through an automatic transmission and belt final drive. Riders can choose between Normal and Sport riding modes, while a dual-cable throttle system is fitted for more precise throttle response and 18 litres of fuel is carried in the tank.

  

  Suspension comes from KYB, with a 37 mm inverted front fork offering fully adjustable damping and 122 mm of travel. The rear uses dual air-chamber shock absorbers with adjustable preload and compression damping, providing 123 mm of travel. These are mounted alongside a single-sided aluminium swingarm.

  Braking hardware comprises a 300 mm floating front disc with a four-piston J Juan caliper and a 240 mm rear disc with a four-piston Nissin caliper. Switchable ABS and traction control are standard equipment, alongside blind-spot detection.

  The SR450X rides on spoke wheels shod with block-pattern Maxxis tyres, measuring 110/70-17 at the front and 150/70-17 at the rear. Dimensions are 2,165 mm long, 879 mm wide and 1,440 mm tall, with a 1,518 mm wheelbase, 795 mm seat height and 180 mm ground clearance while kerb weight is listed at 220 kg.

  

  

  

  

  Equipment is extensive, with a seven-inch colour TFT display with navigation screen projection through the Carbit Ride app. Bluetooth connectivity with the rider’s smartphone supports calls, contacts and music, while other riding conveniences include keyless operation, tyre pressure monitoring, USB Type-A and Type-C charging ports and a motorised adjustable windscreen.

  Rider and passenger comfort is addressed with three-level heated grips and heated seats. There is also front cowl and under-seat storage, an additional power outlet in the storage compartment, a utility hook, parking brake lever, seat-opening button and hydraulic seat damper.

  

  Adventure equipment includes handguards, fog lights, crash bars and off-road-style anti-slip footrests. A front and rear dashcam system is also fitted, along with full LED lighting and a side-stand safety switch.

  The Voge SR450X is covered by a two-year warranty, capped at 20,000 km for comprehensive coverage, whichever comes first. If the scooter exceeds 20,000 km during the two-year period, its engine components remain covered by an unlimited mileage warranty for the balance of the warranty period based on time, while spare parts are available for purchase online.

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• Anthony Loke makes final appearance at transport ministry, attending the monthly MOT assembly

  In Local News / by Anthony Lim / 11 November 2026 11:20 am

  

  Former transport minister Anthony Loke made his final appearance at the ministry of transport (MOT) office today, attending the monthly MOT assembly for the last time following his resignation from the post, which took effect last night

  He also attended the Cahaya Madani event organised by the ministry in conjunction with Deepavali celebrations, marking one of his final appearances with MOT staff, the New Straits Times reports.

  He was welcomed to the event by deputy transport minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah and MOT secretary-general Datuk Seri Jana Santhiran Muniayan.

  His resignation took effect yesterday as soon as former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak arrived at his residence to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest. He had previously announced his resignation on September 19 and submitted his resignation letter to prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on September 28.

  In his announcement yesterday, Loke thanked the PM for the trust and mandate given to him to serve in the cabinet since December 2022. He also thanked the ministry’s top management and staff for their commitment and cooperation during his time leading the ministry.

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• ASEAN NCAP 2026-2030 protocol to test motorcycle AEB, rear seat reminder with child presence detection

  In Cars, Local News, Safety / by Jonathan Lee / 11 November 2026 11:18 am

  

  At its Vehicle Safety Course earlier today, ASEAN NCAP detailed its 2026-2030 protocol that succeeds its previous five-year-old assessment system. The agency is taking another decisive step in the direction of driver assists, as it will now evaluate the motorcycle detection capabilities of autonomous emergency braking systems.

  The car-to-motorcycle test scenarios will include a simple rear-ending situation where the car approaches a motorcycle moving at a steady speed, a junction turn where the car cuts across an oncoming motorcycle’s path, a cross junction, and an instance of the car veering into an oncoming motorcycle. In all instances, the car must either stop or take evasive action.

  In lieu of an actual motorcycle, ASEAN NCAP commissioned an ADAS target designed to look like the scooters that are prevalent in markets like Thailand and Indonesia. Supplied by either 4activeSystems (4a) from Austria or the China Automotive Engineering Research Institute (CAERI), the target is mounted on an omnidirectional platform and even has hub-mounted motors to simulate the rotation of the two wheels.

  

  Click to enlarge

  Motorcycle AEB testing will now add up to six points to the Motorcyclist Safety score, which has risen from 16 to 24. The 2026-2030 protocol adds an additional point (now up to three) for auto/adaptive high beam and reduces the maximum points for advanced rear visualisation (i.e. blind spot cameras) to two points, while the previous two bonus points for advanced motorcyclist safety technologies will now be made part of the standard scoring criteria.

  The Safety Assist category will also be rejigged, with ASEAN NCAP now awarding up to two points for lane support technologies (lane keeping/centring assist), as well as raising the maximum number of points for inter-city (higher-speed) AEB testing from 3.5 points to five. With the score for advanced safety assist technologies dropping from three points to two, the maximum total points achievable in this category will be raised from 21 points to 23.5.

  Last but not least is the Child Occupant Protection (COP) category, which gains an additional test for child presence detection (CPD) technologies to prevent instances of children or pets being left behind in locked cars. Having previously awarded up to two points for a rear seat reminder, ASEAN NCAP will now provide up to five points for more advanced systems that can actually detect the presence of a child using radar, ultrasonic or infrared sensors.

  

  The agency commissioned a new dummy called the kiDS Child Presence Detection Subject (CPD-DS3), which can simulate the breathing rates and even the temperature of a baby up to 12 months old. Meanwhile, the frontal and side impact crash tests will utilise new Q6 and Q10 dummies that simulate a six- and a ten-year-old child respectively – up from an 18-month-old and a three-year-old previously – for a “more comprehensive evaluation of impact tests.”

  With the additional points for CPD technologies, the maximum total COP score will be raised from 51 points to 54. All three of these categories will each contribute 20% to the overall percentage score, with the Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) category – unchanged save for a switch to a newer dummy and a raised side impact test speed from 50 to 60 km/h – with a max score of 32 continuing to provide the bulk of the points at 40%.

  This is the third revision to ASEAN NCAP’s assessment protocol, which debuted in 2012 with only AOP and COP testing and an optional side impact test. This was made compulsory from 2017, with the agency also beginning to award points for ABS, stability control, seat belt reminders and blind spot monitors. In 2021, ASEAN NCAP brought the biggest update yet with the introduction of AEB testing and the addition of a separate Motorcycle Safety category.

  

  Click to enlarge

  At the event, ASEAN NCAP also previewed its roadmap for the 2031-2035 protocol, which is aimed at moving cars away from collision prevention and mitigation and instead helping drivers avoid such instances entirely.

  To that end, the agency plans to combine AOP and COP assessments into a single Crash Protection category, while Safety Assist is set to be split into Safe Driving and Crash Avoidance categories. It’s currently seeking proposals from OEM and academic partners for its Anchor VI research grant, looking to gather essential evidence on regional road safety characteristics.

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• Volvo Secret Sale at Ara Damansara this weekend – rebates of up to RM70k, plus event-only discounts!

  ADVERTORIAL / by Harvinder Sidhu / 11 November 2026 11:17 am

  

  Secret rebates on top of up to RM70,000 rebates? Yes, the Volvo Secret Sale is back and will be happening at Volvo Ara Damansara this weekend, November 14-15.

  It’s called the Volvo Secret Sale because of the secret rebates that will only be revealed during the weekend event. It will be stacked on top of current promotions, which is offering rebates of up to RM70,000. How much total savings can you expect? It’s a secret, for now.

  To get in on the secret, sign up to receive your exclusive QR code and just present it when you’re visiting Volvo Ara Damansara this weekend – the secret rebates will then be whispered to you.

  Don’t miss this rare opportunity for rebates on top of rebates on your dream Volvo model. Whether you’re eyeing the fast and compact EX30 Cross Country, all-time SUV favourites like the XC60 and XC90, or Volvo’s EV flagship models EX90 and ES90, this weekend is the perfect time for a test drive.

  Bring the whole family as there will be plenty of activities, food and drinks, plus games and activities for the kids. They’ll also love mascot Moose, who will be making a special appearance. Once again, it’s secret rebates on top of up to RM70,000 rebates at Volvo Ara Damansara this weekend, 9am to 6pm. For more info, check out Volvo Ara Damansara’s official website, Facebook and Instagram. See you at the Volvo Secret Sale!

   

• Denza D9L long-wheelbase revealed in BYD design patent – rear axle moved back, all-new face

  In Cars, Denza / by Harvinder Sidhu / 11 November 2026 10:46 am

  

  A long-wheelbase version of the Denza D9 MPV has surfaced in a design patent filed by BYD in China. The patent, CN 310308321 S, was published by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) on November 10. BYD filed it on June 3, 2025, under application number 202530315507.5.

  Design patents only cover styling, so there are no dimensions or powertrain details, and the product is listed as a “car”. Chinese media have dubbed it the D9L, although Denza has yet to confirm the name.

  Five designers are listed: Lian Yubo, Wolfgang Egger, Pan Zilin, Zhang Ruiqi and Chen Zhenlin. Lian is BYD Group’s chief scientist and chief automotive engineer, and Egger is BYD’s global design director. Egger is also credited on the patent for the two-door BYD microcar, which was published on the same day.

  Longer wheelbase

  

  We placed the patent’s side view against our photo of the current D9 to compare the two. The front doors and sliding doors look unchanged, so the extra length has been added behind them. The rear wheels have been moved back, and the third-row windows are much longer.

  If the long-wheelbase model is as tall as the current car (1,920 mm), our rough measurements put its wheelbase at around 3,340 mm, 230 mm more than the standard D9’s 3,110 mm. Overall length would be about 5,480 mm. The front and rear overhangs measure about the same as before, so all of the stretch is between the wheels.

  Redesigned front end

  

  The grille covers almost the entire nose. It’s made up of broken vertical chrome bars and is flanked by angular silver panels that extend to the bumper corners. Above it is a thin dark strip across the width of the car, which Chinese media believe is a full-width light bar.

  At the rear, there’s a dark strip across the tailgate below the window, with a camera in the centre. There’s also a high-mounted brake light on the roof spoiler and red strips at the corners of the bumper. The wheels are of a new multi-spoke design, and there’s a lidar sensor above the windscreen, which the Chinese-market D9 already gets.

  According to CarNewsChina, camouflaged prototypes have been seen testing since early 2026.

  The current Denza D9

  

  The current D9 measures 5,250 mm long with a 3,110 mm wheelbase. In China, it received a major update earlier this year that brought an all-new interior and BYD’s second-generation Blade LFP battery. The EV gets a 115 kWh battery and 462 PS (340 kW) with front-wheel drive or 557 PS (410 kW) with all-wheel drive, with up to 800 km of CLTC range. The plug-in hybrid has a 66.5 kWh battery that is good for up to 401 km of electric range (CLTC). Both support Flash Charging.

  Prices in China range from 329,800 to 469,800 yuan (RM201k to RM287k), and 5,056 units were delivered there in September, according to CarNewsChina.

  Here, the D9 crossed the 1,000-delivery mark in December 2025, and Denza Malaysia has teased the 2027 model, which gets more power, more range and Flash Charging.

  GALLERY: Denza D9 long-wheelbase design patent
  

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• Hyundai Stargazer offers safety, practicality, economy – fr RM99k at Hyundai Sime Motors Year End Bonus Event

  ADVERTORIAL / by Harvinder Sidhu / 11 November 2026 10:45 am

  

  If you’re looking for a family car with a budget of around RM100k, you’d know that picking the best option isn’t as simple as buying your first vehicle or your dream ride when you were single or just married. Now, there are plenty of considerations that you didn’t have to make before. Should you just go with the flow without surveying the market for a purchase this big?

  Family comes first, and safety should be the top priority. The Hyundai Stargazer scores high in this department. The MPV is available with Hyundai’s full SmartSense driver assist suite, comprising autonomous emergency braking, blind spot assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane centring assist, rear cross traffic alert with auto brake, front departure alert, driver attention monitor, safe exit warning and auto high beam, in addition to six airbags.

  A family car is one for all occasions, including road trip holidays and journeys back to the hometown for family reunions. As one of the more powerful options in the segment, the Hyundai Stargazer offers driving confidence even when fully loaded.

  

  The 1.5L Smartstream engine with 115 PS and 144 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm is paired to an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) with eight virtual speeds, putting control in your hands when it’s needed, such as during overtaking or inclines.

  The Stargazer leads the way when it comes to in-cabin technology, and these are features that make journeys safer and more enjoyable. The modern cockpit’s main highlight is the double 10.25-inch displays – one for the instrument cluster and another serving as an infotainment screen, which is the largest in class. With wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the generously-sized screen displays navigation, music and calls/messages in absolute clarity.

  There’s no need for cables, even for charging as the Stargazer is available with a wireless charging pad, while the electronic parking brake with auto hold makes driving a whole lot easier in traffic jams.

  

  Prioritising your family’s wellbeing doesn’t have to come with a cost to your longer term financial goals. Not only does the Hyundai Stargazer come with one of the lowest cost of ownership in the segment, the MPV is also backed by an eight-year warranty.

  There’s also the unique Resale Value Protection (RVP) programme, which guarantees 70% value of the vehicle’s price at year three (up to 60,000 km), 60% for year four (80,000 km) and 50% for year five (100,000 km). You don’t have to pay extra to opt-in, and RVP protects the value of what’s likely to be your second costliest purchase after your home. With this scheme, you get clarity and peace of mind.

  Last but not least, who you’re buying the car from matters, because customers are not merely purchasing a vehicle, but starting a long-term ownership journey.

  

  Hyundai Sime Motors is backed by Sime Motors – while the group requires no introduction, it’s worth noting that Sime Motors has partnered with Hyundai since the 1990s and has an automotive heritage that spans decades. To say that no one knows your Hyundai better than Sime Motors is no exaggeration – nationwide aftersales support, genuine parts availability and factory-trained technicians are guaranteed.

  The Hyundai Stargazer is priced from an affordable RM99,800, with estimated monthly instalments starting from approximately RM900 a month, subject to financing terms. There’s a year end bonus of up to RM6,000 and the above-mentioned RVP scheme. Bring the family for a test drive at the Hyundai Sime Motors Year End Bonus event this weekend, November 13-15 at Hyundai Ara Damansara and Hyundai Tebrau. You might be surprised to see how much it offers compared to other MPVs in the segment.

  Need something larger? The Hyundai Sime Motors Year End Bonus event is also offering the Staria MPV with savings of up to RM57,000, the Santa Fe Prime from RM170,000 (was RM225k, last few units) and pre-owned Tucson Prestige 1.6T units from RM140,000. More info at Hyundai’s official website as well as the company’s Instagram and Facebook pages. Contact Hyundai Sime Motors on Whatsapp.

   

• EICMA 2026 sees Chinese motorcycle brands take aim at Japanese, European and Indian rivals

  In Bikes, Feature Bike Stories, International Bike News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 11 November 2026 10:42 am

  

  Chinese motorcycle manufacturers used EICMA 2026 to showcase their growing ambitions, unveiling new middleweight sports bikes, adventure motorcycles and naked bikes aimed at competing with established Japanese, European and Indian brands. Among the China manufacturers with Malaysian representation are ZXMOTO, Kove, Voge and CFMOTO, whose latest developments underline the increasing sophistication of China’s motorcycle industry.

  Their new offerings range from a 645 cc inline-four supersport from Kove to an 819 cc triple-cylinder adventure motorcycle from ZXMOTO, while CFMOTO is expanding its adventure range and Voge has introduced a new 800 cc naked bike.

  ZXMOTO, distributed locally by MForce Bike Holdings, showcased the 820R and 820X alongside the 820RR and 500F. The brand entered Malaysia in September with the 500F, 500RR and 820RR, priced at RM28,888, RM29,988 and RM39,888 respectively. The 820X is particularly interesting, using the same 818.8 cc three-cylinder platform as the 820RR but producing 115 hp in adventure-bike specification.

  It gets a 27-litre fuel tank and 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, while the Touring version adds electronic suspension and radar-assisted adaptive cruise control. This puts it in competition with the Yamaha Ténéré 700, Honda XL750 Transalp and Suzuki V-Strom 800DE. European alternatives include the KTM 790 Adventure, and the recently launched at EICMA Royal Enfield Himalayan 750 is direct competition.

  

  Kove, which already has Malaysian representation with models including the 450 Rally and 800X, unveiled the 650RR, 350 Rally and 125 Rally. The 650RR is the headline model, powered by a new 645 cc liquid-cooled inline-four producing 109 hp at 13,000 rpm and 60 Nm at 11,000 rpm.

  Equipment includes ride-by-wire, a six-axis IMU, cornering ABS, traction control and a bi-directional quickshifter. The 650RR is aimed at the middleweight supersport segment, where it will face the Honda CBR650R and Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R from Japan, alongside Europe’s Aprilia RS 660.

  For the adventure segment, Kove’s 350 Rally uses a 349.9 cc single-cylinder engine, 21-litre fuel tank and 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels. At 122 kg dry, the smaller 125 Rally is positioned as a lightweight entry into rally-style riding.

  

  The 350 Rally’s natural competitors include the Honda CRF300 Rally, KTM 390 Adventure R and Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, with the latter two representing European and Indian competition respectively.

  Voge, another MForce-distributed brand in Malaysia, presented the R800 naked bike and SR16 380 scooter. The R800 uses a 798 cc parallel-twin producing 95.2 hp at 9,000 rpm and 81 Nm at 6,500 rpm. It features adjustable suspension, four riding modes, traction control, ABS, cruise control and a bi-directional quickshifter.

  Closest Japanese rival to the R800 is the Suzuki GSX-8S, powered by a 776 cc parallel-twin producing 82 hp and 78 Nm. European alternatives include the KTM 790 Duke and Triumph’s Trident 800. Meanwhile, the SR16 380 uses a 377.7 cc single-cylinder engine producing 39.5 hp and 40 Nm with 16-inch wheels, flat floorboard and 13-litre fuel tank.

  

  The Honda ADV350 and Yamaha XMAX 300 are its closest Japanese comparisons, although the Voge’s larger engine gives it a performance advantage on paper. CFMOTO, represented in Malaysia through its local dealer network, also presented several significant developments at EICMA.

  The new 550MT and 550MT-X adventure motorcycles use a 526 cc parallel-twin producing 54 hp and 52 Nm. Both receive IMU-based cornering ABS and traction control, while the 550MT-X gets 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, fully adjustable KYB suspension and 250 mm ground clearance.

  The standard 550MT is positioned against road-oriented adventure motorcycles such as the Honda NX500, while the 550MT-X takes aim at more off-road-focused machines including the Yamaha Ténéré 700 and KTM 790 Adventure. At the other end of the performance spectrum, CFMOTO displayed the V4SR-RR superbike concept, powered by a 997 cc 90-degree V4 producing more than 210 hp.

  

  Active aerodynamic winglets, Öhlins suspension, Brembo brakes and an Akrapovič titanium exhaust underline the company’s ambitions to compete with established superbike manufacturers. Its Japanese benchmarks include the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and Yamaha YZF-R1, while European alternatives include the Ducati Panigale V4 and Aprilia RSV4.

  The V4SR-RR remains a concept rather than a confirmed production model, but it demonstrates how far CFMOTO intends to push its engineering capabilities. For Malaysian buyers, the significance of these EICMA announcements goes beyond the motorcycles themselves. With ZXMOTO, Kove, Voge and CFMOTO already represented locally, the brands have established distribution channels through which new models could potentially reach the market.

  Their presence also means Japanese, European and Indian manufacturers face increasingly serious competition, particularly in the middleweight segment, where engine performance, equipment levels and pricing are becoming important battlegrounds. However, Malaysian availability, pricing and after-sales support will ultimately determine whether these new Chinese motorcycles can translate their EICMA appeal into meaningful competition in the local market.

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• More than 1,000 private vans in Kelantan believed to be illegally operating as school vans – JPJ

  In Local News, Public Transport / by Anthony Lim / 11 November 2026 10:34 am

  

  The road transport department (JPJ) says that there are more than 1,000 private vans in Kelantan believed to be providing transport services for schoolchildren without meeting the requirements and regulations stipulated for public transport vehicles, Bernama reports.

  According to state JPJ director Mohd Misuari Abdullah, the department views this activity seriously, as the use of private vehicles to transport schoolchildren on a commercial basis must comply with established licensing and permit requirements, as well as specific technical and safety standards.

  He said around 100 vans had been detected operating in Kota Baru alone, with most being over 20 years old. Following public complaints, Kelantan JPJ conducted an operation targeting public transport service vehicles around Kota Baru on November 5. During the operation, nine private vans were seized after they were found to be used as school transport without complying with the required regulations.

  A total of 20 summons notices were issued covering 18 instances of the misuse of road tax (LKM) and two cases involving expired LKM. Nine seizure notices were also issued under Section 64(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, he said.

  Mohd Misuari urged van owners and drivers not to take student safety lightly, ensuring their vehicles are in good condition and possess all valid documentation, and emphasised that enforcement actions were intended not merely as punishment, but to safeguard passengers.

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• H plate series’ RM91.2m revenue recognised by Malaysia Book of Records for ‘Highest Cumulative Bid Value’

  In Local News / by Danny Tan / 11 November 2026 10:14 am

  

  The H number plate series collected revenue of RM91.2 million, and that has now been recognised by Malaysia Book of Records as the ‘Highest Cumulative Bid Value for a Vehicle Registration Number Series’.

  The single letter series (H for harmony) was open for bidding from September 16-20 and attracted 34,664 bidders on JPJeBid, with 8,223 numbers successfully tendered. A record RM10,777,777 was paid to secure the H1 plate, easily eclipsing the previous record of RM1.75 million for the FFF1 plate in 2024. Other single digit H plates also went for millions – see the results here.

  Meanwhile, the numbers attracting the highest number of bidders were H 1001 and H 100, with 37 bidders each, followed by H 1805 with 36 bidders, and H 1777 and H 4818, with 32 bidders each.

  Former transport minister Anthony Loke explained the revenue split: half of the RM91.2 million goes into the Federal Consolidated Revenue Account, while the other half funds the transport ministry’s people-oriented initiatives. The latter includes the RM1,000 one-off payment to taxi and school bus drivers announced in Budget 2027.

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• BYD two-door microcar shown in China design patent – same face front and rear, smart #2-like shape

  In BYD, Cars / by Harvinder Sidhu / 11 November 2026 10:02 am

  

  BYD has been granted a Chinese design patent for a two-door microcar with near-identical front and rear ends. The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) published the patent on November 10, nearly 11 months after BYD filed it on December 18, 2025.

  The grant publication number is CN 310308323 S, from application number 202530748612.8. A design patent only covers how a product looks, and this one calls the product simply a “vehicle”, for carrying passengers or for transport. It gives no model name, dimensions, seat count or powertrain, and BYD hasn’t said anything about the car.

  The patent names five designers: Zhao Binggen, Wolfgang Egger, Xu Ziyan, Huang Xi and Zhang Xi. Egger is BYD’s global design director, and headed Audi Group design from 2007 to 2013.

  What the patent drawings show

  

  There are seven drawings: front, rear, left, right and top views, plus two perspective views. They show a tall, rounded body with one large door on each side. The wheels sit right at the corners, leaving almost no overhang at either end.

  The front and rear look almost the same. Each end has a horizontal light bar across the base of the glass, with a curved lower section below it that looks a little like a smile. There’s no grille at the front.

  In profile, the windscreen and bonnet form one long slope at the front, while the tail is upright. A large dark panel covers most of each door. The wheels have an X-shaped four-spoke design, and the drawings show no door mirrors.

  Close to the smart #2 in shape

  

  The proportions are close to those of the smart #2, the electric successor to the fortwo, which made its debut at the Paris Motor Show on October 12. The #2 is a two-seater measuring 2,746 mm long, 1,760 mm wide and 1,555 mm tall. It has a 62 kW (82 PS) rear motor and a 35.8 kWh LFP battery, with a range of up to 290 km on the WLTP cycle. In China, the #2 Premium is offered from a limited-time price of 99,900 yuan (RM61k) after incentives.

  The patent doesn’t show the interior or give any measurements, so it isn’t clear how many people BYD’s car would seat or how it would compare in size.

  BYD’s small cars

  

  The Seagull is BYD’s smallest car in China, and it has just grown. The second-generation Seagull, launched on October 20, is 425 mm longer than before at 4,205 mm and now seats five instead of four. Prices start from 65,900 yuan (RM40k).

  In Japan, BYD has sold the Racco electric kei car since July 28. It’s 3,395 mm long, has power-sliding rear doors and is priced from 2.145 million yen (RM54k).

  In August, Nikkei’s Chinese-language site reported that BYD plans to use the Racco’s X-PACK system in small EVs for Europe and other markets. X-PACK puts electrical components such as the inverter into the battery pack under the floor, freeing up space in the cabin. Nikkei said the new models could reach the market within several years. There’s nothing to link the patented microcar to that plan, and a design patent is no guarantee that a car will go into production.

  GALLERY: BYD two-door microcar design patent
  

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• 2027 Proton S70 RS styling details – Pulse Matrix Grille, Velocity Line, Geostar rims, Commander Dial, Techshifter

  In Cars, Local News, Proton / by Mick Chan / 10 November 2026 11:11 pm

  

  The Proton S70 RS was revealed last week, gaining the RS suffix that deputy CEO Abdul Rashid Musa says stands for “Refined Sportiness”, and the brand’s updated sedan brings added visual aggression in Sportline trim.

  Today, Proton has held the line-off ceremony for the S70 RS at the carmaker’s Tanjong Malim plant, with Proton chief designer Azlan Othman on location to describe the styling elements that identify the sedan’s latest visual updates.

  The brief was to evolve the S70 from “sporty” to “sports-focused”, Azlan said. Starting at the front of the S70 RS, the updated sedan wears the new Pulse Matrix grille with it latest take on the Infinite Weave design. This is said to mimic the visual patterns of an ECG, said Azlan – one of several references to pulse, heartbeats, and athleticism.

  

  

  

  

  The red ‘S’ badge on the S70 RS has been named the Spark S, placed towards the corner of the front grille to signify the start of a rhythm; the “spark that sets the beat”, Azlan said.

  Along the sides of the car, the side profile of the S70 RS is accentuated by the Velocity Line, a thin red line that runs the length of the side skirt.

  At each end of this is each of the Geostar wheels – measuring 17 inches in diameter and shod in GitiComfort F22 tyres, as with its predecessor – which Azlan says is inspired by Islamic geometry, and which offers a view of the brake calipers painted in Adrenaline Red, the colour that is applied to highlights throughout the S70 RS.

  

  

  Onwards, to the interior of the S70 RS; occupants are first greeted by the ‘S’ badged scuff plates, continuing the Spark S badging as found on the exterior of the new sedan.

  Inside, the interior of the S70 RS is dubbed the Redline Cockpit, so-named for its generous use of red throughout such as on the lower dashboard section, centre console, seat trim sections and seat belts.

  The ambient lighting employed in the cabin of the S70 RS is called Pulse Light, Azlan says, for its visual representation of a heartbeat, which again ties in the the athleticism and sportiness alluded to.

  

  

  

  In here, the S70 RS draws from the facelifted X50, bringing from its B-SUV stablemate the 8.88-inch driver’s instrument display and 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen.

  Its centre console is carried over from the Emgrand L EM-i plug-in hybrid, which means new rectangular air vents, twin smartphone trays with a driver’s side Qi wireless charger and a Proton eMas 7-style control knob flanked by physical air-con temperature and fan speed toggles. Here, the rotary controller dubbed the Commander Dial offers a concession to physical control accompanying other touchscreen-based functions.

  Making space for these additions means the omission of the gear shift selector in the outgoing S70, and in its place is a steering column-mounted selector which Proton here calls the Techshifter; the column-mounted shift lever already features in the current, facelifted X50.

  

  For exterior colours, the S70 RS is offered with a selection of five – Quartz Black, Space Grey, Snow White, Marine Blue, and Armour Silver.

  While the Proton S70 RS brings overtly sporty styling, its mechanical specification continues as before, with the 1.5 litre i-GT turbo four-cylinder engine continuing to produce 181 PS and 290 Nm as it did in the MC1 update earlier this year. The same seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission pairing follows, and so its 0-100 km/h time remains unchanged at 7.5 seconds.

  There has yet to be pricing details for the S70 RS, and the presentation on the updated sedan remains squarely on its styling. Right now, it continues to be the Sportline variant of the S70 RS that is depicted, and the Premium variant remains to be seen. Now with the insights on the S70 RS styling from Proton’s chief designer, what do you think?

  VIDEO: Proton S70 RS styling livestream

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  2027 Proton S70 RS, official images

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• Li Auto picks Wearnes for Singapore, Zung Fu for Hong Kong; Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines partners named

  In Cars, Li Auto / by Harvinder Sidhu / 10 November 2026 10:04 pm

  

  Li Auto has signed partners for five more Asia-Pacific markets, and three of them drive on the left. At a ceremony in Beijing on November 10, the Chinese carmaker named its partners for Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines and Vietnam. Thailand, Hong Kong and Singapore will be its first right-hand-drive (RHD) markets. Li Auto has only built left-hand-drive cars since it was founded in 2015.

  Add Macau, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, which were signed in April, and Li Auto says it is entering nine markets in the region this year. Only Macau has opened so far, in June.

  The first RHD car is the Li Mega, the brand’s fully electric MPV. It makes its RHD debut at the Thailand International Motor Expo, which runs from December 2 to 13, followed by a brand and Mega launch in Hong Kong. Li Auto says more than one RHD model will follow within a year. Chairman and CEO Li Xiang said on the company’s second-quarter earnings call that an RHD Li i6 SUV would complete the line-up.

  Nestor Wu, vice president of Li Auto’s international business, called the five signings “an important milestone as Li Auto officially enters Asia-Pacific markets”. He said the company will work with leading local partners to adapt its products and services to local regulations and customer needs.

  Below, we look at each partner and the other brands they handle, followed by what changes in the RHD Mega.

  Hong Kong: Zung Fu Group

  

  Zung Fu Group will be Li Auto’s general distributor in Hong Kong. Zung Fu has sold Mercedes-Benz cars in Hong Kong since the 1950s and has been part of the Jardine Matheson Group since 1990. Today, it is the authorised Mercedes-Benz dealer for passenger cars and vans in Hong Kong and Macau, and the general distributor for Mercedes-Benz trucks and buses.

  Its other brands are handled by member companies:

  • Hyundai Hong Kong: exclusive Hyundai distributor since 2003
  • Fu Chong Motors: general distributor for the new-generation smart
  • Futeng Motors: general agent for BYD’s luxury brand Denza
  • Yan Tin Motors: Foton commercial vehicles
  • Fudo Motors: BYD commercial vehicles

  Denza’s Hong Kong range includes the D9 MPV, so Zung Fu will be selling the Mega alongside one of its closest rivals. Li Auto hasn’t given a date for the Hong Kong launch.

  Singapore: Wearnes Automotive

  

  Singapore goes to Wearnes Automotive, whose roots go back to 1906. That year, Australian brothers Charlie and Theodore Wearne set up C.F.F. Wearne & Co. and took on the Oldsmobile agency, adding Rolls-Royce in 1909. The StarChase group has owned Wearnes since 2014.

  Wearnes’ Singapore line-up includes Renault, Volvo, Polestar, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lotus, Alpine, Aston Martin, Bentley and Bugatti. It also handles Pininfarina and Rimac hypercars, plus Ducati and Harley-Davidson motorcycles. In 2025 it signed up Nio, whose Firefly city EV went on sale in Singapore this year as Nio’s first RHD model. Li Auto and Nio compete head-on in China.

  Outside Singapore, Wearnes’ website lists:

  • Hong Kong: Lotus, Polestar and Volvo
  • Taiwan: Jaguar and Land Rover
  • Thailand: Lotus
  • Vietnam: Bentley
  • Mongolia: Land Rover and Porsche
  • Malaysia: Aston Martin, Bentley, Honda and Koenigsegg

  Wearnes brought Aston Martin back to Malaysia in 2015 and became Koenigsegg’s exclusive partner in Asia in 2019.

  Li Auto’s Singapore showroom will be at 45 Leng Kee Road, the Wearnes headquarters. Sales and aftersales start in the first quarter of 2027, and The Business Times reports that the first deliveries are due in January or February. The launch models will be the Mega and the i6, both fully electric. Local specifications and prices have not been confirmed.

  “We’re excited to work with Li Auto, one of China’s most innovative luxury automotive brands,” said Wearnes CEO Andre Roy.

  Thailand: Li Auto subsidiary with Evante and Infinite Automobile

  

  Thailand is the only one of the five without a distributor. A Li Auto subsidiary will run the market, and two dealer groups will sell the cars. Thai site Autolife Thailand names the subsidiary as Li Auto New Energy (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

  Evante is 51% owned by Synergetic Auto Performance (asap), a car rental company listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Evante became the exclusive Thai distributor of SAIC’s Maxus commercial EVs in March. It launched four models at the BIG Motor Sale with prices from 990,000 baht.

  Infinite Automobile belongs to the AAS Group, whose AAS Auto Service has imported Porsche into Thailand since 1986 and was appointed a Bentley dealer in 1990. Infinite was set up to sell EVs. It represents Changan’s Deepal, Avatr and Lumin brands in Thailand, with close to 30 Deepal showrooms and two Avatr showrooms in Bangkok.

  

  According to Autolife Thailand, the first batch of Megas has already been shipped to Thailand, but bookings and sales won’t open until the first quarter of 2027. It estimates a price of 3.5 million baht or more. The i6 will be shown at the motor expo for display only, ahead of its Thai launch in 2027. The site also reports that Li Auto is studying local assembly in Thailand and has held talks with government agencies.

  Vietnam: Neera Motors

  

  Neera Motors is Li Auto’s importer and distributor in Vietnam. It’s a new company: Vietnam’s business registry shows it was set up in Hanoi in February 2026 as Changan Vietnam Automobile Company Limited and later renamed Neera Motors. It also holds Dongfeng’s Forthing brand, which starts with the V9 MPV, a Kia Carnival rival, some time after Li Auto. General director Hoàng Chí Trung told Vietnamese media that the first two Li Auto showrooms will be in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

  Vietnam drives on the right, so it gets the left-hand-drive range, including the extended-range models. Tuoi Tre reports that Neera will introduce four SUVs in December or January: the electric i6 and the L6, L8 and L9 extended-range models. Prices and the sales start have not been announced.

  Philippines: Dangdang New Energy Auto Service

  

  The Philippines is the only one of the five where Li Auto is already on sale. Local distributor HomeAuto launched the L7 and L9 in April 2025 and opened a showroom in Bonifacio Global City the following month. A second showroom followed in Aseana City, Parañaque, in April this year. Li Auto’s announcement names Dangdang New Energy Auto Service as its Philippine partner and doesn’t mention HomeAuto.

  Dangdang brought GAC’s Aion EVs to the Philippines in September 2024. GAC took Aion in-house through GAC International Philippines in October 2025. In China, Dangdang New Energy is an EV sales and service company in which Hong Kong-listed dealer group China Harmony Auto made a strategic investment. In 2023, China Harmony said Dangdang was authorised by Li Auto, Nio, Xpeng, GAC Aion and Voyah.

  Macau, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar

  

  The April round covered Hongyue Group in Macau, SDB Investment in Cambodia, Hongyun Group in Laos and PMPG EV in Myanmar. Rollouts were due to start in May, but only Macau has opened.

  Macau’s Guangdong Hongyue Automobile Sales Group is also Nio’s general distributor there. It opened Li Auto’s first Macau store on June 26 with the i6 and i8, in left-hand drive. In Cambodia, SDB Auto Group is also one of two investors in NSPENG, Xpeng’s official dealer, alongside China’s Guangzhou Nanling Auto Group. PMPG – EV Myanmar Trading is one of the companies licensed under Myanmar’s EV import programme.

  The right-hand-drive Li Mega

  

  For RHD markets, the Mega gets 11 kW charging and a CCS Type 2 port, and Li Auto says it is configured for a five-star ASEAN NCAP rating. Other local changes include:

  • glass specifications and number plate sizes
  • 220-volt sockets in the cabin
  • local languages, SIM and data services
  • AM/FM bands and the infotainment apps

  It keeps the rear-wheel steering (5.5 metre turning radius), 800-volt active anti-roll bars and dual-chamber air suspension.

  In China, the Mega is a 5.35 metre-long seven-seater with dual motors making 400 kW. Its 800-volt platform supports up to 520 kW charging, taking the battery from 10% to 80% in about 10 minutes. Li Auto hasn’t published battery, range or price figures for the RHD car.

  Malaysia not on the list

  

  Malaysia isn’t among the nine markets, but there are signs it could be next. Li Auto advertised for a Malaysia general manager on LinkedIn, and The Business Times says industry reports have the brand poised to enter Malaysia and Australia soon. Li Auto has said nothing officially.

  If it does come, Malaysia’s rules for fully imported EVs, which since July require a CIF value of at least RM200,000 and at least 180 kW of power, would favour the Mega over the cheaper i6.

  Li Auto’s overseas push

  

  Li Xiang founded Li Auto in Beijing in 2015, and its extended-range SUVs made its name in China. It listed on Nasdaq in 2020 and in Hong Kong in 2021. Its first overseas store opened in Uzbekistan in October 2025. Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Egypt followed, along with deals with Al Fahim Motors in the UAE and Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors in Saudi Arabia in April. In Europe, the i6 goes on sale as the Li 6 in Norway and the Netherlands in the first quarter of 2027, with the UK due later that year.

  The overseas push comes as sales at home slow. Li Auto delivered 29,025 vehicles in October, 8.6% fewer than a year earlier. It posted a net loss of 1.71 billion yuan (RM1.01 billion) for the second quarter, its second loss in a row, as revenue fell 15.1% to 25.67 billion yuan.

  GALLERY: Li Mega
  

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• Malaysian Cub Prix introduces 140 cc – 185 cc scooter racing category in 2027

  In Bikes, Local Bike News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 10 November 2026 6:48 pm

  

  The Petronas MAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship will introduce a new Open Class Scooter Race category for the 2027 season, expanding its racing programme to include automatic motorcycles with engine capacities ranging from 140cc to 185cc. Presented by race organiser Safe Aim Mutual Sdn Bhd, the new category aims to bring a fresh dimension to the national racing series, with riders competing on production-based automatic motorcycles without manual gearboxes.

  The class will be open to all eligible scooter models within the specified engine capacity range, with Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and Modenas expected to feature on the starting grid. Scooters from Chinese and European manufacturers are also eligible, provided they meet the technical regulations.

  

  The introduction of the category is expected to create a new competitive platform for manufacturers, racing teams and privateers, while giving riders an opportunity to develop their racing skills on automatic motorcycles. Beyond the on-track competition, the series will also challenge teams and mechanics to optimise engine performance, acceleration, durability and automatic transmission systems under racing conditions.

  The new category is also intended to broaden grassroots participation in Malaysian motorsports by bringing more accessible and widely used motorcycle platforms into competitive racing. Further details, including technical regulations, rider registration requirements and the full 2027 race calendar, will be announced at a later date.

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• GWM Ora 5 Plus debuts in Thailand – longer wheelbase, more luggage space than Ora 5; 1.5T hybrid, EV variants

  In Cars, GWM, International News / by Mick Chan / 10 November 2026 6:14 pm

  

  Following a teaser last week, the GWM Ora 5 Plus has made its global debut in Thailand. As its name suggests, the Ora 5 Plus is an upsized version of the Ora 5 that went on sale in Thailand in March this year, and which will be launched in Malaysia soon.

  The Ora 5 Plus debuts with EV and Hi2 HEV powertrains, the latter featuring a 1.5 litre turbocharged inline-four cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor, and both launch in Thailand in a sole Ultra trim specification.

  

  

  Size-wise, the Ora 5 Plus measures 4,758 mm long, 1,833 mm wide and 1,630 mm tall with a 2,720 mm wheelbase, regardless of powertrain; for comparison, the Ora 5 measures 4,471 mm long, 1,833 mm wide and 1,641 mm tall with an identical 2,720 mm wheelbase and 1,583 mm/1,577 mm front and rear track widths.

  This makes the Ora 5 Plus 287 mm longer and the same width, but 11 mm lower than the Ora 5. Ground clearance for the Ora 5 Plus is 175 mm, identical to that of the Ora 5. The added length of the Ora 5 Plus relative to the Ora 5 appears to benefit luggage space; the Ora 5 Plus holds 495 litres with its rear seats up, according to GWM, compared to 272 litres in the Ora 5.

  The EV variant of the Ora 5 Plus gets a 204 PS/260 Nm permanent magnet synchronous motor driving the front wheels, drawing from a 58.3 kWh lithium-ion battery that offers 520 km range on the NEDC cycle, or around 442 km on the WLTP testing standard. Charging is supported at up to 120 kW DC and 6.6 kW AC, while vehicle-to-load (V2L) can be supplied at up to 6 kW.

  

  

  GWM Ora 5 Plus EV, HEV running gear

  Alongside this is the Hi2 HEV, which gets a 1,499 cc litre turbocharged petrol engine rated to produce 150 PS from 5,500 rpm to 6,000 rpm and 240 Nm from 1,800 rpm to 4,000 rpm. This pairs with a 190 PS/236 Nm electric motor, drawing from a 1.09 kWh battery, to yield combined outputs of 223 PS and 476 Nm.

  Both battery-electric and hybrid powertrains match the output figures of their counterparts in the Ora 5. In the case of the hybrid, fuel tank capacity is 55 litres.

  Suspension layout in the Ora 5 Plus is with MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link setup at the rear, thus matching that of the Ora 5, which in turn matches that of the Good Cat. Wheels are 18-inch alloys, shod in tyres measuring 225/60R18, complemented by a tyre repair kit.

  

  

  Across both EV and hybrid variants, the Ora 5 Plus packs an identical ADAS suite which is comprised of forward and rear collision warning, door open warning, lane change assist, front and rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, blind spot detection, and speed limit warning function.

  Further active safety functions in the Ora 5 Plus include ABS, EBD, traction control, hill start assist, and hill descent control, along with front seatbelt reminder and emergency call function functions. Visual aids also include a 360-degree camera system with a “transparent-body” view; passive safety kit includes front, side and curtain airbags for a total of six airbags.

  Four drive modes are offered in the Ora 5 Plus EV and hybrid variants, both getting Eco, Normal and Sport for the first three. For the fourth, the EV gets a “Well-being” mode, while the hybrid gets a Snow mode.

  

  According to GWM, the Ora 5 Plus chassis has been “internationally tuned” to provide balanced handling, stability and control. Meanwhile, an integrated braking control system is said to provide quicker response, smoother control and better energy recovery.

  Exterior equipment as standard on both EV and hybrid variants of the Ora 5 Plus include automatic LED headlights with LED DRLs, full-width LED tail lights, a panoramic sunroof with powered sunshade, powered tailgate, and power-folding exterior mirrors.

  Inside, both variants get a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat with three-position memory and ventilation, while the front passenger seat has four-way power adjustment and ventilation. Seat upholstery is leatherette, while the multifunction steering wheel is on a four-way adjustable column.

  Infotainment is by a 15.6-inch touchscreen while the driver gets a 10.25-inch digital display, and audio is by a nine-speaker system; voice control supports Thai and English spoken commands. software updates are dispensed over-the-air (OTA).

  

  

  Smartphone connectivity is by wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and charging is supported by a 50-watt wireless charging pad. Also in here are one USB-A and one USB-C port each in the front row, one USB-C in the second row, and an additional USB-A port for powering a dashcam.

  For exterior colours, the Ora 5 Plus is offered in Ebony Black, Hamilton White and Mountain Grey, with Dark Grey interior upholstery. The EV variant gains additional colour choices; Emerald Green exterior paint, and the Brown Beige interior colour scheme.

  While the GWM Ora 5 Plus has just made its debut in Thailand, word of local assembly (CKD) for a station wagon based on the Ora 5 platform has emerged beforehand, during the line-off ceremony for the Wey G9 HEV and Ora 5 HEV at EP Manufacturing’s (EPMB) Pegoh, Melaka plant last week.

  “(The GWM Ora 5 SUV’s) advanced common platform architecture creates opportunities for further models. We hope GWM will entrust Pegoh with related variants from this platform, including perhaps a sedan, and perhaps a station wagon,” EPMB executive chairman Hamidon Abdullah said at the event. Might we see the Ora 5 Plus in Malaysia as a CKD model?

  GWM Ora 5 Plus debut brochure

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• Dodo 11.11 sale – 25% off all car mats, free Go Clear • Pro wiper worth RM159 for first 100 sets, Nov 10-12

  ADVERTORIAL / by Harvinder Sidhu / 10 November 2026 6:12 pm

  

  Dodo’s 11.11 Mega Sale is on now, and it only runs for three days, from November 10 to 12. Every Dodo car mat is 25% off, and each mat order comes with a free Dodo Go Clear • Pro wiper worth RM159. There’s no minimum spend.

  Dodo is calling this its biggest sale of the year. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to upgrade your mats, you’ll pay less than the mats normally cost and get new wipers on top.

  The free wiper is limited to the first 100 sets, so it’s first come, first served. Dodo says buyers can save up to RM433, and the deal is only available on the official Dodo website.

  Custom-fit EVA mats in three ranges

  

  All Dodo mats are made of EVA and custom-fit to your exact car model. They come with Dodo’s Antislip for twice the grip, and they’re water-resistant, so spills don’t soak through to the carpet. There are three ranges to pick from, depending on how you use your car:

  • Dodo Luxury 2.0: dual-layer EVA that traps 80% of dirt and debris in the bottom layer, so the mat looks cleaner for longer. It has an adjustable heel pad, is rated by Dodo as eight times more durable, and comes with a five-year warranty.
  • Dodo Elite 1.0: single-layer EVA with a fixed heel pad. It’s easy to vacuum, rated as five times more durable, and comes with a three-year warranty.
  • Dodo Camouflage: the Elite 1.0 with a rugged camo design for off-road weekends, also with a three-year warranty.

  

  

  Free Go Clear • Pro wiper, worth RM159

  

  Buy a car mat in a standard or combo package and you get a Dodo Go Clear • Pro wiper free. Here’s what it offers:

  • Japanese-formula rubber, backed by 70 years of Japanese rubber expertise, which Dodo says lasts three times longer than standard rubber wipers
  • A hydrophobic coating that makes water bead up and roll off the glass
  • A two-step professional installation that cleans the windscreen before the wiper goes on, for a cleaner wipe and a longer life
  • Built to handle Malaysia’s heat
  • A two-year warranty

  Only need wipers? The Go Clear • Pro is also 50% off on its own during the sale, at RM79.50 instead of RM159.

  

  

  The Dodo 11.11 Mega Sale ends on November 12, and the free wipers will go to the first 100 buyers, so don’t leave it too late. Head to the official Dodo website to choose your mat and find out more. Terms and conditions apply.

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• Anthony Loke’s resignation as transport minister takes effect after High Court decision on Najib

  In Local News / by Harvinder Sidhu / 10 November 2026 6:00 pm

  

  In a media statement issued today, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said his resignation takes effect immediately, following the Kuala Lumpur High Court’s decision today for former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to serve house arrest, and in line with the stand he announced last Friday.

  “This decision holds to the principles and stand that I have explained before,” he said.

  Loke thanked prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the trust and mandate given to him to serve in the cabinet since December 2022. He also thanked the ministry’s top management and staff for their commitment and cooperation during his time leading the ministry.

  He said he will cooperate fully to make sure the handover goes smoothly, and that the ministry’s responsibilities and initiatives continue to be carried out in the interest of the people. The statement doesn’t say who will take over the transport portfolio.

  

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• Proton i-HEV name confirmed for AMA02/Saga Cross/X30 hybrid – 1.5L DHE and DHT with 163 PS, 220 Nm

  In Cars, Local News, Proton / by Anthony Lim / 10 November 2026 5:13 pm

  

  Shown at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) 2026, and then again at the Global Automotive and Technology Expo (GATE) 2026, Proton’s HEV hybrid system now has an official name – the automaker has confirmed i-HEV as the official name of its new hybrid technology, which will make its debut in the upcoming AMA02, or Saga Cross/X30.

  Reiterating that which was indicated previously, the naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre Dedicated Hybrid Engine (DHE) Atkinson-cycle mill offers 111 PS and 136 Nm of torque (which is the same as China’s Geely Preface i-HEV), with a 46.5% thermal efficiency.

  The unit also features a high geometric compression ratio of 14:1, which works with water-cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) to optimise combustion and reduce pumping losses. Elsewhere, a variable displacement oil pump adjusts oil supply according to demand, while an electric water pump manages coolant circulation as needed, helping to reduce the energy consumed by auxiliary systems and support effective engine temperature management.

  

  

  

  Other numbers bandied include a 97.5% transmission efficiency and a 97% dual-motor peak efficiency from its one-speed 11-in-1 dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) with P1 and P3 motors. The P1 motor starts the engine and generates electricity, while the P3 motor drives the vehicle and recovers energy during deceleration.

  Also confirmed is the output of the main driving motor, which is 163 PS and 220 Nm, similar to that on the Geely Galaxy Starshine 6/Emgrand EM-i. It is however lower than the Geely Preface i-HEV’s 190 PS and 240 Nm.

  The i-HEV system features a 1.38 kWh battery that stores energy for electric driving and motor assistance. The engine supplies energy through the generator when required, and like similar HEV systems, also recovers some of the vehicle’s kinetic energy during deceleration via regenerative braking and converts it into electricity for later use.

  

  A power control module (PCM) coordinates the engine, motors and battery, automatically selecting between four operating modes (EV, Series, Parallel and Direct Drive mode) according to vehicle speed, power demand and battery condition, with selection done by the system.

  The automaker said that with a petrol engine developed specifically for hybrid operation, dual electric motors and intelligent energy management, i-HEV is designed to deliver lower fuel consumption alongside smooth, responsive performance. As reported previously, both the engine and DHT are set to be assembled in Tanjong Malim.

  “Malaysian car buyers want technology that makes their daily journeys easier. With i-HEV, we are bringing together fuel efficiency, responsive performance and the convenience of a hybrid system that requires no external charging. Whether driving through city traffic or travelling home for the holidays, the system manages how petrol and electric power are used so drivers can concentrate on their journey,” said Proton deputy CEO Datuk Abdul Rashid Musa.

  GALLERY: Proton i-HEV official images

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  GALLERY: Proton i-HEV showcase at Global Automotive and Technology Expo (GATE) 2026

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• 2027 Kawasaki KX327 – 327cc fuel-injected two-stroke motocrosser unveiled, in Japan end 2026

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Kawasaki / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 10 November 2026 4:01 pm

  

  Kawasaki returns to the big-capacity two-stroke motocross segment with the 2027 Kawasaki KX327, powered by a new 327 cc fuel-injected, liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine. The KX327 marks the Japanese manufacturer’s return to full-size two-stroke off-road motorcycles after a 19-year absence.

  Developed primarily for motocross competition, the KX327 has its chassis derived from the KX450F. Initially released in the US in June, the KX327 is scheduled to enter the Japanese market in the winter of 2026.

  The new engine is Kawasaki’s first fuel-injected two-stroke powerplant. It combines electronic fuel injection with a newly developed exhaust-valve system to deliver more linear power across the rev range, improving throttle control and traction.

  

  Fuel injection also eliminates manual carburettor jetting adjustments for changes in altitude and weather conditions. However, lubrication remains a conventional pre-mix arrangement. The KX327 gets electric starting, a hydraulic clutch and two selectable engine maps while power is delivered through a five-speed close-ratio transmission.

  Chassis hardware includes an aluminium perimeter frame, a 48 mm KYB inverted coil-spring front fork and a KYB rear shock with Kawasaki’s Uni-Trak linkage. Braking is handled by Nissin callipers, with a 270 mm front disc and 240 mm rear disc.

  

  Rolling on 21-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels, the motocrosser also gets adjustable handlebar and footpeg positions, ODI Lock-On grips and tool-free air-filter access. The KX327 supports Kawasaki’s Radiology The App KX2 smartphone application, which uses GPS to record riding data and lap times, monitor engine temperatures and provide maintenance reminders.

  In the United States, the 2027 Kawasaki KX327 is priced at US$9,099 (RM38,200), with availability scheduled for late 2026. European pricing is 10,499 Euro (RM49,000), with deliveries in the Netherlands expected from January 2027.

  

  Kawasaki has also introduced the KX327X, a cross-country version of the KX327 sharing the same engine. The KX327X gets a six-speed transmission, 18-inch rear wheel, a larger fuel tank, handguards, skid plate and side stand.

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• Kove 650RR unveiled, 109 hp supersport arriving in 2027

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Kove / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 10 November 2026 2:56 pm

  

  Kove has unveiled the Kove 650RR, a road-legal supersport developed for track use, powered by a 645 cc engine producing 109 hp and equipped with a bidirectional quickshifter and cornering ABS. The liquid-cooled, 16-valve DOHC engine produces 109 hp at 13,000 rpm (China news reports power at 124 hp) and 60 Nm of torque at 11,000 rpm.

  The 6560RR features ride-by-wire throttle control, three riding modes – Standard, Sport and Custom – and a bi-directional quickshifter. The wing is carried in a double-beam chassis as a stressed-member, with aluminium subframe and swingarm, and adjustable suspension.

  

  Power goes to the rear wheel through a six-speed slipper clutch equipped gearbox. Rider assistance systems include blind-spot monitoring and lane-change assistance while a six-axis IMU (Internal Measurement Unit) controls riding aids.

  Braking is done by twin floating front discs with four-piston calipers, with cornering ABS and traction control as standard equipment. Weighing 195 kg, the motorcycle gets a 17-litre aluminium fuel tank and an 810 mm seat height.

  

  Equipment includes a 6-inch TFT display with MotoPlay connectivity, front and rear cameras, and lane-change assist. Kove has developed the 650RR to combine circuit-focused performance with road-going practicality.

  First deliveries are scheduled for the third quarter of 2027, with pricing and market availability yet to be announced. The company is also preparing the model for competition in the 2027 World Supersport Championship.

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• ECRL trial runs begin ahead of December 12 launch

  In Local News, Public Transport / by Anthony Lim / 10 November 2026 2:19 pm

  

  The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) has commenced trial operations in the final phase of its preparation for commercial passenger services, which is slated to begin on December 12. Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) said the trial operations, which began on November 7 and runs until December 2, will cover journeys on both express and transit services from Gombak to Kota Bharu and vice versa.

  In a statement, MRL said the trial runs will assess operational readiness, service efficiency, station management and the passenger experience in a real operating environment. It added that the ECRL electrified multiple unit trains will operate according to the planned commercial passenger timetable during the trial programme, and will include the issuance of boarding passes and the provision of cabin crew services.

  The train on the first trial run departed at 7am from the Terminal Bersepadu Gombak Station on Saturday and arrived at the KotaSAS station in Kuantan, Pahang, at 8.28 am, completing the trip in just 88 minutes.

  It subsequently departed KotaSAS at 9.33 am, arriving at Kuala Terengganu station at 9.53 am, before departing five minutes later, reaching its final destination, Kota Bharu station, at 10.58 am. The train, which carried 170 passengers, reached speeds of up to 160 km/h during the trip.

  

  

  The latest milestone follows the completion of key testing and commissioning stages, including the system integration test and the successful completion of the fault-free run (FFR) on October 29.

  MRL said it would continue prioritising system testing, certification and operational readiness ahead of the planned launch. It added that as of October 2026, construction of Phase 1 of the ECRL, covering the Kota Bharu-Gombak alignment, had reached 98.47% completion.

  One-way economy-class tickets for the Gombak-Kota Baru route start at RM125 for Transit services and RM147 for Express services, the latter with limited stops. Fares for the Gombak-Kuala Terengganu route start at RM95 (Transit) and RM110 (Express), while the Gombak-KotaSAS fares start at RM60 and RM68 respectively.

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