Our national day is right around the corner, giving us time to pause to reflect on everything we have achieved over the past 62 years. We may be a country of diverse cultures (nowhere is this more evident than in the sheer variety of different food we eat), but while we’ve had our differences, ultimately we all want to succeed as one entity – and that’s the glue that binds us together.
It also got us thinking – what exactly is a Malaysian car? For us, a Malaysian car needs to resonate with everyone, young and old, and it also needs to reflect our best (and sometimes worst) traits. And why limit ourselves to Malaysian-branded cars? This is a nation of diversity, after all, and there are cars from other countries that have made a difference in our lives, too.
So, without further ado, here is a list of our top 10 most Malaysian cars.
10. Perodua Kancil
We start off the list with a car that practically all of us have driven, at least a handful of times. Yes, the Perodua Kancil was immensely popular in its own right – it was extremely affordable, making it a default first choice for graduates or just people who wanted a cheap runabout. But for many years it was also widely-used in driving schools as a learner car, lending itself to abuse from pimply teenagers.
See one on the road today and you’ll be flooded with memories of the heavy unassisted steering, the clunky gearshift and the long and easy-to-master clutch pedal travel – all the better for ascending that 10% slope without stalling or rolling back. The Kancil has since been replaced by the Viva and Axia, but for many of us, the tiny hatchback with a mouse-deer on the nose lives on in our hearts.
9. Datsun 120Y
The next car is here for much the same reason as the Kancil – before the latter’s proliferation, it was the Datsun 120Y that was the learner car of choice, so it’s a car some of our older folk will be familiar with. Even if you’re not, most of us have/had at least one grandfather who used to own/still owns one.
The ubiquitous sedan was also an integral part of Nissan’s success story in Malaysia. So popular was the brand over here that its vehicles have been seared into our consciousness, whether it’s this car, its “AWAS! ABSORBER BUMPERS” 130Y/Nissan Sunny successor, the Vanette (the pasar malam van) or one of the earlier pickups (usually a mobile vegetable shop). This car is just as Malaysian as any Proton or Perodua.
8. Proton Gen.2
In terms of local content, however, it’s the Proton Gen.2 that rules the roost. While the earlier Waja was billed as Malaysia’s first indigenously-designed car, it was based on the Mitsubishi Carisma and initially used the only-God-knows-how-old-this-is 4G18 1.6 litre engine. The Gen.2, on the other hand, was all in-house, right down to its CamPro mill – it was the first application of Proton’s very own four-pot.
Sure, there were many faults, the hollow plastics, awful ergonomics and the infamous torque dip being just a few. But it was blessed with tidy road manners and, more than anything else, it showed that Malaysia was capable of building cars under its own power – and whatever your opinion of Proton is, you’ll have to agree that it’s not something a lot of other countries can boast.
7. Toyota Alphard/Vellfire
A fairly recent phenomenon, but the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire twins are nevertheless an integral part of our fabric. These rolling, leather-trimmed mansions may have been Japanese refugees, but so well-received were the grey-imported units that came in by the literal boatload that UMW Toyota Motor had to step in, bringing the maxi-MPV in officially starting with the facelifted second-generation Alphard.
And while all cars can be stereotyped, the Alphard and Vellfire attract a certain type of buyer – particularly a black Vellfire with heavily-tinted windows. And of course, it’s no longer reserved for the filthy rich – these cars have been here for so long now that there are plenty of new, used and reconditioned vehicles at every price point. A perfect example of a naturalised citizen.
6. Volvo 240
Some of you probably don’t know this, but Malaysia has been making cars way before Proton was set up in 1985. Soon after the birth of the federation in 1963, local vehicle assembly was seen as a viable means to develop the nation’s economy. That particular trail was blazed by none other than Volvo, which set up its Swedish Motor Assemblies plant in 1967.
And it was this, the Volvo 240, that propelled the brand to stardom. Back then, you’d see as many of these safe, boxy tanks as you did Mercedeses and BMWs, and they were also usually driven by more discerning well-heeled individuals. This image carried on to the following models, the 740, 850 and S70, and to a certain extent it still holds true with today’s sleek, ultra-modern Volvos.
5. Mitsubishi Pajero
Believe it or not, there was a time when SUVs were bought solely by those who needed the extra space and off-road capabilities. And before the likes of the Honda CR-V democratised the body style, the only mass-market SUVs out there were proper, burly 4x4s. Of the dozens on the market in the ’80s and ’90s, the Mitsubishi Pajero was by far the most prolific.
By then, Mitsubishi’s partnership with Proton meant that the diamond brand’s presence in Malaysia was limited to commercial vehicles like the Pajero, but it didn’t matter. The big, square, handsome beast was loved by everyone from construction managers to upwardly mobile professionals, and the first and second generations were so popular that at one point, most Malaysians referred to all SUVs as Pajeros. They were also popular with the police, with minimally-marked dark blue examples once a common sight.
4. Toyota Hilux
And so, to the vehicle that replaced the Pajero for much of its clientele. As a variety of factors pushed prices of 4x4s well beyond the reach of most buyers, they turned to another rugged and practical body style – the pick-up truck. As with the Pajero, it was the Toyota Hilux that defined the segment, and it wasn’t long before the term “hailak” was used interchangeably with “pick-up”.
The seventh-generation model was an especially big hit – with its car-like curvaceous lines and proven Toyota reliability, it kickstarted the trend of trucks being used in the city as regular daily drivers, rather than being relegated to construction sites. The fact that the Hilux is still high up the list of most-stolen vehicles in Malaysia is testament to its continued popularity.
3. Toyota Vios
What would our comments section be without the complaints of high prices? Protectionist measures safeguarding the national carmakers pushed prices of foreign cars upwards, and once-popular brands like Honda and Toyota were considered too expensive for most people. But Toyota changed all that with the Vios, which broke into the (relatively) affordable B-segment market as a handsome and comfortable offering.
At the time, the Honda City was an ancient relic based on an old Civic, and even when it migrated to Jazz underpinnings soon after, it was the better-looking Toyota that won the popularity contest. But the second-generation “dugong” model really entered the mainstream, with a plethora of variants and the infamous TRD Sportivo version that kickstarted Malaysia’s craze for bodykits.
2. Perodua Myvi
Perodua’s proclamation of the Myvi as a “true Malaysian icon” and the “love of the nation” smacks of self-indulgent pompousness, but it’s hard to deny the impact this diminutive hatchback has had on us. Topping the sales charts nearly every year since it was introduced back in 2005, it has reached the hands of more than a million customers from all walks of life, so it’s very likely that you’ve driven some form of it.
Back when the company was still rebadging kei cars, the larger Myvi felt like a breath of fresh air, with its funky organic design and fresh engines. It was a car that the average Joe could aspire to own, and while performance was modest, it was easy to extract, so budding boy racers were able to target far more expensive supercars on highways – the car’s reputation as “Malaysia’s fastest sports car” isn’t for nought.
1. Proton Saga
It really couldn’t have been anything else, could it? The evergreen Proton Saga remains the Malaysian car, for no other reason than the fact that it was the first. More so than even the Myvi, the original Mitsubishi-based model touched the hearts and minds of everyone at the time, and its bargain price and lengthy production period meant that it outlasted all of its supposed successors.
But the Saga nameplate was also the seed of Proton’s first comeback, as a new budget model in 2008. In stark contrast to the company’s previous style-above-all-else philosophy, the more pragmatic approach taken on this model made it a genuinely practical sedan and a worthy competitor to entry-level Peroduas.
The latest facelifted model continues to carry the torch with a more sophisticated look, some welcome new features and a conventional automatic gearbox that gives the car a straightforward driving experience that’s more in keeping with local tastes. A car for the people, again.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
Thank you Perodua for creating the game changing Myvi. It is truly a fantastic car and an icon of Malaysia. Therefore we must be proud of Myvi!
The MYVI gearbox will not be able to engage with the slightest front engine bay collision or impact.
What a piece of useless Milo Tin icon junk to glorify
Proton Saga kebanggaan kita
Hari merdeka nusa dan bangsa.
Merdeka. Sekali merdeka tetap merdeka
Moga kita berjaya; bagai negara, hidup Malaysia.
Your family and friends will at least own a game changing Myvi. You can see in the roads, schools, malls and parking area, Myvi is everywhere. This is why this game changer becomes the true icon of Malaysia. The car that have made us Malaysian proud!
Based on your logic, Boon Siew Honda is more the true icon of Malaysia and one that us Malaysians proud.
Proton was a great car. It is just that the company failed because the workers were too lazy and always goyang kaki in opis
Halim is right. When UiTM graduates manage car companies or even the country, susah lah nak maju.
that’s why whether government is BN or Pakatan, we get the same results
the same UiTM graduates also blindly believe in Utusan and TV3. they also believe in everything at BN ceramah.
we cannot rely on these people to manage car companies, especially Proton
Malaysia is a beautiful safe place, great ppl, osem foods and clean frenly govt….
I used to reside in USA for many couple of yrs as govt fully sponsored student. Malaysia govt still the best. As long u willing to usaha, rezeki is mana2… so less komplen folks, fellow Msian jom usaha. Kota Rom bukan dibina dalam 1 hari – Khairul
A great car is the result of great minds from great people. Therefore Proton folks are great people working hard to come out with great cars. Kudos to Proton!
your head also van not think when hv slighest bumped into the wall. usless milo tin opps… head
I agree with you. But most importantly, Perodua has been contributing company tax to LHDN to the tune of billions per year for the past 20 years.
Our Proton, for the past 20 years have been given tax exemptions because Proton is not making money. So Proton does not contribute anything to LHDN coffers.
Worse still, past 20 years, Proton not only did not contribute any money, but it has taken RM20 billion bailouts from the rakyat’s pocket.
Now, it is no more aNational company but a China company.
Well done Perouda!
Whether mekdi, kepci or chapati.
we malaysians love n peace…. syukur illahi
Congrats to all vehicles…they are all so significant…the writer really done his homework…kudos to toyota as well…it has many gamechanger vehicles not in the list but very very popular among Malaysians…just look at the first generation harrier/lexus rx which defined first luxury suv, then who would forget wish…its everywhere…and the iconic corolla…simply put toyota is everywhere…
The top 10 car is based on only PT judgement? It doesnt represent others view. It is not a correct article. This is more like a political and sales men blog
Dude, the team already said in the article this based purely on their opinions. Why don’t you give us your top 10 and let us judge your opinion too? How do you like being accused of bias too? Instead of only knowing to complain, do something.
Sure. Except for the fact that we don’t earn a single cent or brownie point by publishing this. It’s an interest piece on our site, so of course it represents our views and not necessarily those of every single Malaysian (which isn’t possible, anyway). But we think it’s a good spread nevertheless.
Audi R8 V10
Ferrari 458 Speciale
Ferrari F50
Honda NSX Type R
Lamborghini Diablo SE 6.0
Lexus LFA
McLaren F1
Pagani Zonda F
Porsche Carrera GT
Porsche 997 GT3 RS 4.0
Just because it’s the first doesn’t mean it’s the best. Myvi deserves No.1 on this list more than the Saga. Drivers of more expensive/faster cars on the highway will never take an ancient Saga behind them seriously, would probably have a bit of a laugh, but more willing to yield to a Myvi driver.
Saga probably can be 3rd after the Hilux.
The delusions are strong with this one.
Haha this joke will fly over some peoples’ heads.
Yeah, not many get sarcasm here. Tsk tsk.
Because ur sarcasm sounds no different than the copy paste shill by our resident Perodua troll.
DK is definitely a good guy. He’s been in PT since 2016. No need to accuse old members of being trolls bro
I’m sorry but where did you see me making an accusation? Point that out clearly. Don’t go and get yourself triggered over something you thought you saw.
James, you yourself are an old member here but you keep trolling in every articles and praising PH. You really should take your own advice like what you advice others in every weekly petrol articles.
Aura89(john), this is an automotive forum, please make a better and informative comment. I don’t have time to read your game over comments.
Can’t blame Aura. Our resident troll is well known for creating fake names and even uses the IDs of regulars here.
What a pity that from this list above, only Gen2 can be considered the real MY car.
The gud thing is, P1 has done kaizen better than celup Jepunis brands here and constantly improve their cars which gips birth to my droolworthy Gen2 CPS manual that even Boss PaulTan gave his 2 thumbs approval. Even 11 years later the looks still timeless and still sexier than current cars from Jepunis brands.
The most powerful car you can get below 10k and less than 10 years old – gen2 CPS manual
The latest Myvi’s NVH blew me away when i drove it. It is on par with some japanese D segment, no im not kidding. It is so refined compared to its toycar predecessors.
Amazingly, it is based on a modified platform of the 2nd gen and most of the work upwards is done by Malaysians
Good job to the perodua team, well deserved.
Maybe the facelift can include an upscale model trim with more soft touch , cruise control, android auto / apple carplay and dual zone A/C . No harm testing uncharted waters
Hahaha this is a good joke. It still has the same crash sound of all perodua if you accidentally ran into potholes.
Improved but still far from iriz. Drived both, and iriz is far superior in term of nvh.
To put it simple and nice, Proton single-handedly directly & indirectly made other cars lesser competitive in prices…..and the rest is what we witness today.
Thanks PT for this writeup. My late uncle once had a pajero. He would drive the young me around when he came back for the holidays. I remember i used to be amused by the compass on the dashboard. We later grew older and apart but i always loved him like the grandpa i never met. Been gone for 3 years now.. we both loved cars, so i am a bit sad tht i didnt get the chance to drive him around in my own car.
Some people ‘do not get it’, the article is referring to national interest which I agree and not “best car”.
Thanks paul tan for this peice.
I have had the privilege to sit in all of the top 10.
Although personally i only ever own a kancil. But my father had a Volvo 240. Oh boy that door was heavy for a kid.
And the car service that took me to school during my primary days was a Datsun 120Y. It had a radio (luxury at that time) with 2 fat knobs on both sides. There is no station preset. You have to tune in to a station through the rotary knob.
Wish pajero is doing better these days in Malaysia.
U miss that Police Alfa Romeo
Not too long ago our police man roamed around in italian, Alfa Romeo. CBU i guess
Not we got to settle with … some asian ride. Unthinkable!
How about Toyota Unser and Avanza?
They are in top 20 list
… Proton Saga, is always special to Malaysian. For better or worst it has it all.
Nevertheless, I have said it before, the 2008 Saga is a worthy successor to the original Saga. It drives on and I own one since 2011. Basic and obviously a giant leap from the Saga and it’s hatchback sibling Iswara.
Well recently Saga had it’s facelift and shift away from CVT. A good thing… May the Saga continues…
Betul ke ni Volvo?? Proton wira tak masuk chart??? Sadly in malaysia, kecuali myvi and vios, others model already an antics car that slow like turtle if u seen 1 on the road.
While we would’ve loved to have included the Wira (and a number of other vehicles), we wanted to keep the list as diverse as possible while still being limited to 10 cars. We don’t deny the Wira’s place in our history, but we thought there were cars from other countries that deserved a spot on the list, too.
Disappointed that the Wira did not get a place in the list while the easily forgettable Gen2 did. If not mistaken, the Wira was in production for the longest and also it spawned the most variants: Wira Aeroback, Satria, Putra… and also the Arena.
The Wira is also the most stolen car in 2019 (https://paultan.org/2019/06/26/top-10-most-stolen-vehicles-in-malaysia-in-q1-2019-proton-wira-on-top-toyota-hilux-highest-non-national/)… that’s 10 years AFTER they stop production of the Wira. That also means that there are still so many of them on the road. If thats not a testament to how well received the car was, I don’t know what is.
well, you dont have to be that diverse if your title is “Top 10 MOST MALAYSIAN cars”
Wira is the epitome for Proton’s partnership trouble with Mitsubishi. The reason it stayed so long wasn’t because it was an icon but because Mitsubishi refusal to share their Lancer 5th gen car(Charisma). They got greedy and wanted more money for it, so Proton decided to get it via making it ourselves, the birth of Waja. It was a much bigger car which didn’t fill the gap if they discontinued Wira so they continued until Gen2/Persona came out. That is the long and short of Wira history.
Grabcardriver please remember the quote.. “any car can be a race car, it all depends on the driver”. it old or new, fast or slow all depends on the driver behind the wheels. if you feel antics or classic cars are slowly driven on roads means you are missing something. We as human also will also become classic and antics as age catching up. “Slow like Turtle” because
1. he is enjoying every minute of his driving time
2. he admire the smooth and the pleasure of driving a classic/antics
3. He shares his interest with others who know the values of old cars
4. if in case of an accident happens, he knows the hassled of getting the spare parts and a true craftsman to repairs ’em.
5. if you hit into ’em there is no guarantee that your insurance company may cover their repair cost and may end up you have to come out with your own pocket money… furthermore there is no guarantee if your new car can survive the impact as so many evident show most modern car totalled after colliding with old classic/antics.
Personally, i will take out Hilux from the list so its place can be filled with the Land Rover 110. The LR is very prominent as military and police vehicle to extent that some old timer or rural area people referred to any old SUV or 4×4 as LR. Not to mentioned the stir in most people hearts it causes when the image of a parked blue LR is seen when we come out of a corner.
What are the best-selling models ever in Malaysia?
why no Honda Civic FD? it’s an iconic car where boy racers aspire to own especially the Type R version and many converted their FDs to look like a Type R.
You missed the Opel Gemini taxi cabs that ruled Kuala Lumpur with the mini buses
You guys forgot the proton wira.
I was scrolling down with expectation to read about Proton Wira
Wira and waja should have been in the list without a doubt.
Whatever it is.. you have to agree that Gen2 styling was ahead of its time… becoz years later BMW used similar styling for its X line and it was a hit…
Why no Wira inside?
proton Gen2 is best remembered as the model that destroyed Proton’s reputation with bad build quality, lousy engine / refinement, and plenty of reliability problems.
Gen2 was introduced when Proton was riding sky high with its success in recent years with Wira, then Waja.
During its launch, it was very much the talk of the town with its nice swoopy design, and Proton showroom is fully packed with people wanting to have a look.
But it didn’t take long before all the problems surfaced
Wira should be on the list. It is unthinkable to mention Malaysian car history without mentioning Proton Wira.
My list of 10 iconic cars in Malaysia:
1. Land River 90/110
2. VW Beetle – year 70s, 80s
3. Mini 850/1000/Cooper 1275
4. Alfa Romeo Gulia 1.3
5. Volvo 144
6. Honda Civic 1st Gen
7. Merc 190E
8. Fiat 132 Supermirafiori
9. Kancil 660,850
10.Saga 1.3/1.5
I’m sorry, this is just wrong. Ford started the malaysia lifestyle pickup craze with the ranger/courier not Toyota. Anybody remember the Ranger Splash?
oh boy i remember before ford ranger i never dreamt of owning a pickup. i mean, hilux single cab was an iconic goods mover but it was not until ranger that it established that pickup trucks had style too!
That infamous gangster MPV Al-fart / Hellfire doesn’t belong in this illustrious list.
Why you never consider Proton Saga Iswara as Proton Saga. It also carries the SAGA name at its back.