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Latest Stories

• Puspakom GiCheck Auto Weekend 2026, Sep 5-6 at Aeon Bukit Tinggi Klang – fun road safety activities, lucky draw

  In Local News / by Danny Tan / 28 August 2026 6:31 pm

  

  The first edition of Puspakom’s GiCheck Auto Weekend 2026 will happen next weekend (September 5-6) at Aeon Bukit Tinggi in Klang. The event will have fun interactive road safety activities for the whole family (yes, adults too), lucky draws with the grand prize of a motorcycle, and of course, vehicle inspection.

  Described as a ‘360-degree road safety and public education platform’, the event combines learning, hands-on experiences and community engagement with the aim of bringing practical road safety experiences closer to the public, helping motorists better understand vehicle safety, recognise everyday driving risks and appreciate the importance of keeping their vehicles roadworthy.

  “Road safety is a shared responsibility, and education plays an important role in helping motorists make safer decisions on the road. Through GiCheck Auto Weekend, we want to give the public practical opportunities to experience and understand road safety issues, including the serious consequences of impaired driving, so that these lessons can translate into safer behaviour behind the wheel,” said Mahmood Razak Bahman, Puspakom’s CEO.

  

  Activities that are wajib to try out are the DUI (Driving Under the Influence) simulation experience and the Slalom and ADAS demo. In the former, visitors can safely experience the effects of DUI of alcohol and drugs, while the latter shows how modern safety technologies work in real-world driving scenarios. Many of us have ADAS features in our cars, but have you felt them working before?

  The road safety zone will also have seat belt convincer demos, blind spot awareness activities, tyre safety demos, slalom driving and braking demos, talk shows by subject matter experts, ADAS and modern vehicle safety tech showcases, and safe driving educational activities for both adults and children.

  The kids zone will have a mini driving circuit, remote control crawler activities, sand art sessions and interactive road safety learning experiences. Visitors can also explore pre-owned cars by Carro and get their vehicles inspected on-site by Puspakom. B2, B5 (MV15), B7 and Private Vehicle Inspection (PVI) tests are available – book your slot at www.GiCheck.my.

  

  Participating brands include EON, Bank Muamalat, Modenas, Fire Fighter, Karcher, 70mai, Lim Tayar and Pos Malaysia, with more coming onboard. The lucky draw’s main prize is a Modenas Kriss 110 motorcycle.

  In keeping with the Merdeka spirit, the event will also have Merdeka Zone contests, ‘Merdeka Wishes on Wheels’ community activities and interactive patriotic engagement sessions for families and children. It will be a fun and educational event for all, so mark your calendars and bring the family.

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• China recalls 4.3 million cars over hidden door handles – Tesla makes up majority out of nine companies involved

  In Cars, International News / by Gerard Lye / 28 August 2026 4:56 pm

  

  China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) announced last week (August 21, 2026) the largest automotive recall in the country’s history over hidden door handles that may be difficult to open in an emergency.

  According to report by Channel News Asia and BBC, 4.3 million vehicles from nine brands are involved in the recall, with the remedy being the installation of high-visibility warning labels as well as software updates to automatically lower windows after a crash.

  “In extreme situations such as severe collisions causing the vehicle’s low-voltage system to fail, (the handles) may affect passengers’ ability to quickly open car doors for escape and rescue operations outside the vehicle,” SAMR said in a statement.

  

  Chinese-made Tesla vehicles accounted for the majority of that combined total, with 2.98 million cars involved in the recall. Other brands with affected vehicles include Xpeng, Xiaomi, Geely (for Zeekr and Lynk & Co models), Leapmotor, Chery, BAIC, Dongfeng and FAW Group (for Hongqi models).

  Hidden door handles, many of which require an electric current to extend out from a flush surface, have come under scrutiny after two fatal crashes in China involving Xiaomi electric vehicles (EVs). In both cases, power failure was suspected to have prevented the door from being opened.

  This has led China’s ministry of industry and information technology (MIIT) to issue new regulations this year requiring cars sold in the country to have a mechanical release for the door on both the inside and outside of the vehicle. These regulations go into effect on January 1, 2027, although vehicles that have already been approved for sale in China and are about to launch will have until January 2029 to have their designs changed for compliance.

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• GWM Tank 500 HEV now with app support – lock/unlock, start/stop engine, AC, TPMS, geofencing, fuel/range left

  In Cars, GWM, Local News, Technology / by Jonathan James Tan / 28 August 2026 3:40 pm

  

  The 2026-model year GWM Tank 500 HEV now comes with app support. With the GWM Intelligent Application, owners can start/stop the engine, control the air-con (including making it turn on at a set time) as well as activate the air purifier and ventilated seats.

  The app also allows owners to lock/unlock the doors, check if the sunroof and windows are closed (and close them if needed), see if the engine is running and monitor range remaining, fuel remaining, total mileage, tyre pressures and tyre temperatures.

  

  Users will be alerted if tyre abnormalities are detected, if fuel or 12V battery levels are low and if a door or window is not fully closed. They can also view their vehicle’s current location and activate the horn and hazard lights to locate their vehicle more easily.

  Furthermore, a geofencing function allows owners to set a virtual boundary around a selected area and receive an alert when the vehicle leaves the area. Vehicle access can also be shared with another user.

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• Free shuttle buses for MAHA at MAEPS from MRT, KTM

  In Local News, Public Transport / by Danny Tan / 28 August 2026 3:15 pm

  

  

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  MAEPS in Serdang hosts more than just car shows. From today (August 28) till September 6, the venue will be home to the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture & Agrotourism Show (MAHA) 2026, which is the biggest show of its kind in Malaysia.

  For some, Serdang and UPM feels like a world away, but it need not be so – you can swap the long drive and traffic jam for a train ride, where you can catch up with news, read a book or even take a nap. The two stations closest to MAEPS are the MRT Putrajaya Line’s UPM station and the KTM Serdang station.

  With free shuttle buses from these two stations, one doesn’t even have to use e-hailing to complete the first and last mile. The 7km ride from the MRT PYL’s UPM station takes 15 minutes, while the 12km ride from KTM Serdang takes 18 minutes. There’s even a bus from Putrajaya Sentral that takes 16 minutes.

  The free shuttle buses by Rapid KL will operate from 8am to 11pm daily. Ride duration is subject to traffic conditions, of course.

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• Isuzu D-Max 2.2 covers full loop of Peninsular Malaysia on one tank of diesel – 1,756 km covered with 4% fuel left

  In Cars, Isuzu, Local News / by Gerard Lye / 28 August 2026 2:52 pm

  

  Earlier this month, Isuzu Malaysia embarked on its ‘D-Max One Tank. One Nation Challenge’ where two units of the 2026 D-Max attempted to complete a counter-clockwise loop of Peninsular Malaysia on one tank of fuel.

  Flagging off on August 17, both pick-up trucks travelled for a few days through various states in the peninsula, including Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah, Penang, Perak and Selangor. The journey covered highways, trunk roads and even the mountainous East-West Link Expressway from Jeli to Gerik.

  Along the way were ten pit stops at Isuzu dealerships, with the pair eventually crossing the finish line at the Isuzu 3S centre in Jinjang, Kuala Lumpur on August 22. According to the company, the total distance covered during the challenge was 1,756 km, and the D-Max vehicles remarkably still had ample fuel (over 4%) remaining to effortlessly continue on to Melaka again.

  “The ‘One Tank. One Nation Challenge’ was the result of us wanting to showcase the capability of the new Isuzu D-Max and its 2.2 litre engine in a way that no others have done before. We also wanted to reflect the kind of road conditions that Malaysian motorists would face in their daily drives around the country including rain, heavy traffic, trunk roads, mountains and highways,” said Kenichi Kudo, Isuzu Malaysia’s COO for light commercial vehicles.

  

  

  “Our confidence in its ability was great enough for us to publicise the entire drive with live updates on our social media pages so everyone could witness and openly follow its progress. We are proud that we took this challenge, proud that our 2.2L D-Max accomplished what it set out to do, proud that we ‘Kept the Manifest Real’ in front of every Malaysian and delivered a result that proved beyond any doubt that the D-MAX remains the most fuel-efficient choice,” he added.

  Launched in March this year, the 2026 D-Max sees a switch to the RZ4F-TC 2.2 litre inline-four turbodiesel engine, which replaces the previous RZ4E-TC 1.9 litre unit. For the challenge, the 2.2L 4×4 AT Premium and 2.2L 4×2 Auto Plus variants were used, the latter driven by Sing Yuin Christy who previously earned a Malaysian Book of Records entry for the longest distance driven in a pick-up truck on a single tank of fuel, accomplished in a 2,000 km run from Thailand to Malaysia.

  “The throttle response of the new engine and the way its power delivery has been matched brilliantly to the ratios of the new eight-speed gearbox meant that we were usually in the correct gear for any given road condition. Cruising along trunk roads and highways in seventh and eighth gears also allowed us to coast along rather efficiently without needing too much throttle input thereby saving lots of fuel,” said Christy.

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• Mitsubishi Triton Single Cab AT launched in Malaysia – six-speed auto, reverse sensors, rear diff lock, RM108k

  In Cars, Local Car Launches, Local News, Mitsubishi / by Jonathan James Tan / 28 August 2026 1:25 pm

  

  The Mitsubishi Triton Single Cab AT has been launched in Malaysia for RM107,980, OTR before insurance for private Peninsular Malaysia registration. That’s RM3,000 more than the Single Cab MT.

  As its name suggests, you get an auto gearbox (six speeds, just like the manual), but you also get reverse sensors, a rear diff lock, a bedliner, a black rear bumper and black vinyl seats as standard – all of which, except for the reverse sensors, are already on 2026-model year Single Cab MTs.

  

  

  

  Everything else is status quo, including the 184 PS/430 Nm 2.4 litre turbodiesel engine, 1,145-kg payload, 2,340 x 1,580 x 515 mm bed, 17-inch steel wheels, 265/65 all-terrain tyres, Easy Select 4WD (2H, 4H, 4L), auto lights and wipers, black door handles and three airbags, including one for the driver’s knees. Solid White’s the only colour choice and the warranty’s the standard five years/200,000 km.

  For a limited time, buy the Triton Single Cab AT and you’ll get RM4,000 in diesel support. This joins the RM15,000 Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia is offering for the pre-June 2025 enhancement Athlete, RM12,000 for the MT GL, RM10,000 for the Athlete Championship Edition and Athlete, RM8,000 for the AT GL, RM6,000 for the Single Cab MT and RM5,000 for the AT Premium Championship Edition and AT Premium.

  

  

  

  

  2026 Mitsubishi Triton Single Cab AT Malaysian brochure – click to enlarge

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• iCaur V25 spotted testing in Malaysia – a longer V23, range-extended REEV with ICE power, coming soon?

  In Cars, iCaur, Local News / by Danny Tan / 28 August 2026 11:03 am

  

  What do we have here? Posted on the paultan.org Automotive/Car Discussion Group by Vuvera Afiq, it appears to be a larger iCaur V23. Such a car exists, and it’s the just-revealed iCaur V25. The V25 was just unveiled this month, so it looks like Malaysia is among the places chosen as a test bed for the boxy SUV.

  Days ago, iCaur released images of a right-hand-drive V25, along with news that the range-extended EV – essentially a V23 with a petrol engine – is set to be the brand’s first model in Australia, with a launch scheduled for early 2027.

  Specs are not out yet, but the V25 will likely utilise the REEV powertrain from the larger V27. If so, expect a 156 PS/220 Nm 1.5-litre turbo-four to help juice either a single motor making 252 PS (185 kW) and 300 Nm, or dual motors sending 455 PS (335 kW) and 505 Nm to all corners.

  

  China’s Autohome reports that the most powerful version will be able to get from 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, while a 33.679 kWh LFP battery will deliver a pure electric CLTC range of over 210 km (which translates to around 170 km WLTP) and total range of over 1,200 km.

  Measuring 4,636 mm long, 1,920 mm wide and 1,855 mm tall, the V25 is 416 mm longer, five millimetres wider and 10 mm taller than the V23, with 85 mm of the extra length going to the 2,820 mm wheelbase. Most of the added millimetres are in the rear overhang, which is very noticeable in these pics. Looks more like a proper 4×4 now, don’t you think?

  Based on the official images, there are other detail changes from the V23, including the headlights, which swaps the V23’s horizontal bar LED DRLs for round rings. The rear quarter panels feature a rectangular pressing, presumably to fit accessories, while the rear number plate recess has been pushed down from tailgate to bumper.

  

  

  

  The latter was made to accommodate a full-sized spare in the official images, but the test mule we see here carries a square ‘backpack’ instead. On its left is a fridge-style vertical handle for the side-hinged back door. The RHD studio images showed Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres (our V23 rolls on Chaoyang Radial RP76+ rubber).

  Little has changed on the inside compared to the V23. We see chunky switchgear, a 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, an actual instrument display, more physical switchgear and a new centre console with twin phone holders and a Qi wireless charger.

  The V25’s larger footprint has had an effect on the rear accommodation, which not only offers more legroom but also a proper bench that sits three. The V23’s rear seats looks like they were designed for two, with the centre seat belt an afterthought.

  Sine the iCaur V25 is already confirmed for RHD markets, and Malaysia is one of the car’s proving grounds (and Chery Group’s RHD hub), it’s only a matter of time that this ‘larger V23 in REEV form’ will hit showrooms. However, it will have to queue behind the V27, which is expected to launch later this year.

  GALLERY: iCaur V25 spyshots in Malaysia

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  GALLERY: iCaur V25 RHD official images

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• Government gives approval for Bandar Malaysia-Seri Kembangan elevated expressway (BSE) project – Nanta

  In Local News / by Anthony Lim / 28 August 2026 10:48 am

  

  The works ministry has announced that the cabinet has agreed to give approval in principle for the proposed development of the Bandar Malaysia–Seri Kembangan elevated expressway (BSE).

  The proposed project will integrate several major highway networks, including the Kuala Lumpur–Seremban expressway, Maju expressway (MEX), Sungai Besi expressway (Besraya), New Pantai expressway (NPE), Shah Alam expressway (KESAS) and the wider Kuala Lumpur traffic dispersion dystem (Sprint) network.

  In a statement, works minister Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi said the project will provide alternative routes for users and facilitate movement between the northern, southern and east coast corridors of the peninsular.

  He added that the improved connectivity will also bring about increase mobility for people. “From the perspective of public well-being, the BSE has the potential to reduce travel times and increase access to employment centres, educational institutions and public services.

  

  Following the approval in principle, Nanta said his ministry will, together with relevant agencies, including the prime minister’s public private partnership unit (UKAS), proceed with detailed negotiations and assessments to finalise the project implementation structure.

  He added that the project would be privately financed and not involve any direct financial commitment from the federal government. “The government will ensure that each aspect of the project is thoroughly assessed, particularly in terms of public interest and fiscal sustainability, before any final decision on its implementation is made,” he said.

  Nanta said that the government is also examining several other selected infrastructure solution proposals to complete the road network and address the issue of traffic congestion in the Klang Valley. He added that the proposals will be considered based on strategic needs, increased capacity and impact on the smooth flow of traffic.

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• Teresa Kok urges DBKL to study Bukit Jalil, Sri Petaling, Old Klang Road congestion, suggests double-deck road

  In Local News / by Jonathan James Tan / 28 August 2026 10:37 am

  

  Seputeh MP Teresa Kok has in a Facebook post yesterday urged Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to study increasing congestion in Bukit Jalil, Sri Petaling and Old Klang Road.

  “I welcome the statement of KL mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud during a townhall session with Bangsar residents on August 24. The move by DBKL to conduct a six-month study to assess the capacity of existing roads, infrastructure and utilities to accommodate rapid development in Bangsar is a very appropriate action.

  “The increasingly critical traffic congestion problem in Bukit Jalil and Sri Petaling is caused by the lack of adequate public transport access, especially the LRT/MRT station network in new focus areas. Although the existing road network cannot be expanded any further, DBKL is still seen to be approving high-density development projects in the area,” she said.

  Kok also requested the federal government and DBKL to conduct a feasibility study on the proposed 17,000-unit Bandar Madani project in Bukit Jalil, which she said “has sparked deep concerns and anxiety among local residents”.

  

  Anyone who’s ever had the (mis) fortune of being on Old Klang Road during peak times will know how bad the jams are there, exacerbated by the controversial are-they-in-use-or-are-they-not bus lanes, illegally-parked vehicles and the many traffic light junctions. There are often bottlenecks where the thoroughfare is reduced to just one or two lanes.

  “According to statistics, the total traffic flow on Old Klang Road during the 2026 Chinese New Year celebrations reached 200,000 vehicles per day, making it one of the busiest and densest routes in all of Kuala Lumpur.

  “To overcome this issue, I urge DBKL to collaborate with the public works department (JKR) to study the need for the construction of an additional double-decker road or flyover to relieve congestion along Old Klang Road,” said the Seputeh MP.

  “Overall, I urge the government and DBKL to present a comprehensive plan to upgrade existing infrastructure first before approving any new development projects in the future. Development should not sacrifice the quality of life of the people,” she added. What do you think? Would a double-decker road or flyover work?

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• Geely Monjaro EM-i revealed – PHEV D-segment SUV based on current ICE model but with GEA Evo platform

  In Cars, Geely, International News / by Jonathan Lee / 27 August 2026 7:56 pm

  

  Teased last week, the Geely Monjaro EM-i has been shown in new images ahead of a full reveal on August 29. Unlike what was previously reported, this isn’t an all-new model (tipped to be called the Xingyue L Plus in China); instead, it’s the existing Monjaro/Xingyue L outfitted with Geely’s latest plug-in hybrid powertrain.

  This is despite the fact that the new car is said to ride on an evolved version of the Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture (GEA Evo), rather than the C-segment Modular Architecture (CMA) that underpins the current ICE model.

  Anyway, the Monjaro EM-i will feature a version of the company’s E-Motive Intelligence (EM-i) powertrain, similar to what you’ll find in a Proton eMas 7 PHEV. This pairs a 1.5 litre BHE15 four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and an 11-in-1 dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT).

  

  No output figures have been released just yet, but given that the Monjaro EM-i is claimed to have a top speed of 200 km/h (versus just 170 km/h for the eMas 7 PHEV), it will need to offer more than that car’s combined 262 PS and 262 Nm of torque. It will also be all-wheel drive, unlike other models using this powertrain.

  The design of the car is as per the Xingyue L i-HEV hybrid introduced in China earlier this year, featuring a new bumper design with twin silver “tusks”, a vertically-slatted grille and a rear bumper with large fake vents. The multi-spoke alloy wheels, meanwhile, were lifted from the Galaxy M7 and measure 20 inches in diameter.

  Inside, the Monjaro EM-i has been completely redesigned and adopts elements from Geely’s newer EVs and PHEVs, such as the EX5 (known to you and me as the Proton eMas 7) and the Starray EM-i (eMas 7 PHEV).

  

  It does feel a step up from the norm, however, with a classier steering wheel from the Galaxy M9, a stitched dashboard and door cards and lashings of wood and metal-look trim. As is typical for a modern Chinese car, large instrument and infotainment displays feature (no passenger screen here, unlike the ICE model), as do twin smartphone holders with a Qi wireless charger.

  The asymmetric centre console houses the usual multifunction rotary control knob, and in a refreshing departure from most Geely models, there are physical temperature toggles for the air-con. You also get quilted seats and a passenger dash panel with a mountain motif that references the car’s name (itself a nod to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa).

  The Monjaro EM-i will be launched in Egypt first before gradually making its way to other global markets, with Europe, the UK, Australia and New Zealand being earmarked for its sale. It will be an entirely different model from the aforementioned Xingyue L Plus, which is significantly larger and will be powered by petrol and hybrid powertrains.

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• Penang road closures for National Day parade, rehearsal

  In Local News / by Danny Tan / 27 August 2026 6:43 pm

  

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  Penang lang, take note. Majlis Bandaraya Pulau Pinang (MBPP) has announced a couple of road closures in George Town to make way for the state-level 69th National Day celebration, as well as the rehearsal.

  The roads involved in the city centre are Persimpangan Gat Lebuh Chulia/Pengkalan Weld, part of Gat Lebuh China, Gat Lebuh Gereja, Persimpangan Lebuh Union/Lebuh Pantai, part of Lebuh Penang (Lebuh Light – Lebuh Union), part of Lebuh King (Lebuh Bishop – Lebuh Light), the Lebuh Light/Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling junction and the Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah/Lebuh Light junction.

  These roads will be closed on August 29 for the rehearsal and on August 31 for the actual thing, from 2am till 1pm when the event ends. There will also be a 6am to 1pm closure of the Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling/Lebuh Bishop junction and the Lebuh Farquhar/Lebuh Leith junction.

  Check out the map above for a clearer picture. Plan your journey, find alternative routes and follow the signs and crew in the city centre. Drive safe.

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• 2026 BYD Atto 3 Premium gets new Gemilang Blue shade and special price to celebrate Merdeka – RM124,800

  In BYD, Cars, Local News / by Anthony Lim / 27 August 2026 6:42 pm

  

  Launched here in June, the BYD Atto 3 facelift has now gained a new exterior colour called Gemilang Blue. Said to be inspired by the spirit of Merdeka, the new shade – which is actually the Iris Blue signature hero colour that debuted with the European rear-wheel drive Evo, but renamed for Malaysia – is available exclusively on the RWD Premium here.

  The colour isn’t a limited issue run, but the special price accompanying its announcement should have a defined timeframe – in conjunction with the national day celebrations, the Atto 3 Premium gets an exclusive Merdeka price of RM124,800, which is RM14k off the RM138,800 nett price that was announced at launch.

  While this brings the price of the Premium lower than the front-wheel drive Ultra, which retails for RM125,800, the RM14k reduction is similar to the launch package that was worth up to RM14,000, including RM10,000 in overtrade support and either an AC wallbox charger (inclusive of installation) or six years of free service. That was available for both the Ultra and Premium, so this should also be reflected in the pricing of the Ultra at present.

  As it is when it was launched, the Atto 3 facelift comes with a six-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty plus an eight-year/160,000 km battery and motor warranty.

  

  

  

  Besides the new colour, there are no changes to the specifications or features on the variant. The Premium features a rear motor making 313 PS (308 hp, or 230 kW) and 380 Nm, which is a considerable 109 PS and 70 Nm more than the front-wheel drive Ultra. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h time of 5.5 seconds and a 180 km/h top speed for the variant.

  A 74.88 kWh Blade LFP battery provides the Premium with up to 510 km of WLTP-rated travel range on a single charge, and the move to an 800 volt electrical architecture for the variant (the Ultra continues on with a 400V architecture) hikes the max DC charging rate to 220 kW, which allows a 10-80% state-of-charge to be attained in around 25 minutes. AC charging also rises to 11 kW, allowing a full charge to be accomplished in around eight hours.

  The Gemilang Blue (a.k.a Iris Blue) joins the existing palette of four colours available for the car, these being Ski White, Atlantis Grey, Harbour Grey and Cosmos Black, although, as mentioned earlier, only the Premium gets the new colour.

  GALLERY: BYD Atto 3 Premium facelift

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  GALLERY: BYD Atto 3 Evo, European version, in Iris Blue

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• 2026 BMW 218 Gran Coupe M Sport in Malaysia – second batch of 50 units added; same price, kit from RM193k

  In BMW, Cars, Local News / by Gerard Lye / 27 August 2026 4:43 pm

  

  Due to strong customer demand, an additional 50 units of the locally-assembled (CKD) BMW 218 Gran Coupe M Sport is being made available for purchase. This was announced by BMW Malaysia today, just over a month after the new variant of the second-generation (F74) 2 Series Gran Coupe was launched at the company’s BMW Clubhouse event in July this year.

  With this second batch allocation of another 50 units joining the first batch – also 50 units – the total number of 218 Gran Coupe M Sport cars here climbs to 100 units. Pricing remains the same at RM192,800 with a standard two-year warranty, or RM204,800 with the optional BMW Service & Repair Inclusive (BSRI) programme that includes a four-year extended warranty and service package; both figures are on-the-road without insurance.

  As such, the M Sport version continues to be RM19,000 dearer than the 218 Gran Coupe Sport, the latter being the first variant of the F74 to go on sale here. At present, the limited-time offer for the Sport version means it goes for RM173,800 (two-year warranty) or RM185,800 (four-year BSRI package).

  

  

  However, at its original price without the limited-time offer, the Sport variant retails for RM219,800 (two-year warranty) or RM241,500 (four-year BSRI package). This would make it more expensive than the newer M Sport by as much as RM36,700 with BSRI (RM27,000 without).

  In terms of kit, the M Sport differs from the Sport by having more aggressive front and rear fascias, the former further enhanced by the standard Iconic Glow kidney grille. Other exterior touches include the M high-gloss Shadowline package that introduces black trim (Sport gets satin aluminium trim) as well as 18-inch Y-spoke style 975 M bicolour wheels (Sport gets Y-spoke style 974 bicolour alloys).

  Inside, the M Sport comes with a M leather steering wheel, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a head-up display and an anthracite headliner, all of which are not fitted to the Sport.

  

  

  

  

  2026 BMW 218 Gran Coupe M Sport spec sheet (left), Sport (right)

  Veganza perforated seat upholstery, sport seats, dual-zone climate control, powered front seats with driver-side memory function, ambient lighting, a wireless charging tray, Connected Package Professional (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), adaptive LED headlamps as well as Live Cockpit Professional (10.25-inch driver display and 10.7-inch infotainment touchscreen) are shared across both variants.

  On the driver assistance front, the M Sport gets the improved Driving Assistant Plus and Parking Assistant Plus (Sport gets the non-Plus versions of these). Additional features for the M Sport that come with both packages include adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, steering and lane control assist, a surround view camera, remote 3D view, Park Assist Professional and the BMW Drive Recorder (dashcam).

  Mechanically, the M Sport and Sport both feature a 1.5 litre turbocharged inline-three petrol engine rated at 156 PS (154 hp or 115 kW) and 230 Nm of torque. A Steptronic seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sends drive to the front wheels, enabling a 0-100 km/h time of 8.6 seconds and top speed of 230 km/h. The M Sport further justifies its premium over the Sport by coming with Adaptive M suspension as standard.

  GALLERY: BMW 218 Gran Coupe M Sport

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  BMW 218 Gran Coupe Sport

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• 3,811 police deployed in Putrajaya for Merdeka parade

  In Local News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 27 August 2026 4:32 pm

  

  A total of 3,811 police officers and personnel have been deployed to ensure security and smooth traffic flow during the 69th Merdeka celebrations at Dataran Putrajaya. Putrajaya police chief ACP Aidi Sham Mohamed said 2,357 personnel have been assigned to static security and traffic control duties, including 1,755 personnel for static security.

  The personnel are drawn from the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor contingents, Putrajaya district police headquarters and Bukit Aman, with visitor numbers expected to reach around 80,000. The security operation is being conducted in cooperation with several agencies, including the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), Civil Defence Force (APM), People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) and Putrajaya Corporation.

  Traffic diversions and road closures will be implemented in two phases to manage congestion around the celebration venue. The first phase, which began yesterday, involves the full closure of Persiaran Perdana and Dataran Putra from 6 am to noon until August 29, reports Bernama.

  

  Traffic control will also be implemented along Jalan Laman Perdana, Jalan P2A, Jalan P2T, Jalan P2S, Jalan P2W and Jalan P2Y. The second phase will run from as early as 5am on August 30 until 6pm on August 31, with all major access routes to Putrajaya’s Core Island area closed.

  Roads and bridges affected include Seri Wawasan Bridge, Seri Saujana Bridge, Seri Gemilang Bridge, Putra Bridge and Seri Ehsan Bridge, as well as Lebuh Bestari, Lebuh Setia, Lebuh Saujana, Lebuh Gemilang, Lebuh Wawasan, Lebuh Sentosa, Jalan Tun Hussein, Persiaran Barat and Persiaran Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah (PSSAAS).

  

  Residents around Core Island P18 can use Seri Bestari Bridge and Seri Setia Bridge during the closures. Visitors have been advised to plan their journeys, arrive early and use public transport where possible. Putrajaya Corporation will provide 103 free shuttle buses operating between Putrajaya Sentral and the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), with direct services to Dataran Putra.

  Meanwhile, the entire Putrajaya airspace has been gazetted as a no-fly zone for drones from the rehearsal sessions through to National Day itself. Drone operations are strictly prohibited without permission from the authorities while sharp objects or other dangerous items are prohibited in the celebration area.

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• BYD M9 confirmed for Australia – sub-Denza D9 PHEV MPV, 145 km WLTP EV, 850 km total; Malaysia also?

  In BYD, Cars, International News / by Jonathan Lee / 27 August 2026 4:25 pm

  

  Having swept the luxury MPV market with the Denza D9, BYD is now looking to infiltrate the lower reaches with the M9, which has now been confirmed for right-hand-drive markets such as Australia. Known as the Xia in China, the people mover is solely available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, rather than being an EV first as is the case with its larger sibling.

  That powertrain is the company’s fifth-generation Dual Mode Intelligent (DM-i) system, with a 1.5 litre turbo four-cylinder helping to juice the front electric motor. Output figures have yet to be announced, but they should mirror those in China, where the motor makes 272 PS and 315 Nm of torque, supported by a 156 PS/225 Nm engine.

  What has been announced are the battery sizes – the Dynamic trim uses a 20.39 kWh Blade LFP unit, while the Premium upgrades to a 36.6 kWh pack. So equipped, the M9 is able to offer up to 145 km of WLTP-rated EV range, contributing to a combined 850 km. The car supports both DC (likely 41 kW for the Dynamic and 73 kW for the Premium as per China) and AC charging (should be 7 kW as standard) and offers a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function.

  

  It may be smaller than the D9, but the M9 isn’t exactly what you’d call tiny, measuring 5,145 mm long, 1,970 mm wide and 1,805 mm tall, with a 3,045 mm wheelbase. For those counting, that’s 105 mm shorter, ten millimetres wider and 115 mm lower than the D9, with the wheelbase being 65 mm shorter.

  Squint and the M9 does a reasonable impression of a budget D9 (because that’s basically what it is), with an upright body, big, toothy full-height grille, sail-like D-pillars and lashings of silver trim. At the front, you get the “Dynasty” face with the BYD logo set on a full-width silver bar, joining the slim headlights.

  The rear end, meanwhile, receives full-width taillights with cascading S-shaped graphics. The 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, while small, are the same size as what you get on the Denza, so you’re not losing out there.

  

  Inside, you get a rather imposing dashboard design with a swathe of gloss black panelling and fillets of silver decor, although the brown and white colour scheme does lift the atmosphere considerably. The tech includes a 12.3-inch instrument display and a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 26-inch head-up display also on offer.

  From launch in Australia, the M9 will only be offered as the seven-seater Premium with plush second-row captain’s chairs; the eight-seater Dynamic will be made available at a later date. The first and second rows come with heating and ventilation, with those at the back also getting built-in ottomans and one-touch “zero gravity” reclining function. Even with all seats up, BYD is claiming 470 litres of boot space.

  

  Safety-wise, the M9 will be made available with up to nine airbags, a 360-degree camera system, eight ultrasonic sensors and five radar sensors – the latter enabling a suite of driver assists. The car will enter showrooms Down Under in the fourth quarter of the year.

  Together with the Europe-only D9 DM-i and the new Indonesian-market M6 DM, BYD now has plug-in hybrid MPVs in practically every market sector. With the M9 soon to make it to Australia, we could very well see it coming to Malaysia right after, although it being a CBU import (there doesn’t appear to be any movement in the company’s CKD plans), it certainly won’t come cheap. Still, would you like to see this here?

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• 2026 MotoGP: Jack Miller leaves Prima Pramac Yamaha

  In Bikes, International Bike News, MotoGP, Motorsports / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 27 August 2026 4:01 pm

  

  Jack Miller AUS
  Prima Pramac Yamaha
  MotoGP

  Yamaha and Jack Miller will end their MotoGP collaboration at the conclusion of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship season. Miller joined the Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP project and has contributed his experience and technical expertise to Yamaha’s MotoGP development programme, supporting the manufacturer during a key period of growth and transformation.

  The Australian rider also represented Yamaha in the 2025 and 2026 Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race, where he demonstrated strong team spirit and contributed to the manufacturer’s wider racing programme. Yamaha thanked Miller for his professionalism, dedication and contribution to the project, while wishing him success in the next chapter of his career.

  Miller’s departure comes after his role in Yamaha’s factory-supported MotoGP effort with Prima Pramac, with the 2026 season marking the end of the current partnership. Speculation in the paddock seems to indicate Miller might be shifting over to the World Superbike championship in 2027 but this is as yet unconfirmed.

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• Hyundai Santa Fe EREV confirmed for 2027 debut – up to 966 km range; over 100 global launches by 2030 planned

  In Cars, Hyundai, International News / by Gerard Lye / 27 August 2026 12:55 pm

  

  At Hyundai’s 2026 CEO Investor Day, the South Korean company announced its product offensive as part of its goal to achieve 5.55 million units in global sales by 2030. From now until then, Hyundai plans to launch or refresh over 100 models, including its first extended-range electric vehicle (EREV).

  The EREV will be a variant of the Santa Fe and will arrive in the first half of 2027, delivering up to 966 km (600 miles) of combined range. This will be built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, which suggests the United States will be the first market to welcome the upcoming model.

  In fact, North America will see 58 launches by 2030, the most of any other market mentioned in Hyundai’s official release. It is followed by Korea with 49 launches, Europe (41), India (26) and China (22), with many of these being either all-new products or entries in new market segments.

  Other upcoming products which have already been revealed to and are set to be launched soon are the latest generations of the Elantra and Tucson as well as the all-new Ioniq 3. Unnamed cars in the pipeline that are on their way are an A-segment electric SUV for India, a global B-segment SUV and a B-segment SUV for Europe.

  

  

  Hyundai will also be targeting “white spaces” where the brand is underrepresented today, with these segments said to account for roughly 29% of all automotive sales. Vehicles in these spaces include body-on-frame vehicles, including a midsize pick-up truck and light commercial vehicles. The high-performance N line-up will also see new models to boost annual sales in this area to 100,000 units by 2030.

  The company also touched upon its luxury brand Genesis, which has reached cumulative sales of one million units in its first 10 years, the fastest among any other luxury automotive brand in history. In its second decade, the GV90 is the flagship to continue driving growth, with the GV80 Hybrid bolstering these efforts when it launches in the fourth quarter of this year.

  Genesis will also get its own EREV SUV slated for early 2027 with a target combined range of over 1,030 km (640 miles), and there are plans to expand to over 40 markets. This is to boost sales of the luxury bran to 350,000 units annually by 2030, with over 270 retail locations globally – a 50% increase – in the works as well.

  Italy, France, the Netherlands, Tunisia and Morocco have already welcomed Genesis earlier in the year, with Spain get to join the mix in the fourth quarter to bring the total number of new market activations to five for 2026. India and Asia Pacific are also part of the expansion plan in the near future.

  

  To complement a growing product line-up, Hyundai will increase its global manufacturing capacity by another 1.27 million units by 2030. This includes 500,000 units in North America, 320,000 in India, 250,000 across its CKD sites and 200,000 in Korea.

  On the matter of technologies, a staged roadmap for autonomous driving will see the deportment of the company’s autonomous driving AI called Atria AI in Gwangju, South Jeolla Province to gather data. In 2028, through a collaboration with Nvidia, Hyundai will apply Level 2+ autonomous driving technology to its first mass-produced software-defined vehicle (SDV), which standardises sensoe architecture.

  Atria AI will eventually be extended progressively across mass-produced vehicles, building a full lineup of autonomous driving capability from Level 2+ to Level 4. From 2029, when autonomous driving data is expected to grow rapidly, Hyundai will bring online its Saemangeum AI data centre, a 100-MW facility able to house more than 50,000 GPUs.

  

  Batteries used in electrified models will also see improvements thanks to in-house development, with Hyundai claiming over double the output of the high-nickel cells the company used previously, while cutting charging time by 40%.

  These cells will be used in the upcoming Santa Fe EREV, while full EVs launching next year will use mid-nickel NCM (nickel cobalt manganese) cells that reduce battery cost by around 30% while maintaining optimal performance under real-world driving conditions.

  Enhancements to the company’s cloud-based battery management system (BMS) are aimed at extending battery life by an average of 20% by 2028. This will work together with the company’s Thermal Runaway Protection (TRP) system, which has undergone 200 repeated tests on prismatic and pouch NCM batteries and will debut on a Genesis model.

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• PLUS expects 2.2m vehicles a day on the roads this Merdeka and school holiday period – use MyPLUS-TTA

  In Local News / by Anthony Lim / 27 August 2026 12:29 pm

  

  PLUS says it is expecting a surge in traffic to 2.2 million vehicles a day on its highways for the upcoming National Day celebrations and school holidays. In a statement, it said that the peak period for travel is expected to be from August 28 to 31 and September 4 to 7.

  The highway concessionaire advised motorists to plan their journeys by referring to the MyPLUS-TTA digital travel schedule, which takes into account the travel pattern and analysis based on previous festival traffic surges.

  Available through the PLUS mobile app, the timetable is expected to help distribute traffic and reduce vehicle concentration during peak hours. It added that the PLUS app will provide all the relevant highway service information for motorists to facilitate their planning before and during the journey.

  

  PLUS said it is enhancing preparations for the expected traffic increase by increasing personnel at toll plazas and rest areas, improving PLUSRonda patrols, and continuously assisting with traffic conditions through its traffic monitoring centre.

  The operator also said it will activate the Smart Lane at 33 selected locations to help smoothen traffic in areas identified as having the potential for congestion. Users are advised to take note of Smart Lane signs and avoid using the emergency lane outside of active Smart Lane periods.

  PLUS reminded road users to adhere to speed limits, maintain a safe driving distance, practice cautious driving, and avoid using mobile phones while driving, as well as to rest at R&R areas to prevent fatigue before continuing their journey. It also advised highway users to ensure their vehicles are in good condition before the journey, in addition to ensuring sufficient balance on their Touch ‘n Go card or e-wallet.

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• Seri Kembangan getting 3 new roads to ease congestion – Bukit Serdang, Tmn Universiti Indah, Tmn Puncak Jalil

  In Local News / by Danny Tan / 27 August 2026 12:20 pm

  

  Good news for those who live in Seri Kembangan and surrounding areas. The neighbourhood is set to get a few new roads to improve local connectivity and ease traffic congestion by dispersing vehicle flow.

  Selangor infrastructure and agriculture committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim said the proposed roads are from Taman Universiti Indah to Taman Bukit Serdang, an extension of Jalan Cemara to Jalan Inovasi 8 (within the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation area) and a road connecting Bukit Serdang Section 11 to Taman Puncak Jalil.

  The first one is currently at the feasibility study stage, to be finalised soon. Research and planning for the second one – a collaboration between MBSJ and DBKL – is underway. As for the third road, it will span across the Maju Expressway (MEX) and research and planning for the structure is ongoing. Izham revealed the above in a Selangor State Assembly sitting earlier this month, reported by The Star.

  He added that the state government has approved the Selangor Road and Highway Development Strategic Plan 2035. “This plan will serve as the state’s main reference on roads that need upgrading and expansion, or missing links that need to be built,” he said.

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• 2026 Honda City facelift open for booking in Malaysia – sedan first, 10″ touchscreen, 360 cam, BLIS, RM3k rebate

  In Cars, Honda, Local News / by Jonathan Lee / 27 August 2026 11:53 am

  

  This just in – Honda Malaysia has announced that the facelifted City is now open for booking. The second refresh for the fourth-generation B-segment sedan (we assume the hatch will get it later) brings with it a radical exterior redesign to maintain relevance, both in the face of stiff competition from China and as it reaches its sixth year.

  Most visible is the sharper front end, fitted with slimmer LED headlights and more prominent daytime running lights; on higher-end models, these are joined together with a light bar across the also trimmed-down grille.

  Meanwhile, the “unibrow”, usually finished in either chrome or gloss black, is now body-coloured for a more streamlined look, and it also houses the Honda logo (still the old rectangular badge, not the new “H” mark). Lower down, the bumper has been re-profiled with a downturned centre air intake for most models and an upturned one for the RS, both flanked by body-coloured “fins”.

  

  The rear end is more recognisably a GN City, with trapezoidal taillights flanking the number plate recess on the boot lid. However, the bumper has been redesigned to match the front, coming with a grille-like “mesh” centre, a diffuser-like insert, twin “tusks” and vertical reflectors.

  The RS model adds a black finish for the door mirrors and handles akin to the Civic RS, as well as new 16-inch turbine-style alloy wheels, the latter finished in Berlina Black with a darkened machined face. Unlike in Thailand and India where higher-end models receive clear taillights, the City retains its red tails across the range.

  While the exterior has been given a makeover, the interior has been mostly left well alone, although there are a couple of upgrades. The no-frills dashboard has been jazzed up (pun intended) with ambient lighting strips and a new, larger ten-inch infotainment touchscreen, the latter up from the current eight inches. The 360-degree camera system, added to the City earlier this year, has been updated with a multi-view interface.

  

  Safety-wise, the Malaysian-market City will continue to come as standard with the Honda Sensing suite of driver assists. These include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with (e:HEV RS-exclusive) stop and go, lane centring assist, road departure mitigation, front departure alert and auto high beam. One notable addition is blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, although the existing LaneWatch camera continues to be offered.

  The City will soldier on with the same two powertrain options as before. The petrol model utilises a 1.5 litre DOHC i-VTEC naturally-aspirated four-cylinder making 121 PS at 6,600 rpm and 145 Nm of torque at 4,300 rpm, and is mated to a CVT.

  

  

  The familiar e:HEV hybrid model, on the other hand, is powered by an electric front motor making 109 PS and 253 Nm, juiced by a lithium-ion battery and a 98 PS/127 Nm 1.5 litre NA Atkinson-cycle mill. The latter, which usually functions as a generator, can clutch in to drive the car at higher speeds where it is most efficient.

  Bookings can be made on the official Honda Malaysia website and all authorised dealerships nationwide. To sweeten the deal, the company is offering a RM3,000 “Early Bird Reward” to those who book before September 30. A New City Pop-up Store will also be set up at designated locations.

  GALLERY: 2026 Honda City sedan facelift, Thai spec

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