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GAC Aion Y Plus launched in Malaysia: 5-seat EV MPV, 204 PS/225 Nm, 430 km range, RM120k to RM136k
Having been previewed earlier this year, the GAC Aion Y Plus has finally received its formal launch in Malaysia. The electric five-seater MPV (GAC still calls it a crossover SUV, for some reason) is a unique proposition in the marketplace, offering plenty of space and a funky one-box design.
Two fully-imported (CBU) variants are being sold here – the Elite is priced at RM119,800, while the Premium retails at RM135,800. Both figures are on-the-road without insurance, inclusive of an eight-year/160,000 km warranty and an eight-year/200,000 km battery, motor and control electronics warranty. Deliveries will start in June for the Elite and July for the Premium.
As part of the launch, distributor Warisan Tan Chong Automotif (WTCA) is offering goodies that include a free 7 kW AC wallbox charger worth RM3,500 and RM1,000 in JomCharge credits for the first 200 buyers. A collaboration with JomCharge operator EV Connection means that customers will be among the first to gain access to the network’s Autocharge feature, which allows charging to start automatically as soon as the car is plugged in, similar to Tesla’s Supercharger network.
Early adopters will also be able to receive one of two accessory packages, while stocks last. The Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Set comprises of a GAC Aion-branded camping set and a cable for the Premium’s vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, and there’s also a “Me Time” Mobile Theatre Set with a portable projector.
No matter which version you go for, you’ll get a single front motor pushing out 204 PS (150 kW) and a rather scant (for an EV at least) 225 Nm of torque, enabling the Aion Y Plus to get from zero to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds. Also standard is GAC’s 63.2 kWh Magazine Battery 2.0, a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) pack that delivers a range of 430 km on the WLTP cycle. Charging speeds are fairly modest, the Aion Y Plus only supporting up to 80 kW of DC fast charging and 6.6 kW of AC charging; no charge times have been released.
Measuring 4,535 mm long, 1,870 mm wide and 1,650 mm tall, the Aion Y Plus is a size larger than the BYD Dolphin (245 mm longer, 100 mm wider, 80 mm taller), although its 2,750 mm wheelbase is only 50 mm longer. Those increased dimensions are reflected in the GAC’s tallboy looks, which bring to mind the original Renault Scenic. The car is suspended on MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear.
The Aion Y Plus certainly cuts a distinctive figure with its blocky, futuristic design – a world away from the sea of lookalike Chinese SUVs also making their debuts today. The oddball front fascia features large Angel Wing LED headlights with seven daytime running light bars that fan outwards.
The unusual aesthetic continues along the side, where you’ll find angular grey wheel arch cladding, plus flush pop-out door handles and side windows that taper towards the rear windscreen. Slim full-width taillights and a choice of either 17-inch (Elite) or 18-inch (Premium) alloy wheels complete the look.
Inside, the Aion Y Plus’ functional cabin features a simple horizontal dashboard and a table-like centre console with cupholders and some storage. All models get a 10.25-inch digital instrument display and a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, the latter incorporating wired Apple CarPlay. A six-speaker Bongiovi (yes, it’s related to Jon Bon Jovi) sound system comes as standard.
Also fitted to both variants is keyless entry and start, single-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents, a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a panoramic glass roof and a 360-degree camera system. The Premium model adds driver’s seat ventilation and a Qi wireless charging pad.
Safety-wise, both cars come with six airbags, but unfortunately only the Premium is offered with a range of driver assists. The latter includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go and lane centring assist.
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BYD Bao 5 on show in Malaysia – a PHEV off-road SUV
BYD has served up a surprise display at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024, with the Bao 5 from its Fang Cheng Bao sub-brand popping up at the event. Its appearance here follows its showing in Thailand last month at the Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS), and though it’s not the same example, the unit being displayed here is also a left-hand drive version.
Also known as the Leopard 5, the Bao 5 is marketed as an off-road SUV, with a boxy Prado-esque shape pushing those credentials along. The 4,890 mm long, 1,970 mm wide and 1,920 mm tall offering features a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a total system output of 687 PS (677 hp or 505 kW) and 760 Nm of torque, good enough to get the SUV to 100 km/h from standstill in 4.8 seconds.
The ICE element in the equation is made up of a 1.5 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine making 194 PS (192 hp or 143 kW) and 273 Nm, and this is paired with an electronic continuously variable transmission.
Two electric motors, one at the front and the other at the rear, add more push – the front motor offers 272 PS (268 hp or 200 kW) and 360 Nm, while the rear provides 387 PS (382 hp or 285 kW) and 400 Nm.
The electric motors are juiced by a Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with an energy capacity of 31.8 kWh. This provides the Bao 5 with an electric-only range of 125 km (on the CLTC standard).
In terms of charging, the battery supports DC fast charging at a maximum rate of 100 kW, at which it can be brought from a 30 to 80% state of charge in just 16 minutes. There’s also a vehicle-to-load (V2L) system that can supply up to 6 kW to power devices and accessories.
Interior highlights include three display screens, made up of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch passenger side touchscreen and a 15.6-inch central touchscreen. The triple-screen setup is standard for higher-end variants sold in China, along with a head-up display with a projection area spanning 50 inches.
There’s no indication as to when – or if – the Bao 5 will go the RHD route, but perhaps the appearance of the SUV in Thailand and now here is indication that plans to do so are in the pipeline. In its domestic market, the car is available in three variants, priced from 289,900 to 352,800 yuan (around RM188k to RM229k), which would put it up against the likes of the GWM Tank 300. Do you think it would shape up nicely for our market?
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Leapmotor C10 EV SUV coming to Malaysia Q4 2024
Leapmotor has made its first appearance in Malaysia with the C10 electric SUV, which the brand had recently shown alongside the C11, C16 and the T03 hatchback at the Auto China 2024 motor show in Beijing, China this year.
While the T03 was initially thought to be the launch model for the brand in Malaysia, given its prior stated positioning of offering affordable EVs as part of Stellantis Malaysia’s product plan for returning and upcoming brands under its umbrella, it is the C10 that will lead the brand’s product introduction in Malaysia in the fourth quarter of this year.
Why the C10 SUV, rather than the T03 hatchback for Malaysia? The target buyer for EVs in Malaysia tends to more affluent and therefore are less constrained by cost, which is why it makes more sense for the brand to be introduced with a larger model, said Stellantis Malaysia managing director Jamie Morais to paultan.org at the 2024 Malaysia Autoshow.
In terms of positioning, Stellantis Malaysia has yet to reveal a price point for the C10, though Morais hints that the upcoming electric SUV will be in the price ballpark “of the most popular EVs currently in Malaysia.”
Given the size of the C10 which measures 4,739 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,680 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,285 mm, this makes it a D-segment SUV in the size category of the Proton X90, and in terms of EV SUVs, could position it slightly above the smaller BYD Atto 3, which is currently priced from RM130k.
The Leapmotor C10 will have a battery range of up to 420 km on the WLTP testing standard, Leapmotor founder and CEO Jiangming Zhu said during the formal announcement of the Leapmotor International joint venture this month.
The C10 is one of two models listed as the beginning of the Leapmotor product roadmap worldwide, which will be followed by an SUV model next year. Internationally, another two hatchbacks will be announced in 2026, followed by another SUV in 2027.
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2024 Yamaha X-Max 250 colour update for Malaysia, price goes up to RM24,498
Just a colour update for the 2024 Yamaha X-Max 250 in Malaysia, with pricing now RM24,498 excluding insurance, registration and road tax. This is a price increase of RM500 over the 2023 price for the X-Max 250 of RM23,998.
The new colours for the X-Max 250 in Malaysia are Icon Black and Ruby Red. Stocks will be available in Hong Leong Yamaha Malaysia authorised dealer showrooms beginning today.
No changes in the engine room with power coming from a liquid-cooled single-cylinder mill displacing 249.8 cc producing 22.8 PS at 7,000 rpm and 24.3 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. Power goes through a CVT gearbox and belt drive to the rear wheel.
Inside the cockpit a 4.2-inch TFT-LCD screen is similar to the unit on the Tech Max 560 and featuring Yamaha Y-Connect app and Garmin StreetCross connectivity for navigation on the go using the rider’s smartphone. Suspension is done with non-adjustable telescopic forks and twin shock absorbers in the rear.
Braking is with single hydraulic discs front and rear with two-channel ABS as standard equipment. Weight for the XMax 250 is claimed to be 181 kg with 13-litres of fuel in the tank while seat height is set at 780 mm.
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2024 Triumph Daytona 660 launched at Malaysia Auto Show 2024, priced at RM49,500
Now in Malaysia is the 2024 Triumph Daytona 660, priced at RM49,500 with a two-year or 16,000 km warranty against manufacturing defects. Triumph’s smallest modern sportsbike was launched at the on-going Malaysia Auto Show 2024.
Powered by the same inline-triple that powers the Triumph Street Triple 600 and Triumph Tiger 660, the Daytona 660 gets 95 PS at 11,520 rpm and 69 Nm of torque at 8,250 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox equipped with slip and assist clutch with chain final drive.
Suspension is done with Showa upside-down big piston 41 mm diameter front forks and Showa preload adjustable monoshock at the back. Braking is done with radial-mount four-piston brakes with twin 310 mm discs with a 220 mm fixed disc with single piston sliding calliper in the rear, and two-channel ABS is standard.
There are three ride modes – Sport, Road and Rain – with optimised throttle response and traction control settings for road conditions – while traction control is switchable for riding on the track. A new Emergency Deceleration Warning system activates the Daytona’s hazard lights under heavy braking to alert road users.
A digital LCD gauge is found inside the cockpit, displaying all the necessary information while the My Triumph Connectivity System for connecting to the rider’s smartphone is an optional extra, as is Triumph Shift Assist up-and-down quickshifter.
With 14-litres of fuel in the tank, the Daytona 660 weighs in at 201 kg, while the seat places the rider 810 off the ground with a low seat height option set at 785 mm. Three colour options are available, with prominent “660” graphics.
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Jetour Dashing makes Malaysian debut – launch in H2 2024; 5-seat SUV with 156 PS 1.5T; CKD; two variants
Chinese automaker Jetour has made its public debut at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 and is currently previewing the Dashing. This is one of two SUVs set to be launched here in the second half of his year, with the other being the X70 Plus – both will be locally assembled (CKD) models.
The Dashing is a five-seat SUV built on the Kunlun architecture that is sized between a Honda CR-V (4,691 mm long) and Toyota Corolla Cross (4,460 mm long), measuring in at 4,590 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, 1,685 mm tall and with a wheelbase of 2,720 mm.
Two variants are offered, namely the Prime and Signature, both powered by a 1.5 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine delivering 156 PS (154 hp) at 5,500 rpm and 230 Nm of torque from 1,750 to 4,000 rpm.
Drive is sent to the front wheels via six-speed dual-clutch transmission and drivers will have three drive modes (Economy, Comfort, Sport) to cycle through. The base Prime rides on 18-inch wheels (235/60 profile tyres) while the range-topping Signature comes with 19-inch units (235/55 profile tyres).
In terms of other standard equipment, the Prime gets LED headlamps, LED DRLs, LED taillights, a powered tailgate, keyless entry and start, remote engine start, leather seat upholstery, a six-way powered driver’s seat, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, a 50W wireless charging pad, four speakers and automatic air-conditioning with rear vents and CN95 filter.
As for safety and driver assistance systems, the base variant of the Dashing comes with passive cruise control, a reverse camera, ABS, EBD, brake assist, ESC, traction control, six airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system, ISOFIX child seat anchors, overspeed warning and four reverse sensors.
The Signature improves upon the Prime’s kit list by gaining a panoramic sunroof, a four-way powered front passenger seat, ambient lighting, lane change assist, blind spot monitoring, lane change warning, rear cross traffic alert and a 360-degree around view monitor.
Curiously there’s no mention of autonomous emergency braking in the spec sheet provided to us. However, it is stated there are five colours available: Vanilla Blue, Khaki White, Star Black, Phantom Grey and Tech Grey.
Pricing for the Dashing, even estimated, is not available for now, so we’ll have to wait until the second half of the year to find out how much you’ll be paying. Are you looking forward to the Dashing going on sale here?
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Jetour X70 Plus previewed in Malaysia – 7-seat D-segment SUV, 156 PS/230 Nm 1.5T, 6-speed DCT
Making its debut at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 is the Chery group brand Jetour, which has revealed the two cars it will sell on our shores initially. Here, we’re focusing on the X70 Plus, a seven-seater D-segment SUV that competes with the Proton X90 and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro (it’s a size larger than the car that shares the same name, the Proton X70).
Two variants will be made available in the second half of the year, these being the Prime and Signature. No matter which version you go for, the X70 Plus measures 4,724 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,720 mm tall, with a wheelbase spanning 2,720 mm. Ground clearance is fairly modest at 144 mm.
Just one engine has been earmarked for Malaysia – a 1.5 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 150 PS at 5,500 rpm and 230 Nm of torque between 1,750 and 4,000 rpm. This is the same mill that powers the Chery Omoda 5, albeit with a six-speed wet dual-clutch transmission instead of a CVT.
The X70 is quite an old car now, having been around since Jetour’s formation in 2018. The Plus suffix denotes a comprehensive facelift (not the latest one shown in Beijing last month) that adds shapely headlights, a large hexagonal grille, full chrome window surrounds, full-width taillights and (fake) quad tailpipes. Both models come with automatic LED headlights, red exterior highlights, roof rails and 19-inch two-tone alloy wheels.
On the inside, you get a Mercedes-style widescreen panel with twin 10.25-inch displays, plus a slimmer separate screen for the air conditioning. As standard, you get keyless entry, push-button start, paddle shifters, cruise control, a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather upholstery, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 50-watt Qi wireless charger, four speakers, a 360-degree camera system and a powered tailgate.
Stepping up to the Signature nets you a panoramic glass sunroof, driver’s side seat memory and metal pedals. In terms of safety, the Prime comes with four airbags and autonomous emergency braking, with the Signature adding curtain airbags (six airbags in total), blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, rear cross traffic alert and a door opening warning.
Last but not least, there’s the elephant in the room that is the fact that the X70 Plus shares its name with a certain national SUV. A Jetour rep has previously intimated that the car will likely be renamed for the Malaysian market, but no word on the new moniker since then.
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2024 BMW Motorrad R1300GS launched at Malaysia Auto Show, pricing starts at RM140,000
Launched at the 2024 Malaysia Auto Show is the 2024 BMW Motorrad R1300GS, priced at RM140,000. Also available in Malaysia is the R1300GS Option 719, Tramuntana, with a price tag of RM149,500.
A complete makeover ofBMW Motorrad’s legendary adventure motorcycle, the G1300GS comes with an all new boxer-twin displacing exactly 1,300 cc. Power output is claimed to be 145 hp at 7,750 rom with a maximum torque of 6,500 rpm, making this BMW Motorrad’s most powerful twin ever.
The six-speed gearbox is located under the engine to decrease engine package size while the trellis frame is eliminated, contributing to a weight reduction of 12 kg, the R1300GS tipping the scales at 237 kg compared to the R1250GS’ 249 kg.
The redesigned suspension incorporates BMW Motorrad’s Evo Telelever front suspension and Evo Paralever rear, giving better steering precision and ride stability. BMW’s electronic Dynamic Suspension Adjustment (DSA) is an option.
DSA combines dynamic adjustment of the front and rear damping with a corresponding adjustment of the spring rate, or stiffness. This allows for automatic load compensation no matter if the R1300GS is ridden solo, two-up or loaded with luggage.
Optional on the R1300GS is adaptive vehicle height control and the sports suspension. With adaptive vehicle height control, the rider gets fully automatic adjustment of ride height depending on operating conditions while sports suspension offers 20 mm more suspension travel front and rear for off-roading.
There are four riding modes – Road, Rain, Eco and Enduro. Road and Rain modify power delivery of the R1300GS for prevailing conditions while Eco mode gets the maximum range out of a single tank of fuel, Enduro mode giving optimum power delivery for off-road riding.
Primary focus of change for the R1300GS is the headlight, a matrix lED headlight replacing the previous two element headlight. The light unit consists of two LED units for low and high beam along with four additional LED units for DRLs and side lights. while cornering lights is an option.
Riding aids include Active Cruise Control (ACC), Front Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Change Warning (SWW) to aid safety and rider awareness. Riding conveniences include a smartphone charging compartment with integrated USB socket and additional 12 V on-board power socket as standard, and BMW Keyless Ride while heated seats are an extra cost option.
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ETCM previews Nissan e-Power hybrid at Malaysia Autoshow 2024 – coming to sixth-gen Serena MPV?
At the Malaysia Autoshow 2024, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) is showcasing Nissan’s e-Power hybrid system in a Nissan Kicks. Both were never offered in Malaysia, with the latter previously teased in ETCM’s Chinese New Year greeting video over two years ago.
In the time since then, the Kicks entered its second generation in March this year. However, the car shown at the event is not the latest but the facelifted first-generation model that first made its debut back in May 2020.
It’s not known if the Kicks will ever be launched here and we honestly don’t expect that to happen given the age of the model being previewed. As such, true focal point of ETCM’s showcase is the e-Power hybrid system.
In the Kicks, the setup consists of a HR12DE 1.2 litre three-cylinder petrol engine rated at 79 PS and 103 Nm of torque that acts solely as a generator for a 1.57 kWh battery located under the front seats.
Said battery powers a front-mounted EM57 electric motor with 129 PS (95 kW) and 260 Nm. Unlike other hybrid systems, the engine does not drive the wheels, with the electric motor being the primary means of getting the crossover moving.
The e-Power system is also used in other Nissan models such as the Serena, which is due for an update here. The MPV entered its sixth generation in November 2022 and was spotted undergoing testing in Malaysia last March.
Perhaps ETCM’s e-Power showcase at the Malaysia Autoshow is an indicator we will finally get Nissan’s unorthodox hybrid system in the Serena in the (hopefully) near future? We did suggest this in a post from earlier this year, so we’ll have to wait and see.
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Perodua hit all-time record sales in 2023 with 330,325 units, up 17.1% – aims to maintain level for 2024
Perodua achieved all-time high sales last year and you’re only hearing about it a few days before the second half of 2024 starts? Us too, via Perodua president and CEO Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad’s speech at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024, which opens to the press today. For reasons unbeknownst to us, P2 skipped its annual year-end review this year.
Usually, when companies keep quiet, or try to hide figures, it’s a sign of decline. But no such thing from the perennial market leader, which sold a record 330,325 in 2023, up 17.1% from the 282,019 units registered in 2022. By the way, 282k was itself a record, a huge 48.2% jump from the 190,291 vehicles sold in 2021.
In November 2023, P2 revised its sales target upwards to 325,000 units from the original 314,000 announced in January, and that higher figure – set because P2 managed to ramp up production (they usually sell whatever they can make without lag) – was comfortably surpassed as well. Most popular model? The Bezza.
“For 2023, we were also the third largest car manufacturer in ASEAN,” Zainal declared.
This year, Perodua’s target is to maintain sales at the 330,000 units level, and it’s off to a good start – for the first quarter of 2024, P2 registered 112,845 vehicles, an increase of 15.8% from the 97,438 units it sold from January to April 2023.
As always, sales corresponds with production, which saw an increase of 15% to 118,547 units from January to April 2024, up from the 103,041 cars that rolled out of Sg Choh in Q1 2023. As for waiting period, a common question when it comes to Perodua, Zainal said that it’s now from one to five months, an improvement over the eight to 10 months wait last year.
By the way, Perodua is showing off a Myvi EV called the emo-1 and the outdoor-themed Aruz X-Cape at the ongoing Malaysia Autoshow at MAEPS. Click on the links to see the showcars.
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Perodua emo-1 EV concept – all-electric Myvi study with 68 PS/220 Nm, 55.7 kWh battery, 350 km range
A year after showing its Electric Motion Online (emo) concept, Perodua is back with another electric vehicle study, but there’s a difference in the emo-1, as the vehicle is called. Where the original visualisation was offered as a 1:6 scale clay model, this one is presented in full-size form, with supposedly running mechanicals.
The emo-1, which is on display at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024, is an electric hatchback underpinned by a 2021 D51A Myvi serving as a donor vehicle. The conversion project is powered by a three-phased permanent magnet synchronous motor offering 68 PS (50 kW rated; 120 kW peak) and 220 Nm of twist (quoted as 315 Nm on the large info panel at the display), and this is good enough to get the electric Myvi to 100 km/h in around seven to nine seconds.
The motor is juiced by a NMC lithium-ion battery with an energy capacity of 55.7 kWh (listed as 57.6 kWh on the info panel), which the automaker says will offer 350 km of travel (400 km quoted on the display panel spec sheet) on a single charge. As for charging, it takes over five hours to get the unit to full via 11 kW AC charging, while charging at 50 kW DC takes just over an hour.
The specs on the prototype are different from that ventured for the EV study from last year, when 95 PS and 121 Nm was quoted from its electric motor, and performance figures included a 0-100 km/h time of 10 seconds and a 160 km/h top speed (there’s no mention of the latter with this one, but 150 km/h was intimated during the presentation). The actual battery is also slightly up in terms of capacity from the 50 kWh stated previously.
According to the company, the project to develop the emo-1 – which tips the scales at more than 1,400 kg – started back in Sept 2022, but actual construction only began nine months ago, with the final build completed with the assistance of an Australian partner.
The conversion is very much a precursor for further development, with the company saying that an updated concept will be shown at the end of this year, which means it’s likely to be at KLIMS.
Click to enlarge. Meanwhile, production is slated to take place sometime next year, and there’s even a price point ventured for its first EV offering – the automaker says that it will be below RM100k, but above RM50k. It added that there will be a new mechanism to ensure better resale value for Perodua EVs too.
Info panels placed in the showcase area offer highlights of the electrification project, so if you’re heading to the Malaysia Autoshow 2024, be sure to check them out.
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2024 MINI Countryman in Malaysia – U25 SE EV with up to 432 km range, 300 PS JCW, priced from RM260k
In addition to the 520i and i5 M60, BMW Group Malaysia has also launched the all-new U25 MINI Countryman in Malaysia. Larger and much more closely related to Bavaria than the outgoing second-generation F60 (it’s even built there, in nearby Leipzig), the SUV is being offered in petrol and, for the first time, fully-electric guise.
The range starts with the electric Countryman SE All4, with estimated pricing of RM260,000, around RM26,000 cheaper than its sibling, the BMW iX1 xDrive30. Meanwhile, the sole petrol variant is the hot John Cooper Works Countryman, set to be offered at RM399,000. Deliveries are set to kick off in the third quarter of the year.
MINI Countryman SE All4
On the SE, the All4 suffix denotes the presence of twin motors, producing a sum total of 313 PS (230 kW) and 494 Nm of torque. Those are identical figures to the iX1 xDrive30, enabling it to get from zero to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds (a tenth of a second quicker than the BMW) on its way to a top speed of 180 km/h.
What the MINI gains in performance it loses in range – equipped with the same 66.5 kWh battery as the iX1, it nevertheless returns a slightly lower figure of 432 km on the WLTP cycle. On the flip side, the Countryman not only accepts the same 130 kW of DC fast charging (topping up the battery from 10 to 80% in 30 minutes) but has double the maximum AC charging input of 22 kW, which should lead to much shorter charge times.
Built on the same front-wheel-drive UKL2 platform as the iX1, the new Countryman is much bigger than the car it replaces, being 130 mm longer and having a 22 mm longer wheelbase. The size increase is most noticeable in the longer rear overhang, meaning that the car loses the typical MINI four-square stance.
Highlights include squarish LED headlights with perimeter daytime running lights, a large hexagonal front grille, chunky fender flares, flush pull-up door handles, customisable “matrix” LED taillights and a peculiar C-pillar trim piece that drops downwards from the roof. Some typical MINI design cues, such as the front fender “side scuttles” and clamshell bonnet, have been dropped for a more minimalist look.
The Malaysian-spec model comes in the range-topping Favoured trim, which adds gloss black exterior trim, decorative skid plates and a choice of either Piano Black or Vibrant Silver roof and door mirrors. It also rides on 20-inch Windmill Spoke two-tone alloy wheels.
Inside, MINI promises greater passenger space, including a significant increase in shoulder room; there’s also a 460 litre boot expandable to 1,350 litres with the 40:20:40-split rear seats folded (no front boot, unfortunately). The minimalist aesthetic continues on the inside, with a wraparound dashboard design covered in Dark Petrol (ironic) houndstooth fabric, a three-spoke sports steering wheel with a fabric lower spoke, vertical air vents and a wide centre console with a variety of storage compartments.
Taking centre stage (literally) is a distinctive 9.4-inch circular OLED touchscreen that integrates not only the air-con controls but also the speed readout, much like the Volvo EX30. It runs on the Android-based MINI Operating System 9 and comes with a “Hey MINI” voice control system, visualised by a dog avatar called Spike. The deletion of the instrument cluster has been compensated by the addition of a head-up display.
Behind the display sit two projectors that display patterns onto either side of the dashboard, depending on the drive mode selected. You also get the smartphone-based MINI Digital Key Plus, MINI Driving Sounds and a 360-degree camera system with Remote 3D View. Below the screen, the trademark toggle switches have been simplified to just two for the gear selector and drive modes, plus a volume knob, parking brake button and a unique key-like starter twist knob.
On the inside, the Favoured trim adds JCW sport seats made of Vescin Beading faux leather in either Vintage Brown or Dark Petrol. Other bits of standard kit include power-adjustable front seats with driver’s side memory and massage functions, black headlining and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system.
Safety-wise, the Countryman comes as standard with the Driving Assistant Plus package, adding autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane centring assist, evasive steering assist, blind spot monitoring and traffic sign recognition. Also fitted is Parking Assistant Professional, throwing on remote parking assist via a smartphone app, a Manoeuvring Assistant and a Reversing Assistant.
MINI John Cooper Works Countryman All4
Despite being positioned as the performance model, the JCW actually has less power than the EV variant, its B48 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine only making 300 PS and 400 Nm of torque. Even so, with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive at its disposal, this not-so-pocket rocket is able to complete the century sprint two tenths of a second quicker at 5.4 seconds, while its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. Adaptive dampers are also fitted.
Setting the JCW apart from the SE is a full exterior package that consists of a more aggressive front bumper (with a chequered flag grille pattern and twin fake “air intakes” up top), a large rear diffuser with quad round tailpipes and a red roof and door mirrors. The car rolls on 21-inch JCW Flag Spoke alloys with Pirelli P Zero tyres, hiding JCW Performance Brakes with red callipers.
There are more changes on the inside, including a JCW steering wheel, JCW-specific fabric interior trim in red, a black fabric accent strip and JCW Black Vecsin faux leather upholstery with red and grey accents.
This being a petrol model, the boot is larger at 505 litres and can be expandable to 1,530 litres by folding the rear seats. The JCW is also the only model to feature manually-adjustable rear seats, including six positions for the back seat recline.
GALLERY: MINI Countryman SE All4 at Malaysia Autoshow 2024
GALLERY: MINI John Cooper Works Countryman All4 at Malaysia Autoshow 2024
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Perodua Aruz X-Cape in Malaysia – roof-mounted tent, awning, camping accessories, matte exterior wrap
The Perodua Aruz is popular among families, given its seven-seater layout and SUV form, especially for those who need the interior space on a regular basis. The national carmaker has shown a kitted-up example of the Aruz today at the 2024 Malaysia Autoshow, with camping accessories and aesthetic changes.
Along with a matte green full body wrap, the Aruz is outfitted with a roof rack for a roof-mounted tent, which is deployed from its own roof box. This is equipped with a ladder for access on the right-hand-side of the vehicle. This is complemented by an awning with supporting poles. Accompanying the display setup are camping furniture including chairs, a foldable trolley that doubles as a table, along with cases.
According to Perodua personnel at show stand, the Aruz X-Cape shown serves as a display concept in terms of what is possible in an outdoors-lifestyle capacity, and there are currently no plans to offer any variant of the Aruz for sale with this equipment specification, nor as any individual parts for the Aruz.
In addition to the lifestyle accessories, the Aruz gets a gloss black finish for its alloy wheels, and the vehicle’s headlamp and tail lamp lenses have been darkened to to with the darkened trim theme. Meanwhile, a set of mountain range decals are applied to the sides of the Aruz X-Cape.
Equipment unique to the Aruz X-Cape appears to be confined to aesthetics and accessories, and so its mechanical specifications appear unchanged. As standard from its launch in 2019, the Aruz packs a 1.5 litre 2NR-VE Dual VVT-i naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 102 PS at 6,000 rpm and 133 Nm at 4,200 rpm, driving the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic gearbox.
In top variant form, the AV gets automatic headlamp function, roof rails, SmartLink smartphone mirroring, leather upholstery (the X gets fabric), a driving video recorder (dashcam) and Advance Safety Assist 2.0 (ASA 2.0) systems (Pre-collision Warning, Pre-collision Braking, Front Departure Alert and Pedal Misoperation Control).
The Perodua Aruz continues to be on sale in Malaysia in two variants – the 1.5 X at RM72,900, and the 1.5 AV at RM77,900; prices for both are on-the-road without insurance.
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2024 MINI Cooper S debuts in Malaysia – new F66 with 204 PS/300 Nm 2.0T, 7DCT; estimated price at RM280k
BMW Group Malaysia today introduced the new F66 MINI Cooper at the Malaysia Autoshow alongside a bevy of other vehicles. Set to be delivered to customers in the Q3 of this year, the new F66 MINI Hatch is being offered in a sole Cooper S variant that currently carries an estimated price of RM280,000.
Now, it’s important to note the F66 is not the fully electric version of MINI’s iconic hatchback that we saw last September (codenamed J01) but is instead a heavily revised version of the previous F56 MINI Hatch that maintains an internal combustion engine – call it a big facelift.
In the case of the Cooper S, it is a B48 2.0 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol unit developing 204 PS (201 hp) and 300 Nm of torque. This is paired with the same seven-speed dual-clutch transmission as before that drives the front wheels, enabling a 0-100 kmh/ time of 6.6 seconds and top speed of 242 km/h.
While the underpinnings and powertrain are familiar, the exterior design of the F66 Cooper is noticeable different and takes inspiration from the minimalistic styling of the J01 electric vehicle (EV).
Highlights include circular LED headlamps with horizontal daytime running light elements within each cluster, while the grille has an octagonal shape. The simplified approach also sees the omission of the faux bonnet vent as well as the side scuttles on the fenders.
On that mention, one way to tell the F66 apart from the J01 is by the size of the fender piece near the clamshell bonnet, with the latter being small by comparison. The conventional door handles and black body cladding are F56 carryovers.
The F66’s continued emulation of the J01 continues in the rear, with triangular-shaped LED taillights linked by a trim piece that has the model script on it. Even the lower apron has a black section with reflector “posts” sticking out the ends. However, there are some cues to mark out the ICE car, including the positioning of the tow hook cover and the design of the C-pillars leading into the rear spoiler.
Inside, the F66 Cooper S gets the J01’s circular OLED display measuring 9.4 inches as well as a nearly identical dashboard layout. The former is driven by the Android-based MINI Operating System and provides access to almost all vehicle functions, climate system included.
You do get physical controls in the form of the latest MINI toggle bar, although that only includes gear selection, simple media controls and toggling through the MINI Experience modes.
A new steering wheel and a fabric-wrapped dashboard are other changes made for the F66, the latter now following a two-tone look. We’re getting the Cooper S in Classic guise, which sees black-blue fabric covering various services, accompanied by Vescin vegan leather for the steering wheel as well as sport seats that have a grey/black look and blue inserts.
The latest MINI Cooper with a petrol engine is still a four-seater and the boot space you get remains the same at a tiny 210 litres, although you can fold the 60:40-split rear seats to get a total cargo capacity of 725 litres.
Our Cooper S is equipped with 18-inch ‘Slide Spoke’ two-tone light-alloy wheels, MINI logo projections on both sides, a Harman Kardon sound system, a head-up display, Comfort Package Plus, Comfort Access, a wireless charging pad and MINI Interaction Unit.
Click to enlarge In terms of driver assistance systems, the Cooper S gets the Driving Assistant package which includes lane change warning with active lane return, lane departure warning with active steering intervention, speed limit info, manual speed limit assist, passive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, evasion assist, rear cross traffic alert with brake intervention and exit warning.
It was also stated that Driving Assistant Plus is available (presumably as a paid add-on like with the base iX1), which adds adaptive cruise control with stop and go, steering and lane control assist as well as automatic speed limit assist.
Standard here is Parking Assistant Plus that includes Park Assist (parallel and perpendicular parking assistance), Active Park Distance Control, a reverse camera, Reversing Assistant, Parking View, Remote 3D View and a dashcam.
Four colours are offered for the F66 Cooper S, including Ocean Wave Green, Legend Grey, Nanuq White and Chili Red.
GALLERY: 2024 F66 MINI Cooper S Malaysia spec sheet
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2024 BMW G60 520i in Malaysia – 208 hp/330 Nm 2.0T mild-hybrid, Driving Assistant Plus; RM340k estimated
Joining its battery-electric siblings in the G60 5 Series range – including the i5 M60 that was just launched in Malaysia today – is the BMW 520i, a locally-assembled (CKD) model that comes in at an estimated price of RM340,000, according to BMW Group Malaysia.
This serves as the entry point to the G60 BMW 5 Series range that packs a mild-hybrid powertrain, featuring the B48 2.0 litre inline-four turbocharged petrol engine that outputs 208 hp and 330 Nm of torque, incorporating 48-volt architecture that brings the electric component to its propulsion.
Driveline is to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, and thus equipped the G60 520i does the 0-100 km/h sprint benchmark in 7.5 seconds, and a top speed of 230 km/h.
Rolling stock is by 19-inch aero alloy wheels in the 934 bicolour grey design/colour scheme, here shod in tyres measuring 245/45R19 in front and at the rear. Suspension layout is common across both combustion-engined 5 Series and i5 EV variants, being a double wishbone setup for the front suspension and a five-link layout for the rear suspension.
Inside, the 520i marks a departure from the M Sport kit as seen on the Malaysian-market i5, with the cabin of the 2.0 litre mild-hybrid petrol featuring a two-spoke, flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel.
Instrumentation and infotainment is provided by the BMW Curved Display that brings a 12.3-inch instrument panel and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, which is also accessed via the iDrive controller, and front seat occupants in the 520i get access to a wireless charging tray.
Driver assistance systems in the G60 520i come in the form of Driving Assistant Plus, which packs camera- and radar-based assistance systems including Active Cruise Control, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, and Lane Departure Warning.
In Malaysia, the G60 BMW 520i is offered in a choice of four exterior colours – Black Sapphire Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Phytonic Blue Metallic, and Cape York Green Metallic, along with two interior Veganza perforated trim upholstery options, in quilted black or espresso brown.
2024 G60 BMW 520i with M Performance parts
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