Auto Shanghai 2025

• Leapmotor to launch B05 EV hatchback end-2025, B-segment A10 SUV and A05 hatch to debut in 2026

  In Cars, International News, Leapmotor / By Anthony Lim / 8 May 2025 8:35 am / 1 comment

  

  Chinese electric vehicle maker Leapmotor is set to expand its vehicle line-up in the next couple of years, with three new models set to join the recently-introduced B10 SUV and the B01 sedan – which made its global debut at Auto Shanghai 2025 last month – in its product portfolio.

  Unlike the C01 sedan, C11 and C16 SUVs, which are available only on the domestic front, these models will also be available for export markets. At present, the D-segment C10 SUV and A-segment T03 hatchback are the automaker’s only offerings outside of China, but the C-segment B10 is set to join the duo before the year is out, with its entry into Europe set to happen sometime in Q4. The B01 will not, with the company having indicated that the sedan is very much a China-specific model.

  The three models that will eventually come about are a C-segment hatchback and a duo of B-segment offerings. According to Leapmotor CEO Zhu Jiangming, the first of these will be the B05 hatchback, which will arrive sometime at the end of this year or early next year. Speaking on the sidelines of the show, he said this will be followed by the two B-segment models.

  

  

  Leapmotor B10 SUV (left) and T03 hatchback.

  “In 2026 we will launch one smaller SUV, which will be known as the A10, and this will be followed by a hatchback called the A05. These two cars are not just planned for Europe but for the global market,” he said. He added that the company had no plans to build anything smaller than the T03, its sole A-segment player.

  The model designations follow the naming convention chosen by the automaker, which is a step down alphabetically than the actual segment they compete in, with the existing C-series playing in the D-segment and the B-series models, in the C-segment. As such, the future B-segment A10 and A05 are expected to compete against respective rivals such as the BYD Atto 2 SUV and Dolphin hatchback.

  Given how they are placed, It is expected that the both the A-series models will eventually head into ASEAN markets. Closer to home, it has already been indicated that the B10 (which will go up against the likes of the BYD Atto 3, Proton eMas7 and MG S5, among others) is slated for these shores, although that will likely only happen well into next year at the earliest, after Leapmotor begins local assembly at Stellantis’ existing plant in Gurun, Kedah towards the end of 2025.

   

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• 2025 BYD Dolphin facelift at Auto Shanghai – up to 520 km CLTC EV range; new design; God’s Eye C ADAS

  In BYD, Cars, International News / By Gerard Lye / 6 May 2025 4:42 pm / 3 comments

  

  Here is a live gallery of the new BYD Dolphin facelift at this year’s Auto Shanghai. Launched in China in March, the updated electric hatchback not only receives styling updates but also the company’s God’s Eye C (DiPilot 100) suite of ADAS functions.

  In its home country, the Dolphin retails for between 99,800 and 125,800 yuan (about RM58k and RM73k), with three variants being made available. The base option comes with a 45.12-kWh Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that provides a CLTC-rated range of up to 420 km and powers a front electric motor with 95 PS (94 hp or 70 kW) and 180 Nm of torque for a 0-50 km/h time of 4.3 seconds.

  The mid-spec Fashion Edition (109,800 yuan or RM64k) gets the same battery as the base option but its electric motor is uprated to provide 177 PS (174 hp or 130 kW) and 290 Nm. This sees the 0-50 km/h time drop to 3.5 seconds, albeit at the expense of range that goes up to 410 km.

  At the very top is the Knight Edition with a larger 60.48-kWh battery and even higher outputs of 204 PS (201 hp or 150 kW) and 310 Nm. The 0-50 km/h time is identical to the Fashion Edition but range is up to 520 km thanks to the increased battery capacity.

  

  All three powertrains support AC charging at a max of 7 kW, while peak DC fast charging will get the batteries from 30-80% in 25 minutes. The smaller battery can handle a DC input of up to 80 kW, with the larger one able to take in 110 kW.

  BYD sells both the old and new Dolphin in China, the former being smaller in size compared to the international version we get here in Malaysia. Where our pre-facelift Dolphin measures 4,290 mm long, 1,770 mm wide, 1,570 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,700 mm, the one in China is 165 mm shorter in terms of overall length but maintains the other dimensions.

  The facelifted Dolphin in China is larger than its older equivalent, measuring in at 4,280 mm long, 1,770 mm wide, 1,570 mm tall and having a wheelbase of 2,700 mm. You can identify the newer model by its sleeker front end featuring redesigned headlamps as well as a new front bumper with reprofiled air curtains and central intake.

  At the rear, you’ll find new wave-like taillights that are also seen on the Seal 06 GT and a new rear bumper design with fake air vents that meet with horizontally-mounted reflectors.

  

  More changes can be found on the inside, including an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster that is larger than the previous 5-inch unit. The 12.8-inch touchscreen is retained, although it no longer rotates and is kept at a fixed landscape orientation.

  Elsewhere, there’s a new centre console with larger cupholders and a wireless charging pad positioned further forwards than before. The open storage tray under the touchscreen has also been replaced (now appears to be covered) while the gear selector dial is now a column-mounted stalk close to the new steering wheel from the pre-update Seal.

  Depending on the variant, the Dolphin comes with either a rear torsion beam or four-bar linkage suspension as well as 16- or 17-inch wheels. Other available equipment includes six airbags, NFC car key support, six-speakers, a panoramic roof, a refrigerator, powered front seats with ventilation and heating functions, LED headlamps, connected services and automatic air-conditioning with PM2.5 air filter and rear vents.

  The ADAS functions leverage on a suite of sensors that are identical for all variants and include five millimeter-wave radars and 12 cameras. These enable functions such as High-speed Navigation On Autopilot (HNOA), lane change assist, adaptive cruise control, high beam assist, automatic parking, remote parking, autonomous emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert and braking, blind spot monitoring, lane departure assist and more.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  
  

   

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• Chery Fulwin T11 on display at Auto Shanghai – new flagship PHEV SUV with up to 1,400 km hybrid range

  In Cars, Chery, International News / By Gerard Lye / 5 May 2025 5:44 pm / 1 comment

  

  At this year’s Auto Shanghai, Chery showed off the Fulwin T11, a flagship model that is expected to go on sale in the second of 2025 with an estimated price of between 250,000 and 300,000 yuan (about RM145k and RM174k).

  If you’re not familiar with Fulwin, it was previously used as a model name by Chery. In late 2023, the name was used for the Chinese carmaker’s range of plug-in hybrid vehicles that are divided into A (sedan), T (SUV) and M (MPV) series. Most Fulwin models are based on existing Chery vehicles with a plug-in hybrid system (marketed as Kunpeng Super Hybrid C-DM) added on.

  As a flagship offering, the T11 is a large vehicle, with Chinese media outlets reporting it as measuring 5,150 mm long, 1,995 mm wide, 1,800 tall and with a wheelbase of 3,100 mm. The car is a six-seater with a 2-2-2 layout and an interior that features a massive 30-inch touchscreen as well as a 17.3-inch ceiling-mounted display for second-row entertainment.

  

  

  

  On the outside, the T11 features a large front grille that is reminiscent of the Denza D9 with its prominent vertical lines, while the general profile reminds us of the Mercedes-Benz GLS, albeit with much slimmer D-pillars. Elsewhere, there are J-shaped daytime running lights integrated into the headlamps, taillights are linked by a light bar running across the tailgate and conventional door handles.

  The T11’s PHEV system is said to consist of a 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine with a thermal efficiency of 44.5%. This is said to make 156 PS (154 hp or 115 kW) and 220 Nm of torque, with the extra oomph coming from electric motors that enable an all-wheel drive layout. The all-electric range is expected to be over 200 km, while the hybrid range will be over 1,400 km.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  
  

   

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• Lynk & Co 06 EM-P at 2025 Auto Shanghai – PHEV Proton X50 twin w/ 126 km EV range; fr RM74k in China

  In Cars, International News, Lynk & Co / By Mick Chan / 5 May 2025 4:48 pm / 2 comments

  

  Joining the ranks of petrol-electric models shown at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show in China last month is the plug-in hybrid Lynk & Co 06 EM-P update, which was unveiled in October 2023 prior to its public showing and which succeeded the original from 2020.

  As a B-segment SUV model within the wider Geely Group, this can be considered a twin of the Proton X50, given its basis that is the Geely BMA platform.

  Being a plug-in hybrid, the 06 EM-P boasts of 299 PS and 568 Nm of torque from its BHE15 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine that is mated with two electric motors. This draws from a 19.09 kWh battery that enables up to 126 km of purely electric range on the Chinese CLTC testing cycle; meanwhile, the 0-100 km/h run is elapsed in 5.9 seconds.

  

  

  According to Lynk & Co, the 06 EM-P can be recharged at up to 32 kW DC that brings a 30-80 recharge in 28 minutes, and conversely can supply electricity to external devices at up to 3.3 kW; its combined hybrid range is a claimed 1,280 km (CLTC).

  The exterior of the 06 EM-P has been given a cleaner look relative to the 2020 version, with the updated model getting DRLs which are now set further apart and less enclosed, while the main beam assemblies are located below the DRLs as before. Meanwhile, the front bumper has been given a more minimalist look.

  Its daylight opening retains its shape, and its window line gets silver trim that arcs from the A-pillar all the way back of roof, to the top of the D-pillar. For rolling stock, the 06 EM-P gets 19-inch alloy wheels are shod in tyres measuring 225/45R19.

  

  

  For driving assistance systems, the 06 EM-P gets traffic jam assistance, highway assist, automatic parking assist, one-button remote parking assist, route-tracing reversing assist, and AEB, among others. Visual aids for manoeuvring includes a 540-degree panoramic view, according to Lynk & Co. In terms of passive safety kit, the 06 EM-P gets six airbags, including curtain airbags which are 1,900 mm long.

  Inside, the cabin of the 06 EM-P gets a 14.6-inch central touchscreen that controls the majority of the vehicle’s functions, and this is accompanied by a 10.2-inch slim instrument display for the driver, as with models from within the Zeekr Group sister brand such as the Zeekr 007 GT. For luggage capacity, the 06 EM-P holds 284 litres with the rear seats in place, or 1,305 litres with the rear seats folded.

  In China, the Lynk & Co 06 EM-P is priced from 128,800 yuan (RM73,536). What do you think of this relative to the Proton X50?

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Chery QQ Qurio EV concept debuts at Auto Shanghai – reboot of nameplate to enter production in 2026

  In Cars, Chery, International News / By Gerard Lye / 5 May 2025 2:49 pm / 0 comment

  

  This is a concept for a new Chery QQ that made its public debut at this year’s Auto Shanghai and marks a rebirth for the product series. The ‘QQ’ name has been used for several models from Chery, with the original being the QQ3 that launched in 2003, followed by the QQ6 and QQme.

  With affordable price tags, these QQ hatchbacks sold well initially but that didn’t last long as declining sales over the years eventually led to their discontinuation. The name still loves on today through the QQ Ice Cream that will soon be joined by the QQ Duomi.

  This concept, officially called the Qurio (meaning to stay curious), aims to push the classic nameplate back into the mainstream and will be an electric vehicle (EV). For now, there are no powertrain details but Chery says the new car will have a wheelbase of 2,750 mm and is scheduled for production in the first half of next year.

  

  

  Visually, the Qurio concept appears to be a multiverse version of Nio’s Firefly EV, with both featuring smooth surfacing and round-off squares. A black panel housing the lighting elements can be seen on both ends, while the sides sport flush door handles and plus-shaped wheels. New-age QQ logos are also seen around the vehicle.

  The playful exterior is reflected on the inside that has a tri-tone colour scheme and distinctive structures, the latter including three-level door panels that incorporate storage cubbies. A high-set centre console also enables for more storage underneath, while other cues are a “squircle” steering wheel, a large central infotainment touchscreen and a small digital instrument cluster.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV facelift at Auto Shanghai 2025 – new exterior, interior; launching in Malaysia this year?

  In Cars, Chery, International News / By Gerard Lye / 2 May 2025 5:28 pm / 0 comment

  

  Displayed alongside the facelifted Chery Tiggo 7 at this year’s Auto Shanghai is the larger and also latest Tiggo 8 facelift. Pictured here in plug-in hybrid (PHEV) guise, the SUV you’re looking at appears nearly identical to the Tiggo 8 Pro e+ that was shown at last year’s MITI Day.

  Visual changes from the current, non-electrified Tiggo 8 Pro we have here include new headlamps and a grille with a thinner surround. The front bumper has also been swapped out for a new design that incorporates functional air curtains too.

  Along the sides, the conventional door handles have been replaced with flush items, while the rear remains largely familiar, save for the more expressive diffuser-like element. On the petrol-only version of the Tiggo 8 Pro, there are twin round exhaust tips instead of the newer model’s trapezoidal-shaped units.

  The facelifted Tiggo 8 gets a completely new dashboard that moves away from the conjoined screens (as seen in some Mercedes-Benz models) in favour of a separate items, including a large infotainment touchscreen.

  

  

  The redesigned centre console is now higher and meets with the central air vents, although this comes at the expense of the physical controls that sees the climate controls be integrated into the touchscreen. This big change also brings with it a rotary gear selector and space for two smartphones, with one slot having an air-cooled wireless charger.

  The display car is said to feature the latest Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) system that replaces the older PHEV setup used for its predecessor. This is based around a 1.5 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine making 154 hp and 220 Nm of torque, which is paired with a three-speed Direct Hybrid Transmission (DHT) and two electric motors rated at 201 hp and 310 Nm.

  The setup sounds identical to that used by the Tiggo 7 PHEV, including the 18.3-kWh battery. In fact, the spec sheet provided indicates the Tiggo 8 PHEV is capable of achieving the same fuel consumption as low as 1.39 l/100 km, 1,200 km of range in hybrid mode and 95 km of electric-only range.

  Like the Tiggo 7 PHEV, the Tiggo 8 PHEV was supposed to be launched in Malaysia, although nothing of the sort has happened. Perhaps the delay was to allow for the updated models to come our way? Let’s wait and see.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Nissan N7 launched in China – Dongfeng-based EV sedan with up to 635 km range, exports planned

  In Cars, International News, Nissan / By Jonathan Lee / 2 May 2025 5:05 pm / 5 comments

  

  Revealed in November, the Dongfeng Nissan N7 was launched at the ongoing Auto Shanghai 2025 show, marking the start of Nissan’s first concerted effort at breaking into China’s burgeoning new energy vehicle (NEV) market. Except that beneath the skin, you won’t find any Nissan parts in this five-door electric sedan.

  That’s because the N7 is actually based on the Dongfeng 007, sold in China as the eπ 007. Nissan is essentially following in the footsteps of Mazda, which has built its EZ-6/6e sedan and EZ-60 SUV on the bones of Changan electric vehicles. Like the 6e, the N7 is also tipped for exports, although no details have been released so far.

  Based on the same Dongfeng Quantum Architecture No. 3 as the 007, the N7 uses identical mechanicals – in this case, a single front motor producing 218 PS (160 kW) and 305 Nm of torque, juiced by a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery.

  

  Two battery capacities are offered – a 58 kWh pack delivers a range of 510 km, while a 73 kWh unit boosts that figure to 635 km; both figures are on China’s very generous CLTC cycle. The bigger battery also bumps up the power figure to 272 PS (200 kW).

  All two support “3C” charging, meaning they can accept up to three times their capacity in DC fast charging power – around 170 kW for the base battery and 220 kW for the larger pack, then. Charging from 10 to 80% therefore takes around 19 minutes for all of them. There’s also a 6.6 kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) function.

  The N7 also looks very similar to the 007 on the outside, with a pebble-smooth design, flush pop-out door handles, a long six-window glasshouse that stretches all the way towards the rear and full-width taillights. The front end has been redesigned, however, featuring a development of Nissan’s V-motion styling with a full-width light bar and fang-shaped headlights – much like the new Leaf.

  

  Elsewhere, there’s a new clamshell bonnet and sharper creases in the lower half of the doors, while the taillights dip down in the corners. You also get new 17- and 19-inch wheel options, but unfortunately not the 007’s outlandish scissor front doors.

  The interior has been mildly redesigned but again uses the same components, including a ten-inch digital instrument display, a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, cushy-looking seats with a one-touch recline function and 12-point massage, and two phone holders – one of which also houses a 50-watt Qi wireless charger.

  

  

  The tech runs on the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip and includes DeepSeek R1 generative AI integration. Other features include a refrigerated and heated armrest console box, a panoramic glass roof, a 256-colour ambient lighting system and a 14-speaker sound system with rising dash speakers.

  Being that this is a Chinese-market car, you can expect highly-automated city and highway driving with navigation guidance, automatic lane changes and traffic light recognition, along with remote parking assist. Prices range from 119,900 yuan (RM70,500) to 149,900 yuan (RM88,200). Could we see the N7 in Malaysia in the near future? We certainly hope so, but given Nissan’s spotty (to put it lightly) product rollout here, we’re not holding our breath.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Zeekr 007 GT shown at 2025 Auto Shanghai – shooting brake EV with RWD, AWD variants; fr RM119k in China

  In Cars, International News, Zeekr / By Mick Chan / 2 May 2025 4:59 pm / 3 comments

  

  First unveiled in January this year, the Zeekr 007 GT was shown at Auto Shanghai 2025 in China, offering a closer look at the brand’s EV in shooting brake/station wagon form, which is sold in China alongside the 007 sedan.

  In China, the 007 GT is sold with 75 kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) and 100 kWh ternary lithium battery packs, across both RWD and AWD powertrain variants; claimed battery ranges on the Chinese domestic CLTC test cycle are 650 km for the 75 kWh RWD and 825 km for the 100 kWh RWD, and 585 km for the 75 kWh AWD and 730 km for the 100 kWh AWD, according to Zeekr.

  With its 800-volt electrical architecture, the 75 kWh RWD and AWD variants can be recharged from 10-80% SoC in 10.5 minutes, while the 100 kWh RWD takes 15 minutes to do the same. Conversely, all variants can also supply electricity at up to 60 kW DC on a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) basis, and at up to 6 kW AC on a vehicle-to-load (V2L) basis.

  Powertrain-wise, the RWD variants are equipped with a motor that outputs 310 kW (421 PS) and 440 Nm, while the AWD gets a dual-motor setup that outputs 475 kW (646 PS) and 710 Nm.

  

  

  In terms of exterior dimensions, the 007 GT measures 4,864 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,460 mm tall (1,445 mm tall for the AWD), with a wheelbase of 2,925 mm. For comparison, the 007 sedan measures 4,865 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,450 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,928 mm.

  You’ll have noticed the front fascia with a full-width LED assembly that is able to display customised script; this is dubbed the Zeekr Stargate, which enables users to input characters and selected graphics for display on the front of the vehicle.

  Chassis equipment for the 007 GT is comprised of double wishbones suspension in front and a multi-link setup at the rear, with air springs and continuously controlled adaptive damping. Rolling stock is set of 19-inch wheels shod in 245/45R19 tyres, or as seen on the display cars in these images, 20-inch alloy wheels in 255/40R20 tyres.

  

  

  

  

  Inside, the 007 GT boasts of 645 litres of luggage capacity with the rear seats upright, or up to 1,737 litres with the rear seats folded down. In front, the frunk capacity is 53 litres on the RWD variants, reduced to 20 litres on the AWD variant.

  Displays and infotainment in the 007 GT are powered by the Snapdragon 8295 Smart Cockpit computing platform, with the display ensemble comprised of a 13-inch HD driver’s display, a 15.4-inch central display, and a 35.5-inch augmented reality head-up display.

  For driving assistance, the 007 GT includes full-speed range adaptive cruise, automatic lane change assist, auto parking assist, fingertip parking, remote smart parking assist, front and rear AEB, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind spot detection, door opening warning, traffic sign recognition with speed limit alert, front and rear cross traffic alert, and front vehicle departure warning.

  In China, the Zeekr 007 GT is sold in four variants – the 75 kWh RWD at 202,900 yuan (RM119,390), the 100 kWh RWD at 222,900 yuan (RM130,971), the 75 kWh AWD at 232,900 yuan (RM136,904), and the 100 kWh AWD at 262,900 yuan (RM154,538).

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2025 Chery Tiggo 7 facelift with CSH PHEV powertrain on display at Auto Shanghai – coming to Malaysia?

  In Cars, Chery, International News / By Gerard Lye / 2 May 2025 4:06 pm / 1 comment

  

  Here’s a live gallery of the facelifted Chery Tiggo 7 at this year’s Auto Shanghai. Revealed in April last year for the 2025 model year, the updated SUV not only gets updated looks but also the company’s latest plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain from the Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) series.

  Compared to the current Tiggo 7 we have here, the new model receives a reshaped front grille and headlamps, the latter now with twin L-shaped graphics and revised LED projectors. You’ll also notice there’s no chrome trim to visually connect the headlamps to the grille, which is similar to what you’ll find on the Tiggo 8.

  The SUV pictured here is the PHEV variant that is identified by the obvious ‘PLUG-IN HYBRID’ badge on the tailgate as well as the covered-off grille that is transparent to showcase the diamond pattern underneath. The facelift also introduces a new front bumper with large black sections spreading out from the round fog lamps.

  

  Elesewhere, the taillights have been made thinner and feature clear lenses, with a light bar running across the tailgate continuing to link the left and right clusters. Other notable changes include repositioning the number plate recess higher up, and the reflectors are now oriented vertically along the edges.

  Moving inside, the Tiggo 7 maintains the pre-facelift model’s Mercedes-Benz-like dashboard design that features a pair of screens. Physical controls below the central air vents are carried over too, as is the design of the centre console, although the short gear selector has been replaced with a taller unit that has a crystal knob.

  Smaller tweaks involve the steering wheel which gets pad-like switches instead of regular switches on the outgoing model. The brushed aluminium trim of the past has also been swapped out for faux carbon-fibre pieces that remind us of AMG models.

  

  The CSH system in the Tiggo 7 is based around a 1.5 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine making 154 hp and 220 Nm. It is paired with a three-speed Direct Hybrid Transmission (DHT) and two electric motors rated at 201 hp and 301 Nm, with power for the motors supplied by an 18.3-kWh battery. Chery claims a fuel consumption as low as 1.39 l/100 km and a hybrid range as high as 1,200 km. On electricity alone, the SUV can travel up to 95 km.

  Aside from the PHEV system, the Tiggo 7 in its home market of China is also available with a non-electrified 1.5 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol unit making 154 hp and 230 Nm that is mated to either a six-speed manual or CVT with nine virtual speeds. There’s also a 1.6 litre turbo engine with 194 hp and 290 Nm, which is paired with either a seven-speed dual-clutch or eight-speed automatic.

  The Tiggo 7 PHEV was supposed to go on sale in Malaysia last year but that didn’t happen. Perhaps we will be getting the facelift model instead?

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Lepas – new Chery sub-brand launched for global markets; L8, L6, L4 SUVs shown; coming to Malaysia?

  In Cars, International News, Lepas / By Gerard Lye / 2 May 2025 12:44 pm / 13 comments

  

  Lepas L8

  During this year’s Auto Shanghai, Chery launched its new sub-brand called Lepas that will be introduced in global markets. The name fuses the words ‘leap’ and ‘passion’, so it should be pronounced as ‘leap-pass’ and not ‘le-pas’.

  Models under the Lepas banner are designed following what the company calls ‘Leopard Aesthetic’. Key cues include slim daytime running lights that are meant to evoke a leopard’s focused eyes, while the sides feature three distinctive lines that point to the muscles of the big cat’s front arms, hind legs and lower abdomen. Meanwhile, the company says the smooth and simple surfacing are inspired by pottery.

  Our sister site paultan.org/BM, which was present for the Lepas preview, also pointed out that the interior design is inspired by the Earth’s sky and sports a simple dashboard. A flowing centre console with a large, portrait-format touchscreen is meant to represent a waterfall following downwards. Premium-touch fabrics are also used on the door cards and dashboard, with the texture said to be “as soft as a baby’s skin.”

  

  

  Lepas L6 (left), L8 (right)

  Emotive descriptions aside, the first Lepas model to begin production is the L8, an SUV measuring 4,688 mm long, 1,860 mm, 1,695 mm tall and with a wheelbase of 2,800 mm. The L8 is in the same D-segment class as Chery’s Tiggo 8, with both sharing the same platform.

  Commonality is a recurring theme for Chery, as the L8’s T1X platform is also used by Chery Tiggo 7, Omoda C7 and Jaecoo J7. As such, the L8 will have access to a wide range of powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid setup you see here, along with petrol-only, hybrid and fully electric options.

  

  

  Sales of the L8 will begin later this year, and the SUV will be joined by two smaller models called the L6 and L4, which are twins to the Chery Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 4 respectively. Lepas deputy CEO Zhong Wei also revealed there will be two sedan models on the way, and the line-up will include even smaller cars like the L3, L2 and L1, as per what was said during the Chery International Business Summit. The brand intends to sell 500,000 units globally within three years of its launch.

  For now, it isn’t known if the Lepas brand will be brought to Malaysia, although our sister site’s presence at the official media preview hints that this could happen. According to Kompas, the L8 has already been confirmed for Indonesia and will be launched there in either Q2 or Q3.

  GALLERY: Lepas L8

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  
  

  GALLERY: Lepas L6

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  GALLERY: Lepas L4

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Denza Z in Shanghai – electric sports car concept with magnetic dampers; Porsche rival with over 1,100 PS?

  In Cars, Denza, International News / By Jonathan Lee / 2 May 2025 10:49 am / 1 comment

  

  At the ongoing Auto Shanghai 2025 show, Denza revealed a new sports car concept called the Z. With this, owner BYD now has two high-performance coupé models, the other being the Yangwang U9.

  Resplendent in Opal Blue and yellow, the Z is exceedingly sleek, with a low nose, voluptuous curves and a sweeping, low-slung roofline. Details include an aggressive front splitter, sweptback headlights, an upswept window line, a black roof and diamond-shaped quad taillights. A massive rear wing and diffuser and Mercedes-AMG One-style 21-inch multi-spoke centre-lock wheels complete the look.

  Inside, the Z is a pure flight of fancy, coming with a Formula 1-style button-heavy steering wheel that can apparently be retracted into the dashboard when the car is in self-driving mode. That’s thanks to an in-house-developed steer-by-wire system that Denza says is the first in China.

  

  Other features include no less than three screens (including one for the front passenger), a floating centre console, carbon fibre bucket seats with harnesses and a rear half cage. Despite the latter, the roofline that stretches a long way back does hint that the production model could be a four-seater.

  The Z debuts a new DiSus-M body control suspension that uses magnetorheological dampers to adjust damping force in milliseconds, Denza claims. Performance specs have yet to be released, but we can expect the car to use BYD’s new electric motors that can reach up to 30,511 rpm, as Car News China reports.

  

  These motors have been installed in cars like the new Han L and are capable of pushing up to 789 PS (580 kW) and 450 Nm of torque from just one motor. On the Han L, this is paired with a front motor pushing 313 PS (230 kW) and 410 Nm for a stonking total output of 1,101 PS (810 kW) and 860 Nm.

  Given BYD’s latent ambition and the fact that it is no longer a stranger to producing sports cars, the Denza Z should enter production in a slightly less extreme form in the near future, likely competing with cars like Porsche’s forthcoming electric 718 Boxster and Cayman. Pricing has yet to be revealed, of course, but Car News China expects it to retail above 300,000 yuan (RM178,300).

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2026 MG Cyberster – EV roadster gets new colours, electric lumbar; Cyber GTS 2+2 coupe coming soon

  In Cars, International News, MG / By Danny Tan / 30 April 2025 4:21 pm / 2 comments

  

  We expected to see more at MG’s Auto Shanghai 2025 stand, but SAIC Motor’s international brand decided to only display its flagship ‘Cyber’ models. They are the debuting Cyber X concept SUV and the model year 2026 Cyberster, which we’re featuring in this post.

  The MY 2026 Cyberster is largely unchanged from today’s electric roadster, which occupies a unique niche in the market – an electric convertible with scissor doors. The Iris Green colour you see here is new and very striking, and there’s also a more subtle and classy Andes Grey option. A special Black Edition is paired with chrome wheels.

  Similarly, there’s a new grey colour scheme for the roadster’s two-seat cabin, a less shouty option compared to the red/black that will continue to be offered. The seats now get electric lumbar support.

  

  

  Click to enlarge

  According to Autohome, the 2026 Cyberster will also come with more boot space, an additional wind deflector, new chassis tuning, improved battery performance, improved voice recognition and a new convertible counter function, among other things.

  Also, during the presentation at Auto Shanghai, MG confirmed that it will put into production the Cyber GTS, a hard top 2+2 coupe sister of the Cyberster that made an appearance at last year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed in prototype form. Conventional doors for the coupe that’s clearly production-ready – check out the gallery below.

  Launched at KLIMS 2025, the RM319,900 Cyberster is powered by two electric motors for 544 PS (400 kW), 725 Nm and AWD. The 0-100 km/h sprint is done in 3.2 seconds and top speed is 201 km/h. A 77 kWh battery provides 444 km of WLTP range. Max charging rates are 144 kW DC (10% to 80% SoC in 38 minutes) and 7 kW AC.

  

  MG Cyber GTS Concept – click to enlarge

  The Cyberster is also available with a single rear motor, and the RWD car has 340 PS (250 kW) and 475 Nm of torque for 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds and a top speed of 195 km/h. With the same 77 kWh battery, range is 509 km. This version will be coming to Malaysia soon, perhaps with a sub-RM300k price tag?

  The MG Cyberster is truly a unique proposition – where else can you get such looks (and those doors!) with matching performance for RM300k? What’s your take?

  GALLERY: 2026 MG Cyberster at Auto Shanghai 2025

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  GALLERY: MG Cyber GTS Concept

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  GALLERY: 2025 MG Cyberster in Malaysia

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Honda P7, S7 EVs on display in Shanghai – one car, two looks: up to 476 PS, 770 Nm, 650 km CLTC range

  In Cars, Honda, International News / By Jonathan James Tan / 30 April 2025 3:34 pm / 0 comment

  

  

  The Japanese like to do this – give you two versions of the same car under one brand (Alphard/Vellfire, Noah/Voxy etc) and they’ll usually say one’s for the younger buyers and the other targets a more mature clientele. And so it is with the Honda P7 and S7 EVs, shown here at Auto Shanghai 2025. P for premium, S for sport – that’s our guess.

  Similarities first – you can have a single 272 PS/420 Nm rear motor or a 476 PS/770 Nm two-motor AWD (this does 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds), but the only battery available is an 89.8 kWh CATL NMC unit, which yields CLTC ranges of 650 km and 620 km respectively, and can be charged to 80% in 36 minutes.

  The twins are based on Honda’s Architecture W. Length, width, height and wheelbase are respectively 4,750 mm, 1,930 mm, 1,625 mm and 2,930 mm (pretty much Tesla Model Y-sized), and the boot swallows 471 litres. What else? There’s a torsional rigidity of 40,000 Nm/degree, 11 airbags, continuous damping control, double-wishbone front suspension and five-link rear suspension.

  

  

  
  

  

  

  Honda P7 (left) and S7

  Now, how do they differ? The more conservatively-styled P7 (C-shaped head and tail lamps) is a GAC-Honda product; the more aggressive-looking S7 (Y-shaped headlamps, vertical tail lamps) is Dongfeng-Honda‘s. As displayed here, the P7 has cameras instead of side mirrors (interior rear-view mirror is also camera-fed). Meanwhile, the S7 uses conventional mirrors.

  Inside, the P7 has a two-tone interior (steering wheel included) while the S7’s is all black. Seat patterns differ too, but both get a 9.9-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.8-inch centre touch-screen, 10.25-inch climate control touch-screen, 41.9-inch augmented reality head-up display, 16 Bose speakers and Honda Sensing.

  The P7 and S7 are asking for the same amount of money in China – RMB199,900 (RM118k) for the RWD and RMB249,900 (RM148k) for the AWD – so it really boils down to personal preference. Which one would you go for?

  Honda P7 at Auto Shanghai 2025

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  Honda S7 at Auto Shanghai 2025

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  Honda P7 official images

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  
  

  Honda S7 official images

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Dongfeng Nammi 06 EV debuts in Shanghai – bigger than Box, split tailgate, 184 PS, up to 471 km CLTC

  In Cars, Dongfeng, International News / By Jonathan James Tan / 30 April 2025 11:51 am / 0 comment

  

  You saw the Dongfeng Nammi 06 EV for the first time in February; bet you didn’t expect it to have a split tailgate. Well, it does, as these Auto Shanghai 2025 photos prove, and the bottom part can take up to 150 kg. Should be good for those tailgate parties.

  According to Car News China, the Nammi 06 is on pre-sale in China with five variants priced from RMB89,900-119,900 (RM53k-71k), and the second quarter should see it hit the roads to fight the BYD Yuan Up (Atto 2 in other markets).

  Its 184 PS front electric motor is fed by either a 44.94 kWh battery for a 401 km range, or a 51.87 kWh battery for a 471 km range. That’s not a lot of range, considering the very-generous CLTC standard.

  

  

  

  Still, it’s better than the Atto 2’s 301-401 km CLTC (the bigger number shrinks to 312 km on the WLTP standard). 30-80% charging takes 18 minutes.

  It’s actually Nammi’s second vehicle after the Nammi 01, which is on sale in Malaysia as the Dongfeng Box. The Kia-esque design has a bluff front end, stalk-mounted side mirrors and chunky wheel arch claddings over 17-inch alloys. Length, width, height and wheelbase are respectively 4,306 mm, 1,868 mm, 1,645 mm and 2,715 mm – Atto 2-sized, give or take.

  The minimalist interior contains a 12.8-inch centre touch-screen, an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel, a column gear selector behind an oblong two-tone, two-spoke steering wheel, six speakers, a wireless charging pad, and heated/ventilated/massage seats on higher variants. What do you think? Want this for Malaysia?

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Chery launches new Himla pick-up truck brand at Auto Shanghai – for global markets, Malaysia included?

  In Cars, Chery, International News / By Gerard Lye / 30 April 2025 10:59 am / 4 comments

  

  At this year’s Auto Shanghai, Chery launched its new Himla pick-up truck brand that is said to be inspired by the Himalayas and will be launched in global markets. The first model from the brand is what you see here, although there’s not much in the way of detailed information for now.

  What we are told is that Himla pick-up trucks are designed to “master the terrain” and will features a variety of powertrains, including petrol, diesel and new energy systems (presumably hybrids and/or plug-in hybrids).

  If you’re curious what ‘Himla’ stands for, Shaodong Zhu, executive vice president of Chery International and CEO of the Chery brand, said it is an acronym for ‘high performance’, ‘innovation’, ‘multifunction’, ‘longevity’ and ‘all-terrain’.

  

  

  The first Himla pick-up truck appears to be similar in size to other models that we have here in Malaysia, such as the Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton and Isuzu D-Max. At first glance, you’ll find hints of the Ranger and Triton in its design, notably the large hexagonal front grille that has a large ‘CHERY’ script on it. This is accompanied by dual-tier lighting, with the main headlamps positioned below the upper daytime running lights.

  As for the rear, we find side steps for more convenient access to the bed, just like the Ranger, while the taillights have an interesting light signature. The tailgate mimics what we saw at the front with ‘CHERY’ embossed in large letters.

  

  

  

  Moving inside, the Himla pick-up truck features a small instrument cluster display and a large central infotainment touchscreen. The leather surfaces and upholstery indicate this to be aimed at lifestyle pick-up truck buyers, but there are still utilitarian touches like the large buttons and robust-looking shifter and four-wheel drive dial that appear easy to operate with work gloves on.

  For now, there’s no indication if the Himla brand will be launched in Malaysia. If it were to come our way, do you think Chery’s offering is capable of stealing market share away from established nameplates here?

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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