Malaysia Autoshow 2025

Moda Shifter 400X scooter at MAS 2025 – 333 cc, 29 hp, launching in Malaysia later this year?

In Bikes, Local Bike News, Moda / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 14 May 2025 10:49 am / 0 comment

Shown at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025 was the Moda Shifter 400X scooter, which had an earlier reveal in 2023. Currently, Moda has one scooter model in the local market, the Sporter S, which retails at RM17,888.

According to information received, the Shifter 400X will be officially launched in Malaysia later this year, with Moda making adjustments to make it suitable for the local market. This means we will likely see changes to the specifications, such as suspension and power delivery, to the Shifter 400X before its Malaysia market debut.

The Shifter X is powered by a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled SOHC engine displacing 333 cc. Power is claimed to be 29 hp at 7,000 rpm with 33.5 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm, with CVT gearbox and belt drive to the rear wheel.

The Shifter 400X gets a 14-inch wheel in front with 120/70 tyre, and a 13-inch wheel at the back with 150/70 rubber. Suspension is done with telescopic forks holding up the front end and twin shock absorbers with remote gas reservoirs in the rear.

Single hydraulic brake discs stop the front and rear wheels, with two-channel ABS coming as standard equipment. Included in the safety equipment is traction control that can be switched on or off with a button on the right handle bar pod.

Other specifications for the Shifter 400X include a 13.1-litre fuel tank, TFT-LCD instrument panel, USB charging socket and keyless start. Storage options include an underseat compartment and twin storage pockets inside the front cowl, while the windshield is manually adjustable.

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Zontes shows 368D and 368E scooters at Malaysia Autoshow 2025, pricing from below RM25,000

In Bikes, Local Bike News, Zontes / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 10 May 2025 1:17 pm / 2 comments

2025 Zontes 368D

Shown at the Malaysia Autoshow are the 2025 Zontes 368D and 368E scooters, with estimated pricing from below RM25,000 and RM27,000 respectively. The 368D and 368E join the current model Zontes 368G in Malaysia, which is priced at RM28,800.

Styled differently from the more adventure oriented 368G, the 368D and 368E are biased towards a more urban design. The 368D is intended for the urban rider who wants an easy to ride and maintain scooter for city and highway commuting, while the 368E is is for the rider who takes longer journeys on their scooter.

Both scooters come with identical power plants, a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, SOHC, Euro 5 compliant engine fed by Bosch EFI and displacing 368 cc, with Sport and Eco ride modes. Power is listed at 38.7 PS at 7,500 rpm with 40 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm, with CVT gearbox and belt drive to the rear wheel.

The 368E weighs in at 193 kg while the 368D tips the scales at 175 kg, with both scooters having a 17-litre fuel capacity. For seat height, the 368D places the rider 760 mm with a 1,405 mm wheelbase above the ground while the 368E has a seat height of 770 mm and a 1,570 mm wheelbase.

Braking is by J Juan with single hydraulic discs front and rear, while two-channel ABS is standard. Suspension uses telescopic front forks and twin shock absorbers at the back, with the 368D getting nasty alloy wheels and the 368E coming with spoked wheels.

2025 Zontes 368E

Riding conveniences include keyless start, twin USB charging ports, traction control, electrically operated windshield, and front and rear video recording. Additionally, the 368E comes with heated grips and sequential turn signals, as well as space under the seat large enough for two full-face helmets.

Colour options for the 368D in Malaysia are Grey, Matte Black and Matte Silver. Meanwhile, the 368E is available in Pearl White, Matte Black and Matt3e Silver Blue.

GALLERY: 2025 Zontes 368E

GALLERY: 2025 Zontes 368D

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2025 Honda Gold Wing for Malaysia, RM222,888

In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 10 May 2025 10:43 am / 1 comment

Alongside the Honda CB1000 SP, also unveiled was the 2025 Honda Gold Wing for Malaysia, priced at RM222,888, up from the previous RM212,888. Honda’s grand touring motorcycle comes in two colour options – Eternal Gold and Bordeaux Red Metallic – and pricing does not include road tax, insurance and registration.

At the heart of the Gold Wing is the flat-six engine that has been the model’s trademark since the fourth generation Gold Wing GL1500. Power for the liquid-cooled, 24-valve, DOHC mill is rated at 124.7 hp at 5,500 rpm with a maximum torque of 170 Nm at 4,500 rpm.

Power goes to the rear wheel via a seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) with reverse gear, with two wet multi-plate clutches. Shaft final drive spins the rear 16-inch wheel wearing 200/55 tyre while the front wheel is an 18-inch hoop wearing 130/70 rubber.

Suspension in front uses a double wishbone layout and rear monoshock, all electronically controlled in conjunction with the Gold Wing’s ride modes. This minimises dive under braking and provides load compensation with rear spring preload electronically adjustable separately from the ride modes if desired.

As befits Honda’s flagship tourer, the Gold Wing abounds with riding conveniences and electronics. The Gold Wing comes with Honda’s Motorcycle Airbag System comprising of an airbag module which includes the airbag and the inflator, and crash sensors.

The system monitors acceleration changes, and an ECU performs calculations to instantly determine when a collision is occurring. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard equipment, along with Bluetooth connectivity to the rider’s smartphone.

The Gold Wing’s audio system has been re-engineered with new lightweight, high output 55 Watt speakers with optimised equaliser settings. An electrically adjustable windscreen offers stepless adjustment for both height and angle allowing riders to fine-tune wind protection to their preference.

Storage capacity measures 121-litres in total, with electronic locking and unlocking using the Gold Wing’s smart key system. Rider and passenger comfort has also been a Gold Wing constant, now with suede-effect and synthetic leather upholstery.

Braking is done with the Dual Combined Brake System (D-CBS) automatically balancing braking force between front and rear wheels, guided by an ABS modulator and brake ECU. Twin brake discs with six-piston callipers are fitted to the front wheel, while the rear wheel gets a single disc with three-piston calliper.

Other riding conveniences include four ride modes, cruise control, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), and Hill Start Assist (HSA). The Gold Wing tips the scales at 391 kg, with a 20-litre fuel tank and seat height set at 745 mm.

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GWM Tank 500 HEV amasses 150 bookings in Malaysia

In Cars, GWM, Local News / By Jonathan James Tan / 9 May 2025 6:08 pm / 16 comments

Launched yesterday at the ongoing Malaysia Autoshow 2025, the GWM Tank 500 HEV has collected 150 bookings in Malaysia since the order books opened on April 14. Not bad at all for a RM329k vehicle.

Fully-imported (CBU) from Rayong, Thailand, the seven-seat luxury hybrid 4×4 carries a 244 PS/380 Nm 2.0 litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine, a 106 PS/268 Nm electric motor and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Total output is rated at 346 PS and 648 Nm, routed through all four wheels through a switchable four-wheel-drive system.

With ladder frame construction, front and rear electronic locking diffs, a mechanical centre locker, off-road cruise control, a water depth detection function, 11 drive modes and tank turn, this is no soft-roader, but there are luxuries inside – how about quilted Nappa, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, power-folding and unfolding third-row seats, and 12 Infinity speakers? All about the Land Cruiser fighter here.

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2025 Honda CB1000 SP naked sports launched at Malaysia Autoshow 2025, priced at RM69,999

In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 9 May 2025 5:52 pm / 1 comment

Launched at the ongoing Malaysian Auto Show 2025 is the 205 Honda CB1000 SP naked sports, priced at RM69,999. Pricing excludes road tax, insurance and registration and there only one colour option available – Matte Ballistic Black Metallic with gold painted wheels.

At the heart of the CB1000 SP is the inline four-cylinder engine taken from the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade (RM208,000 in Malaysia). Power for the CB1000 is rated at 155 hp at 11,000 rpm with 107 Nm of torque at 9,000 rpm, detuned from the Fireblade’s 214 hp at 14,500 rpm and 112 Nm of torque at 12,500 rpm.

As is usual for Honda, the ‘SP’ indicates the CB1000 is set apart from the ‘base’ model. In this case the CB1000 SP is fitted with fully adjustable 41 mm diameter Showa SFF-BP forks in front, and fully-adjustable Öhlins TTX36 monoshock in the rear.

Similarly, braking on the front wheel is done with top level components from Brembo, with Stylema four-piston callipers paired with 310 mm diameter floating discs while the rear gets a Nissin calliper and 240 mm disc. The running gear and engine is tied together with a twin-spar steel frame and cast alloy Honda Pro-Link swingarm.

Riding the CB1000 SP is geared to the sporty rider with six-speed gearbox with revised gearing, fitted with an assist and slipper clutch and up-and-down quickshifter. Similarly, the riding suite features five ride modes – Rain, Standard and Sport – and a further two customisable ride modes, along with adjustable power delivery and engine braking.

Inside the cockpit, the 5-inch TFT-LCD display comes with Honda Roadsync, with connectivity to the rider’s smartphone. Also included is four-level Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and Wheelie Control to boost traction and stability across all riding conditions.

Seat height for the CB1000 SP is set at 809 mm, while weight is listed at 212 kg with 17-litres of fuel in the tank. Wheel sizing on the CB1000 SP is 17-inches front and rear, with 120/70 and 180/55 tyres.

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smart #1 Brabus Limited Edition open for booking in Malaysia – lowered by 35 mm, 19-inch alloys, bodykit

In Cars, Electric Cars in Malaysia, Local News, smart / By Jonathan James Tan / 9 May 2025 5:26 pm / 5 comments

Besides the smart #5, you’ll also see this at smart’s Malaysia Autoshow 2025 booth. The smart #1 Brabus Limited Edition is open for booking in Malaysia, with pricing expected to be announced in June.

Developed in collaboration with Brabus Kuala Lumpur, the car gets a bodykit comprising front and rear spoilers, front fascia inserts and a rear diffuser. Sport springs make it sit 35 mm lower on 19-inch 10-spoke Brabus Monoblock Z alloys. Inside, you’ll find red stitching and piping, Brabus-backlit scuff plates and aluminium pedals.

Launched in Malaysia in November 2023 along with the non-Brabus Pro and Premium variants, the RM249k #1 Brabus is a two-motor AWD pocket rocket that hits 100 km/h from rest in a neck-snapping 3.9 seconds, thanks to 428 PS and 543 Nm of torque. Its 66 kWh NMC battery yields 400 km of WLTP range. More on the range-topping #1 here.

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Wuling Light of ASEAN on display at MAS 2025 – concept with gullwing doors inspired by fighter jets

In Cars, Concept Cars, Local News, Wuling / By Gerard Lye / 9 May 2025 4:11 pm / 3 comments

This is the Light of ASEAN, a concept vehicle born from the SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture that made its debut at the last year’s China-ASEAN Expo and is currently on display at the ongoing Malaysia Autoshow (MAS 2025).

The Light of ASEAN is said to be inspired by fighter jets and features a striking design with plenty of shape angles and smooth surfacing. Standout cues worth highlighting include the unique “cross-star cone” face as well as the attention-grabbing gullwing doors.

You’ll also notice the side cameras that visually extend from the A-pillar to the bonnet as well as the floating rear wing/buttresses, both of which contribute to an ultra-low drag coefficient of just 0.18.

On the inside, there are hydraulically balanced zero-gravity aviation seats, a yoke steering wheel and a borderless screen that features in-cell and low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) technology. The company notes that the cabin also gets eye-tracking technology, “jet-like controls,” along with an immersive sound field.

The concept will likely not make production and merely serves to carry Wuling’s vision of “deepening its roots in ASEAN, radiating globally and making the world fall in love with Wuling’s new energy,” as the company notes in its release. This push into ASEAN – referred to as the ‘One, Two Three ASEAN strategy’ – has already begun, as the brand already has a presence in Thailand and Indonesia. Malaysia has also welcomed Wuling, with the Bingo EV set to go on sale soon.

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MINI JCW 3 Door petrol and electric, JCW Aceman, Cooper Convertible debut at Malaysia Autoshow 2025

In Cars, Electric Cars in Malaysia, Local News, MINI / By Jonathan James Tan / 9 May 2025 3:19 pm / 2 comments

MINI JCW 3 Door electric

MINI Malaysia debuted no fewer than four models, including three John Cooper Works vehicles, at the ongoing Malaysia Autoshow 2025. Prices and specs for the JCW 3 Door petrol, JCW 3 Door electric, JCW Aceman and Cooper Convertible were already released last week, so all that was left to do was give them their grand physical introduction to the Malaysian public.

ICE or EV, hatch or SUV, the JCWs all look properly menacing, with gloss black for their grilles, side skirts and wheel arches, and red for their roofs, door mirrors, bonnet stripes and callipers.

We’ll start with the ‘traditional’ JCW – the RM318,888 3 Door petrol has a 231 PS/380 Nm 2.0 litre four-cylinder turbo engine, a seven-speed DCT, a 6.1-second 0-100 km/h time and a 250 km/h top speed.

MINI JCW 3 Door petrol

The petrol hatch also uniquely gets adaptive suspension, an M-shaped roof spoiler, a central tailpipe and a long bee-sting antenna (the other two JCW models have stubby shark fins).

Next, the first-ever zero-emissions JCW – the RM218,888 3 Door electric uses a 54.2 kWh (gross) battery to feed a single 258 PS/350 Nm front motor, enabling a 200 km/h top speed and a 5.9-second century sprint time. You’ll find here the same 18-inch JCW Lap Spoke alloys as on the petrol version.

Then there’s the first-ever JCW Aceman, yours for RM233,888. The little EV SUV has the same powertrain as the JCW 3 Door electric; its 0-100 km/h time is 6.4 seconds. Those are also JCW Lap Spoke alloys, but here they are an inch bigger and have a two-tone finish.

MINI JCW Aceman (top row) and MINI JCW 3 Door electric

Charge at 95 kW DC and both EV models will go from 10-80% in 30 minutes (0-100% at 11 kW AC in 5 hours 15 minutes). On a full tummy, the EV hatch will do 371 km, the EV SUV 355 km.

Inside the JCW models, you’ll find black and red throughout. The JCW-specific sports seats are upholstered in black synthetic leather with multicoloured knitted fabric at the shoulders, accented with red stitching to provide firm support. In the EV models, the driver’s seat has massage, electric adjustment and memory, and the ambient lighting illuminates the panoramic roof.

The JCW steering wheel has red stitching, shift paddles, thumb rests for grip and a vertical fabric spoke at the bottom, while the central MINI Interaction Unit features a dedicated JCW mode that displays performance data like speed, torque, power retrieval in kW, and current g-force.

MINI JCW Aceman interior

The JCW-specific centre console combines black textile surfaces, red straps and vibrant silver essence. Also standard are MINI Navigation AR, wireless charging and Harman Kardon surround sound.

Safety wise, all these JCW models come with AEB, ACC with stop and go, steering and lane control assistant, lane change warning with active lane return, lane departure warning with active steering intervention, evasion assistant, rear-cross traffic warning with braking, rear-end collision prevention and exit warning.

Also on are parallel and perpendicular auto parking, reverse camera with panoramic rear view, reversing assistant up to 50 metres, parking view, remote 3D view, drive recorder and anti-theft recorder.

The MINI smartphone app gives you access to features such as digital key, remote engine start and start/stop charging. Legend Grey, Nanuq White and Midnight Black are among the colours available for all three JCW models.

Finally, there’s the RM318,888 Cooper Convertible, whose 204 PS/300 Nm 2.0 litre turbo-four and seven-speed DCT enable a 6.9-second 0-100 km/h time and a 237 km/h top speed. There are 18-inch ‘Night Flash’ spoke two-tone alloys as well as a fabric roof that opens in 18 seconds up to 30 km/h and closes in 15 seconds.

The minimalist interior features interesting dash fabrics, including on the steering wheel’s bottom spoke. Below the central MINI Interaction Unit is a new Toggle Bar that offers direct physical access to often-used functions such as the parking brake, gear selection, start/stop switch, Experience Modes and volume control.

Available in Copper Grey, Sunny Side Yellow or Ocean Wave Green, the Cooper Convertible also gets MINI Navigation AR, anti-dazzle mirrors, wireless charging, 12 Harman Kardon speakers, parallel and perpendicular auto parking, drive recorder and anti-theft recorder. Oh, and access to the MINI smartphone app, of course.

All prices mentioned include a standard two-year unlimited-mileage warranty; you can top up for a package that gives you a four-year unlimited-mileage vehicle warranty plus free service for four years/60,000 km (petrol) or four years/unlimited mileage (electric).

This optional package would make the JCW 3 Door petrol cost RM330,988, the JCW 3 Door electric cost RM225,188, the JCW Aceman cost RM241,188 and the Cooper Convertible cost RM329,288. Irrespective of this, the two EV models are additionally covered by an eight-year/160,000 km battery warranty.

MINI JCW 3 Door petrol

MINI JCW 3 Door electric

MINI JCW Aceman

MINI Cooper Convertible

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Chery Omoda E5 EV and Tiggo 8 PHEV as Malaysian taxis – duo being evaluated for MoT approval

In Cars, Chery, Local News / By Anthony Lim / 9 May 2025 1:34 pm / 4 comments

Amidst all the fresh metal at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025 are two Chery vehicles, tucked away in one corner of Hall A at MAEPS. The two units, an all-electric Omoda E5 and Tiggo 8 PHEV, are not part of Chery Malaysia’s displays, but rather part of a taxi showcase at the event.

Both the E5, clad in the familiar red and white colour scheme for Malaysian taxis, and the Tiggo 8, finished in blue, are not in service vehicles, but rather evaluation mules being trialled for approval from the transport ministry for eventual use as hired vehicles.

A quick peek inside the cars showed they were set up for the task, with taximeters present in both, the one in the Omoda E5 being a conventionally-styled digital unit mounted on top of the dashboard while the unit in the Tiggo 8 PHEV is a digital fare meter integrated into a rear-view mirror attachment, with a separate receipt generating device.

We asked the folk at Chery Malaysia about the duo and their planned use as hired vehicles, but although it was indicated that the cars were official channel units, no one on the retail side seemed to be aware that there was such an evaluation being carried out, suggesting that this could be a commercial arrangement managed elsewhere.

In any case, a booth next to the display cars, which was unmanned when we dropped by, revealed who was behind the MoT evaluation programme, with a graphic on the booth containing a Big Blue logo and indicating that the vehicle display was very much a showcase for a ‘Rent To Own Taxi’ programme.

The Big Blue name should be familiar to most, as the company, under Big Blue Taxi Services, once operated MPV taxis clad in the same blue exterior scheme as seen on the Tiggo 8 PHEV example. The present plan is not the first time the company has pushed electrification for hired vehicles – back in 2018, it outlined plans to deploy 20,000 EV cabs in the city by 2020, but this did not materialise.

The idea of using EVs across a large-scale taxi programme was also explored back in 2022, when Mysuri Biz Technologies announced a plan to deploy 1,000 EVs under the TeksiKu banner, with the EVs (consisting of MG5 and BYD e6 models) being made available to drivers under a lease-to-own scheme via the Koperasi Jurupandu TeksiKu cooperative. However, no further news was reported about it.

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2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Wolfsburg Edition at MAS – Elegance from RM181k, R-Line from RM244k

In Cars, Local News, Volkswagen / By Gerard Lye / 9 May 2025 12:52 pm / 2 comments

The Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Wolfsburg Edition has made its public debut at the ongoing Malaysia Autoshow (MAS 2025). Offered in Elegance and R-Line 4Motion variants, the locally-assembled (CKD) SUV receives a few design updates to honour the brand’s German home city as well as additional kit.

Visual changes on the exterior include Wolfsburg crest emblems on the B-pillars, load edge protection at the front as well as a VW-branded tyre valve caps. On the inside, you’ll find Wolfsburg Edition floor mats, a polypropylene boot tray, smart holders and hooks that attach to the rear of the front seat headrests, aluminium sports pedals (Elegance only) and Volkswagen Universal Traffic Recorder 2.0 (UTR2.0) front and rear dashcams.

Buyers will also be provided with a box containing a branded keyholder and a certificate of authenticity. Beyond these additions, the rest of the spec sheet for both Tiguan Allspace Wolfsburg Edition models are identical to their standard counterparts.

In terms of pricing, the Wolfsburg Editons cost RM5,000 more when compared to the regular Elegance and R-Line 4Motion. The Elegance Wolfsburg Edition has a recommended retail price (RRP) of RM210,990, or RM211,590 on-the-road without insurance. As part of an introductory offer, the RRP is reduced by RM30,000 to RM180,990, or RM181,590 OTR without insurance.

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Elegance spec sheet (top), R-Line 4Motion (bottom); click to enlarge

Meanwhile, the R-Line 4Motion Wolfsburg Edition has a RRP of RM263,990, or RM265,074 OTR without insurance. It too gets an introductory offer that drops the RRP by RM20,000 to RM243,990 or RM245,074 OTR without insurance. For context, the regular Elegance has a RRP of RM205,990 or RM206,590 OTR without insurance, while it is RM258,990 and RM260,074 respectively for the R-Line 4Motion.

Similar to the Arteon Wolfsburg Edition, the Volkswagen Assurance Package (VAP) is improved for the Tiguan Allspace Wolfsburg Edition. Unchanged are the five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty and five-year roadside assistance, but the maintenance package has gone up to seven years or 105,000 km (whichever comes first) instead of five years/75,000 km.

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2025 Volkswagen Arteon Wolfsburg Edition at MAS – special design touches, kit; better VAP; from RM265k

In Cars, Local News, Volkswagen / By Gerard Lye / 9 May 2025 12:18 pm / 0 comment

Here’s a live gallery of the new Volkswagen Arteon Wolfsburg Edition at the ongoing Malaysia Autoshow (MAS 2025). Launched just a few days ago, the Wolfsburg Edition of the locally-assembled (CKD) liftback honours the brand’s home city in Germany and gets a few special touches to make it stand out.

To start, you’ll find the Wolfsburg crest emblem on the B-pillars, while the tyres come with Volkswagen-branded valve caps. Other additions include Volkswagen Dynamic hub caps for the wheels, a tailgate protective strip, illuminated door sill trim, cargo elements with velcro fasteners on the boot floor mat as well as Volkswagen Universal Traffic Recorder 2.0 (UTR2.0) front and rear dashcams.

Buyers will also be provided with a owners’ box that contains a branded keyholder, a certificate of authenticity and Wolfsburg Edition floor mats. Beyond these changes, the rest of the Wolfsburg Edition is identical to a standard Arteon, including the 2.0 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol unit rated at 280 PS (276 hp or 206 kW) and 350 Nm of torque, which is mated to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission and 4Motion all-wheel drive system.

The kit list retains the 19-inch ‘Montevideo’ alloy wheels, LED exterior lighting, the R-Line styling package, Nappa carbon-print leather seat upholstery, front sports seats, 30-colour ambient lighting, three-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, a 9.2-inch Discover Pro touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a wireless charging pad, selectable drive modes, a 700-watt Harman Kardon sound system and the IQ.Drive suite of ADAS.

2025 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4Motion Wolfsburg Edition spec sheet (top), standard Arteon R-Line 4Motion (bottom); click to enlarge

The recommended retail price (RRP) for the Arteon R-Line 4Motion Wolfsburg Edition is RM304,990, or RM306,012 on-the-road without insurance. These figures are with the Volkswagen Assurance Package (VAP) that includes a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, five-year roadside assistance and a maintenance package that has been enhanced to seven years or 105,000 km (whichever comes first) instead of the usual five years/75,000 km. Without VAP, the OTR price without insurance is RM292,612.

For all the extras you’re getting, the Wolfsburg Edition costs RM5,000 more compared to a regular Arteon. However, as part of an introductory special offer, the Wolfsburg Edition is available with savings of RM40,000, which brings the RRP down to RM264,990 (or RM266,012 OTR without insurance).

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GAC Aion Hyptec HT shown in right-hand-drive form – two variants, Malaysia launch estimated Q3 2025

In Cars, GAC, Local News / By Mick Chan / 9 May 2025 12:17 pm / 5 comments

How do you like your doors to open? That is apparently the choice you’ll get with the GAC Aion Hyptec HT electric SUV, which gets its preview in Malaysia. Launched in Thailand last September, the Hyptec HT is also known as the Hyper HT in its native China, and so the former is its export name, as in Thailand and in Indonesia.

This has been previewed in Malaysia before, albeit in left-hand-drive from in May last year when it was still known as the Hyper HT. Now in right-hand-drive form, the Aion Hyptec HT appears to be nearer its official Malaysian market debut, and Warisan Tan Chong Automotif has revealed that it is expected to get its local launch in the third quarter of this year.

No further technical details have been confirmed for the Malaysian-spec Hyptec HT, though referencing the Thailand-market model, the crossover EV gets a rear-mounted motor producing 340 PS and 430 Nm, which will propel the Hyptec HT from 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 183 km/h.

Drawing energy from an 83.3 kWh LFP battery, recharging can be done at up to 280 kW DC, which will get it from 10-70% in 15 minutes, while AC charging attains a maximum of 11 kW. Conversely, there is vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability of up to 3.3 kW.

In other markets, there is also a more modest 245 PS/355 Nm single-motor powertrain, which draws from either a 70 kWh or 72.7 kWh battery for CLTC-rated range figures of 550 km and 600 km respectively. Another battery pack of even larger capacity at 99.5 kWh offers a claimed 825 km of range (CLTC).

As in Thailand, the right-hand-drive model is shown in Malaysia with gull-wing/falcon-style rear doors and with regular rear doors, and WTC Automotif has confirmed that these will be the Luxury and Premium variants respectively for Malaysia, as they are sold in Thailand.

Malaysian-market cars will share the same powertrain, and the variants will be differentiated by their rear doors and selected interior equipment, as with Thailand market cars, WTC Automotif has confirmed.

Inside, an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel sits slightly above the steering wheel in the present-day Peugeot fashion, while the main display is a 14.6-inch touchscreen unit in the centre of the dashboard. The Thai-spec car gets Nappa leather seats with massage function in front, VIP and sleep modes for the rear seats, a 22-speaker sound system with Dolby Atmos and a panoramic roof.

In Thailand, the GAC Aion Hyptec HT was launched at a starting price of 1,449,000 baht (RM188,839), a price segment which would place it in the ballpark of the Tesla Model Y, and the lower-priced Xpeng G6 that is priced from RM165k in Malaysia. What do you think – among the segment contenders, might the GAC Aion Hyptec HT’s doors and interior equipment swing it for you?

GAC Aion Hyptec HT Luxury

GAC Aion Hyptec HT Premium

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Perodua EV final prototype walk-around video tour – sharp crossover body, many P2 firsts, Q4 2025 launch

In Cars, Local News, Perodua, Videos, Walk-Around Videos / By Danny Tan / 9 May 2025 11:54 am / 8 comments

The Malaysia Autoshow (MAS) 2025 opens to the public from today till May 15, and if you followed our live coverage yesterday, you’d know what to expect at MAEPS Serdang. Basically, it’s dominated by Chinese brands with a sprinkling of premium marques and national makes. Proton’s Geely-based SUVs blend in well in the Chery-dominated main hall. It was like a mini Auto Shanghai.

But something unfinished in a small dark area stole the show. It’s the third and final episode of Perodua’s first EV journey at motor shows as the car will be launched in Q4 this year. It wasn’t that long ago (late last year at KLIMS) that the eMO-II wowed us all with its sharp and sporty ‘hot hatch’ body, so we’re surprised ourselves at the amount of things to see and say about this showcar.

That’s because the eMO-II has morphed into a crossover of sorts – we’re not talking about a traditional SUV but a taller bodied car with a sloping roofiline and some coupe flavour. Think Toyota C-HR. In fact, the latest eMO a.k.a. Aspirations kind of resembles the C-HR+ EV that surfaced in March.

The final prototype on display at MAS 2025 is finished in a super dark Vantablack-style skin, but visible cues include flush front door handles and rear handles ‘hidden’ next to the windows, like the C-HR and Honda HR-V. There are full-width LED bars at both ends, of course. Those are 18-inch wheels, the biggest ever to appear on a Perodua. The wheelarch gap seems a little exaggerated on the showcar, but you get the idea.

No dimensions yet, but to our eyes the eMO is bigger than the Myvi and will easily dwarf over the upcoming Proton eMas 5 and TQ Wuling Bingo, EVs that will play in the sub-RM100k bracket that Perodua is targeting (the Bingo is CKD, which allows RRPs below RM100k, and Proton will eventually assemble the eMas 5 in Tg Malim). This is ‘very very close’ to the production car, Perodua president and CEO Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said.

Also very close to reality is the EV’s interior, unlike the fantasy dashboard of eMO-II. The showcar here is in cutaway form to reveal the EV’s mechanicals and interior. The latter includes a full near-production dashboard with a high centre console dividing the front seats, soft touch dash surface, digital instrument panel and a rotary gear selector.

There’s a 360-degree camera, but what’s surprising is a digital rear view mirror, as seen in some high-end Toyotas. More good news in the form of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and physical air con switches (single-zone auto), which we much prefer over in-system touchscreen controls. By the way, there’s a separate dark room where you can sit in the interior, but we were barred from taking pictures of that display. You can try it out at MAEPS.

Specs wise, we know that the EV battery is a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) unit from CATL, with a target real-world range of between 400 to 410 km. The performance target is a 0-100 km/h time of between six and seven seconds and top speed would be around 165 km/h. If achieved, all these figures should better those of the eMas 5 and Bingo.

Being an EV, there are many Perodua firsts in the car, but what’s really interesting about Rawang’s first non-ICE product is that they thought of the EV things carbuyers worry about, and have devised solutions to counter them.

Battery health, and replacement costs, is something that the general public fear. To nullify this, Perodua takes ownership of the batteries. The EV will launch with what P2 calls Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS), the first EV battery leasing scheme in Malaysia. This lowers the cost of the car and ensures that owners will always have a battery in the best condition. Swapping batteries is something that can be done in just 30 minutes, P2 says.

Another major concern that the general public has about EVs – and P2 prospects surely aren’t the type that ‘can afford’ or are willing to lose a big chunk of the car’s purchase price – is resale value. It’s plain to see that depreciation for EVs are way beyond the level we’ve seen with ICE cars – the risk of a degraded battery that will be very costly to replace (and fewer years of warranty left) is factored in the poor RV. Battery leasing erases this issue.

There will also be the option of purchasing the car with the battery outright. Opt out of BaaS and you’ll get a standard warranty of eight years, Zainal says.

Speaking of resale values, the P2 chief said that Rawang is looking at a ‘guaranteed future value’ scheme where the EV’s RV is protected. With GFV in black and white, you don’t have to worry about the carmaker dropping prices drastically or engaging in a price war, although that’s unlikely with market leader Perodua.

Pre-production will start in September and Perodua is on track to fulfil its promise to launch this self-developed EV (Daihatsu has no suitable donor car, this platform is P2’s own IP) before the year ends. Join us on a walk-around tour of Perodua’s final prototype of the its first EV and tell us what you think.

If you need some context, here’s a walk-around video of the upcoming Proton eMas 5. The MAS 2025 showcar has a camouflaged exterior and no access to its cabin, but apart from badging, the LHD example should be identical to the Geely Star Wish we detailed in March in Bangkok.

GALLERY: Perodua eMO final prototype at MAS 2025

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Proton eMas 5 walk-around video – brand’s second EV based on Geely Star Wish/Xingyuan; Q4 2025 launch

In Cars, Electric Cars in Malaysia, Proton, Videos, Walk-Around Videos / By Gerard Lye / 9 May 2025 10:17 am / 3 comments

Proton has previewed the next model in its eMas line-up of electric vehicles at this year’s Malaysia Autoshow (MAS 2025). Called the eMas 5, the new model is slated to be launched in Q4 2025 and will be positioned below the well-received eMas 7.

According to the company, the eMas 5 is “aimed at younger drivers and first-time EV buyers, promising to make electric mobility more affordable, stylish, and effortless for a new generation of Malaysians.”

As previously speculated, the eMas 5 is based on the Geely Star Wish, which is sold in China as the Xingyuan. While the show car is covered in very colourful camouflage, there are plenty of obvious cues that indicate the EV’s origin, as Hafriz Shah points out in this walk-around video tour.

Proton isn’t providing much in the way of details for now, so powertrain specifications and equipment remain unknown for now. However, we can refer to the Star Wish/Xingyuan, which is offered in China with rear-wheel drive and CATL-sourced lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.

The first option is a 30.12-kWh unit that is good for a range of up to 310 km following China’s CLTC standard, paired with an electric motor rated at 79 PS (78 hp or 58 kW) and 130 Nm. It is joined by a 40.16-kWh battery providing up to 410 km, while also having higher outputs of 116 PS (114 hp or 85 kW) and 150 Nm. Pricing for the Star Wish/Xingyuan in China ranges from 68,800 to 97,800 yuan (about RM40k to RM57k).

It’s clear that the eMas 5 will be cheaper than the eMas 7, although official pricing isn’t available yet. We expect the car to arrive as fully-imported (CBU) offering, as the EV plant in Tanjong Malim is only due to begin operations at the end of 2025, with the eMas 7 being the first model to roll off the line.

With a launch taking place in the final quarter of this year, the eMas 5 may not have very long to benefit from the import and excise duty exemption applicable to CBU EVs that is set to expire at the end of 2025. At present, CBU EVs cannot be sold below RM100,000 until the end of the exemption period.

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Jetour T2 SUV makes Malaysian debut – 2.0T + 7DCT from Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, AWD, launching this year?

In Cars, Jetour, Local News / By Jonathan James Tan / 8 May 2025 6:24 pm / 3 comments

The butch-looking Jetour T2 off-road SUV is at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025, one of two models Jetour Malaysia will likely introduce next, the other being the eVT5. The left-hand drive unit carries the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro‘s 254 PS/390 Nm 2.0 litre turbo engine and seven-speed twin-clutch auto.

Unlike its less-hardcore-looking, smaller and more ‘urban’ T1 twin (which is also earmarked for Malaysia, but likely to arrive after the T2), the T2 is only available in all-wheel drive. Think Ford Bronco Sport and full-fat Bronco (although the latter is of course a body-on-frame 4×4). Easiest way to tell the two apart? The T2 has a ‘spare wheel cover’ on its tailgate.

Jetour Auto International vice president Kevin Xu said in China in November that all Jetour products for Malaysia will be locally-assembled (CKD), including the T2. Will Jetour Malaysia’s CKD partner, Berjaya Assembly, start working on this soon?

Jetour claims it sells an average of 15,000 units of the T2 a month in China – double the volume of the GWM Tank 300 and enough to make it the leader in the ‘boxy SUV’ market. In Malaysia, the China-imported (CBU) Tank 300 costs RM250k. You know our next question…

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