Automotive company Hyundai has announced a collaboration with TVS Motor Company to develop last-mile mobility solutions for the Indian market.
Two concept models have been showcased: a three-wheeled rickshaw concept (E3W) and a more suitable four-wheeled concept (E4W) designed for vehicle-sharing services.
Both vehicles feature a minimalist design reminiscent of the tuk-tuks commonly found on the congested roads of India.
To ensure lower manufacturing costs, Hyundai plans to use recycled plastic and flatter body panels, thereby reducing the burden on owners when replacing damaged parts.
Compared to typical rickshaws, the E3W boasts dimensions that are 200 mm longer and 35 mm taller to facilitate easier entry and exit.
Other features included are bottle holders and smart device storage, a USB charging port, and storage space under the seat.
Another concept model, named E4W, has a four-wheel configuration and a cabin space that appears larger than that of the E3W.
The handling characteristics are more akin to those of a real car, featuring a minimalist digital display and a round steering wheel equipped with a cluster of control buttons.
Under the bench-style second-row seat, there is storage space for goods, as well as a special board that can be used to hang items like fans or umbrellas.
An auto rickshaw speeds through heavy rain in Agartala, India on June 1st (Reuters/Jayanta Dey) pic.twitter.com/IQCW6GAQUZ
According to Hyundai, the ground clearance for both models can be adjusted as needed, particularly when navigating waterlogged routes during the monsoon season.
No specifications regarding the powertrain have been provided at this time.
However, it is worth noting that TVS has launched the three-wheeled King EV Max rickshaw priced at INR 295,000 (RM 14,928), which offers a range of 179 km and a top speed of 60 km/h.
A few weeks ago, Xiaomi unveiled its second electric vehicle (EV) model set to launch this year, known as the YU7.
This electric SUV is expected to pose a strong challenge to the popular Tesla Model Y.
According to data obtained from Chinese government ministry websites, the Xiaomi YU7 measures 4,999 mm in length, 1,996 mm in width, 1,600 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 3,000 mm, making it larger than the Model Y.
The all-wheel-drive (AWD) version of the Xiaomi YU7, boasting 691 PS, will be offered with range options of 670 km, 750 km, and 760 km.
Currently, Xiaomi has not yet disclosed the range for the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) variant (320 PS) or the capacity of the NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) battery pack that will be available for each variant.
The selling price has also yet to be finalized, but local media suggest that the Xiaomi YU7 will start at around RMB 250,000 (RM 151,958), making it significantly cheaper than the Tesla Model Y, which starts at RMB 263,500 (RM 160,163).
Astro Awani reports that an Indonesian national died in a helicopter accident on the Old KL-Bentong Road after being struck by the rotor blade.
According to the National Fire Operations Center, the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) reported that two individuals were on board the helicopter, and the pilot was reported safe.
Based on a report from Berita Harian, the Bell 206L-4 Long Ranger transport helicopter caught fire while attempting to land, before it lost control and overturned.
The helicopter was completely engulfed in flames during the incident, which occurred at 10:39 AM, and the fire was brought under control and fully extinguished by 11:06 AM.
According to reports, the helicopter was on duty for the installation of cables for the Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) project.
Unlike the electric motorcycle and scooter segment, it can be challenging to find two-wheeled machines powered by hybrid engines.
Kawasaki has previously unveiled two hybrid models, the Ninja 7 Hybrid and Z7 Hybrid.
What about Yamaha?
At the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025, which took place last month, Yamaha Motor India showcased a naked motorcycle that was once popular in Malaysia—the FZ.
More specifically, it’s the all-new Yamaha FZ-S Hybrid, powered by a single-cylinder 149 cc air-cooled engine that produces 12.4 hp and 13.3 Nm of torque.
Unlike the hybrid systems found in Kawasaki machines, the FZ-S Hybrid relies on a mild-hybrid system, where extra power is supplied by an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG).
While there is no benefit in terms of zero-emission riding, assistance from the electric motor can enhance the characteristics of the 150 cc engine to feel more like a 200 cc, especially during acceleration or when overtaking vehicles.
With this mild-hybrid system, it’s possible for the 13-liter fuel tank to achieve a riding range of over 480 km.
Other features include:
41 mm front telescopic forks
Single shock absorber with 7-level preload adjustment
17-inch alloy wheels
Seat height of 790 mm
Traction control system (TCS)
282 mm front brake rotor, 220 mm rear
Single-channel ABS braking system
In the Indian market, the Yamaha FZ-S Hybrid is priced at INR 130,700 (approximately RM 6,600).
Based on registration data released by the Department of Road Transport (JPJ) through the website data.gov.my, 2024 has been an excellent period for Perodua.
During this time, the brand recorded vehicle registrations totaling 358,100 units, securing the top spot once again.
In second place is Proton, with a total of 147,587 units registered, while Toyota comes in third with 127,202 units registered.
Interestingly, among the top 10 manufacturers, Chinese automotive brands have started to emerge, surpassing brands that were previously popular.
For example, Chery ranks fifth, beating out Mitsubishi and Mazda, while BYD has managed to secure the tenth position, ahead of Nissan, which ranks eleventh.
But do you know the list of the 10 most popular cars in Malaysia for 2024?
While the global passenger vehicle market is dominated by the industry giant Toyota, the global motorcycle segment appears to be led by Honda.
According to a report from Japan Times, Honda’s global motorcycle sales are projected to reach 20.2 million units for the fiscal year ending in March this year.
This means that Honda currently holds as much as 40 percent of the global motorcycle market share!
This development is supported by strong demand from several markets, including India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Brazil, and several countries in Central and South America.
Honda is also determined to increase its market share target to 50 percent, which will include electric motorcycles, with total sales aiming to hit 60 million units by 2030.
To achieve this, a new assembly plant dedicated to electric-powered motorcycles will be established in India and is set to begin operations in 2028.
As part of a serious drive toward electrification, the manufacturer also plans to launch up to 30 electric models in order to reach an annual sales target of four million units for electric motorcycles (EVs) by 2030.
Other initiatives in the pipeline include developing battery usage and recycling, reducing e-bike costs, ensuring that existing facilities are more environmentally friendly, and further expanding the network of existing battery-sharing and swapping stations.
To date, Honda operates 37 assembly facilities across 23 countries.
The Asahi Shimbun reported today that the proposed merger between two major Japanese automotive companies, Nissan and Honda, may be canceled.
According to sources close to the matter, the two companies are planning to hold a meeting to discuss the cancellation of the merger negotiations.
It is understood that Honda wanted to turn Nissan into a subsidiary; however, this plan was met with strong opposition as it did not align with previous arrangements.
When the merger plan was announced at a joint press conference last December, a holding company was set to be formed to oversee both brands, which would become the third-largest automotive company in the world, following Toyota and Volkswagen
Further surprising developments have emerged just days after reports stated that Honda and Nissan aimed to postpone their merger announcement until mid-February.
Nissan is currently grappling with a restructuring effort that includes cutting up to 9,000 jobs globally.
However, the company has not provided detailed explanations of the plan to its potential business partners, and Honda’s upper management has also complained that Nissan is moving too slowly.
In a press conference last December, Nissan President Makoto Uchida emphasized that both companies would be on equal footing.
Didi Group, the official distributor and importer of Aprilia motorcycles in Malaysia, held a ‘Meet & Greet’ session yesterday (February 4, 2025) with MotoGP riders Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi.
The event, which took place at the RUD Karting Circuit in Sepang, also featured Massimo Rivola, the director of the Aprilia MotoGP team, and test rider Lorenzo Savadori.
At the same time, Didi Group showcased the limited edition SR GT 200 Replica, which features a striking red and purple livery inspired by the graphics on the MotoGP bikes for the 2024 season.
The basic specifications remain unchanged, including a single-cylinder 174 cc SOHC engine with liquid cooling that generates 17.4 hp and 16.5 Nm of torque.
The suspension system consists of a 33 mm front telescopic fork, supported by dual shock absorbers with preload adjustment.
Other features include 14-inch and 13-inch rims, a 220 mm front brake rotor with single-channel ABS, LED lighting, a digital meter display, 25 liters of storage space, and connectivity to smart devices via the Aprilia MIA app.
The Aprilia SR GT 200 Replica is priced at RM20,900, limited to 32 units only.
Many may still not be aware that driving slowly in the middle or right lanes is an action that inconveniences many other road users.
This driving attitude, known as lane hogging, can actually increase the risk of accidents.
According to a report by BuletinTV3, which cites the words of the Director of the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) Bukit Aman, Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri, this lane hogging behavior is irresponsible and can be met with strict actions.
“If drivers wish to reduce their speed, they should move to the left lane to allow other drivers to continue their journey smoothly,” he said.
KENAL PASTI FUNGSI LORONG DI LEBUHRAYA PLUS
Elak menjadi Lane Hogger, Galakkan Aliran Trafik yang Lancar!
Ketika musim perayaan terutamanya, akan berlaku lonjakan trafik di mana semua kereta beratur untuk menuju ke destinasi tertentu mengikut aturan dan pic.twitter.com/2HD7yPjuPG
He added that fines and penalties ranging from RM300 to RM2,000 can be imposed on drivers found guilty of this offense.
This matter is further supported by a study conducted by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), which finds that lane hogging often stems from a lack of driving discipline and awareness of the functions of each lane.
According to Senior Research Officer at MIROS, Norfaizah Mohamad Khaidir, many drivers believe they have the right to use the fast lane as long as they do not exceed the speed limit.
“When asked, Malaysians know that speeding is wrong, but many do not realize that driving slowly in the fast lane is also an offense,” she said.
A few days before the Chinese New Year celebrations, Dinamijaya Motors, the sole distributor of Kia vehicles, invited automotive media practitioners to test the newly launched C-segment SUV – the 2025 Kia Sportage.
For your information, our market has been somewhat slow to embrace this Sportage model, as the fifth generation was introduced as early as 2021.
However, there is no need for concern, as the launched Sportage units are CKD (Completely Knocked Down) vehicles produced at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah, meaning they come with a very competitive price.
We had the opportunity to test drive the two highest variants, the Sportage 1.6T 2WD High and 1.6T AWD High.
Here are our first insights based on the short test drive we conducted recently:
1. A More Striking Exterior Design
The exterior design of the Kia Sportage represents a significant shift from the previous generation.
Employing an approach known as “Opposites United,” the Kia Sportage features an aggressive front design, beginning with its signature tiger nose grille and boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRL) that separate the grille from the main headlights.
This boomerang element is also mirrored in the rear lights, though with a smaller opening.
The SUV’s side profile is enhanced by an elongated chrome strip that adorns the lower edge of the glass housing, as well as black finishes at each wheel arch.
This aggressive design could be a ‘plus point’ for owners seeking something different on the road, and may particularly appeal to those weary of the ubiquitous Chinese SUVs.
Nonetheless, it’s wise to introspect and consider personal tastes before making a decision.
2. Driver-Oriented Cockpit Design
I am quite fond of the layout of the all-new Kia Sportage dashboard.
It is neat and, most importantly, designed with the driver in mind, as the central screen and control panel at the base of the air conditioning vents are angled towards the driver.
With an optimal driving posture, there’s no difficulty in reaching the aforementioned components to adjust settings while driving.
Although there are no physical buttons for the air conditioning system, the touch-based panel is user-friendly, allowing drivers to avoid digging through settings embedded in the main display.
What makes the front row seem more spacious is the presence of a rotary PRND knob in the central console.
Additionally, physical buttons remain in that area for essential functions like drive mode selection, Auto Hold, and the surround camera.
For fans of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rest assured that these features are indeed available in the Kia Sportage.
3. Comfortable and Practical Cabin
Positioned as a C-segment SUV, the Kia Sportage serves as an alternative for those who aren’t fond of larger SUVs like the Kia Sorento.
With dimensions close to those of a Honda CR-V, space is certainly not an issue for the Kia Sportage.
Importantly, rear passengers can enjoy a more generous recline angle, whether they prefer a more upright position or a comfier angle during their journey.
One feature that I appreciate about the Kia Sportage is the presence of a large hook on the headrest structure that can be used to hang jackets, shopping bags, or scarves.
The cargo space measures a generous 543 liters as standard, and can expand to 1,829 liters when the second-row seats are folded.
4. Driving Performance
To be honest, the driving experience offered by the Kia Sportage meets expectations.
With precise and responsive steering, I encountered no issues while handling this C-segment SUV, whether on the highway, at the Karak Circuit, or on winding rural roads.
Moreover, the steering correction system operates in a driver-friendly manner, not too aggressively to the point of annoyance, unlike some competitors’ models.
The Kia Sportage 1.6T can generate a power output of up to 177 hp and 265 Nm, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
Starting with the 1.6T AWD unit, the acceleration response felt somewhat less spirited compared to the 2WD variant we tested after lunch.
However, this isn’t a significant downside if you’re not a heavy-footed driver.
You should also know the next advantage of the Kia Sportage: a quiet cabin at normal speeds.
With a suspension setup effective for varying road conditions in Malaysia, it is also challenging to perceive significant vibrations and harshness in the cabin, unless driven more aggressively.
5. Price
The Kia Sportage 2025 for the Malaysian market is sold starting at RM149,781.78 for the 2.0G variant, while the unit we test drove starts at RM179,599 for the 1.6T 2WD variant, and from RM189,599 for the AWD variant.
What are the differences between the 1.6T 2WD and 1.6T AWD variants?
Only three aspects differentiate these two variants: the all-wheel drive system with a differential lock, roof rails, and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
Therefore, choosing the 1.6T 2WD model is perfectly valid as it is also equipped with comprehensive safety features, including six airbags, a blind-spot collision warning (BCW), high beam assist (HBA), blind-spot monitoring (BVM), and intelligent cruise control (SCC).
We will share more information in a more comprehensive test drive article coming soon.
Do you know which car was the best-selling in Europe for the year 2024?
It is neither a Japanese car nor a German compact car, but rather a vehicle from Romania.
More specifically, it is the Dacia Sandero (“good news!” as James May would say).
According to data from industry analyst Jato Dynamics, a total of 268,101 units of the Dacia Sandero were registered in Europe over the past year.
In second place is the Renault Clio, with a difference of over 50,000 units compared to the Dacia Sandero, followed by the Volkswagen Golf, which had 215,715 units sold.
Sales of the most popular model in 2023, the Tesla Model Y, fell by 17 percent to 209,214 units; however, it remains the leader in the category of the most popular electric vehicles.
Speaking of EVs, the market share for these zero-emission vehicles decreased from 15.7 percent in 2023 to 15.4 percent last year, while the percentage for petrol engine models increased from 47.8 percent to 48.4 percent.
The decline in EV sales is attributed to the withdrawal of incentives and the average selling price still being high and unaffordable, according to Jato Dynamics’ analysis.
Meanwhile, demand for hybrid vehicles increased from 9.9 percent to 11.8 percent, while plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) accounted for only 7.3 percent (down from 7.7 percent).
The Suzuki Jimny Nomade, or more precisely, the more practical 5-door Jimny, has just been officially launched for the Japanese market.
However, within just four days, the demand has been overwhelming, with 50,000 orders already recorded.
This situation has forced Suzuki Japan to temporarily close the order books for this model.
In a message posted on the official website, Suzuki apologized for the inconvenience faced by customers wishing to order the Suzuki Jimny Nomade.
“The (Suzuki) Jimny Nomade has received a very positive response, and we have received orders that far exceed the production capacity.”
“As a result, we will temporarily close the order books and will update when orders can be reopened, taking into account future production circumstances.”
The high popularity among Japanese buyers is due to the 5-door Jimny’s offering, which is significantly more practical.
The addition of two extra passenger doors and a longer wheelbase creates a more spacious cabin, which is beneficial for family activities, unlike the Jimny (kei car) and Jimny Sierra, without compromising the off-road driving advantages that are synonymous with the Jimny name.
It is worth noting that, unlike the 3-door Suzuki Jimny produced in Japan, the Suzuki Jimny 5-door (including units that have already arrived in Malaysia) is built at the Gurugram factory located in India.
With production limited to 1,200 units for the Japanese market, the wait time now reaches up to three and a half years!
The first deliveries of the Suzuki Jimny Nomade in Japan will take place on April 3.
Due to the extremely encouraging demand, Suzuki has also had to cancel all planned exhibition events for the Suzuki Nomade in Japan.
Japan Today reported yesterday (February 2) that Honda and Nissan will announce their merger plan in mid-February.
According to the original plan, the second and third largest automotive manufacturers intended to make the announcement by the end of January.
During a press conference held last month, both parties agreed to start discussions to form a new company by 2026.
Honda’s CEO, Toshihiro Mibe, stated that they expect Nissan to take appropriate actions in restructuring as a prerequisite for the merger.
In November, Nissan announced a reduction of up to 9,000 jobs worldwide and a 20 percent cut in global production capacity after the company reported a profit decline of over 90 percent for the period from April to September.
As part of its restructuring efforts, Nissan is also planning to offer early retirement programs for workers at three plants in the United States and to reduce the workforce in Thailand.
Honda appears to be somewhat skeptical and is calling for more drastic measures to ensure Nissan’s successful recovery.
According to another source, Nissan’s alliance partner, Mitsubishi, is less inclined to join the new merged entity.
In conjunction with the launch of the Suzuki Jimny Nomade (5-door) for the Japanese market, tuning company DAMD is offering up to three body kit packages to customize the off-road SUV.
Owners of the 5-door Suzuki Jimny in Japan can choose to customize their vehicles with the “little D,” “little G. ADVANCE,” and “little G. TRADITIONAL” body kits.
The “little D” kit features a new front and rear bumper, as well as lighting units that are clearly inspired by the classic Land Rover Defender.
For those who desire the G-Wagen look, there are two body kit options available.
The “little G. TRADITIONAL” presents an exterior appearance resembling that of the earliest generation Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, complete with a new front grille structure and wider fender flares.
Owners who want a more modern and sporty G-Wagen image can opt for the “little G. ADVANCED,” which comes with city-appropriate tires, a front fascia similar to that of the G63 AMG, turn signal lights mounted on the engine hood, and a more compact rear spare tire cover.
According to a report from Response.jp, DAMD has already begun the development project for all three body kits for the Suzuki Jimny Nomade, aiming for a launch within this year.
Throughout 2024, Toyota Motor Corp sold a total of 10.82 million vehicles, allowing the automaker to maintain its global leadership for the fifth consecutive year.
Despite this figure representing a 3.7 percent decline compared to 2023, Toyota explained that there is still strong demand for its hybrid vehicles.
The second place was secured by the Volkswagen Group, with total sales of 9.03 million units, while the Hyundai Group recorded sales of 7.23 million units.
For the first time, BYD surpassed Honda, Nissan, and Suzuki with sales of 4.27 million units last year.
In comparison, Honda sold 3.81 million units, followed by Nissan with 3.35 million units and Suzuki with 3.25 million units.
Excluding brands under its umbrella such as Hino and Daihatsu, the sales figures for Toyota-branded vehicles alone reached 10.16 million units, a drop of 1.4 percent, following its involvement in a vehicle certification scandal, which led to a temporary halt in the production of certain models.
In key markets, Toyota recorded a 4.3 percent increase in sales, reaching 2.73 million vehicles in North America, followed by a 3.6 percent increase to 1.17 million vehicles in Europe.
However, Toyota’s sales in China saw a decline of 6.9 percent, totaling 1.78 million vehicles, due to ongoing price wars among major domestic manufacturers.
Porsche is one of the few sports car manufacturers that remains committed to offering models with a manual transmission.
In some markets, you can still obtain a manual 718, but for the 911 family, this option is now limited to the GT3 and Carrera T variants only.
Despite being described as a nearly extinct transmission, Andreas Preuninger, Director of the GT Model Line at Porsche, believes it is important to continue fighting to preserve the manual transmission at Porsche.
Citing a report from Motor1, Preuninger stated, “From a personal point of view, it is very important to have a manual model.”
“I prefer manual and don’t mind shifting gears myself, especially on the track, knowing exactly that the PDK transmission is faster,” he added.
Preuninger also does not believe that stricter emissions laws will eliminate manual transmissions.
“(Manual) is lighter, which contributes to reductions in emissions and more efficient fuel consumption, and you also have more power at the wheels because the power loss in a manual transmission is lower compared to PDK,” he explained.
“In the real world, manual cars use less gasoline and produce fewer emissions compared to PDK. That is a fact.”
Suzuki has officially launched a more practical five-door off-road SUV variant of the Jimny, known as the Jimny Nomade for the Japanese market.
Compared to the three-door Jimny Sierra still available there, the Jimny Nomade measures 3,890 mm in length, making it 340 mm longer, and resulting in a wheelbase of 2,590 mm.
The benefits? More spacious rear passenger seating, as well as increased cargo capacity, making it more practical.
The Jimny Nomade can be distinguished by its honeycomb grille structure with a Gun Metallic finish, as well as new color options including Sizzling Red Metallic and Celestial Blue Pearl Metallic.
In terms of power, the Suzuki Jimny Nomade retains the 1.5-liter engine that produces 103 hp and 134 Nm of torque, paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission.
Additionally, the Jimny Nomade comes standard with a part-time four-wheel drive (4WD) system and maintains a 36-degree approach angle and a 47-degree departure angle.
In Japan, Suzuki sells the Jimny Nomade starting at ¥2,651,000 (approximately RM75,643).
For reference, the Suzuki Jimny Nomade is a completely imported unit from the Gurugram assembly plant in India, unlike the Jimny Sierra (3-door variant) which is assembled in Japan.
Who would have thought that the premium-looking Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron electric SUV could transform into a more serious off-road vehicle?
That’s what Audi aims to showcase with the Q6 e-tron Offroad Concept, featuring a higher ground clearance and a wider body dimension.
Audi has also hinted that this model is ready to be realized as a production vehicle.
In terms of power, the Q6 e-tron Offroad is equipped with two electric motors producing 510 hp, driving all four wheels.
With an increased track width of 250 mm and a ground clearance raised by 160 mm, thanks to the use of four portal axles directly connected to the wheel hubs, this SUV is designed for enhanced off-road performance.
The newly designed portal axles allow this SUV to increase wheel torque by 50% compared to the 20 to 30% achieved with conventional designs.
As a result, the torque at all four wheels can reach 13,400 Nm, though the top speed is limited to just 175 km/h.
Overall, these upgrades enable this off-road SUV to tackle steep slopes with angles of up to 45 degrees.
The original design of the Q6 Sportback e-tron has been retained, but the front bumper has been fitted with extra LED lighting units, and the wheel arches have been enlarged to accommodate off-road tires.
Audi has previously unveiled several off-road concept models, such as the Activesphere and the AI:Trail Quattro, and they also participated in the 2024 Dakar Rally using the RS Q e-tron.
Kawasaki recently sent shockwaves through the online community by posting a teaser video on their social media platform.
The video, lasting less than 10 seconds, sparked comments from Kawasaki’s social media followers, urging the manufacturer to bring back the glory days of two-stroke engines.
The post concluded with the words “We Heard You,” hinting that Kawasaki is listening to and wants to fulfill the demands of its fans.
So far, not much information has been revealed.
However, according to the Visordown website, Kawasaki previously filed a patent document published in July 2024, indicating that the manufacturer is developing an all-new two-stroke engine.
In addition to reviving this long-lost technology, Kawasaki’s new two-stroke engine will be equipped with technologies such as a fuel injection system, a turbocharger unit, and intake valves operated by a power valve.
These enhancements could significantly increase engine efficiency while retaining the advantages of two-stroke engines over four-stroke ones.
For now, Kawasaki has not decided whether this new two-stroke engine will be offered in street motorcycles or reserved for other uses.
One thing is certain: this latest development will surely delight those who have previously experienced owning 2T motorcycles, such as the Yamaha 125Z, Yamaha RX-Z, Modenas Dinamik, and Kawasaki Ninja 150RR (just to name a few popular models).
Although the Toyota Hiace has entered a new generation since 2019, the fifth generation of the cab-over version remains popular and continues to be offered in several markets.
If you’re feeling bored with the standard appearance of the Hiace, Japanese tuning company Auto Motive Japan (AMJ) is now offering the Vanace cosmetic package inspired by the rear-engine Volkswagen Transporter T3 (1979-1992).
There are three front design options available: Type 1 features round headlights similar to the specifications of the T3 in the European and Japanese markets; Type 2 includes twin round headlights inspired by the South African model; and Type 3 has square headlights resembling the North American version.
In addition to halogen headlights, the Vanace kit also includes yellow turn signals, a flat hood design, redesigned front fenders, and chrome wheel hub covers, all contributing to a retro image for the Hiace.
Customers can choose from up to 10 paint options, including gunmetal, beige, and two-tone combinations.
For the cabin, AMJ offers retro seat covers (available in blue, green, or beige), vintage-style steering wheels, and gear knobs made of wood.
Wood finishing is also available as an option for the floor and cargo ceiling, complemented by an LED lighting system, making it ideal for those looking to convert their Hiace into a campervan.
According to a review on AMJ’s website, the selling price for the Vanace kit starts from ¥3.75 million to ¥4.64 million (approximately RM105k-RM130k), depending on the donor van and the level of customization set by the customer.
In addition to AMJ, Hiace owners can also obtain a retro body kit inspired by the Land Rover Defender, known as Deface, produced by another Japanese tuner, DAMD.
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