Good news for fans of the Alfa Romeo brand, as the manufacturer is expected to maintain the offering of classic sedan body styles for the upcoming Giulia model expected to debut in 2026.
The Giulia EV is one of the two D-segment cars from Alfa Romeo that will be launched later, with the other being a replacement for the Stelvio.
Speaking to Autocar at the preview event for the new Milano crossover, its CEO Jean Philippe Imparato emphasized that the successor to the Giulia will still maintain the traditional sedan form, despite being aware of the shrinking segment.
He said, “the sedan body shape will make a comeback. I don’t want Alfa Romeo to become an SUV brand.”
The Giulia EV is also likely to bring a profile that combines sedan and wagon elements, similar to the Genesis G70 and Mercedes CLA shooting brake models.
“I don’t want to give up on the sedan market. It is Alfa’s DNA to have a sporty sedan. However, I also acknowledge there are proposals to produce a station wagon (estate) version of the Giulia.”
Alfa Romeo also hints at the revival of the iconic GTV and Duetto models in the EV era.
“The next step we are taking is: what is the answer for the GTV model, and what is the answer for the Duetto model? However, it is not definitive yet, and I don’t want to comment on it.”
THE partnership between Lamborghini and the Italian State Police continues with a specially-prepped Urus Performante.
The super SUV is the sixth model to enter into the Highway Police fleet since the two joined forces way back in 2004.
Set to enter into service next year alongside the Huracán LP610-4, the Urus Performante will be used for special services including the urgent medical transport of organs and plasma.
It was fitted out by Lamborghini technicians at Sant’Agata Bolognese, starting from the exterior, following police specifications. The livery is an artwork of Lamborghini Centro Stile, featuring the classic blue colour of the Italian State Police and white, with tricolor bands on the sills and seat belt.
The police logos have been applied to the doors in reflective film, while a light bar with 360 degree blue LED lights has been installed on the roof, together with a two-tone electric siren.
The cabin has been fitted with an armoured weapon box, a flip-down message display, a compartment for stowing service equipment as well as a defibrillator for first aid response.
Most importantly, there is a portable fridge for the transportation of organs, along with a display and data logger for the continuous monitoring of the internal temperature.
The Urus Performante won’t be having problems reaching the hospital in time as it has a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine capable of outputting 666 PS and 850 Nm of torque.
With an eight-speed automatic gearbox driving all four wheels, it will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 306 km/h.
The sixth-generation Honda CR-V has been officially launched in the Malaysian market, a month after it was made available for booking.
According to Honda Malaysia, the SUV has amassed over 2,000 bookings within the period. The company targets to achieve a monthly sales target of 1,000 units.
The CR-V is offered in four variants, with the following prices:
1.5L S – RM159,900
1.5L E – RM169,900
1.5L V – RM181,900 2.0L
e:HEV RS – price to be announced later
The range-topping e:HEV RS will only be launched early next year, thus its price will be announced closer to the launch date.
In conjunction with Honda’s 75th anniversary and Honda Malaysia’s celebration of 20 years of CKD production of the CR-V, the company is offering a special price of RM157,900 for the CR-V 1.5L S for the first 750 customers.
Compared to the outgoing model, the new CR-V has larger a footprint that measures 4,691 mm in length, 1,866 mm in width and 1,681 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,701 mm, 40 mm longer than before.
The e:HEV RS variant is powered by a combination of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and an improved Hybrid Traction Motor producing a total output of 184 PS and 335 Nm. Power is delivered to the front wheels through an e:CVT.
The other three variants feature a 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo engine with 193 PS and 243 Nm of torque, paired with a CVT. The S and E variants are front-wheel drive, while the V variant is equipped with the Real Time AWD all-wheel-drive system.
Moving on to the features, all CR-V variants come standard with LED headlights and taillights, and sequential turn signal lights. LED fog lights are only available from the E variant and above.
The alloy wheel sizes start from 17 inches for the S variant, up to 18 inches for the E, V, and RS. As the sportiest variant, the RS wheel comes in Berlina Black.
Inside, the CR-V (save for the S variant) is equipped with leather upholstery, driver’s seat memory function, eight-way power adjustment for the driver and four-way for passengers, additional USB Type C ports, 15W wireless charger, a nine-inch audio display, and paddle shifters.
The V variant adds ambient lighting, while the RS variant includes a smart key card, a 10.2-inch digital meter, head-up display, driving mode switch, Active Sound Control, and a Bose audio system with 12 speakers.
As for safety, Honda Sensing is now equipped as standard across the range. It comprises nine features:
Adaptive Cruise Control
Forward Collision Warning
Lane Departure Warning
Road Departure Mitigation
Lane Keep Assist System
Collision Mitigation Braking System
Lead Car Departure Notification System
Low Speed Follow
Adaptive Driving Beam (RS only)
Meanwhile, Honda LaneWatch is available in the E, V, and RS variants, while the 360-degree multi-view camera system is available in the V and RS variants only.
The CR-V is available in five colours, namely Canyon River Blue, Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, and Ignite Red Metallic.
THE 19th Malaysia Car of the Year (MCOTY) recently concluded, and the prestigious title of Overall Car of the Year was awarded to the Honda Civic e:HEV RS Hybrid.
The annual program which serves as a platform for automotive enthusiasts and experts to recognize and celebrate the best new cars in Malaysia, unanimously picked the Honda Civic e:HEV RS Hybrid for its technology which eliminates power-robbing gearboxes, whether CVT or hydraulic, and for providing the best energy regeneration of all current hybrids in Malaysia.
With 121 new cars nominated for this year’s award, the competition was fierce and represented a diverse range of vehicles. The judging panel consisted of 10 esteemed automotive journalists and two professionals from the legal and medical fields.
These judges evaluated the cars based on several criteria, including design, technology, safety, and value for money. As a result of their analysis, the 121 nominated cars were divided into seven main categories, with 13 winners emerging as the best in their respective segments.
One interesting aspect of the MCOTY program is the People’s Choice award, which is determined through online polling using smartphone to implement one person one vote from a list of 25 cars nominated by the judges and a team from the Malaysia Automotive Robotics IoT Institute.
This year, the Perodua Axia E took home the People’s Choice award in the mass market category, while the BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport won the hearts of the public in the premium market. Interesting to see that Malaysians selected an EV in the premium market segment.
In addition to the winners, the judges also made Honourable Mentions of three outstanding cars that defied convention.
The Ford Ranger Raptor 3.0 V6 petrol twin turbo was acknowledged for its outstanding performance, being described as a supercar in pick-up guise.
The Perodua Axia 1.0 E received recognition for its affordability, with its price tag of RM22,000 making it one of the best value-for-money cars in the world. Despite criticism regarding its safety standards, the judges argued that the Axia E is still much safer than motorcycles.
Third, the Chery Omoda 5 was commended for its warranty, as it was launched with an unprecedented 1 million km warranty for the first 3,000 buyers. This imaginative brand-building exercise caught the attention of the judging panel.
Winners of the 19th Malaysia Car of the Year Awards:
A) Sedan and Hatchback:
Below: RM110,000: Toyota Vios 1.5G
RM111,000 to RM249,000: Honda Civic e:HEV RS Hybrid
Above RM250,000: Mercedes-Benz C300 AMG Line
After the successful opening of the 4S showroom in Kuantan last weekend, Chery Malaysia has now inaugurated another 4S center in the country.
Located in Johor Bahru, the Gagner Auto Sdn Bhd 4S center in Medini is the largest of its kind in Malaysia. The opening was graced by Tunku Abu Bakar Ibni Al-Marhum Tunku Bendahara Abdul Rahman and Tunku Abdul Samad Bin Tunku Mohd Archibald, along with several individuals from the industry partners and representatives of Chery Auto Malaysia.
This latest Chery 4S center features sales, service, spare parts, as well as body and paint facilities. It showcases eco-friendly design features and emphasizes efficient energy usage.
The opening of this 4S center also serves as a platform for the preview of Chery’s first EV model, the Omoda E5, in the southern region.
Janessa Kuek, a representative of Gagner Auto Sdn Bhd, stated, “We are proud to be the first branch in the southern region to host the preview of the upcoming model in Malaysia, the Omoda E5.”
“This signifies a significant moment in our commitment to bringing advanced vehicle innovations to our customers,” she added.
The government has set a national target where 20 percent of Malaysia’s annual new car sales will consist of electric vehicles (EV) by 2030, 50 percent by 2040, and 80 percent by 2050.
According to the Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, this is to accelerate the National Automotive Transition Plan (NETP) launched in August this year.
“MITI’s commitment to propel Malaysia forward in the electric vehicle revolution can be seen through the National Automotive Policy 2020 (NAP2020).
“NAP2020 provides the local automotive industry with a clear direction for future readiness, through the development of next-generation vehicles including energy-efficient and environmentally friendly EVs,” Zafrul said.
Meanwhile, Malaysia has recorded strong growth in EV sales every year, and the government is optimistic that this positive momentum will continue until the end of 2023, according to Zafrul.
So far, Malaysia has registered over 100,000 electric vehicles.
“More than 12,000 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have been registered since 2011, with the number of BEVs registered just this year alone exceeding 9,000 units,” he said in his speech at the early launch of the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 (MAS 2024) recently.
For the first 10 months of 2023, Malaysia’s vehicle sales recorded strong growth, increasing by 11.6 percent to nearly 647,000 units.
Tengku Zafrul said he believed that electric vehicles would be a catalyst for Malaysia’s manufacturing industry exports.
“Therefore, there is great potential in next-generation vehicles that require more components, for example, semiconductor composites, chip components in today’s cars, and even hybrid cars contain around 1,500 chips in a single car,” he said.
FROM mid-2024 onwards, the European-market Toyota Hilux will be offered with a new mild-hybrid powertrain that which offers improved driving performance and enhanced comfort in both urban and off-road environments.
Marketed as the Hilux Hybrid 48V, it features the familiar 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that provides an additional power of 16 PS and 65 Nm to help with the acceleration and fuel efficiency.
The aforementioned engine puts out 204 PS at 3,400 rpm and 500 Nm from 1,600 to 2,800 rpm, just like in the Hilux Rogue.
According to Toyota, the engine drives a compact generator using a belt drive system, which in turn charges a 48-volt lithium battery, which is small enough to be installed under the rear seats and weighs just 7.6 kg.
Like Toyota’s full hybrid electric systems, the battery is charged during deceleration. Once charged, the battery sends the output through the motor generator to the engine to enhance acceleration, power and efficiency.
The motor generator has been designed to withstand the harsher working environments, while the engine gets a new two-arm belt tensioner and stronger belt material to adapt to the hybrid system.
With an enhanced start-stop system, the powertrain helps improve the Hilux’s fuel efficiency by up to 5% compared to the conventional non-electrified diesel powertrain.
Electrification aside, the Hilux Hybrid 48V retains its towing and payload capacity at 3,500 kg and 1,000 kg, respectively.
Its off-road credentials also remain intact with a ground clearance of 310 mm, an approach angle of 29 degrees, and a departure angle of 26 degrees. It can drive through water up to 700 mm deep thanks to waterproofing of the battery and DC-DC converter.
Safety-wise, there’s the latest version of Toyota Safety Sense comprising enhanced features such as Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Road Sign Assist (RSA) and Adaptive High Beam (AHB).
OWNERS of the new MINI Cooper SE looking to give their car a more menacing look will be happy to know that the automaker is now offering a John Cooper Works Trim package for the electric vehicle.
However, this package is limited to aesthetic changes, which means the Cooper SE retains the single electric motor setup with 208 PS and 330 Nm just like the standard version.
Well, not that it is in dire need of additional power as even with a rather modest output, the car only needs 6.7 seconds to complete the 0-100 km/h sprint.
Needless to say, the 54.2-kWh battery is also retained to give the Cooper SE a range of up to 402 km on a single charge. The battery pack that can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes via 95-kW DC fast charging.
Nevertheless, the JCW Trim package does make the Cooper SE look more aggressive on the road. At the front, you’ll find a high-gloss block finish on the radiator grille surround and logo as well as JCW-specific individual light signatures featuring two horizontal stripes as daytime running lights.
Also included are 18-inch wheels in Lap Spoke two-tone design with ten spokes, red JCW brake calipers, front and rear diffusers, hood stripes, as well as Chilli Red accents on the roof and side mirrors.
Similarly, the interior gets racing-inspired cues which include a black and red theme, JCW seats upholstered in synthetic leather with multi-coloured knitted material in the shoulder section, and 2d-knit on the door and the dashboard.
The central OLED display now has a JCW-inspired Go-Kart mode, which colours the display and interior lighting anthracite red and pumps go-kart sound into the cabin. This mode also optimises throttle response of the accelerator pedal.
TOYOTA will introduce a simulated (virtual) manual gearbox for its electric vehicles (EVs). However, it appears it will be quite fun, as it will not be limited to just six or seven speeds.
In a patent application published a few days ago, it shows that there is no limit to how many gears the transmission can have. Images published with the technical document show it could have up to 14 gears. But how does it work? Toyota has also provided an explanation.
The patent reveals many details about this system. In simple terms, drivers will be able to select how many gear ratios they want.
“The number of virtual gear stages may be six or more, or less than six,” the document states. “Drivers will be able to select the desired form according to their preferences.”
However, Toyota does not explain any electro-mechanical system that will make up the physical gear setup. Instead, there will be a fixed number of gears, possibly six, but Toyota uses four as an example. Gears are selected as with a regular manual, although the gear button will return to its original position after use.
When the driver shifts gears, the virtual pathway shape changes to the next ratio. So if there is a pattern of six gears and the sixth gear is selected, a display will change the ratio to allow the driver to shift to gear seven and beyond, or down to gear five in the same set.
Confusing? In fact, this arrangement is similar to the manual gear setup of a truck trailer, so off-road enthusiasts will likely understand easily.
In any case, there must be a reason why car makers do not offer manual gears with too many gear ratios. A 14-speed gearbox is not practical with an internal combustion engine.
But for EVs, it’s a different story. Toyota believes there’s no harm in offering more options to buyers.
THE first electric vehicle (EV) introduced by smart Malaysia, the smart #1, has received 1,000 bookings within about two weeks of its launch.
“The success of smart #1 reflects not only the excellence of our product but also our dedication to providing a seamless and enjoyable ownership experience.
The comprehensive warranty coverage, complimentary packages, and the smartCharge Home Charger offer are a testament to our commitment to customer satisfaction,” said Zhang Qiang, Chief Executive Officer of smart Malaysia.
Zhang added that delivery is also a pivotal aspect, and his team is diligently working to ensure timely delivery of cars to customers.
For the Malaysian market, the smart #1 is offered in three variants, namely Pro, Premium, and Brabus, with prices ranging from RM189,000 to RM249,000.
The car comes with an eight-year/200,000 km high-voltage battery warranty, an eight-year/150,000 km high-voltage component warranty, a four-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty, and a two-year unlimited mileage spare parts warranty. Customers also benefit from 24/7 roadside service assistance.
Other perks include a complimentary accessories package worth RM2,000, a five-year Internet data plan of a total of 60GB, and a limited-time offer of a complimentary smartCharge Home Charger valued at RM3,200. This special offer is valid until 31 December 2023.
FOLLOWING the EQS SUV, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has now further expanded its electric vehicle range with the launch of EQS’ smaller sibiling, the all-new EQE SUV.
It is offered in a single variant, the EQE 500 4Matic SUV, with a starting price of RM458,888 (on-the-road without insurance, with 10% sales tax).
Exterior-wise, standard equipment includes the AMG Line package, 21-inch aerodynamically-optimised light alloy wheels, Digital Light headlamps with Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus, aluminum-look running boards, and the signature three-pointed Mercedes star pattern on the grille.
Being the smaller sibling, the EQE SUV has a smaller footprint, measuring 4,863 mm in length, 1,940 mm in width, 1,685 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,030 mm.
Inside, the futuristic Hyperscreen found in the EQS and EQS SUV makes way for a more conventional OLED central display and digital driver display setup, along with a head-up display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, wireless charging, and a Burmester 3D surround sound system.
Other features include the AMG Line package, ambient lighting, sports seats, AMG floor mats, Nappa leather wrapping on the steering wheel, black/gray leather upholstery, magnolia wood trim, aluminum inlays, Keyless-Go Comfort package, Thermotronic climate control, among others.
Powering the EQE 500 is a pair of electric motors generating a total output of 408 PS and 858 Nm of torque. This enables it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 210 km/h.
With a 90.6 kWh battery, it offers a driving range of 552 km on a full charge (based on WLTP cycle). The battery supports 22 kW AC charging, which takes four hours and 45 minutes for a 0-100% charge.
Alternatively, it can also take DC fast charging with capacities up to 170 kW, enabling a 10-80% charge in 32 just minutes.
The EQE 500 SUV comes equipped with Airmatic air suspension with adaptive ADS+ dampers that can be varied fully automatically at each individual wheel in both the compression and rebound stages.
To increase ground clearance, the vehicle level can be raised by up to 30 mm, which is possible up to a speed
of 80 km/h. It also features rear-axle steering to reduce the turning radius from 12.3 meters to 10.5 meters.
Safety and system package comprises the Driving Assistance Package Plus, Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Steering Assist, Pre-Safe, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, a 360-degree camera, and transparent bonnet.
TOYOTA has clinched the title of the most valuable automotive brand in the world for 2023, for the second consecutive year. This was announced in a report by Interbrand’s Best Global Brands 2023.
The Japanese manufacturer secured the sixth position out of the overall 100 global brands. Only three automotive brands made it to the top 10, with Mercedes-Benz and BMW being the other two.
Outside the top 10 positions, other automotive brands listed include Tesla, Honda, Hyundai, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, Ford, Nissan, Ferrari, and Kia. Overall, 13 automotive brands made it to the list in 2023, down from 15 brands in 2022.
According to Interbrand, each brand is evaluated based on three main factors: the financial performance of their products or services, their role in purchase decisions, and the strength of the brand in fostering customer loyalty.
With a brand value of USD 64.5 billion (RM 301.4 billion), Toyota maintains its position at the top of the automotive segment. Following closely is Mercedes-Benz with a value of USD 61.4 billion (equivalent to RM 286.92 billion).
Meanwhile, BMW’s brand value of USD 51.2 billion (RM 239.26 billion) is sufficient to place it in third position, surpassing Tesla, which has a value of USD 49.9 billion (RM 233.18 billion).
Honda maintains its fifth position, followed by Hyundai and Audi. Porsche, another German brand, has improved its brand value, surpassing Volkswagen and Ford to claim the eighth position.
THIS is hot news, ladies and gentlemen, because the Jaecoo brand has arrived in Malaysia. In fact, two units of the Jaecoo J7 AWD are now in the country for road testing and standardization.
For those who are not aware, Jaecoo is one of the brands under the Chery umbrella, like Omoda. We also made a brief report and introduction about Jaecoo while in China a few months ago.
Jaecoo Malaysia is currently actively conducting exclusive previews for authorized distributors and potential investors ahead of the showroom opening.
It will be introduced to the Malaysian market next year. In addition, the official Facebook page of Jaecoo Malaysia has also been established, so you can visit it for any information and updates from the brand.
The official website is expected to be completed by January 2024. In the meantime, you can obtain further information on Jaecoo’s global website.
The Jaecoo J7 is a five-seater C-segment model, with a length of 4,500mm. It will be in the same segment as models such as the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V.
Unlike the units we saw in Wuhu, China, which were front-wheel-drive models, the units that have arrived in Malaysia are both AWD models.
There are no engine details yet, but according to Jaecoo’s official website, the J7 AWD model is powered by a 1.6-liter turbo engine with 194hp and 290Nm of torque, and power is transmitted to all wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
The 0-100km/h performance is in 8 seconds, while the fuel efficiency is about 7.48L/100km. Other features of the Jaecoo J7 include LED headlights, a 14.8-inch vertical infotainment screen, a panoramic sunroof, Sony audio system, 10 airbags, and ADAS Level 2.5+ functions.
What is your opinion on the Jaecoo J7 and this brand in general? Excited for its launch?
IT’S safe to say that many have been waiting for the arrival of the newest sedan from Proton, especially considering that the last time the national car maker brought a sedan to the market was the Persona back in 2016.
The wait ends today with the official launch of the Proton S70, which enters the Malaysian market as the fourth Proton model to be jointly developed with Geely after the X70, X50 dan X90.
As previously reported, the S70 will be available in four variants, namely Executive, Premium, Flagship, and Flagship X.
All four variants feature a combination of a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) that produces 150 PS and 226 Nm of torque.
Note that this is the same port-injected engine and transmission used in the X50 Standard, Executive, and Premium models. The 1.5-litre TGDi engine with 177 PS and 255 Nm, found in the X50 Flagship and the new X70, is not offered in the S70, at least for the time being.
Built on the B-Segment Modular Architecture (BMA) platform, the S70 measures 4,602 mm in length, 1,809 mm in width, 1,466 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,637 mm, making it slightly smaller than the Geely Emgrand it is based on.
In terms of equipment, the entry-level Executive variant comes with six airbags, Lane Change Assist, electronic parking brake, 16-inch alloy wheels, fabric seats, and an 8-inch infotainment screen.
The Premium adds LED headlights, rear light bars, leatherette upholstery, automatic air conditioning, and reverse camera.
The Flagship offers more additional features, including ADAS, tyre pressure monitoring system, 17-inch alloy wheels, a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, power adjustment for the driver’s seat, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, wireless charger, and a 360-degree camera with a 3D display.
The range-topping Flagship X only offers one additional feature over the Flagship, which is a sunroof.
Safety-wise, the Flagship and Flagship X variants come with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) with 13 safety systems:
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Forward Collision Warning
Adaptive Cruise Control dengan Stop & Go
Intelligent Cruise Control
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Departure Prevention
Lane Centering Control
Traffic Sign Information
Intelligent High Beam Control
Lane Change Assist
Door Opening Warning
Rear Collision Warning
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
There are seven colour options available. Snow White and Space Grey are available for all four variants, while Armour Silver and Passion Red are only offered for the Premium and Flagship.
Marine Blue and Teal Bayou Green are exclusive to the Flagship and Flagship X, and Quartz Black is exclusive to the Flagship X.
Selling prices start from RM73,800 for the Executive, RM79,800 for the Premium, RM89,800 for the Flagship, and RM94,800 for the Flagship X.
The standard package for the S70 includes a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, a 1GB per month data package for five years, free labor for six times, financing interest rates from 2.34 percent, and Proton Insurance Program.
Additionally, the first 3,000 owners who register their cars before February 29, 2024, will receive an aero body kit worth RM3,130 (Flagship X only), a RM500 service voucher (Premium and Flagship only), and an upgraded Proton insurance program.
FINALLY, after four years in the market, the Mazda3 has received a facelift and update. It’s not to say that it necessarily needed a facelift because the Mazda3 still looks beautiful and fresh, but it might need an update in terms of specifications and features.
The updated Mazda3 for 2023 is offered in four variants for the Malaysian market as follows:
Mazda3 2.0 High Sedan – RM156,059
Mazda3 2.0 High Plus Sedan – RM166,059
Mazda3 2.0 High Plus Liftback – RM166,059
Mazda3 2.0 Ignite Edition Liftback – RM175,059
As you can see above, all variants now come with only a 2.0-liter engine for the sedan and Liftback (hatchback), meaning the 1.5-liter engine has been dropped. The 2.0 SkyActiv-G engine is featured in all models, with an output of 162hp and 213Nm torque.
This engine is paired with a 6-speed SkyActiv-Drive gearbox with manual mode. Fuel efficiency figures are up to 6.2L/100km for the sedan model, while it is 6.3L/100km for the hatchback.
For exterior features, all variants receive LED headlights, but LED DRLs are only available for the top three variants, with the High sedan model featuring LED fog lights. Other features are similar, such as LED fog lamps, auto-folding side mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and front and rear parking sensors.
The High Sedan comes with 16-inch wheels with 205/60 tires, while the three higher variants are equipped with 18-inch wheels wrapped in 215/45 tires.
Interior features for all models include leather seats with 10-way adjustment for the driver, electronic parking brake, 7-inch instrument display, color head-up display (HUD), and dual-zone air conditioning.
The infotainment system consists of a 10.25-inch central display, Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, eight speakers, and two USB Type-C ports. A reverse camera is also standard, but the top variant, Mazda3 2.0 Ignite Edition hatchback, gets an additional 360-degree camera.
For safety systems, all variants come with standard features such as ABS, EBD, Dynamic Stability Control, Emergency Stop Signal, Hill Launch Assist, and ISOFIX. However, only the top three variants are equipped with advanced assistance systems such as adaptive headlights, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning System, Lane-Keep Assist System, Driver Attention Alert, Smart Brake Support, and Mazda Radar Cruise Control.
All 2023 Mazda3 variants are fully imported, which is why their prices are higher compared to models like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. What is your opinion, is it worthwhile to choose the Mazda3?
For us, this model always looks and feels more premium than its competitors, and although it looks ‘fresh’ in the market, it is indeed deserving of an update in features.
JATO Dynamics has released the global sales report for the past year, with 79.4 million new vehicles sold worldwide. This figure represents a two percent decrease compared to 2021 for major markets such as North America, Europe, and China. Meanwhile, markets like India, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa have seen an increase in sales.
However, the most intriguing information from the report is not related to market share. According to JATO’s data, the best-selling model worldwide is the Toyota RAV4, with over one million units delivered to customers. 43 percent of these were in the United States (US) and Canada.
Following closely is the Toyota Corolla with approximately 992,000 units sold last year, while the Tesla Model Y takes the third spot with 747,000 units in sales.
Overall, out of the top 10 best-selling models globally, five of them are Toyotas. Ford, Nissan, and Honda each have one model, while Tesla represents two models.
Looking at the above figures, it’s not surprising given that Toyota was the largest producer last year in terms of sales numbers. Toyota vehicles accounted for 13 out of 100 passenger cars purchased worldwide.
The Japanese manufacturer also recorded a 0.3 percent sales increase due to high demand from China, which is now the largest market ahead of the US and Japan.
Volkswagen Group is the second largest automotive conglomerate in the world, despite a 10 percent decrease in sales. Hyundai-Kia holds the third position, followed by Stellantis and General Motors.
The JATO report also highlights the fastest-growing automotive manufacturer, BYD. The Chinese company accounts for 1.5 percent of global sales and has now increased to 2.42 percent. The brand is now the second largest electric vehicle (EV) producer in the world after Tesla.
THE Isuzu D-Max has been selected as the new vehicle for the National Registration Department (JPN) in their efforts to enter Orang Asli villages located in the interiors across the country for citizenship registration activities.
Three units of the Isuzu D-Max delivered will be utilized to serve at JPN offices in Kuala Mu, Perak; Gua Musang, Kelantan; and Kuala Rompin, Pahang. Its primary role is to operate alongside the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) and enter Orang Asli settlements to register residents, especially newborns in the respective areas.
To ensure safe travel for the vehicle and all passengers, all of these Isuzu D-Max units have been equipped with a winch, bull bar, canopy, and tires suitable for muddy surfaces.
In addition to the 3.0-liter diesel engine with 187hp and 450Nm torque, the D-Max is also equipped with a four-wheel drive system, differential lock, and the ability to wade through water up to a depth of 800mm.
This will allow it to confidently cross streams, rivers, or flooded roads and facilitate the team’s safe travel to and from their destination.
The Director-General of JPN, Zamri bin Misman, received three units of the Isuzu D-Max 3.0-liter from the Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia, Kenkichi Sogo, during a brief ceremony held recently in Rompin.
The Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia, Kenkichi Sogo, announced that the proven reputation of the Isuzu D-Max as a reliable vehicle will undoubtedly further facilitate the government department’s operations.
“The Isuzu pickup truck has earned recognition and established a reputation as a vehicle capable of enduring any condition and road surface.
“We are confident that this new D-Max will serve JPN very effectively in carrying out their duties,” added Kenkichi Sogo.
STELLANTIS has announced it will establish a new National Sales Company (NSC) in Malaysia within the first quarter of 2024.
The new NSC will be the official Stellantis entity directing and managing the sale and distribution of the automaker’s vehicles in Malaysia.
The change in business strategy is part of Stellantis’ growth ambitions in the ASEAN region, in line with its electrification plans and the company’s global Dare Forward 2030 strategy.
In conjunction with this strategic change, Bermaz Auto Alliance (BAA), a 55% owned subsidiary of Bermaz Auto Berhad (Bermaz Auto) and the current distributor for Peugeot in Malaysia, will in the meantime continue to work with Stellantis for vehicle sales through its own network.
“We are excited to announce this new business strategy to serve the Malaysian market with more products and services under the new NSC structure. This includes the future introduction of new brands to Malaysia under the Stellantis portfolio,” said Daniel Gonzalez, Chief Operating Officer for ASEAN & General Distributors at Stellantis.
Gonzalez also expressed his appreciation for Bermaz Auto, emphasizing its pivotal role in establishing a strong presence for the Peugeot brand in Malaysia in the last three years.
The Malaysia NSC will be led by Jamie Francis Morais, who is the current Head of Aftersales for the ASEAN & General Distributors operations for Stellantis.
Morais is a seasoned professional with 19 years of experience in the automotive industry within esteemed global brands including Toyota, BMW, Nissan and Proton. His extensive leadership background spans across different operations including aftersales, network, customer service, quality, sales and training.
BAA will continue working with Stellantis during this transition period, with both companies remaining steadfast in their commitment to serve Peugeot customers with uninterrupted vehicle service, parts, warranty and aftersales service in Malaysia.
Stellantis’ new direction and strategy for the ASEAN region includes its electrification ambitions, evaluating the potential of the Gurun plant in Kedah as a regional manufacturing hub to manufacture battery electric vehicles (BEVs) for both domestic and export markets in ASEAN, and driving consumer adoption of BEVs in the region.
The automaker is investing over RM2 billion (€400 million) to introduce the STLA Medium platform to the ASEAN region. This modular-by-design platform enables Stellantis to be able to produce multi-energy vehicles (BEV, ICE, MHEV) and local manufacture of cars from Stellantis’ house of brands such as Jeep and Citroën.
EDARAN Otomobil Nasional Berhad (EON) is embarking on a new chapter with the official opening of its first 3S smart dealer in Glenmarie today. This also signifies EON’s presence in the electric vehicle (EV) market.
With a spacious 4,362 square feet area, the showroom can accommodate three cars in the main display area and one unit for delivery space. Additionally, for the comfort of visitors and customers, it is equipped with a dedicated waiting area complete with a café, discussion space, children’s playroom, and complimentary WiFi.
For post-sales services, the 3,716 square feet service area includes four service bays, two of which are dedicated to servicing and maintenance, one for tire alignment, and one for high-voltage service. There are also eight customer parking spaces, two 22kW AC chargers, and one 60kW DC charger.
Akkbar Danial, Chief Automotive Distribution Officer of DRB-Hicom, stated: “We expect the opening of this 3S smart dealer to play a crucial role in meeting the increasing demand for the smart #1 and make a significant impact in the local EV market.”
EON has invested nearly RM4 million in this Glenmarie smart showroom. It operates from Monday to Saturday, from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, and on Sundays and public holidays, it is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
THE Malaysia Hobby Expo 2023 returns for its fifth edition, after a hiatus since 2019 due to the pandemic. Following its annual occurrence from 2016 to 2019, it now “resurges” to engage and bring together hobby enthusiasts and practitioners in Malaysia.
The event this year will take place on December 2nd and 3rd, promising more than 50 hobby activities and 250 exhibitors, including radio-controlled cars (RC), vintage collections, extreme sports, pets, books and magazines, as well as arts and crafts.
Muhammed Fidzri Syafeeq, the founder of Malaysia Hobby Expo, stated that the existence of this expo is inspired by international events from Japan, Beijing, Shizouka, and Moscow.
“This year’s target is 25,000 people per day, an additional 35 percent from the 2019 target,” he said.
The event is organized by Specta Group Venture with MAEPS Serdang as the official venue and Shopee as the main sponsor. Every hobby will be gathered in several designated zones such as Hobby Bazaar, Hobby Group, Vintage Bazaar, extreme sports zones, pet zones, and outdoor zones.
For those interested in attending, tickets are RM20 for adults and RM5 for children for both days. Each ticket purchase also qualifies you to participate in a lucky draw.
The lucky draw prizes include a modified Perodua Myvi, two Yamaha LC V8 units, a 55-inch TV, Sony PS5, and 10 units of G-Shock watches. All prizes are reportedly valued at RM50,000.
The Malaysia Hobby Expo 2023 will also feature the “Passion of Sound” concert on the first day, December 2nd, 2023, which will showcase singers such as Ruffedge, Gerhana Ska Cinta, Insomniacks, Saixe, and Hujan.
This year’s event is also special with the organization of the Tamiya Mini 4WD MHXCUP2023, which is expected to be the largest race for 1:32 scale battery-powered cars.
The race offers prizes worth over RM30,000 with 300 participants from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Brunei. For ticket purchases and further information, visit https://myhobbyexpo.com or their Facebook page.
Malaysia’s Leading Automotive News | ENGEAR ENGLISH
