Category Archives: NEWS

NEWS

Hyundai Ioniq 5 convoy embarks on ASEAN tour journey

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THE Hyundai Ioniq 5 convoy has commenced their ASEAN journey, making a stop at Hyundai Ara Damansara today before continuing their travels.

The journey commenced on November 20, 2023 from the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore (HMGICS) before arriving in Malaysia.

Following a flag-off session this morning, the convoy will proceed on a three-day journey through Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, and Batu Ferringhi.

After Malaysia, they will enter Thailand for a four-day stretch, with stops in Hat Yai, Chumphon, Wat Phra Boromthat, Klai Kangwon Palace, and Bangkok.

From there, they will travel to Cambodia for three days, passing through Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, and Banteay Srei, before journeying to Vietnam and concluding in Ho Chi Minh City on November 30.

The three-car convoy from HMGICS is also accompanied by two units from Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (HMMI).

These cars are driven by 24 participants representing Hyundai, club members, local influencers from ASEAN, and Key Opinion Leaders (KOL) from Indonesia and Thailand.

This 2,751km journey is an initiative of “Go Far with Zero Worries,” showcasing the long-distance capabilities of the Ioniq 5 in addition to its eco-friendly nature.

“Our aspiration for this expedition is to demonstrate the capabilities of the Ioniq 5, in efforts to alleviate user skepticism and concerns about EVs, especially in this region,” said Youngtack Lee, President of Hyundai Motor ASEAN.

“This journey not only makes history among many stakeholders but also demonstrates smooth cross-border relations and cooperation. The expedition serves as a catalyst for positive change and technological innovation,” Hyundai stated in a press release.

NEWS

Chery Omoda E5 electric SUV arrives on Malaysian shores with 450 km range

CHERY Malaysia has announced that the Omoda E5 electric vehicle has arrived at Port Klang in Kuala Lumpur, marking the introduction of a new lineup in Malaysia’s smart and green mobility market.

The company plans to hold an exclusive media preview event in a snap, allowing numerous media representatives to experience the capabilities of the Chery Omoda E5 firsthand.

Speaking of capabilities, the Omoda E5 is equipped with a 61-kWh lithium-ion battery and a front-mounted eletric motor with 221 hp on tap, enabling it to complete the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds.

With an ultra-low energy consumption of only 15 kWh/100 km, the crossover offers an impressive range of up to 450 km on a full charge.

The automaker also claims that the Omoda E5’s fast charging technology can charge the battery from 20% to 80% in just 30 minutes.

On the safety front, the Omoda E5 comes with a new generation Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that includes 16 functions such as blind-spot monitoring, reverse warning, and automatic emergency braking capable of recognizing pedestrians and cyclists.

Design-wise, the Omoda E5 sets itself apart from its combustion-engined sibling with a covered grille and aerodynamically-enhanced wheels. It will be offered with a choice of seven exterior colours and three interior colours.

The official pricing of the Omoda E5 has yet to be confirmed by Chery Malaysia but this writer expects it to hover around the RM170,000 mark.

NEWS

2024 Honda CR-V open for booking in Malaysia, to launch in December

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HONDA Malaysia has officially opened bookings for the sixth generation all-new Honda CR-V at all 101 dealerships nationwide. The company is gearing up to launch the C-segment SUV sometime in December 2023.

The all-new CR-V will be available in the e:HEV RS variant, which Honda Malaysia says exudes a more premium feel with its front grille with a bold mesh pattern, full LED Headlights and taillights, LED front fog lights, and front
LED sequential turn signals.

The variant also comes with sleek door handles, Berlina Black 18-inch alloy wheels as well as an active shutter grille on the front lower bumper.

According to the company, the active shutter grille enhances both aerodynamics and fuel efficiency by automatically opening and closing the shutters based on the car’s speed, engine temperature and cooling needs.

For our market, the CR-V will be offered with two powertrain options. The first is a 2.0-litre e:HEV hybrid powertrain with an improved hybrid traction motor that outputs 184 PS and 335 Nm of torque.

The engine is coupled with an Electric Continuous Variable Transmission (e:CVT) with a new framework, which is a first for Honda Malaysia.

The second powertrain option is the familiar 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo engine that delivers 193 PS and 243 Nm. Power is sent to all four wheels via a CVT and Real Time AWD.

Other creature comforts include a hands-free power tailgate with Walkaway Close, a multi-view camera system with a 360-degree view and Honda Connect.

The Honda Sensing system has been upgraded with a wide-angle radar and camera, and sonar sensor for Low Speed Braking Control. It now has a total of nine safety functions with the addition of Adaptive Driving Beam, which is an exclusive function for the e:HEV RS.

Bookings for the CR-V can be placed online at prebook.honda.com.my, via the HondaTouch app or at any of the 101 authorised Honda dealerships nationwide.

Honda Malaysia will arrange exclusive previews in selected Honda dealerships for customers to experience the CR-V prior to its launch. Details of the participating dealerships are as below:

NEWS

Fourth-gen Hyundai Tucson launched in Malaysia – 3 variants, from RM159k

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HAVING opened the order books and displayed the model publicly for the first time in the country only last week, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has now officially launched the fourth-generation Tucson in Malaysia.

The new Tucson’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design is a striking departure from the previous generation, featuring head turning elements including daytime running lights concealed within a Parametric Jewel grille, full-width tail lamps, angular wheel arches and complex, chiselled surfaces.

The modern yet cosseting wrap-around interior features a button-less centre stack under an eight-inch infotainment touch-screen with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and voice recognition.

Fully imported (CBU) from South Korea, the Tucson comes in three front-wheel drive variants, namely the 2.0 Lite, 1.6T Plus and 1.6T Max.

The 2.0 Lite’s Smartstream MPI engine produces 156 PS and 192 Nm of torque, and is paired with a six-speed automatic, whereas the other two variants combine a turbocharged Smartstream 1.6 TGDi engine that develops 180 PS and 265 Nm of torque with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

Regardless of variant, the Tucson gets seven airbags including a front-thorax airbag, an electronic parking brake with auto hold, Blind Spot Collision Warning and Safe Exit Warning.

The range-topping 1.6T Max exclusively enjoys eight-way powered and heated/ventilated driver and front passenger seats, a fully digital 10.25-inch instrument panel, a power tailgate, auto wipers, wireless phone charging and a full Hyundai SmartSense safety suite including Smart Cruise Control.

Available colours are Amazon Gray Metallic, Phantom Black Pearl, Creamy White Pearl, Crimson Red Pearl and Silky Bronze Metallic, with the last two not offered on the 2.0 Lite.

The new Tucson is priced, on-the-road before insurance, at RM158,888 for the 2.0 Lite, RM178,888 for the 1.6T Plus and RM195,888 for the 1.6T Max.

The first 100 customers who book on or before 31 December 2023 will receive a complimentary extended warranty (five years/300,000 km) and free service package (three years/50,000 km); thereafter the package will be available at RM10,000.

Bookings can be made at any authorised Hyundai sales outlet nationwide or on Hyundai’s online booking platform Cl!cktoBuy.

NEWS

A Suzuki 3S center has opened in Johor Bahru, featuring the first Lifestyle Corner.

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NAZA Eastern Motors, the sole distributor of Suzuki vehicles in Malaysia, recently inaugurated the opening of their first 3S center in Johor, at a strategic location in Permas Jaya.

It is the second 3S center in the country after the Petaling Jaya showroom opened in 2021, thereby reinforcing the brand’s mission and commitment in Malaysia.

This 3S center has a total area of 7,252 square feet, capable of accommodating six cars in the showroom and having a service capacity for 12 vehicles per day.

This new showroom also introduces, for the first time, the Suzuki Lifestyle Corner, a special space that offers a variety of accessories and Suzuki brand collections, all of which are available for purchase.

Simultaneously with this opening, Naza launched the Suzuki Swift Sport Silver Edition with limited production, priced at RM145,900.

Mohamad Irwan Shahril, Chief Operating Officer of Naza Eastern Motors, said, “The 3S center in Permas Jaya is expected to be the ‘second home’ for the Suzuki Cars Family in Johor, bringing the ambiance of our showroom in Petaling Jaya.”