Tag Archives: comparison

EV

RM14,000 difference between e.MAS 7 Prime and e.MAS 7 Premium

The launch of Proton’s first electric SUV, the e.MAS 7, took place last week.

Despite being teased for a long time on social media, the e.MAS 7 remains a hot topic of discussion among netizens even now.

Opinions are varied, with some expressing positive thoughts while others share negative feedback.

For those contemplating whether to choose the more affordable Prime variant or the more fully-featured Premium variant, we are here to help.

With a price difference of approximately RM14,000, here are five key differences between the Proton e.MAS 7 Prime and e.MAS 7 Premium:

 

1. Battery Capacity

Both variants are equipped with an electric motor producing 215 hp and 320 Nm of torque, allowing for a 0-100 km/h acceleration in about 6.9 seconds.

However, the e.MAS 7 Prime is fitted with a short-blade Aegis LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery pack with a capacity of 49.52 kWh for a driving range of 345 km, while the e.MAS 7 Premium comes with a 60.22 kWh battery pack, providing a range of 410 km.

 

2. Charging Capability

For the smaller battery, the e.MAS 7 supports DC fast charging up to 80 kW, while the e.MAS 7 Premium can achieve a DC charging capacity of up to 100 kW.

Unfortunately, there appears to be no significant difference in charging times, with both variants recording approximately 20 minutes for DC charging from 30% to 80%.

 

3. Exterior

The e.MAS 7 Prime variant features 18-inch wheels wrapped in 225/55 R18 Giti tires.

In contrast, the e.MAS 7 Premium variant comes equipped with more aggressive 19-inch wheels, fitted with 235/50 R19 Goodyear tires.

Additionally, the e.MAS 7 Premium variant includes several extra features such as a panoramic glass roof, powered tailgate, and an Active Grill Shutter system.

 

4. Cabin Features

The standard features included in the Proton e.MAS 7 are quite extensive.

However, for the Premium model, it includes specific features such as a driver’s seat memory function, adjustable front passenger seat (four-way), front seat ventilation, ambient lighting supporting up to 256 colors, a head-up display, and a sound system with 16 speakers.

 

5. Safety Features

Typically, the lower variant may be lacking in comprehensive safety equipment compared to the premium variant.

However, for the e.MAS 7, both variants are equipped with a comprehensive safety suite that includes advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) Level 2, featuring important functions such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

Moreover, the e.MAS 7 is also equipped with a 360-degree surround camera system.

The only minor difference is that the e.MAS 7 Prime variant does not come with front parking sensors.

 

Proton e.MAS 7 Prime & Premium

EV

Proton e.MAS 7 vs BYD Atto 3: which one should you choose?

224 Comments

Last week Proton has officially launched its first electric SUV, the Proton e.MAS 7 2025, featuring an attractive price and design package.

Two variants have been announced: Prime and Premium; however, in this article, we will focus on the Premium variant, which comes with significantly better features.

If you are at a crossroads deciding between the e.MAS 7 and the popular BYD Atto 3 Extended Range electric SUV, you might want to read the comparison we’ve prepared below:

 

1. Dimensions

In terms of size, the Proton e.MAS 7 is larger, measuring 4,615 mm in length, 1,901 mm in width, and 1,670 mm in height, compared to the BYD Atto 3 (4,455 x 1,875 x 1,615 mm).

The wheelbase of the e.MAS 7 is also 30 mm longer (2,750 mm) than that of the Atto 3 (2,720 mm), contributing to a more spacious cabin.

Additionally, the e.MAS 7 offers larger cargo space, with 461 liters, while the Atto 3 provides about 440 liters.

 

2. Power

Both SUVs are equipped with a single electric motor as standard.

However, the power outputs differ slightly, with the e.MAS 7 generating up to 215 hp and 320 Nm of torque, compared to the Atto 3, which produces 201 hp and 310 Nm.

This difference allows the e.MAS 7 to achieve faster acceleration (6.9 seconds) compared to the Atto 3 (7.3 seconds).

 

3. Driving Range

The BYD Atto 3, recently updated a few months ago, comes with a 60.48 kWh LFP battery pack, offering a driving range of up to 420 km.

Its DC charging has been enhanced to 88 kW, allowing the battery to charge from 10-80% in approximately 40 minutes.

In comparison, the e.MAS 7 offers a driving range of 410 km, thanks to its 60.22 kWh battery pack.

However, with fast DC charging of up to 100 kW, the e.MAS 7 can charge from 30-80% in just 20 minutes.

 

4. Exterior

On the exterior, both SUVs are equipped with LED projector headlamps, LED taillights, and side mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators.

While the Atto 3 comes with 18-inch rims fitted with Continental EcoContact 6 tires, the e.MAS 7 features 19-inch rims shod with Goodyear Efficient Grip Performance SUV tires.

Aesthetically, the Proton e.MAS 7 has its own unique advantages, as its design appears fresher compared to the Atto 3, which has been on the global market for two years.

However, beauty is subjective and depends on personal taste.

 

5. Cabin

Not many changes have been made to the Atto 3’s dashboard layout, except that the central infotainment screen is now 15.6 inches, adjustable in orientation, alongside a five-inch cluster screen, a nine-speaker audio system, and a dual-tone color scheme.

One advantage of the Atto 3 is its support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In contrast, the Proton e.MAS 7 features a more minimalist layout, with a 10.2-inch cluster screen, a 15.4-inch central screen, a six-speaker audio system, and front seat ventilation.

The two models share several features, such as single-zone air conditioning, a panoramic glass roof, rear seats that fold in a 60:40 ratio, wireless smartphone charging, USB charging ports, and a 360-degree surround camera system.

 

6. Safety

Both the Proton e.MAS 7 and the BYD Atto 3 come with Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which includes essential features like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with stop & go functionality, Lane Centering Assistance (LCA), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSD), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), collision warnings, and seatbelt reminders.

While the e.MAS 7 is equipped with six airbags, the BYD Atto 3 offers up to seven airbags as standard.

 

7. Pricing

The Proton e.MAS 7 is priced starting from RM123,800, while the BYD Atto 3 Extended Range starts at RM149,800.

The BYD Atto 3 comes with a six-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty, an eight-year/160,000 km high-voltage battery warranty, and an eight-year/150,000 km powertrain warranty.

On the other hand, the Proton e.MAS 7 offers a manufacturer warranty of six years with no mileage limit and an eight-year or 160,000 km warranty for high-voltage battery components.

Which one is more worthwhile? It ultimately depends on your personal assessment.

TEST DRIVE

Mitsubishi Xpander vs Alza, Aruz & Veloz: Which 7-seater MPV offers the best value?

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The Mitsubishi Xpander, despite arriving late to the market, has managed to maintain its position as the best-selling non-national MPV model.

With the launch of its facelift model just a few months ago, Xpander is poised to further strengthen its influence, particularly among the ‘cool dad’ demographic.

For those seeking a family car, a 7-seater MPV is one of the suitable options in Malaysia.

Aside from the Xpander, which other MPV models can be considered?

The Xpander directly competes with three other MPV models, namely the Perodua Alza, Perodua Aruz, and Toyota Veloz, all within a price range of around RM100,000, following the discontinuation of models such as the Honda BR-V, Nissan Grand Livina, and Proton Exora.

So, what sets the Xpander apart from its three competitors?

 

1. Price

Here is a comparison of the selling prices for the Xpander, Alza, Aruz, and Veloz:

  • Mitsubishi Xpander: RM99,980
  • Toyota Veloz: RM95,000
  • Perodua Aruz: RM72,900
  • Perodua Alza: RM62,500

 

2. Dimensions

In terms of size, the Xpander has an advantage due to its larger dimensions compared to its competitors.

Here are the dimensional comparisons for the four MPV models:

  • Xpander: 4,475 mm x 1,750 mm x 1,720 mm (WB: 2,775 mm)
  • Veloz: 4,475 mm x 1,750 mm x 1,700 mm (WB: 2,750 mm)
  • Aruz: 4,435 mm x 1,695 mm x 1,705 mm (WB: 2,685 mm)
  • Alza: 4,425 mm x 1,730 mm x 1,670 mm (WB: 2,750 mm)

Based on this comparison, the Xpander excels in width and height, as well as having a longer wheelbase, contributing to a more spacious cabin.

 

3. Cargo Space

All MPV models come with a three-row seating arrangement, but the cargo space provided in the back is relatively limited, and you may need to fold down the third-row seats.

The Xpander offers a standard rear space of 495 liters, whereas other competitors like the Aruz provide only 213 liters.

Alza and Veloz share a similar cargo space of 137 liters each.

 

4. Engine Performance

In terms of power, all four models are equipped with a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine.

Except for the Aruz, which comes with a rear-wheel drive (RWD) setup, the other three models utilize a front-wheel drive (FWD) configuration.

Which model is more powerful?

  • Xpander: 105 PS/141 Nm, 4-speed automatic transmission
  • Veloz: 106 PS/138 Nm, CVT
  • Aruz: 102 PS/133 Nm, 4-speed automatic transmission
  • Alza: 106 PS/138 Nm, D-CVT

 

5. Safety Features

The three listed MPV models have advantages regarding safety features, leaving a significant gap in comparison to the Xpander.

As standard, the Aruz, Alza, and Veloz are equipped with six airbags, not to mention advanced safety features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), collision warnings, and seatbelt reminders.

Both Alza and Veloz come with additional features like steering correction, front vehicle movement warnings, pedal malfunction warnings, and rear cross-traffic alerts, making these two models particularly appealing.

In contrast, the Xpander offers basic safety features, including two airbags, without any advanced safety technologies.

Regardless of the advantages and disadvantages of each model, we are confident that you have your own reasons for making your choice that aligns with your budget and needs.

EV, NEWS

Zeekr 009: Comparison with 4 popular premium MPV models in Malaysia

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Zeekr Malaysia has recently announced the upcoming launch of a premium MPV model, the Zeekr 009.

It is set to offer stiff competition in the premium MPV segment, especially against the popular Alphard/Vellfire twin models that are well-known among the Malaysian populace.

For this article, we will share the differences in specifications between the Zeekr 009 model and premium MPVs such as Alphard/Vellfire, Lexus LM, and Kia Carnival.

 

Dimensions

The majority of the models mentioned have dimensions exceeding 5 meters.

Starting with the Alphard/Vellfire, it measures 5,010 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width, 1,950 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,000 mm.

Another twin, the Lexus LM, has longer dimensions (5,125 mm) and is wider (1,890 mm) but maintains the same wheelbase length.

The Kia Carnival, on the other hand, presents much larger dimensions, measuring 5,155 mm in length, 1,995 mm in width, a wheelbase of 3,090 mm, but lower in height (1,740 mm).

The largest? Certainly the Zeekr 009.

With dimensions measuring 5,209 mm in length, it is also wider (2,024 mm) with a longer wheelbase (3,205 mm). Its height is around 1,848 mm, meaning it is slightly lower compared to the Alphard/Vellfire.

 

Engine

This is an interesting comparison, as all five premium MPV models are equipped with different powertrains.

The least powerful is undoubtedly the Toyota Vellfire with a 2.5-liter NA engine generating 180 hp and 235 Nm of torque.

The Toyota Alphard, on the other hand, comes with a 2.4-liter turbo engine producing 274 hp and 430 Nm of torque, while the Lexus LM is equipped with a similar capacity engine but with a hybrid setup, delivering a total power of 371 hp and 550 Nm of torque.

The Kia Carnival features a 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine that has been offered for quite some time, producing 199 hp and 440 Nm of torque.

The Zeekr 009, on the other hand, is an EV with two electric motors generating 603 hp and 693 Nm of torque, an all-wheel-drive system, and a 116 kWh battery pack with a range of 582 km (WLTP data).

Due to the powerful electric motors, this MPV is capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. It is very suitable for transporting VIPs who have difficulty keeping to a schedule in Malaysia.

 

Price

One aspect considered by buyers in Malaysia is the selling price.

The most affordable in this list is undoubtedly the Kia Carnival, with the base variant available for as low as RM198,500. The most expensive version of the Carnival bears a price tag of RM259,888.

Shifting to the Toyota/Lexus trio, the cheapest among the three models is the Toyota Vellfire, with a starting selling price of around RM438,000.

The Toyota Alphard is slightly more expensive, priced at RM538,000, while the much more premium Lexus LM can be obtained for RM1,228,000 to RM1,468,000!

The Zeekr 009 seems to be more comfortably positioned in the middle, with an estimated selling price below RM370,000, with the actual selling price to be known only after its official launch.

Will Zeekr 009 be a good buy?