10 New cars, SUVs to launch in Malaysia this year

The next few months would be very interesting for the Malaysian automotive industry with several new launches from the likes of Proton, Perodua, Honda and more. Furthermore, keeping up with the electrification trend, a few electric cars are also in the pipeline, along with all-new models and facelifts. Here, we have a list of the new cars and SUVs headed to our market in the coming months, have a look.

New Honda HR-V

The all-new third-generation HR-V has already made its way to our neighbouring countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore. And it’s high time for us to get the upgraded model. The new Honda HR-V is based on a modified platform, which also underpins the new Honda City. It can accommodate the hybrid powertrain, and as per that, we expect to get the SUV in e:HEV variant along with turbo ones. The e:HEV system featuring i-MMD tech will deliver a total output of 215 PS with a claimed fuel economy of 25.6 kmpl.

New Proton Saga

The facelift version of the popular compact sedan, the Proton Saga, will also hit the roads this year. The new Saga will likely get updated infotainment features and a slight revision on its ‘upright’ sedan shape for better interior space and luggage carrying capability. Most probably, there would be no changes on the mechanical front. Well, the ongoing 1332-cc 16-valve engine is a good workhorse that churns out 94 horsepower and 120 Nm of torque. This is enough to make it popular among car-sharing and ride-hailing services.

Perodua Ativa Hybrid

Perodua is also ramping up to launch a hybrid model this year. The suggested hybrid model is none other than the Daihatsu Rocky hybrid named e-SMART, the base vehicle for the ongoing Ativa crossover. So, we will be getting the all-new Perodua Ativa Hybrid with the e-SMART powertrain. The said mill has a 1.2-litre three-cylinder gasoline mill that works as a generator to charge a 4.3 Ah lithium-ion battery. The setup generates a maximum power of 105 hp and a peak torque of 170 Nm. Currently, Perodua is testing the electrified Ativa on Malaysian roads.

Toyota Veloz

At the time of its first-quarter 2022 results, UMW Toyota announced the arrival of two new models for this year. Of these two, one is most probably the all-new Veloz. This MPV is the new name of the second-generation Toyota Avanza that has made its debut in Thailand and Indonesia. The upgraded model is larger and more sophisticated, and it sits on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform. It is powered by the familiar 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated Dual VVT-i mill kicking out 106 PS and 138 Nm of torque.

New Perodua Alza

This year we will also see the replacement of the ageing Perodua Alza. It would be a twin model to the equally-new Toyota Avanza/Veloz sharing the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA). The revamped version will likely get a completely fresh look with modern features. It is also expected to borrow the new 2NR-FE engine from the Myvi and the D-CVT gearbox from the Ativa. Currently, the model is in the final stage of testing and pilot production, and we hope to see it soon on the roads.

2022 Honda BR-V

Another SUV to be rolled out this year from Honda Malaysia is the new BR-V. Based on the N7X Concept, the second-gen BR-V benefits from improvements in all the areas, be it design, comfort, or safety. For the latter, it is now fitted with six airbags and a Honda Sensing ADAS pack. Under the hood configuration is likely to be the same with a 1.5-litre DOHC naturally-aspirated i-VTEC mill making 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque. 

2022 Subaru WRX

The all-new Subaru WRX has recently been spotted in the country, which strongly hints at its soon arrival. The latest version of the sports sedan underpins the Subaru Global Platform, offering enhanced chassis rigidity and a lower centre of gravity height for better handling and comfort. In addition, it is expected to come equipped with several advanced features inside the cabin and a new 2.4-litre direct-injection turbo BOXER engine under the hood.

Kia EV6

Dinamikjaya Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of Kia cars in Malaysia, has confirmed the Kia EV6 launch for this year. The EV features the same drivetrain and features available on the recently-launched Hyundai IONIQ 5. It comes with impressive long-range driving, rapid charging times, segment-leading cabin space and also offers the facility of charging electrical appliances or other electric vehicles via a portable battery pack.

Also read: Buy or Hold: Should you wait for Kia EV6 or buy Hyundai IONIQ 5?

Mazda MX-30

Mazda will launch the MX-30 electric car in Malaysia soon. First introduced in 2019, this electric SUV is equipped with an e-motor that delivers a maximum power of 145 PS and a peak torque of 271 Nm. Paired with the e-motor are a 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery and a single-speed reduction gearbox that transfers the power to the front wheels. The EV runs for 224 km on a single charge.

BMW i4

Another luxury electric vehicle set to hit the local roads this year is the BMW i4. Since last month, BMW Malaysia has been accepting the orders for the EV, priced at RM 389,800 (on-the-road excluding insurance). The fully-electric Gran Coupe comes equipped with the latest BMW eDrive technology, which promises power-packed performance. The 250kW e-motor pulls out 340 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque. The driving range is 590 km (on the WLTP cycle). 

So, these are the 10 upcoming cars in Malaysia. Which of these are you waiting for? Tell us in the comments.

Also read: 5 Most fuel-efficient cars in Malaysia today