2022 major car launches under RM 150k

The year 2022 is proving to be a good one for the Malaysian automobile industry. Although the automakers are currently dealing with the chip supply shortage, the national brands are finding ways to fulfill the growing demands. Apart from that we saw the launch of several amazing cars, from ultra-premium to affordable, all adding up to the prospective choices and in a way testifying to Malaysia's enhanced standing in the auto industry.

In this article we’ll be covering cars launched under the RM 150k price tag, hailing from different segments like hatchback, MPV, SUV, and pickup. In the future, we’ll also be covering more expensive and premium car launches.

So, let's get started with all the cars launched in 2022 (till date) priced under RM150K -

2022 Ford Ranger: The official distributor of Ford cars in Malaysia launched the new Ranger on July 22 and the pick-up is offered in six variant options. The list includes XL MT, XL AT, XLT MT, XLT AT, XLT Plus, and Wildtrak, and the price range from RM 108,888 to RM 168,888. In the upcoming Q4 2022, the automaker will include the new Ranger Raptor in the pickup truck lineup. Powering all the variants is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder EcoBlue turbo diesel engine making 170PS/405 Nm in single and 210PS/500 Nm in bi-turbo version.

Some of the new Ranger’s key features are - LED headlights, rear LED fog lamps, tail-mounted LED third brake light, 12-inch infotainment system, FordSYNC 4 system, six speakers, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay support, 8-inch TFT instrument panel, 360-degree HD surround-view camera, Qi wireless charger, and much more.

2022 Perodua Alza: Launched on July 20th, 2022, the new Alza is available in three variant options - X, H, and AV. They are priced at RM 62,500, RM 68,000, and RM 75,500 respectively, on-the-road without insurance, with sales tax. Powering Perodua’s new MPV is a 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i 4 port engine making a maximum power of 105 PS and a peak torque of 138 Nm. Paired with the mill is a D-CVT gearbox which is also the world’s first split gear CVT system.

The new Perodua Alza feature kit includes - a twin-dial analog meter panel with a 4.2-inch multi-info display, an AC control panel with two memory settings, an electrostatic keyless entry sensor, multi-function leather-wrapped steering, 7.0-inch colour screen in combination with a digital speedo, 9.0-inch infotainment system, wired Android Auto connectivity, Perodua’s Advanced Safety Assist 3.0, to name a few.

2022 Honda HR-V: On Jul 14, 2022, Honda Malaysia included the all-new 2022 HR-V in its lineup. The car is offered in four variant options - S, Turbo E, Turbo V, and RS e:HEV; priced at RM 114,800, RM 129,800, RM 134,800, and RM 140,800 respectively. While the base S variant is powered by a 121 PS/145 Nm 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder mill, the E and V trims are powered by a 181 PS/240 Nm 1.5-litre VTEC turbo unit. The range-topping HR-V RS model gets an e:HEV hybrid powertrain pumping 131 PS and 253 Nm.

New HR-V’s feature kit includes - Honda's first air diffusion system, Ultra Seats, Honda Sensing active safety assist suite, four rear parking sensors, push-button start, reverse camera, Eight-inch touchscreen 2-DIN head unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, analog instrument cluster with multi-info display, single-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, and much more.

2022 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid: It was in the first week of July that Nissan Malaysia launched the 2022 Serena S-Hybrid in the local market. Just like the pre-facelift version, the new model is offered in two variant options - Highway Star at RM 149,888 and Premium Highway Star at RM 162,888. Both the Serena trims get the mild S-Hybrid powertrain with a 150PS/200Nm 2.0-litre direct-injected 4-cylinder petrol engine that is mated to a 1.8 kW e-motor. The drive is sent to the front wheels via an Xtronic CVT unit.

The new Serena S-Hybrid specs sheet includes - bi-LED with new reflector and projector units with “eyebrow” LED positioning light, LED tail lights, LED speedometer, 6.75-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, 11.6-inch rear roof-mounted monitor, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, manually-adjustable Zero Gravity front and second-row seat, push-button start, six-speakers, hands-free power-sliding doors, a 360-degree camera system with Moving Object Detection, and more.

2022 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain: The flagship variant of the third-generation D-Max, the X-Terrain got updated for 2022 on June 17. The range-topping is now available in two colour choices - Onyx Black and Silky Pearl White along with several new features. Its list includes - a new 360-degree around-view monitor providing a bird’s eye view when reverse gear is selected along with a 3D guide on the 9.0-inch central touchscreen, new cameras integrated into the grille & wing mirrors, a new wireless charger, LED welcome lights, and a full suite of ADAS features.

Priced at RM 146,938 (on-the-road without insurance), powering the D-Max X-Terrain is a 190PS/450Nm 3.0-litre VSG turbodiesel engine paired to a 6-speed gearbox and Terrain Command 4WD system. Also, part of the kit is a rear differential lock, 800 wading depth, and underbody protection.

2022 Proton X70 MC: It was on June 9 that the nearly four-year-old X70 received its first minor change (MC), including a new engine option and mild styling tweak. As for variants, the 2022 X70 is offered in five variant options - 1.5 Standard, 1.5 Executive, Executive AWD, 1.5 Premium, and Premium X. The price ranges from RM 93,900 to RM 121,800 and includes a 5-year, unlimited-mileage warranty and five free labor for servicing.

Powering the X70 SUV is a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo engine in direct-injected TGDi form making a maximum power of 177 PS and a peak torque of 255 Nm. The new X70 completes the century sprint in 9.8 seconds and offers a 7% improvement in fuel economy. The range-topping variant continues to be powered by a 184PS/300 Nm 1.8-litre four-cyl turbo engine. The drive is sent to the wheels via a 7-speed wet dual-clutch gearbox.

The new X70 packs - automatic LED projector headlights with LED DRLs, automatic wipers, powered taillight, 360-degree camera system, parking sensors, ventilated front seats, 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat, front welcome & footwell lamps. The range-topping trim gets panoramic sunroof and security window tint.

2022 Proton Saga MC2: In May this year, Proton introduced the 2022 Saga MC2 facelift with some major equipment updates. Offered in four variant options namely Standard MT, Standard AT, Premium AT, and Premium S; with prices ranging from RM 34,400 to RM 44,300. The new Saga is powered by the tried and tested 1.3-litre 4-cyl engine making 95 PS and 120 Nm of peak torque. The powertrain is paired to a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic gearbox, depending on the variant.

The sedan’s standard kit includes halogen reflector headlights, power-adjustable door mirrors with manual fold, remote trunk release, new center console, new AC control panel, LCD multi-fold display, ECO driver assist light, USB port, air-con with N95 cabin filter, dual airbag, ABS with EBD & BA, rear parking sensor. The range-topping variant, on the other hand, gets auto-fold wing mirrors, keyless entry with boot release button push start button, driver’s side auto down power window, red meter rings, AC vent borders, steering/AC button trim, black headlining and pillars, and a new 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android/iOS phone connectivity.

2022 Mazda CX-3: Early this year, Bermaz Motor, the official distributor of Mazda cars in Malaysia introduced the updated CX-3. As before the fully-imported B-segment crossover is offered in a sole 2.0L High, priced at RM 131,929 (on-the-road without insurance).

Part of the updated list is - a Qi wireless charger, an 8-inch touchscreen, a Mazda Connect infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connect, a 10-way power driver’s seat with memory function, a 4.6-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster display, a head-up display, paddle shifters, and single-zone automatic climate control. The safety kit includes an i-Activsense suite, 6 airbags, ABS with EBD & BA, dynamic stability control, hill launch assist, traction control, and more.

Powering the updated CX-3 is the same 154hp/206 Nm SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cyl powertrain. The drive is sent to the front wheels via a SkyActiv-Drive 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Also, part of the list is second-gen Peugeot 2008 at RM 126,753, Toyota Corolla Cross priced from RM 123k-RM 137k, and 2022 Honda Civic that retails from RM 126k-RM 144k.

Which of the above cars do you like the best? Let us know in the comments.

Also Read: Here are the top 5 SUVs to consider right now