Biggest Car Launches of 2015 in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian automotive market was flooded with a plethora of new car launches throughout the year. 2015 witnessed some of the biggest launches in every segment. While some cars have arrived in Malaysia, some are yet to come in 2016. As compared to previous year, the automobile industry has changed drastically with the launch of new cars every now and then. With the imposition of GST in Malaysia, a lot of fluctuations were also noticed. 2015 also saw the rise of some strong rivals which shook up the much settled market of existing cars. While some of them were able to grab the attention of auto-lovers in Malaysia, some failed to create a buzz.

We have compiled a list of the much anticipated launches of 2015 in Malaysia, see if you can find your perfect car among these.

1.Mazda CX-3

Launched on 8th December 2015 in Malaysia, it is considered to be one of the most awaited crossover nationwide. Even before its launch, this car became so popular that the Japanese automaker had to ramp up its production. This car was launched by Mazda to compete with the likes of Renault Captur and Honda HR-V. Looks wise, it gets a sporty and powerful appearance along with Mazda's very own 'KODO- Soul of Motion' design. Under the hood, it is powered by a 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engine which churns out a maximum power of 146 hp at 6000 rpm along with a peak torque of 192 Nm at 2800 rpm. Further, this engine is mated with a six-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission. The i-stop function integrated in this car helps it to boost its fuel economy to 16.39 kmpl. From a position of halt, it reaches an acceleration of 100 kmph in 8.7 seconds along with a top speed of 200 kph.

2.Nissan NP300 Navara

After making a debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show in September, NP300 Navara was launched in Malaysia on November 26. Here it is being offered in two body styles with single and double cab models. Currently running in its 12th generation, it has created a new benchmark in the pick-up trucks segment. Beneath the hood, it is employed with a 2.5-litre YD25DDTi 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine which is capable of delivering a maximum power of 190 PS at 3600 rpm along with a peak torque of 450 Nm at 2000 rpm. Talking about transmission, an option of six-speed manual transmission and seven-speed automatic transmission is provided by the automaker which sends power to all the four wheels. Further, the common rail direct injection (CRDI) supply system employed in this car helps it to deliver a fuel efficiency of 14.7 kmpl. From a position of standstill, it can reach an acceleration of 100 kmph in between 14 to 16 seconds.

3.Audi Q7

Even before its launch, a lot of hype was created by Audi by releasing a number of teaser images. After a long sneak-peak, Audi Q7 was finally launched in Malaysia in November 2015. Currently running in its second generation, this SUV is a perfect combination of looks and performance. In Malaysia, it is available in 5-seater and 7-seater variants. Talking about powertrain, it gets a 3.0-litre TFSI supercharged V6 engine which delivers a maximum power of 333 hp along with a peak torque of 440 Nm at 2900 to 5300 rpm. Further, it is mated to a new eight-speed Triptronic transmission which sends engine's power to the Quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. This SUV takes around 6.3 seconds to complete a century sprint along with a top speed of 222 kmph. The car performs on a decent fuel consumption of running 12.66 km in one litre fuel.

4.Hyundai Tucson 2016

After a debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, Hyundai Tucson was launched in Malaysia in November 2015. Here it is launched in two trim levels namely Elegance and Executive. Currently running in its third-generation, it competes with the likes of Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage and Nissan X-Trail. Beneath the hood, an option of two engines is provided. The 2.0-litre engine delivers a maximum power of 158 PS at 6200 rpm along with a peak torque of 192 Nm at 4000 rpm. While the 2.4-litre engine churns out a maximum power of 177 PS at 6000 rpm along with 227 Nm of peak torque at 4000 rpm. Further, it is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission which helps it to complete a century sprint in the range of 10 seconds to 12.6 seconds along with a top speed of 182 kmph and 185 kmph for different engines. The 2.0-litre engine delivers a fuel efficiency of 11.7 kmpl while the 2.4-litre delivers 9.5 kmpl.

5.BMW 3 Series

After evolving itself in many ways, the sixth-generation BMW 3-series was launched in Malaysia in November 2015. Here it was launched in two variants namely BMW 318i and BMW330i. Talking about BMW 318i, it features a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder engine which churns out a maximum power of 136 hp along with a peak torque of 220 Nm. From a position of halt, this car takes just 9 seconds to reach an acceleration of 100 kmph. The fuel efficiency comes to 19.61 kmpl. The 330i gets a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with power figures of 252 hp and 350 Nm. It completes the century sprint in just 5.8 seconds while the fuel efficiency comes to 16.39 kmpl.