Major cars to look out in second half of 2015

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian auto market in the first half of 2015 faced a serious plunge in sales. Certain factors were responsible for this fall, maybe the falling ringgit or the GST implementation. But with the start of the second half, the market has become optimistic as a variety of new cars among all segments are soon coming to shores of this country. These attractive offerings might regain the first half loss by gravitating a large number of potential buyers. If you are that person to bump up car sales as we rush into the second half of 2015, then the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) will thank you for it.

The market has seen record sales in the last few years, however, this year's first half sales make the charts formidable. Every car out of the showroom counts as passenger car sales in Malaysia and it is expected that with the new cars coming, we can see little growth considering the bad first half.

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According to the MAA stats, total industry volume to record its lowest growth in five years in 2015 is a measly 0.5% to 670,000 units from the 666,465 units achieved last year. Also, the vehicle sales in the first half of 2015 fell 3.3% year-on-year to 322,184, mainly due to subdued business optimism and moderation in consumer spending as a result of the economic uncertainties and increased cost of living. The falling ringgit against dollar added more fuel to this negative fire. Apart from it the tough lending practices mainly because of the hire-purchase loans also affected sales.

Read Also: MAA - Sales figure rises in July 2015, still lower than 2014

Major introductions made in the first half of 2015 were reported as the Perodua Myvi, Proton Saga Plus, Honda HR-V, Mazda2, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Renault Fluence, MINI John Cooper Works, Audi TT, Isuzu MU-X, Peugeot 308, Nissan X-Trail, Ford Mondeo, Subaru Outback, Mitsubishi Triton, Hyundai Genesis and Kia Rio 5-door.

Read Also: August 2015 car sales dips 8.9%, falling ringgit might be the cause

Apart from these middle segment, the upper segment also came forward to launch their products. Such as the German maker Mercedes-Benz’s introduced its locally assembled C-Class variants and BMW launched its 2 Series tourers along with the widely acclaimed plug-in hybrid i8 sports car. The super exotics were also not left out in this race as the Italian supercar maker Ferrari launched its all new Ferrari 488 GTB and Mercedes-AMG GT smacked their sales debut

The MAA is although optimistic that vehicle sales in the second half of the year will be better. So here we have listed a range of upcoming cars with enough potential to gravitate more and more buyers towards them alleviating the sales figures.

1. Mazda CX-3

The heavily anticipated Mazda CX-3 is soon to reach Malaysia with high enthusiasm. The car has already proved itself as an ultimate compact crossover SUV in European markets and is all set to prove it in the Malaysian markets as well. Mazda CX-3 can be considered as an ideal drive for both drivings around town and the great outdoor escapades. Another reason to be optimistic about the CX-3 is its high seating position and a compact crossover look. The recent market suggests that buyers are keener to own the cars in this segment and Mazda CX-3 can strongly compete against the likes of the Honda HR-V. The CX-3 is expected to be offered with a 2.0-litre engine and priced from RM120,000 to RM130,000.

Read Also: Mazda CX-3 vs Renault Captur

2. Renault Captur

The french car conglomerate is coming to the Malaysia with its all new entry Renault Captur. Another compact SUV in the markets of Malaysia which tends to give a nail-biting competition to Mazda CX-3 and Honda HR-V. Captur has been ruling the B-segment SUV markets of Europe since its inception and with the same zeal, the company expects that it would soon take over the futility in the Malaysian market. The winning edge is its sufficiently powered engine with excellent fuel economy which can surpass all the other factors. Captur sits on the platform of its equally styled sibling Renault Clio. With its high seating position and influential design, it proffers the sense of a 4x4 SUV in a two-wheel-drive car.

Read Also: Renault Captur vs Honda HR-V vs Ford Ecosport

3. Renault Clio GT

Renault Clio GT another offering this year from the French maker. Renault is trying to take a hold in the Malaysian auto market by launching two vehicles in a row this year. The car is powered by a punchy 1.2-litre turbo petrol go-getter that’s willing to stand toe-to-toe with anything that makes it look diminutive on the streets. Renault has also lined up a diesel variant of the car. Although the TC Euro Cars sole franchise holder of the Renault brand in Malaysia, says it has opted not to introduce it to the local market. The car is expected to churn out an 118bhp at 4,900rpm and 190Nm of torque at 2,000rpm. Renault Clio GT is expected to arrive by late 2015.

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4. Land Rover Discovery Sport

The new Land Rover Discovery Sport is a versatile and capable premium compact SUV featuring a 5+2 seating on a footprint no larger than existing 5-seat premium SUVs. The all-new SUV is full with the spirit of adventure which is clearly reflected in Discovery Sport’s interior, exterior and engine. The car features high-quality materials with a premium plush towards the exterior. It is powered by the powerful and refined 2.2-litre SD4 turbodiesel engine producing 190PS with smart regenerative charging for outstanding performance and economy. The SUV was teased recently on Land Rover's official facebook page and is going to hit the market soon.

Read Also: Teaser: Land Rover Discovery Sport, launching in Malaysia on Aug 22

5. Jaguar XE

The good news is coming soon for the affluent car buyers looking for a premium saloon. The all new Jaguar XE is about to launch in the competitive sedan market of Malaysia. The car redefines the concept of the sports saloon and is the driver’s car in its class. Jaguar XE is based on a very lightweight construction with streamlined styling and luxurious interior proffering an outstanding ride every time. According to company founder Sir William Lyons’ vision: ‘The car is the closest thing we will ever create to something that is alive.’ Apart from the luxury and comfort, the car is powered by a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine from the acclaimed Jaguar F-Type, which is capable of launching this rocket from 0-100Km/h in just 4.9 seconds.