Top 10 car launches of 2022

The year 2022 was full of zest and excitement for the Malaysian automotive industry as several automakers rolled out their latest models in the market. From compact 5-seater SUVs to 7-or 8-seater MPVs to next-gen pick-up trucks, the local automotive enthusiasts enjoyed some really big launches. Here, we curated a list of the top 10 launches of 2022, have a look -

Perodua Alza

Perodua pulled the wraps off the all-new Alza back in July with the brand’s highest-ever record-breaking booking numbers. The credit for this love and hype goes to its value-for-money deal, offering a feature-packed, comfortable, safe, and fuel-efficient MPV at a price ranging between RM 62,500 and RM 75,500.

All the variants of the new Alza (X, H, and AV) are powered by the same 1.5-litre DVVTi naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine which kicks out a maximum power of 105 hp and a peak torque of 138 Nm. The power is sent to the wheels via a dual-mode continuous variable transmission. 

The variant-specific equipment kit includes LED headlights with Auto High Beam, 16-inch alloy wheels, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, 7-inch digital instrument cluster, Android Auto connectivity, leather-wrapped steering wheel, driving modes (Normal, Eco, and Sport), electronic parking brake, and a full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems.

Honda Civic

Honda Malaysia rolled out the all-new eleventh-generation of the Civic sedan at the start of the year. At the time of the launch, the lineup of the market-leading C-segment sedan comprises three variants (E, V, and RS), which has recently been revised to four with the arrival of the e:HEV RS hybrid variant. Pricing for the new Honda Civic starts at RM 130,700 and goes all the way up to RM 166,500.

The non-hybrid trims are powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder VTEC turbo engine delivering 182 PS of power and 240 Nm of torque. The top-spec Civic hybrid, on the other hand, takes energy from a combination of a 2.0-litre non-aspirated engine and an i-MMD dual electric motor, producing 184 PS and 315 Nm of torque.

Included in the Honda Civic key features are all-around LED lights, a 10.2-inch Full TFT metre, a wireless charging pad, a 9-inch head unit, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, electrochromic rearview mirror, 8-way powered seats, Honda Sensing, Honda LaneWatch Camera, and Honda CONNECT.

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

UMW Toyota Motor rolled out the Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric as its very first locally-assembled hybrid vehicle this year. Based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, the SUV grabbed a great response in the local market. It is priced slightly higher than its petrol counterparts at RM 139,991.

Under the bonnet of the Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric lies a 1.8-litre Dual VVT-i four-cylinder mill paired with two electric motors and a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. The system combined delivers a maximum power of 122 PS. The fuel consumption of the SUV is rated at 23.3 kmpl.

Key features comprise Bi-LED Headlamps & LED DRLs, 18-inch alloy wheels, kick-sensor Power Back Door, 9-inch infotainment unit, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, dual-zone air conditioning system, 7-inch multi-information display, 8-way powered seat for the driver, 360-degree camera system, wireless smartphone charger, and Toyota Safety Sense.

Honda HR-V

Another Honda SUV that created much hype in the Malaysian market this year is the all-new third-gen HR-V. The Proton X50 rival is offered in four variants - S, Turbo E, Turbo V, and RS e:HEV, with a price ranging from RM 114,800 to RM 140,800. 

Powering the base-spec HR-V is a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated i-VTEC mill making 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque. The mid-spec trims come with a 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo engine rated at 181 PS and 240 Nm while the range-topping is equipped with a combination of a 1.5-litre i-VTEC and an e-motor, together churning out 131 PS and 253 Nm of torque.

The new HR-V equipment kit consists of LED headlights, LED sequential turn signals, LED tail light strip, 18-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels, 8.0-inch infotainment unit, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 7.0-inch instrument panel, Honda-first air diffusion system, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable driver’s seat, Honda Connect, Remote engine start, and Honda Sensing.

Volkswagen Golf

The upgraded version of the ultimate German hatchback, the Volkswagen Golf, also hit the local shores this year with dynamic performance and advanced technologies. VPCM offers the new Golf in three versions - R-Line, GTI and R, which are priced at RM 169,990, RM 225,990 and RM 389,990, respectively.

The base-spec R-Line is powered by a 150 PS /250 Nm 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged inline-four gasoline engine while the mid-spec GTI comes equipped with a 2.0-litre TSI engine that kicks out 245 PS of power and 370 Nm of torque. The range-topping Golf R runs on a 2.0-litre TSI turbo unit which delivers 320 PS and 400 Nm. The latter is paired with a 4MOTION All-Wheel Drive system and a 7-speed DSG enabling the hot hatchback to hit the century sprint in 4.8 seconds only.

In terms of styling, the three Golf models are pretty different. The GTI features exclusive GTI styling while the R appeals with the R-specific cues. Standard feature kit comprises LED headlights, LED tail lights, 17-inch Valencia alloy wheels, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors, a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, a 10-inch Discover Media infotainment system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, ambient lighting, triple-zone climate control, and more. 

Toyota Veloz

UMW Toyota also launched the replacement for the Avanza MPV in 2022, called the Veloz. This Japanese MPV is a sister model to the new Perodua Alza and incorporates the same mechanical setup, however, the styling and exclusive feature kit make it different from the Perodua model. 

Priced at RM 95,000, the Toyota Veloz comes kitted with LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, a full-width 3D tail light assembly, and dual-tone 17-inch alloy wheels. The interior appears upmarket with a 9.0-inch infotainment unit, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 7.0-inch coloured Multi-Information Display, telescopic and tilt-adjustable steering wheel, wireless charging pad, automatic air-conditioning system, electric Parking Brake, semi-leather seats, LED ambient light, and Toyota Safety Sense ADAS pack.

Kia Carnival

The Kia Carnival also remained in the headlines this year because of its local assembly. The Korean MPV is now offered as a CKD model in two seating configurations - 7 & 8-seater, priced higher than the CBU version at RM 261,228 and RM 231,229, respectively. 

All variants of the locally-assembled Carnival are powered by the same 2.2-litre Smartstream turbo diesel engine available on the imported MPV. The said engine generates 202 PS of maximum power and 441 Nm of torque.

The 8-seater model comes in a 2-3-3 layout with key features like - a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 360-degree surround-view monitor, heated and ventilated front seats, LED interior lighting, dual power sunroof, memory function for the driver seat and Kia Drive Wise ADAS suite. The top-spec 7-seater Carnival offers a 2-2-3 seating configuration with individual “Premium Relaxation” captain seats in the centre as its unique feature.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launched the latest version of its best-selling model, the C-Class, this year. The luxury executive sedan was first introduced as a CBU model in February, which was replaced by a locally-assembled iteration in August. The new C-Class CKD is offered in two variants - C200 Avantgarde Line and C300 AMG Line, priced at RM 287,888 and RM 327,888, respectively.

The C200 is fueled by a 204 hp/300 Nm 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine and a 20 hp/200 Nm electric motor. The C300, on the other hand, gets energy from a 258 hp/400 Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four mill paired with a 27 hp/200 Nm motor.

When it comes to features, the CKD models are almost identical to the imported versions. They are equipped with LED High-Performance headlights, 18-or 19-inch alloy wheels, LED tail lights, MBUX operating system with a 12.3-inch digital instrument console and an 11.9-inch infotainment unit, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connectivity, "Hey Mercedes" voice assistant, Augmented-reality navigation, Qi Wireless charging pad, Thermatic Automatic climate control system, 64-colour ambient lighting, Nappa-leather-wrapped steering wheel and more.

Ford Ranger 

Sime Darby Auto ConneXion caused a stir in the Malaysian automotive industry this year with the launch of the next-generation Ford Ranger. The new pickup truck features some really noteworthy updates, making it smarter, tougher, and more versatile. It is on sale in seven versions - XL Single Cab Manual, XL (MT), XL(AT), XLT (MT), XLT (AT), XLT Plus, and WildTrak, priced between RM 98,888 and RM 168,888.

The upgraded pickup comes equipped with a 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine. In the single turbo form, the mill delivers 170 hp and 405 Nm while the bi-turbo tuning makes 210 hp and 500 Nm of torque. The former can be mated to a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox whereas the latter gets a 10-speed automatic unit with an e-Locking Rear Differential.

Among the key features of the new Ford Ranger pickup are matrix headlights, a rear box step, a 12-inch infotainment unit paired with Ford SYNC 4 system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8.0-inch digital driver display, wireless charging pad, smart climate control system, selectable driving modes, electric parking brake, and a 360-degree camera.

Hyundai IONIQ 5

Hyundai brought the electric IONIQ 5 as its new player in the local arena. HSDM offers the EV in three versions - Lite, Plus, and Max, priced at RM 207,808, RM 238,408, and RM 270,408, respectively. 

The Lite and Plus trims are powered by a single electric motor generating 170 PS of max power and 350 Nm of torque. The motor is backed by a 58 kWh battery pack offering a driving range of 384 km. The top-spec Max is equipped with an all-wheel drive setup and two electric motors making 305 PS and 605 Nm. It is coupled with a 72.6 kWh battery, which lets the EV run for 430 km on a single charge.

The Ioniq 5 key features include pixel-inspired LED headlights, pixelated tail lights, pop-out door handles, and 20-inch wheels, a solar roof, dual 12-inch screens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone air conditioning, wireless charger, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) socket, electric seats, and several advanced driver-assistance systems.

So, those were the top 10 car launches of this year. Which of these four-wheeled vehicles impressed you the most? Let us know in the comments.

Also read: Top five MPVs under RM 100,000