Major auto events of May 2022: 2022 Proton Saga, five BMW M models, & several motorcycle launches

The month of May was a busy one for the Malaysia auto and moto sector. Several models (car and bike) were launched, many were confirmed for local launch, and even some strict regulations were passed by the government for the sector. In case you missed any of the major news over the course of the last 31 days, here’s a quick recap.

Major local auto events -

2022 Proton Saga facelift: Proton launched its A-segment sedan with a ‘minor change’ this month. Now, the Saga lineup has four variants including - Standard MT (RM 34,400), Standard AT (RM 38,300), Premium AT (RM 41,300), and Premium S (RM 44,300). Overall, the 2022 Saga remains pretty much the same, save for a new logo, rearranged center console, and a few additional features.

BMW i4 M50 launch: As part of the BMW M series 50th anniversary BMW Malaysia has introduced five new models M vehicles, including the i4 Gran Coupe. Priced at RM 430,800 the zero-emission vehicle is expected to arrive at dealerships after June 30.

BMW M3 & M4 Competition M xDrive launch: Part of the five new M models launched in Malaysia as part of the M series 50th anniversary is the M3 Competition M xDrive (RM787,860) and M4 Competition M xDrive (RM 818,860). Powering the M cars is a twin-turbo 3.0-litre mill making 510 PS and 650 Nm.

BMW M5 & M5 Competition facelift launch: The new M5 and M5 Competition performance sedans are part of the BMW M series 50th-anniversary celebration. Priced at RM 998,800 and RM 1,188,800 respectively, they benefit from styling and equipment updates.

2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 & Meteor 350 launch: Royal Enfield Malaysia has launched the 2022 Classic 350 and Meteor 350 in the local market. Priced at RM 23,500 and RM 24,500, respectively, the Classic 350 is offered in three variants with seven colour choices and the Meteor 350 also comes in three variants.

 

2022 Aprilia SR GT 200 & SR GT Sport launch: In May, apart from several car launches, Malaysia got two stylish scooters from Aprilia, the 2022 SR GT 200 and SR GT Sport. The two Aprilia offerings retail for RM19,900 and RM 20,900 respectively. The only differentiating factor between the two is the colour options and graphics on offer.

 

2022 Aprilia Tuareg 660 launch: This month the new Tuareg 660 joined the RS660 sportbike, which is also a middleweight motorcycle following adventure-touring styling closely. Powered by a 100hp/67Nm 659cc parallel-twin unit, it retails for RM 75,900.

2022 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory launch: Priced at RM 169,000, the all-new RSV4 1100 Factory comes with an enhanced aerodynamic package, slightly more torque, six riding aids, and adjustable engine braking. It is powered by a 217hp/122Nm 1,099cc 65-degree V-four engine.

2022 QJMotor SRT800 & SRT800X launch: Now officially part of the Malaysian motorcycle lineup, the 2022 QJMotor SRT800, and SRT800X are priced at RM 39,888 and RM 42,888, respectively. Powering the SRT800 is a 75hp/67Nm 745 cc parallel-twin engine that is paired to an assist and slipper clutch equipped 6-speed gearbox and chain final drive.

2022 QJMotor SRK600 launch: The SRK600 is the first QJMotor two-wheeler (represented by MForce Bike Holdings) to launch in Malaysia. Priced at RM 35,888 (excluding road tax, registration, and insurance), the bike is powered by a 600cc four-cyl, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve engine making 80.4hp and 55Nm.

Seven new Kawasaki dealers added to the network: Edaran Modenas (EMOS), the Kawasaki Motorcycles distribution, sales, and service head in Malaysia has added seven new dealers to its network. Thus bringing the total number of Kawasaki Malaysia dealer networks to 20.

ABS to become mandatory: The mandatory fitment of ABS will be applied to all motorcycle manufacturers in Malaysia, as per the Malaysian transport ministry. The enforcement will however begin after a detailed study on the subject by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) is received.

2022 Volvo XC40 & XC90 prices increased: Volvo Malaysia has revised the prices of the XC40 non-EV variants - the T5 R-Design & Recharge T5 R-Design. The former now retail for RM 233,710.82 (RM 2,059.82 more), while the latter now costs RM 245,818.90 ( RM 3,821.86 more). As for the XC90, its range-topping B5 Inscription Plus model price is up almost RM 11k (RM 404,775 on-the-road without insurance) and RM 5k (RM 388,599 on-the-road without insurance) for the Recharge T8 Inscription Plus variant.

Major international auto events

2023 BMW X1 and iX1 leaked: The all-new BMW next-gen small SUV, the X1, and the brand’s new entry-level EV, the iX1 have broken covers ahead of the expected June 1 debut. The official press kit images of both the upcoming BMW have appeared on the social media site, Instagram. Some of these images also reveal a few technical details about the cars.

Bentley Azure range introduced: The Azure range has been introduced by Bentley across its lineup including the Continental GT Convertible, Bentayga, Flying Spur, Bentayga EWB, and Continental GT. It will be a permanent offering and prioritises comfort and wellbeing.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Night Edition: The European market now gets the meaner and unique-looking Mercedes-Benz E-Class Night Edition model in Coupe and Cabriolet versions. The car showcases several dark trim accents all-around and costs a little extra over the regular version.

Land Rover Defender 30th Anniversary Edition: Exclusive to the North American market, the Defender 30th Anniversary Edition model is based on the Defender 110 S. The special edition SUV pays homage to the 1993 Defender 110 First Edition and is limited to just 500 units.

Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2 unveiled: The Lamborghini Huracan lineup gets another gem, the Huracan GT3 EVO2. Its mechanical setup and design aspects are the same as the Huracan STO. The deliveries are expected to begin in the second half of 2022.

2023 BMW 3 Series introduced: BMW has revealed the revamped 3 Series with the new version benefiting from an upgraded exterior design and interior features.

Maserati MC20 breaks cover: Maserati has finally pulled covers off the MC20 Cielo which is essentially a convertible version of the automaker’s V6 sports car. Its biggest highlight is the electrochromic window that goes from opaque to clear with the touch of a button.

Land Rover Defender 130 SUV revealed: Land Rover has finally taken the wrap off the 8-seater Defender 130. In the company’s lineup, the new Defender 130 sits above Defender 110 and Defender 90.

Also Read: 5-star safety rating awarded to Kia EV6, Volvo C40, & Mercedes-Benz C-Class