Monthly wrapup: 2023 Mazda CX-5 facelift, 2024 Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini, Rolls Royce Phantom Series II, 2024 VW Golf GTI facelift launched; three new Chinese SUV, BMW iX2 EV, Ora 07 coming soon

The month of 2024 was an exciting one both for the Malaysian and International automotive market. The local market over the last 31 days witnessed several car and motorcycle launches along with confirmation of several upcoming arrivals. As for the international market, several amazing cars and bikes were unveiled.

Local news

Three new Chinese SUVs coming soon

The China-based auto brand, GAC Motor previewed three SUVs that are earmarked to launch in the local market this year. The list includes - GS3 Emzoom, Emkoo, and Aion Y Plus. While the first two are ICE-powered B- and C-segment SUVs, the latter is an all-electric SUV.

GAC GS3 EMZOOM previewed and open for booking

WTCA, a subsidiary of Warisan TC Holdings, opened booking for the GAC GS3 EMZOOM. With an RM1,000 booking fee, the first 100 bookings will get an invitation to a special event by the automaker. The car is offered in two trims, namely Exclusive and Premium-R which are likely to be priced below RM130,000. Powering the car is a 3rd Generation 1.5T GDI engine, producing 177PS at 5500 rpm and 270 Nm at 1,400 rpm.

Proton Commerce achieves new record volume

Proton Commerce, a joint venture between Proton Edar and CIMB founded in October 2003, successfully leveraged the brand’s increasing sales and disbursed record-breaking loans to buyers in 2023. The organization issued 27,288 loans with over 2,000 disbursements per month in 8 out of 12 months

2024 BMW X5 price confirmed for Malaysia

Earlier in Jan 2024, BMW Malaysia previewed the all-new X5 facelift and now before entering the new month, the automaker has announced the pricing of the upgraded SUV. The 2024 BMW X5 is offered in a single locally-assembled trim, the xDrive50e M Sport, priced at RM 528,100 (including a 5-year extended warranty and service package).

2023 Mazda CX-5 facelift launched

The official distributor of Mazda cars in Malaysia, Bermaz Motor has launched the revamped Mazda CX-5 in the local market. For 2024, the CX-5 gets fresh design highlights, tech upgrades, and several new features. The 2024 facelift Mazda CX-5 ranges from RM 144,469 - RM 188,760.

MG is back in Malaysia

The iconic British brand, MG, re-enters the Malaysian auto market, it now revs under China's SAIC Motor. The automaker is gearing up to drop some electric cars in the country.

Color update for Modenas Kawasaki Z900 and Ninja ZX25R SE

Edaran Modenas Sdn Bhd (EMOS), the wholly-owned subsidiary of Modenas Bikes in Malaysia, has introduced fresh color schemes and new graphics for the Kawasaki Z900 and Ninja ZX25R SE. While the 2024 Kawasaki Z900 SE is available in a new Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Matte Dark Gray paintwork, the Z900 ABS is offered in a new Candy Persimmon Red/Ebony combination. The 2024 Ninja ZX25-R SE, on the other hand, comes in a new Metallic Phantom Silver X Ebony tone with subtle blue accents.

2024 Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini launched in Malaysia

The special-edition Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini has made its way to the Malaysian market. As the name suggests, this stunning Ducati is inspired by a Lamborghini sports car, the Huracán STO. Malaysia gets only two units out of the total 693 bikes, each priced at RM 460,900.

Rolls Royce Phantom Series II launched in Malaysia

After a year and a half wait since its global debut, the Rolls Royce Phantom Series II has finally rolled into Malaysia. The car is offered in two versions - standard-wheelbase (priced at RM2.5 million) and the Phantom Extended Series II (for RM2.9 million). The car is powered by a 6.75-liter V12 engine. This engine delivers a staggering 563 horsepower and nearly 900 Nm of torque.

ROI open for BMW iX2 EV

BMW Malaysia has released a teaser of the upcoming electric vehicle, the iX2, on its official website and has started accepting registrations. Powering the EV is a 64.8-kWh battery pack, which offers a driving range of 417 to 449 km (on the WLTP cycle).

Peugeot Malaysia teases e-2008

One of the exciting launches on the horizon for the Malaysian market is the Peugeot e-2008. They even pooped on Peugeot’s social media page. Once launched, it will be positioned as an entry-level electric crossover with an affordable price point.

2024 VW Golf GTI facelift launched

Malaysia now gets an enhanced version of the popular Golf GTI. The car now features several luxurious features like a Harman Kardon audio system and a state-of-the-art Head-up Display, thus enriching the overall driving experience.

2024 Honda CR-V e:HEV RS price chart out:

Launched in Dec 2023, Honda Malaysia has finally revealed the price for the range-topping CR-V variant, the e: HEV RS. Priced at RM195,900 (OTR, without insurance), it is the first in Honda Malaysia’s model lineup to feature a new 2.0-litre e: HEV powertrain and a 3-mode Drive System.

2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron launched

The more performance-oriented 2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron has arrived in Malaysia. It is offered in two body styles, the SQ8 e-tron, and the SQ8 Sportback e-tron with prices starting from RM533,790, OTR, inclusive of the Audi Assurance Package (AAP).

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 facelift launched

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia officially launched the new 2024 GLA. The updated model will be available in a sole GLA 200 version for the time being. It will be locally assembled in Pekan, Pahang, and is priced at RM 258,888 on the road, without insurance – an RM4k hike over the outgoing model.

Ora 07 coming soon to Malaysia

Great Wall Motors Malaysia has now confirmed the launch of its upcoming EV. The coupe-esque sedan 07 (also known as Lighting Cat) is scheduled to arrive in the first quarter of 2024, aligning with the timeline of its major competitor, the BYD Seal.

VW Touareg R-Line coming soon to Malaysia

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia, the official distributor of Volkswagen cars in Malaysia, has started accepting registrations of interest for the facelifted version of the third-gen Touareg. However, there is no information yet available on its launch timeline. So, while we wait, it’s a wise move to take a closer look at the upcoming Touareg R-Line.

Limited Edition Mitsubishi Triton AT Premium unveiled

Priced at RM 135,900, the limited-edition Triton AT Premium is all about the sporty vibe. It's available exclusively in a sleek White Diamond color that's sure to turn heads. Powering it is a 2.4-litre MIVEC turbo diesel engine making 180 PS and 430 Nm of torque.

WMoto Malaysia launches two new models in Malaysia

WMoto Malaysia has added two new models to its local lineup - the RT1 and the SM125i, thus providing customers with an extended range of budget-friendly options. The all-new WMoto RT1 hails from the popular 150-cc scooter category and is priced at RM 9,888. The WMoto SM125i, on the other hand, is an affordable underbone motorbike that carries a price tag of RM 5,888.

New Kawasaki 4S center opens in Kuching

Edaran Modenas Sdn Bhd (EMOS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Modenas, has recently inaugurated its third flagship 4S center, Kawasaki Kuching, in Kuching, Sarawak. Operated by Ghee Hua Co Sdn Bhd, one of the brand's longest and most significant authorized dealers in the region, the center offers an extensive collection of Kawasaki bikes.

2024 Yamaha Y16ZR launched

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor introduced the all-new 2024 Y16ZR. Touted as the most advanced sports moped in Malaysia, the new Yamaha Y16ZR benefits from a few cosmetic tweaks, new bold colors, and an improved braking system.

International news

2025 Mazda CX-70 revealed

After introducing amazing models like the CX-50, CX-60, CX-80, and CX-90; Mazda unveiled its latest masterpiece, the CX70. This one is a five-seater SUV based on the company’s large platform and shares its wide-body design language with the 7-seater CX-90. Powering the car is a 3.3-litre inline-six turbocharged engine producing 280 hp and 450 Nm of torque in the standard form and 340 hp and 500 Nm in the higher version. A PHEV option is also available, comprising a 323 hp/500 Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder, 91-hp electric motor and 17.8-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery.

All-new Audi Q7 facelift revealed

For the year 2024, the second-gen Audi Q7 has received a comprehensive upgrade in Europe. The new Q7 features an enhanced look and advanced features, making the brand’s flagship family SUV even more hi-tech and comfortable.

Mid-cycle refresh for BMW 4 Series

A host of new features and a significant styling update are part of the BMW 4 Series mid-cycle update. All four 4 Series models - the BMW 4 Series Coupé, the 4 Series Convertible, the M4 Coupé, and the M4 Convertible are equipped with newly designed headlights that feature a more technically focused look, new 19-inch light-alloy wheel designs, new 19-inch light-alloy wheel designs, and more.

Toyota became the world’s top car seller

Toyota Motor Corporation became the world's top car seller with a whopping 10.3 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles sold in 2023. The figure represents a 7.7% leap from the year before.

5-door Suzuki Jimny launched in the Philippines

After making its global debut in India in early 2023 and then gracing the Australia and Singapore auto markets, the 5-door Jimny has made it to the Philippine auto arena. Here the car is offered in three variants - GL MT, GLX AT Monotone, and GLX AT Two-tone, priced between P1.558 million (approx RM 130,617) and P1.708 million (approx RM 143,192).

2nd-gen Porsche Macan makes its global debut

The Macan is entering its second generation and it is now an EV. Thus representing a significant leap in Porsche's commitment to sustainable mobility without compromising on its performance ethos. The Macan 4 and Macan Turbo, are Porsche's latest foray into high-performance electric vehicles. The former is a powerhouse, delivering up to 408 PS with impressive efficiency, consuming 21.1 – 17.9 kWh/100 km and boasting zero CO₂ emissions. The Macan Turbo ramps up the excitement with up to 639 PS, an electric range of 518 – 591 km (670 – 765 km in town).

Also Read: Peugeot to introduce two new EVs - e-408 and e-5008