Q1 2024 major auto events in Malaysia - Part 1

The first quarter is already over (it was quite quick, we must say) and with it, a lot has happened as well, especially in the Malaysian auto space. The industry welcomed quite a few new models, saw several new 3S centers opening up across the regions, and witnessed the announcement of discounts by several brands.

Since so much took place during the last three months, we’ll be posting the story in parts starting with the latest events.

BMW iX2 EV open for booking

BMW Malaysia has opened the order books for the BMW iX2 battery-electric vehicle. It comes to the Malaysian market as the xDrive30 and is priced at RM282,800. However, with the BMW Service and Repair Inclusive package with the full five-year warranty and service package (RM14,200), the total goes up to RM 297,000.
Available in seven exterior hues namely, Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Skyscraper Grey, Cape York Green, Fire Red, M Portimao Blue, and M Brooklyn Grey. The buyers of the iX2 get a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled servicing, an eight-year, 160,000 km battery warranty, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, and BMW Service Online.

GAC GS3 Emzoom CKD assembly begins

The local production (CKD) for the GAC GS3 Emzoom at the Tan Chong Motor Assemblies (TCMA) plant in Segambut, Kuala Lumpur has begun. This comes two months after the B-segment SUV which is offered in two variants, was open for booking in the country.
In an official release, the WTCA revealed it had signed a CKD technical collaboration agreement with GAC; this grants the company rights to locally assemble GAC vehicles via using CKD kits and components.

Toyota Hiace SLWB open for booking

The official distributor of Toyota cars in the country, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT), has begun taking orders for the Hiace Super Long Wheelbase (SLWB) 10-seater window van. With prices starting from RM169,000, the Hiace SLWB is powered by a 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre turbo diesel unit that pumps out a maximum power of 177 PS at 3,400 rpm and 450 Nm of peak torque from 1,600 rpm to 2,400 rpm. These outputs are channeled to the wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox with manual sequential shift override.

New Quicksilver color for Tesla Model Y

Once again Tesla Malaysia has updated the color options for the Tesla Model Y; this time by adding a new tone namely, Quicksilver. Thus bringing the total color options to six with the other five being Pearl White Multi-Coat, Deep Blue Metallic, Solid Black, Stealth Grey, and Ultra Red.

The new Quicksilver tone costs an extra RM 7,500.

2024 MG ZS EV launched in Malaysia

SAIC Motor Malaysia has launched the all-new electric B-segment SUV, the MG ZS EV in the country. Priced at RM 126,629 (on-the-road without insurance), the ZS EV is offered in a single-trim option that is powered by a single electric motor at the front producing 176 PS and 280 Nm of torque,

The EVs standard kit includes 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels, push-button start, keyless entry, auto lights and wipers, leather upholstery, six-way power-adjustable front seats, 4 speakers, a 360-degree camera system, six speakers, and stability control.

2024 MG4 EV launched in Malaysia

Along with the MG ZS EV, SAIC Malaysia has also launched the MG4 electric hatch in the country. Available in four trim options, base, Lux, Lux Extended, and XPower, its price range starts from RM 104,629 to RM 159,629. Included in the price is a seven-year/150,000 km warranty and an eight-year/180,000 km battery warranty. Also available is a one-for-one battery swap if the battery’s health goes below 70% during the warranty period.

Chery Tiggo 7 Pro previewed

Chery Malaysia has previewed its upcoming model, the Tiggo 7 Pro which sits between the Omoda 5/E5 and the Tiggo 8 Pro and competes directly with the Proton X70.

The Tiggo 7 Pro will be locally assembled and offered in one single variant option priced at RM 130,000. The SUV is powered by a 1.6 liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine pumping 197 PS and 290 Nm of torque.

2024 Ora Good Car price dropped

Post the launch of the Chery Omoda E5, GWM has dropped the price for the Ora Good Cat electric hatch. The automaker is now offering a RM 26,000 discount over the entire range of the EV. The base 400 Pro model and range-topping 500 Ultra variants are now priced at RM 113,800 and RM 143,800 respectively.

Powering the Good Cat is a single front motor that pumps out a max power of 143 PS and 210 Nm of torque. This gets it from zero to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 152 km/h.

New BYD 3S center in Melaka opens

The new BYD Melaka 3S center is managed by BYD Sing Kwung Motors and is located at 10, Jalan Abadi 1, Kawasan Perindustrian Malim Jaya, 75250 Malim Jaya, Melaka. The center is open from 9 am to 6pm from Monday to Saturday and from 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday.

The center features a trained staff that offers sales and aftersales services along with sales consultations, vehicle test drives, and comprehensive after-sales support.

2024 Audi Q8 e-tron is now RM 13,800 cheaper

The official distributor of Audi cars in the country, PHS Automotive Malaysia, is offering a RM 13,800 discount on the range-topping Q8 variant, the S line 55 quattro. The car now retails for RM 480,990 (on-the-road without insurance) and is inclusive of the Audi Assurance Package.

2024 Maserati GranTurismo launch

Malaysia recently welcomed the 2nd gen Maserati GranTurismo. The car is offered in two trim options - base Modena and range-topping Trofeo trim. The car is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo petrol V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system. In Modena guise, the unit makes 496 PS and 600 Nm of torque. In the Trofeo variant, it uses the same engine and makes 557 PS and 650 Nm.

New Chery 3S center in Kota Kinabalu

Chery has opened its latest showroom and service center in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, thus bringing the total number of Chery dealerships in Malaysia to 40.
The new dealership is located at Lot 7, Jalan Limau Manis Off Jalan Lintas Inanam, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, and is spread over a 1,400 sq meter area. The facility features a customer lounge and 8 service bays.

First Lotus store in Malaysia

The importer and distributor of the Lotus brand in Malaysia has opened the first Lotus Store in Pavilion Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur. The first Lotus Store spans over 1,750 sq ft area and plays host to the Eletre and Emira sports cars.

2024 Volkswagen Touareg R-Line in Malaysia

The VW Touareg is back in Malaysia. This time the car arrives as a locally-assembled unit and sits on top of the brand’s lineup. Available in a single R-Line trim, the 5-seater crossover is priced at RM 472,272 (on the road without insurance).

Smart #1 Pro deliveries have begun

Smart Malaysia has begun deliveries of the #1 Pro, the entry-level model of the EV that was launched back in November 2023. The car retails for RM189,000 on the road without insurance, which makes it cheaper than the Premium (RM 30,000) and Brabus (RM 60,000) variants, respectively.

Chery Omoda E5 EV launched

The electric sister of the Omoda 5 SUV, the Omoda E5 is finally here in Malaysia. Priced at RM 146,800 (on-the-road without insurance). The EV is powered by a front-mounted electric motor churning 204 PS and 340 Nm of torque. These figures push the SUV to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds and attain a top speed is 172 km/h.

New Ford Assured certified pre-owned program announced

The official distributor of Ford cars in Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion, has officially launched the Ford Assured program that offers certified pre-owned Ford models.

That’s it for now, stay tuned for the next part.