Top 10 car launches of 2021

2021 was a year of mixed fortunes for the Malaysian automotive market. The industry witnessed hard times due to another wave of COVID-19 and a shortage of semiconductors. But despite these challenges, a number of automakers introduced their latest creations in the market with their sales targets getting back on track. Now, as we are set to bid goodbye to 2021 and welcome 2022, let’s check the top 10 car launches of 2021 rounded up here.

Perodua Ativa

Perodua launched the highly-awaited Ativa compact SUV in March this year that has carved out a lucrative niche segment in the local automotive market. The national automaker offers this small SUV in three variants - X. H and AV, priced between RM 61.500 - RM 72.000. All are powered by the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo engine churning out a maximum power of 98 PS at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 140 Nm from 2,400 to 4,000 rpm. it is paired with a D-CVT gearbox. 

Included in the features are LED headlamps, LED fog lamps, LED tail lights, two-tone 17-inch alloys, Advanced Safety Assist system, push-start button, a 7.0-inch multi-info display, a 9.0-inch infotainment system with voice recognition and smart link compatibility, six speakers, semi-bucket seats, and faux leather & suede upholstery.

Toyota Corolla Cross

Toyota Malaysia also launched the highly-awaited Corolla Cross in March this year, which is giving a tough fight to the Proton X50, Honda HR-V, and Mazda CX-30, It is on offer in two variants - G and V, priced at RM 124,000 and RM 134,000, respectively. Both trims are powered by a 1.8 litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder dual VVT-i petrol kicking out 139 PS and 172 Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated to a  CVT with a Sequential Shiftmatic system.

Standard kit comprises halogen projector headlamps, LED fog lamps, LED tail lights, 17-inch wheels, a 4.2-inch colour multi-info display, a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto support connectivity, single-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power-adjustability for the driver seat, black leather seat upholstery. a front-facing dashcam, and several advanced driver safety features.

Suzuki Swift Sport

After a hiatus of five years, Suzuki Motors made its comeback to the Malaysian market with Naza Eastern Motors as its new distributor. The company launched the new Swift Sport in April 2021 in a single trim, priced at RM 139,900. It is powered by a 1.4-litre four-cylinder Boosterjet turbo unit that generates a maximum power of 140 hp at 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 230 Nm from 2,500 to 3,500 rpm. The engine is paired with a 6-speed AT with paddle shifters driving the front wheels.

The all-new Suzuki Swift Sport is equipped with LED projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED rear combination tail lights, and 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. Inside, the significant inclusions are a 4.2-inch multi-info information display, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay connectivity, automatic air-conditioning, cruise control, and a reverse camera.

BMW iX

In August this year, BMW Malaysia introduced its first pure electric SUV, the iX,  in Malaysia. Based on the Vision iNext concept revealed in 2018, the EV is packed with a long list of BMW firsts including a new platform, a new design language, new connectivity tech, and more. It is on offer in two versions - xDrive40 standard and xDrive40 Sport, priced at RM 419,630 and RM 472,630, respectively. Both are powered by the same dual-motor setup delivering 326 PS and 630 Nm. It is mated to a 76.6 kWh battery pack that delivers an electric drive range of 425 km on the WLTP cycle. 

Standard features include LED headlamps with high-beam assistant, 21-inch aerodynamic wheels, a curved 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 14.9-inch central infotainment unit, BMW Operating System 8, automatic air-conditioning with 4-zone control, wireless charger, and advanced driver-assistance systems.

All-new Proton Iriz

Proton’s top-selling Iriz hatchback received an important upgrade this year in August. While the 2022 Iriz facelift boasts an enhanced design and upgraded features, the things under the bonnet remain the same. It comes in three variants - 1.3 Standard, 1.6 Executive, and all-new 1.6 Active. The price starts at RM 40,300 and goes all the way up to RM 54,000. 

The new Iriz Active gets stylish LED headlamps with auto on/off function, stylish cladding, a black roof with silver rails, and more ride height for a sporty appearance. Included in the interior highlights are a new 8-inch floating infotainment head unit with online navigation, and music streaming, redesigned air-conditioning controls with digital display, new sport pedals, and semi leather seats.

All-new Proton Persona

Alongside the new Iriz, Proton introduced the Persona facelift in Malaysia. The latest sedan boasts new features, refreshed styling, and new colour options. It is on offer in three variants - Standard, Executive, and Premium, powered by a 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder engine that pumps out a maximum power of 109 PS along with a peak torque of 150 Nm. The power is channelled to the wheels via a CVT transmission.

Included in the new features are LED headlights with auto on/off functions, LED daytime running lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, black roof finishing, a new floating 8-inch infotainment screen, new voice-command controls, new AC control panel, additional USB ports, leatherette upholstery and four airbags as standard.

Hyundai Staria

Hyundai’s new luxury people-mover, the Staria, made its Malaysian debut in October 2021. Touted as a notch higher than the Grand Starex, the Staria is on offer in a single Premium trim at a price of RM 358,888. The minivan has a futuristic space shuttle-inspired design with features like vertical LED headlights, LED daytime running light bar, parametric pixel LED taillights, smart power sliding doors, and 18-inch alloy wheels. 

The significant inclusions inside the cabin are a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 8.0-inch infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic air-conditioning, 12-speaker Bose sound system, seat heating, and ventilation function, Wireless charging 10-colour ambient lighting, Nappa leather upholstery, sunroof, and Hyundai SmartSense ADAS suite. It is powered by a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine delivering 177 PS at 3,800 rpm and a peak torque of 431 Nm at 1,500 - 2,500 rpm.

All-new Perodua Myvi 

Perodua’s best-selling Myvi received an important mid-life upgrade this year in November. Available in four trims, the new Myvi gets sporty new looks and advanced features. It is equipped with the Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA) system which includes - Advance Safety Assist, Driving Assist, Parking Assist, and Head Lamp Assist. The full bells and whistles AV trim also offers Autonomous Level 2 tech to the customers. It is the first time in Malaysian history that a car priced under RM 60,000 is offered with Autonomous Level 2 technology.

On the mechanical front, the engine options remain unchanged at 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre engine options, while the D-CVT gearbox is new that offers a 20% faster acceleration time, and a 5% reduction in fuel consumption. 

Honda City Hatchback

The sporty and stylish Honda City Hatchback finally made its Malaysian debut on December 7 after a long wait.  Honda Malaysia offers the chopped-up version of the City sedan in four variants - S, E, V, and e:HEV RS hybrid. The first three petrol trims are powered by a 1.5 litre DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder engine delivering a maximum power of 121 PS at 6,600 rpm and a peak torque of 145 Nm of torque at 4,300 rpm. It is coupled with a CVT gearbox. The City e:HEV RS hybrid, on the other hand, is equipped with a combination of a 98 PS/127 Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine and an electric motor delivering 109 PS/253 Nm.

Included in the features list are LED Headlights with LED daytime running lights, LED rear combination lights, 16-inch alloy wheels, a 7.0-inch instrument panel, an 8.0-inch infotainment display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity, keyless entry, remote engine start, ULTRA seats, auto air-conditioning, and Honda Sensing safety pack. The price starts at RM 75,670.

All-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The pinnacle of luxury, the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, hit the local market earlier this month. The German automaker offers this luxury sedan in a sole S 580 e plug-in hybrid trim, locally assembled at the brand’s Pekan assembly plant. It features a completely revamped exterior, increased dimensions, and an ultra-luxury cabin. The latter Is touted as the "third place", a refuge between the home and workplace by the automaker. 

It is equipped with a 12.8-inch MBUX infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Burmester 3D surround sound system, automatic climate control, 64-colour ambient lighting, Wireless charging, MBUX rear-seat infotainment unit, electrically-adjustable seats, Panoramic sliding sunroof, Nappa leather upholstery, and many advanced safety systems.

Powring the S 580 e is a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that produces 510 PS of maximum power output and 750 Nm of peak torque. It is coupled with a 28.6 kWh lithium-ion battery delivering an electric range of 100 km (on the WLTP cycle).

Which of the above models impresses you the most, let us know in the comments.

Also read: Upcoming electric cars in Malaysia