Top 10 car launches of 2024: Why these rides made our list

KUALA LUMPUR:  In 2024, Malaysia's automotive market witnessed a surge of innovative vehicle launches, reflecting the nation's shift new era vehicles, advanced technology, and performance.

From electric vehicles (EVs) to hybrids and high-performance sports cars, these models have set new benchmarks in their respective segments.

Here's a detailed look at the top 10 car launches of the year, highlighting their key specifications and the impact they've made on Malaysian roads.

1. BYD Seal Dynamic

Why It Made the List: The Seal Dynamic is like the new kid in town who not only aces their first test but also wows the crowd with charm and confidence.

With a sleek silhouette that looks fast even when parked, a practical range of 460 km, and a price tag that doesn’t scream “luxury tax,” it’s making EV dreams accessible.

It’s not just an EV; it’s an EV with swagger, flaunting cutting-edge tech like 800V fast charging. This isn’t just about going green—it’s about going green in style and on a budget.

• Price: RM163,800
• Power: 204 hp
• Torque: 310 Nm
• 0-100 km/h: 7.5 seconds
• Battery: 61.4 kWh
• Range: Up to 460 km (WLTP)

Despite highlighting the Dynamic variant, all Seals offer sleek design and advanced technology, which has set new standards in the EV segment, making sustainable mobility more accessible to Malaysians.

2. Honda CR-V Hybrid

Why It Made the List: Honda’s CR-V Hybrid is the SUV that finally makes hybrids cool. Combining a 2.0L engine with twin electric motors for 215 hp, it’s smooth, quiet, and shockingly efficient (around 20 km/l!).

Add in its spacious interior, Honda Sensing safety features, and that unmistakable CR-V versatility, and you’ve got an SUV that appeals to families and green-conscious professionals alike. It’s the practical eco-warrior we didn’t know we needed.

• Pricing: RM195,900
• Specifications:
  • Powertrain: 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle engine combined with two electric motors, delivering a total system output of 215 hp.
  • Fuel Efficiency: Approximately 20 km/l.
  • Features: Honda Sensing safety suite, spacious interior with premium materials, and advanced infotainment system.

The CR-V Hybrid's blend of performance and efficiency has made it a popular choice among families looking to spend less on fuel consumption.

3. Haval H6 HEV

Why It Made the List: The Haval H6 HEV stormed into Malaysia’s SUV segment as a serious contender in 2024. With its bold design, advanced hybrid technology, premium features and affordable price tag, it’s a breath of fresh air in the crowded C-segment SUV market.

Packed with a turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor, it delivers impressive performance and efficiency, proving that hybrids don’t have to be boring. The H6 HEV combines luxury, tech, and sustainability, making it a standout choice for families and professionals alike.

• Pricing: RM145,000
• Specifications:
  • Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 243 hp and 530 Nm of torque.
  • Transmission: Dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT).
  • Fuel Efficiency: Approximately 20 km/l, making it one of the most efficient SUVs in its class.
  • Features: Sleek LED headlights, panoramic sunroof, 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera.

4. Proton X70 Facelift

Why It Made the List: The X70 is like that friend who’s always been reliable but just got a trendy new haircut. The facelift brought sleek styling updates and an upgraded cabin that screams value for money.

This mid-sized SUV continues to be the king of affordable luxury, balancing premium features with a wallet-friendly price. Malaysians just can’t get enough of it—and neither can we.

• Pricing: Starting from RM99,800
• Specifications:
  • Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 177 PS and 255 Nm of torque.
  • Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
  • Features: New front grille with Infinite Weave design, slimmer LED headlights, redesigned front and rear bumpers, 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, and semi-autonomous driving features like adaptive cruise control and lane centering assist.

The X70 Facelift's blend of luxury and affordability has solidified its position in the competitive SUV market.

5. Volvo EX30

Why It Made the List: The EX30 is proof that good things come in small, Scandinavian-designed packages. This compact SUV doesn’t just preach sustainability; it whispers luxury with its minimalist interior and keeps you safe with Volvo’s legendary driver-assistance tech.

It’s perfect for eco-conscious urbanites who want premium vibes without a planet-sized carbon footprint. With its 480 km range and spunky 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, it’s the Greta Thunberg of SUVs—small, mighty, and impossible to ignore.

• Pricing: Starting from RM188,888
• Specifications:
  • Powertrain: Single or twin electric motor producing up to 428 hp and 543 Nm of torque.
  • Battery: 69 kWh, offering a range of up to 480 km (WLTP).
  • Features: Advanced driver-assistance systems, sustainable interior materials, and a minimalist Scandinavian design.

The Volvo EX30 appeals to urban dwellers seeking a premium and eco-friendly driving experience.

6. MINI Cooper SE

Why It Made the List: The MINI Cooper SE is a pocket-sized revolution. It retains all the cheeky charm of its predecessor but swaps the short driving range to a longer one with an electric motor that zips from 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds.

This car screams “fun,” from its legendary go-kart handling to its iconic design. Yes, the range of up to 402km now allows the MINI SE to do road trips. It’s the ultimate urban companion and more now—stylish, practical, and very, very MINI.

• Pricing: Starting from RM193,834
• Specifications:
  • Powertrain: Electric motor delivering 218 hp and 330 Nm of torque.
  • Battery: 54.2 kWh, providing a range of up to 402 km (WLTP).
  • Performance: 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds.
  • Features: Retains classic MINI design elements with modern technology, including a digital cockpit and advanced infotainment system.

The MINI Cooper SE offers a fun and stylish electric driving experience, ideal for urban environments.

7. Peugeot 408

Why It Made the List: Imagine if a lion (Peugeot’s emblem) got a makeover from a French fashion designer—that’s the 408. With its frameless grille, sharp LED lights, and fastback styling, it’s a car that turns heads and drops jaws.

But it’s not just about looks. The 1.6L turbo engine delivers punchy performance, while the i-Cockpit interior wraps you in tech-forward luxury. This is for those who want their SUV with a dash of haute couture.

• Pricing: Starting from RM146,055
• Specifications:
  • Engine: 1.6-litre turbocharged engine producing 218 hp and 300 Nm of torque.
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic.
  • Features: Frameless grille, dynamic LED lighting, Peugeot i-Cockpit interior with a 10-inch digital instrument panel, and a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Peugeot 408’s combination of style, practicality, and cutting-edge features has made it a strong contender in Malaysia’s SUV segment, appealing to buyers looking for something different, distinctive yet functional.

8. Jaecoo J7 AWD

Why It Made the List: The J7 AWD is the SUV equivalent of a rugged adventurer in a designer suit. It can tackle off-road trails with confidence thanks to its all-wheel-drive system but is equally at home in the valet line outside a posh restaurant.

Its roomy interior, packed with premium tech, makes it ideal for adventurous families or those who just want to look the part. It’s a fresh face in Malaysia’s SUV scene, and boy, does it know how to make an entrance.

• Pricing: Starting from at RM138,800
• Specifications:
  • Engine: 1.6-litre turbocharged engine producing 197 hp and 290 Nm of torque.
  • Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.
  • Features: All-wheel drive, luxurious interior with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, and advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control and 360-degree cameras.

The Jaecoo J7 AWD’s balance of luxury, versatility, and off-road capability has positioned it as an appealing option for those seeking adventure-ready SUVs.

9. MG4 Electric

Why It Made the List: The MG4 Electric is the no-nonsense EV for the masses. It doesn’t have the flashy airs of some competitors, but it’s all about substance.

A 450 km range, competitive pricing, and practical hatchback design make it the perfect entry-level EV for budget-conscious Malaysians.

This car quietly says, “I’m smart, I’m efficient, and I’m here to electrify your commute without emptying your wallet.”

• Pricing: Starting from RM104,000
• Specifications:
  • Powertrain: Single and dual electric motor delivering up to 429 hp and 600 Nm of torque.
  • Battery: up to 77 kWh, providing a range of up to 520 km (WLTP).
  • Performance: 0-100 km/h up to  3.8 seconds.
  • Features: Sleek aerodynamic design, a high-tech cabin with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and advanced safety systems, including lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.

The MG4’s affordability, practicality, and impressive range make it a standout choice for first-time EV buyers.

10. Lotus Emira Turbo

Why It Made the List: The Emira Turbo is a love letter to petrolheads in an age of silent EVs. With a turbocharged 360 hp engine, razor-sharp handling, and a body sculpted to perfection, it’s a supercar experience without supercar pretension.

For those who crave the thrill of the open road, this isn’t just a car; it’s a ticket to driving nirvana. Lotus proves that even in a world of battery packs, there’s still room for raw, unfiltered joy.

• Pricing: Starting from RM998,800
• Specifications:
  • Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four from AMG, producing 360 hp and 430 Nm of torque.
  • Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic or 6-speed manual.
  • Performance: 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, top speed of 290 km/h.
  • Features: Lightweight chassis, luxurious interior with premium leather, a 10.25-inch infotainment system, and advanced aerodynamics.

In a world leaning toward SUVs and EVs, the Emira Turbo stands out as a tribute to old-school driving excitement, appealing to purists and enthusiasts.

Why 2024 Was a Defining Year

From the eco-friendly sophistication of the Volvo EX30 and MINI Cooper SE to the raw performance of the Lotus Emira Turbo and blend of electric and regular petrol engine from the Honda CR-V and Haval H6 Hybrids,  2024 saw Malaysia’s automotive landscape evolve rapidly.

Buyers were spoiled for choice with electric vehicles, hybrids, and versatile SUVs that met every need—whether for sustainability, luxury, or driving pleasure.

As automakers continue to innovate, these top 10 launches reflect the dynamic tastes of Malaysian car buyers and set the stage for an exciting future in the automotive industry.