Weekly Wrap-up: Haval H6, MIni Aceman launched, BYD M6 debut confirmed, Tokyo Auto Salon KL back, and more

As we have entered the fourth quarter of the year, automakers are delivering on earlier promises with new model launches and sharing big plans for the year ahead. This past week, we witnessed the launch of the highly-awaited Haval H6 Hybrid along with the first-ever Mini Aceman EV. The electric vehicle giant BYD also remained in the headlines for its upcoming electric MPV and the new premium brand, Denza.  

If you missed tuning into Zigwheels Malaysia, we’ve got you covered with our weekly wrap-up of the top auto news from local and global markets. So, let’s get started.

Malaysia automotive market: Key launches and updates

Haval H6 Hybrid launched

The highly-awaited Haval H6 Hybrid has finally made its way to the Malaysian roads this week. One of the best-selling Haval SUVs globally, the H6, is offered as a locally assembled model in Malaysia. It is a C-segment SUV rivalling the likes of the Proton X70, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-5. The hybrid SUV is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine combined with Dedicated Hybrid Transmission. The setup kicks out a total system output of 243 hp and 530 Nm. The price tag reads RM 139,800 (on the road, without insurance).

2024 MIni Aceman launched

Mini has launched the first-ever Aceman in the Malaysian market. It is an electric crossover that is being offered in a sole SE trim. The new Aceman SE slots between the Cooper SE and Countryman SE and retails for RM 213,888 (on the road without insurance). It is powered by a front-mounted electric motor generating a maximum power of  218 PS and a peak torque of 330 Nm. Feeding the e-motor is a 54.2 kWh NCM battery pack, which lets the EV cruise up to 406 km on a single charge. With the help of 95 kW DC charging, the battery juices up from 10 to 80% in just 30 minutes.

BYD set to launch Denza brand in Malaysia

BYD is set to introduce its new premium sub-brand, Denza, on the Malaysian shore. While the distribution of BYD cars is taken care of by Sime Darby Motors, the Denza cars will be sold directly through the automaker’s fully-owned subsidiary called BYD Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. However, Sime Darby’s subsidiary, Sime Darby Auto Imports Sdn. Bhd. will manage the import of Denza vehicles in the local market. The first Denza vehicle to launch in Malaysia is said to be the all-electric MPV, the D9, which offers a driving range of up to 580 km on the NEDC cycle.

Proton rolls out Year-End Vaganza promo

Proton has rolled out its Year-End Vaganza campaign, running from October 1 to December 31. It offers special promotions, and rebates, as well as an exciting chance to win a brand-new Proton S70 every month. As for participation, interested folks need to visit any authorised Proton dealership to take a test drive of any Proton car before December 31. Customers who test drive any model can win up to RM 2,500 in cash, however, those who book and register a new Proton vehicle during the campaign can participate in the lucky draw for the grand prize i.e. Proton S70. The total prize pool of the campaign is worth an impressive RM 254,000.

BYD M6 gets a launch date

The Chinese automaker BYD is set to launch its new electric vehicle in Malaysia on October 15, 2024. While the name of the EV has not yet been officially announced, the teaser images apparently reveal that it is none other than the M6. The BYD M6 is a three-row electric MPV measuring 4,710 mm in length, 1,810 mm in width, and 1,690 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,800 mm. In the neighbouring markets, the EV comes in two battery packs - 55.4 kWh or 71.8 kWh Blade battery options offering an NEDC-rated range of up to 530 km.

Perodua teases a new black SUV 

Perodua is geared up to introduce a new black SUV for “black car lovers” in Malaysia. The automaker teased the upcoming model on its social media handle, which showcased a sleek black silhouette suggesting that it is the Perodua Aruz. However, it is yet to confirm whether it is just a colour upgrade or includes additional enhancements. First introduced in 2019, the seven-seater Perodua SUV received a subtle upgrade in 2021. It comes in two variants - X and AV, both are powered by the same 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i NA four-cylinder engine kicking out a maximum power of 102 PS and 133 Nm of peak torque. The price begins at RM 72,900 and goes up to RM 77,900. 

UMW Toyota records 9% dip in sales in September 2024

UMW Toyota sold a total of 7,700 units in September 2024, which represents a decline of 9% compared to the 8,500 units sold in August 2024. The automaker’s best-selling models were - Vios, Hilux, and Corolla Cross which collectively accounted for 69% of the brand’s total sales. So far in 2024, UMW Toyota has made a total deliveries of 72,000 units, which is 5.9% lower than the 76,511 units sold during the first nine months of 2023.

Ducati Multistrada V4 RS launched

Ducati Malaysia introduced a new sport-touring motorcycle this week, called the Multistrada V4 RS. Targeting performance lovers, the new Ducati bike is powered by a 1,103-cc MotoGP-derived Desmosedici Stradale V-four engine kicking a maximum power of 180 hp and a peak torque of 118 Nm. It features a titanium subframe and a striking Iceberg White livery with MotoGP-inspired graphics. The Ducati Multistrada V4 RS is priced at RM 285,900.

Affordable Aveta VTM 250 adventure bike introduced

Aveta Malaysia has expanded its diverse lineup with the launch of an all-new adventure bike, called the VTM 250. It is offered in two variants - LX and M, affordably priced at RM 12,988 and RM 13,388, respectively. The LX is built for enduro riders who enjoy off-road adventures while the LM is a supermoto-style commuter bike for everyday use. The bikes feature different ground clearance levels and wheel sizes but share the same 250-cc single-cylinder SOHC engine, delivering 18.8 hp of maximum power and 18 Nm of peak torque.

Leapmotor International begins Asia Pacific rollout 

The Stellantis-Leapmotor joint venture, Leapmotor International, has shipped the first batch of C10 from Shanghai, marking a major milestone for EVs in the Asia Pacific. The Leapmotor C10 is the brand's first global offering that will hit Malaysian roads in the fourth quarter of the year. It is a sleek and premium EV built on the Leap 3.0 modular platform and features an in-house developed 69.9 kWh battery pack, offering a range of 420 km on a single charge. 

Tokyo Auto Salon is back

The Tokyo Auto Salon is set to make a return to Kuala Lumpur this November. It will be held at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre from 8-10 November 2024. The grand event will feature over 300 tuned cars, including 15 special vehicles flown in from Japan. Along with the exciting displays, participants will enjoy car club gatherings, drifting demos, and displays by iconic tuners like Top Secret, Veilside, and Trust/Greddy. Tickets are priced at RM 60 per day or RM 120 for a 3-day pass.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

McLaren W1 debuts as the brand’s most powerful hypercar ever

McLaren has unveiled its latest hypercar, the W1, which marks a significant addition to the world of high-performance automobiles. The new McLaren W1 is touted as the most powerful and fastest-accelerating road-going McLaren hypercar ever. It is equipped with a hybrid drivetrain combining a 4.0-litre MHP-8 twin-turbo V8  engine and an electric E-module. The setup delivers a whopping output of 1,275 PS and 1,340 Nm of torque. The car runs from 0-100 kmph in just 2.7 seconds, 0-200 kmph in 5.8 seconds, and 0-300 kmph in less than 12.7 seconds. Priced at £2.0 million (RM 11.2 million), the quantity is limited to just 399 units, all of which have already been spoken for.

2025 Mini Cooper Convertible breaks cover

The new-generation Mini Cooper Convertible made its global debut this week. Said to be the last new Mini with a petrol engine, the new Cooper Convertible features a fully automatic roof that takes 18 seconds to open and 15 seconds to close. The drop-top Cooper is offered in three trim levels - Classic with 16-inch wheels and a black cloth dashboard; Exclusive, with 17-inch wheels and a beige cloth dashboard; and Sport with 18-inch wheels and a bold body kit inspired by the John Cooper Works model.

2024 Toyota Camry launched in Thailand

After Singapore, the ninth-gen Toyota Camry is now up for grabs in Thailand. It is offered in three variants - Smart, Premium, and Premium Luxury with pricing starting from THB 1,450,000 (approx RM 186k). The new-gen model comes with aesthetic changes and other significant updates. It underpins the brand’s TNGA platform and features a retuned suspension for sharper handling. Powering the new Camry is a 2.5-litre Dynamic Force Hybrid engine that delivers a total output of 227 PS. 

2025 Mazda BT-50 facelift debut set for October 18

First introduced in 2020, the Mazda BT-50 pickup is set to receive its first facelift in four years. Mazda has released a teaser for the upcoming version, confirming its debut on October 18, 2024. The new BT-50 is expected to get a fresh exterior and interior design, along with improved technology, safety features, and added functionality. It is based on the Isuzu D-Max, which received an upgrade last year.

Rolls-Royce Ghost facelift revealed

Rolls Royce has introduced the upgraded version of the Ghost, featuring subtle cosmetic tweaks and a lot more customisation options for the interior. It includes new materials like Grey Stained Ash and Duality Twill options, along with a revised glass panel, a colour-matched digital display, improved In-car connectivity, and wireless headphones connectivity for the rear infotainment system. The new Ghost is powered by the same 6.75-litre V12 twin-turbocharged engine, which now offers quicker gear changes.

That's a wrap for now. For all the latest updates on the automotive industry, stay tuned with us.

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