Top auto news of the week: 2024 KLIMS kicks off with major debuts, Jaguar Type 00 Concept revealed globally, and more

This week was quite exciting for Malaysians as the much-anticipated 2024 Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show kicked off with a bang. The event showcases an array of exciting vehicle launches, fresh debuts, and striking concept cars. Beyond KLIMS, the international market saw the unveiling of the much-talked-about Jaguar Type 00 Concept, along with several other new models.

Here’s a quick recap of all the major happenings of the week.

2024 Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show

The event features several car launches and exciting debuts; let’s start with the launches.

Launches 

2025 Toyota Camry

UMW Toyota launched the all-new ninth-gen Camry in a single hybrid variant, priced at RM 248,800. Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture, the new Camry boasts a sporty exterior design, advanced technology and a 2.5-litre hybrid drivetrain generating a maximum power of 231 PS. The fuel efficiency is rated at 4.0 litres per 100 km.

2025 Toyota Corolla Cross

The new Toyota Corolla Cross has made its way to the local shores. It is offered in three variants - 1.8V, 1.8 HEV, and the first-ever HEV GR Sport. The latter comes with the GR Sport-exclusive exterior finishes and a specifically tuned suspension. The SUV comes in two engine options - a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder and a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder hybrid unit. The price ranges from RM 133,800 to RM 148,800.

MG Cyberster

SAIC Motor Malaysia launched the stunning Cyberster EV at KLIMS 2024. This iconic two-seater sports car is available in a sole AWD trim, priced at RM 319,900. It is a high-performance EV, equipped with a dual-motor setup offering 503 PS and 725 Nm of torque and a 0-100 km sprint time of 3.2 seconds. The EV cruises up to 446 km on a single charge thanks to a 77-kWh battery pack.

Kia Sportage

Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd has finally launched the long-awaited Kia Sportage. This C-segment SUV is offered in four variants - 2.0G 2WD, 2.0G 2WD High, 1.6T 2WD High, and 1.6T AWD High. The price begins at 147,218 and goes up to RM 186,899. It comes in two engine options - 2.0-litre naturally aspirated and 1.6-litre turbocharged.

Nissan Kicks e-POWER

After a wait of over two years, the Nissan Kicks e-POWER has finally arrived in Malaysia. It is offered in two variants - VL and VLT, priced at RM 113,800 and RM121,800. According to Nissan, the Kicks e-POWER is not a conventional hybrid or a fully electric vehicle. It features a front-mounted 129 PS/280 Nm electric motor, supported by a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine that acts solely as a generator for the 2.06 kWh battery, without driving the wheels directly.

GAC Aion ES

Malaysia welcomes a new electric sedan called the GAC Aion ES during the event. Priced at RM 106,800, it proudly takes the title of the most affordable electric sedan in the local market. Built on Aion’s AEP 2.0 platform, the ES is powered by a single front-mounted electric motor generating 136 PS and 225 Nm. It is fed by a 55.2 kWh LFP battery offering a range of 364 km (on the WLTC cycle). 

Mazda CX-5 MS Limited Edition

Bermaz Motor has launched the MS Limited Edition package for the Mazda CX-5, priced at RM 12,000. The package includes sporty upgrades like gloss black exterior finishes, 19-inch wheels, a roof spoiler, and suede upholstery inside. It is available for all CX-5 variants, with deliveries starting in 2025. 

Debuts

Proton X50 Sport Edition

Malaysia’s beloved SUV, the X50, wrapped in a sporty new avatar is also captivating enthusiasts at the ongoing Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show. Dubbed as the Proton X50 Sport Edition, this special model is based on the Premium variant and features several exclusive bits. No details on its price and availability are yet released.

Honda e:N1 EV

Honda Cars Malaysia unveiled a pure battery-electric vehicle at the show, called the Honda e:N1. Set to launch in Malaysia next year, the EV is built on Honda’s newly-developed e:N Architecture F platform and a high-rigidity body structure and under-floor aerodynamics. It is powered by a 204 hp/310 Nm front-mounted electric motor and a 68.8-kWh battery, offering a range of up to 412 km.

GAC M8 PHEV

WTC Automotif also introduced the GAC M8 at KLIMS 2024. It is a seven-seater premium MPV equipped with a  2.0-litre turbocharged plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Inspired by the Oriental Lion, the M8 boasts a powerful exterior design and a luxurious cabin with captain chairs in the second row. While no official information is available, the GAC M8 will likely hit the local shores in 2025.

Mazda CX-60

Bermaz Motor revealed the highly-anticipated Mazda CX-60 at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show 2024. It is a full-size, five-seater premium SUV that falls under the brand’s Large Product group. The CX-60 is expected to launch in Malaysia next year.

Mazda CX-80

Mazda’s booth is also captivating visitors with a preview of the CX-80. It is a 7-seater crossover SUV that slots between the CX-90 and CX-70 and underpins the brand’s new rear-wheel-drive platform. Globally, it comes in both petrol and diesel guises.

GWM TANK 500

Great Wall Motors Malaysia steals the limelight with the showcase of a robust 7-seater SUV, called the Tank 500. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid engine that generates 350 PS and 648 Nm of torque. This off-road focussed SUV comes with 11 driving modes, Tank Turn, and an off-road cruise control.

GWM WEY 80

Another new GWM model at the show is the WEY 80. It is a premium 7-seater MPV that redefines elegance and comfort. Powering the WEY 80 is a plug-in hybrid electric system generating 487 PS of maximum power and 762 Nm of torque. It offers an all-electric range of 150 km.

MG7

The MG7, a sleek fastback sedan, made an impressive debut at 2024 KLIMS. It features a stylish design and performance-oriented features. Highlights include an adaptive electric spoiler, frameless doors, a variable sport exhaust system, and red brake calipers. The model on display is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that produces 261 PS and 405 Nm of torque.

MG3 Hybrid+

Globally revealed in March this year, the MG3 Hybrid+ also made its local debut during the Kuala Lumpur show. It is a B-segment hatchback, designed by MG’s Shanghai studio. The MG3 Hybrid+ comes powered by a 1.5-litre inline four-cylinder petrol engine and a 136 PS/250 Nm electric motor, producing a total system output of 194 PS and 313 Nm.

MG ZS Hybrid+

The all-new 2025 MG ZS Hybrid+ also steals the show with its striking design featuring a full-strength hood and new “Hunter-eyes” headlights. The electrified SUV runs on a 102 PS/128 Nm 1.5-litre NA gasoline mill and a 136 PS/250 Nm e-motor, which generates a total system output of 196 PS and 465 Nm.

Peugeot e-3008

Peugeot brought the e-3008 electric SUV to the ongoing KLIMS 2024 to gauge the public’s reception towards the model. Globally revealed last year, the Peugeot e-3008 is the brand’s first model to use Stellantis' brand-new STLA Medium platform. It comes in three drivetrain options globally - a 210 hp single motor, a 230 hp single motor, and a 320 hp dual motor. The driving range goes up to 700 km with a 98 kWh battery pack.

Toyota GR Yaris facelift

The facelifted Toyota GR Yaris has also made its Malaysia debut at the show. The upgraded model features a range of cosmetic and performance improvements. It is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, touted as one of the most efficient and powerful engines in the world. The GR Yaris is expected to launch in Malaysia next year.

Concepts

Perodua eMO-II EV

The 100% Malaysia-made EV is now one step closer as Perodua unveils the new eMO-II EV concept. Unlike the eMO scale model previewed last year, it is a full-size show car that features a bold and futuristic look. Expected to launch sometime in 2025, the Perodua EV may offer a range of 400–410 km on a full charge.

Perodua Ativa Fuze

Perodua also put on display a distinctive-looking Ativa at the show, called the Ativa Fuze (Futuristic Urban Zen Experience). It is a concept vehicle kitted with some jazzy bits like eye-catching ‘X’ motif lighting elements and an illuminated logo. The SUV features a built-in PlayStation 5 integrated into the boot and connected to the screens positioned behind the front seats.

Honda Prelude Concept

Globally introduced in October 2023, the Honda Prelude Concept made its ASEAN debut at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show 2024. This striking two-door coupe previews the brand’s vision for the future of sports cars and incorporates a petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain.

Hero Motocompacto

The Motocompacto is a compact, foldable electric scooter designed for personal mobility. It offers a practical and eco-friendly solution to urban dwellers.

Honda eVTOL

The Honda eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) is a type of aircraft that uses electric power to take off, hover, and land vertically. This technology can greatly shorten travel time and provide access to locations where cars cannot go, claims Honda.

Proton S70 Concept 

Proton unveiled a special version of the S70 sedan at the show, called the S70 Concept. It is wrapped in a metallic yellow colour and features sporty upgrades like a blacked-out front grille, a larger front splitter, a gloss black roof, racing stripes, side skirts, and a rear diffuser. The S70 Concept hints at possible future R3 accessories or special editions.

Nissan Hyper Tourer Concept

Alongside launching the Kicks e-Power, Nissan also previews the Hyper Tourer concept at the KLIMS 2024. It is an all-electric minivan concept based on the essence of omotenashi (Japanese hospitality). It features a futuristic design with four seats facing each other, hinting at autonomous driving. The EV also includes V2X tech and an AI system that adjusts music and lighting based on biometric data. 

Toyota FT-3e Concept

At the 2024 Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show, Toyota showcases the FT-3e Concept. It is a battery-electric SUV with a fastback rear, offering seating for five and a sleek design based on Toyota’s BEV platform.

Toyota Hilux FCEV

Also on display is the Toyota Hilux FCEV, a hydrogen fuel-cell-powered pick-up concept. It uses components from the Toyota Mirai and features three hydrogen tanks beneath the cab and a fuel-cell stack in the engine bay.

International news

Jaguar Type 00 Concept unveiled at Miami Art Week

Jaguar has finally revealed the Type 00 Concept after the controversial rebranding. With a ‘Copy Nothing’ philosophy, this prototype model previews the brand’s upcoming production-spec 4-door GT expected to launch in late 2025. It boasts a minimalist exterior design with artistic elements and an ultra-modern interior with rotating screens. Built on Jaguar's new JEA platform, the upcoming Jaguar EV is likely to offer a range of approx 700 km.

2025 Hyundai Palisade makes world premiere

The all-new second-gen has officially made its global debut in the international market. The new Palisade features a bold new design and upgraded features.  While mechanical details are yet to be announced, market reports suggest two options - a 2.5-litre turbocharged and a 2.5-litre hybrid. The second-gen Palisade SUV is likely to hit the roads in late 2025.

2025 Honda Amaze launched in India

Honda has launched the third-gen Amaze in the Indian market. The latest version of the sub-4m sedan looks a lot similar to the Honda City in terms of style. With a starting price of Rs 8,00,000 (RM 41,772), this affordable Honda model comes powered by a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine mated to either a 5-speed manual or a CVT gearbox. 

Genesis Le Mans hypercar breaks cover

Hyundai's luxury arm, Genesis has launched its new Magma Racing division and revealed the GMR-001 race car, which is set to compete in the World Endurance Championship in 2026 and IMSA in 2027. The latest Genesis hypercar follows LMDh rules and features a carbon chassis from Oreca and hybrid components. 

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

Also read: Malaysia’s best-selling cars in 2024: A look at the top performers