Weekly wrap-up: Proton EV launch next week, 2025 Honda Civic bookings open, Xiaomi YU7 SUV revealed, and more

After witnessing a series of launches at the 2024 KLIMS last week, the Malaysian automotive arena was a bit quieter this week. While no major reveal or debut occurred, we heard some big announcements—Proton finally disclosed the e.MAS 7 launch date and Honda opened ordering books for the much-anticipated 2025 Civic facelift. In the meantime, the global auto arena also enjoyed a few big reveals. 

Here’s a recap of all the top auto news from local and global markets. 

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

Proton e.MAS 7 launching on December 16

Proton is finally ready to launch its first-ever EV, the e.MAS 7, on December 16. Co-developed with Geely, the Proton EV is fine-tuned for the local roads. It is offered in two variants - Prime and Premium with an estimated price of RM 120,000. Both trims are powered by a front-mounted electric motor tuned to make 218 PS and a peak torque of 320 Nm. Two battery options are - 49.52-kWh and 60.22-kWh battery pack, offering a driving range of up to 410 km. The e.MAS 7 is a well-equipped EV that is likely to make strong waves in Malaysia's electric vehicle market.

2025 Honda Civic facelift bookings now open

Globally revealed in May this year, the 11th-gen Honda Civic facelift is ready to make its way to the local market. Honda Malaysia has started accepting bookings for the new Civic with the launch expected to happen next month. The new Civic will be offered in two RS variants - e:HEV RS and the Petrol RS. It will feature cosmetic tweaks inside and out along with an upgraded equipment kit, including wireless Android Auto connectivity and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

Jaecoo begins Omoda C9 CKD operations

Just after launching the Omoda C9, Jaecoo Malaysia began its local assembly at the Shah Alam plant where the automaker also manufactures the Jaecoo J7. The deliveries of the  Omoda C9 CKD will commence in January 2025. The premium off-road SUV coupe is offered in two variants - 2WD and AWD, priced at RM 168,800 and RM 188,800. Both are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating a maximum power of 261 PS and a peak torque of 400 Nm. The power is sent to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

New 3S BYD centre opens in East Malaysia

The leading Chinese automaker has expanded its footprint in Malaysia with the opening of a new 3S centre in East Malaysia. Situated in Kota Kinabalu, the new BYD facility is managed by Regas EV Sabah. It spans across 1,288 sq m and offers sales, service, and spare parts to the BYD EV owners. The centre also houses two DC Super Chargers with four charging guns, capable of delivering up to 180kW of power.

Proton registers 4.7% m-o-m decrease in November 2024

Proton sold a total of 12,194 units (including export) in November this year, which showcases a dip of  4.7% over the last month. The year-to-date sales figure stands at 137,751 units, enabling the brand to keep up its second position in the Malaysian automotive market. The Saga remains Proton’s best-selling model with 5,916 units delivered in November, followed by the X50 and S70 with 1,911 units and 1,312 units, respectively.

UMW Toyota November sales report released

UMW Toyota sold a total of 8,400 units in November 2024, taking its year-to-date tally to 89,500 units. Compared to the 97,705 units in the first eleven months of 2023, the YTD 2024 figure represents a decline of 8.4%. Toyota's top-selling models in the month of November were the Vios, Hilux, and Yaris. The company also hosted the annual Toyota Skill Contest 2024 at its Shah Alam headquarters, highlighting the Toyota Technical Education Program and the brand’s commitment to carbon neutrality.

Leapmotor C10 grabs 5-star safety rating

The Leapmotor C10 recently grabbed the prestigious five-star rating in the new Euro NCAP program. The electric D-segment SUV scored 89% in Adult occupant protection, 85% in Child occupant protection, 77% in Vulnerable road users, and 76% in Safety Assist. It is a testament to the EV’s robust engineering design and safety standards. In Malaysia. The Leapmotor C10 comes in a single variant, powered by a 218 PS/320 rear-mounted electric motor and a 69.9 kWh battery pack offering a range of 424 km. The promotional price until 31 December 2024 is RM 149,000.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

2025 Aston Martin Valhalla breaks cover

Aston Martin has taken the wraps off the all-new Valhalla supercar. Designed for both road and track use, this driver-focussed machine is equipped with a 4.0-litre V8 engine and three electric motors, which produce a combined system output of 1,079 PS and 1,100 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, enabling the supercar to complete the century sprint in just 2.5 seconds. With a limited quantity of just 999 units, the Aston Martin Valhalla production will begin next year.

Xiaomi YU7 electric SUV revealed

One of the world’s largest smartphone manufacturers, Xiaomi, introduced its second EV model this week, called the YU7 SUV. Based on the earlier-revealed SU7 sedan, the latest Xiaomi EV will be available in China by July 2025. It is powered by a dual motor setup capable of generating a combined output of 691hp. As for the battery pack, the company has joined hands with China-headquartered CATL. The YU7 SUV is likely to borrow the 101kWh unit from the electric sedan, which provides a CLTC-rated range of up to 830 km.

Mitsubishi Triton wins big at Japan COTY 2024-2025

Mitsubishi Triton has bagged the prestigious “Design Car of the Year” award at the 2024-2025 Japan Car of the Year awards. Notably, it is the second consecutive win of the Japanese automaker following last year’s victory with the Delica Mini kei-car. The judging committee appreciated the exterior and interior design of the pickup truck, reflecting the brand’s effort to inspire customers toward an adventurous lifestyle. In Malaysia, the Triton comes in five variants - Single Cab, MT, AT GL, AT Premium, and Athlete with prices ranging from RM 101,980 to RM 165,980.

Toyota Urban Cruiser EV unveiled globally

Toyota introduced a new electric car in the global market, called the Urban Cruiser. It is a rebadged version of the Suzuki eVX revealed earlier this year. It will be offered in both front and all-wheel drive powertrain options mated either to a 49 kWh or 61 kWh battery pack. The upcoming Toyota EV is expected to offer a range of 550 km. 

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

 Also read: Top 8 upcoming EVs hitting the Malaysian roads In 2025