Weekly wrap-up: 2025 Volvo EX30 CKD bookings open, Hyundai Creta EV revealed globally, Toyota Hilux Travo trademarked, and more

As the calendar flipped to a new year, the automotive arena was quiet this week with no major launches. However, a couple of two-wheelers' arrival and significant updates about the Volvo EX30 and the Volkswagen Touareg R-Line kept the show running in the local market. On the other hand, the international auto industry witnessed the reveal of the much-anticipated Hyundai Creta EV and some exciting scoops on the upcoming models.

If you have missed tuning into ZigWheels Malaysia, we have got you covered in our weekly wrap of top auto news.

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

Locally-assembled Volvo EX30 now open for bookings

After the sold-out success of the imported EX30 launched in September 2024, Volvo Car Malaysia is now ready to introduce the locally assembled version of the EV. The Volvo EX30 CKD is now open for bookings in the country with deliveries slated to begin in the second week of January. 

The locally assembled model is offered in two trims—Ultra and Ultra Twin Performance—with prices starting at RM 208,888 and RM 228,888, respectively. The former is powered by a 276 PS/343 Nm rear-mounted electric motor, while the latter comes with a 434 PS/543 Nm AWD dual motor setup. The motors are fed by a 69 kWh NMC battery pack, offering a range of up to 476 km. 

2025 Volkswagen Touareg R-Line price confirmed

Volkswagen has revised the Touareg R-Line pricing in Malaysia. This German SUV is now priced at RM 384,972 (on the road without insurance) with a 2-year, unlimited-mileage warranty and RM 402,272 with the Volkswagen Assurance Package. The latter includes an extended warranty of 5-year/unlimited-mileage and a 5-year maintenance package. Compared to the previous price tag, the brand’s flagship SUV is now RM 69,300 dearer (without VAP), thanks to enhanced local operations and favourable market conditions enabling significant cost efficiencies. The Touareg R-Line is locally assembled at the Hicom plant in Pekan, Pahang.

Zontes 368G scooter goes on sale in Malaysia

The adventure scooter segment in Malaysia welcomed a new player this week, called the Zontes 368G. It is locally built at Jitra, Kedah at Zontest's CKD assembly plant and priced at RM 28,800. Included in the price is a 2-year or 20,000 km manufacturing warranty. The scooter is powered by a 368-cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine generating a maximum power of 38 hp and a peak torque of 40 Nm. It features a class-leading design inspired by Gundam, with advanced electronics and comfort. The automaker has collected 1,000 bookings for the scooter so far.

Zeeho AE8 S+ e-scooter up for grabs

Another scooter that enters the Malaysian automotive arena this week is the Zeeho AE8 S+. However, unlike the Zontes 368G, this is an electric scooter, priced at RM 18,888 (on the road without insurance). It is powered by a mid-mounted electric motor delivering 17 PS of maximum power.  The motor is fed by a 69-volt, 27-Ah lithium-ion battery offering a range of 100 km (WMTC). The scooter runs from zero to 50 kmph in 2.6 seconds and attains a maximum speed of 100 km/h. 

Other key highlights include - 3 riding modes (Eco, Street and Sport), Two-channel ABS, 12-inch wheels and a 5-inch TFT console. The new Zeeho e-scooter is imported through CFMoto Malaysia and comes in two colour options - Starship Silver and Eclipse Silver. 

Proton eMAS 7 grabs over 2500 bookings

Launched on December 16, Proton’s first-ever EV, the eMAS 7, has garnered much attention and love from customers. The proof lies in the booking numbers with more than 2500 buyers reserving the EV so far. The eMAS 7 is offered in two variants - Prime and Premium, priced at RM 109,800 and RM 123,800, respectively. The early bird promo (available for the first 3000 buyers) offers a RM 4,000 discount and a launch package worth RM 8,000. The EV is powered by the world’s leading 12-in-1 intelligent electric propulsion system and a 49.52 kWh or 60.22 kWh Geely’s Aegis blade battery pack offering a range of 410 km.

Bermaz Auto to distribute Deepal EVs in Malaysia

One of China’s largest state-owned carmakers, Changan Automobile, is all set to enter the Malaysian automotive market with its subsidiary Deepal. Bermaz Changan Sdn Bhd. a subsidiary of Bermaz Auto, will take care of the sales and distribution of Deepal EVs in Malaysia. Among the first Deepal models to arrive in the local market are - Deepal S05 and Deepal S07, which are expected to be imported from Thailand.

Moda Sporter-S arrives in Malaysia

A new 250 cc scooter, the Moda Sporter-S, made its way to Malaysia this week. Priced at RM17,888, the model is powered by a 244-cc Euro-4 compliant, single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine which dishes out 24.8 hp of maximum power at 8,500 rpm and 22.5 Nm of peak torque at 6,500 rpm. The Moda Sporter-S is available in two colours - Sporty Red and Meteor Grey. Other key features include - a 6.3-inch TFT-LCD display (with Bluetooth connectivity), LED lighting, keyless start, USB charging port, hydraulic discs, two-channel ABS, traction control, and tyre pressure monitoring.

Ford Raptor Rev event postponed to February 22-23

SDAC-Ford has postponed the “Ford Raptor Rev” event, initially scheduled for January 11 and 12, 2025. Touted as Malaysia’s first premier off-road event, this two-day event will now be held between February 22-23, 2025 at Sepang Circuit’s Bay 13. The postponement is aimed at ensuring a smoother and more inclusive experience for everyone attending. Designed specifically for Ranger Raptor owners, this exciting off-road experience event offers participants a one-of-its-kind opportunity to experience the full power of their pickup trucks in a secure, off-road environment.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Hyundai Creta Electric revealed in India

The much-anticipated Hyundai Creta EV has finally been revealed in the Indian market ahead of its official premiere at the 2024 Bharat Mobility Show starting from January 17. Being one of the best-selling SUVs in the region, the CretaElectric is ready to give tough competition to big names like Mahindra 06, Tata Curvv, and the upcoming Suzuki eVitara. It will come in two different battery packs - 42kWh and 51.4kWh offering a range of 390 km and 473 km (on the ARAI testing cycle). In terms of appearance, the electric SUV distinguishes itself from the ICE-powered model with mild visual tweaks.

Jetour T2 i-DM hybrid SUV launched in Qatar

Unveiled at the Jeddah International Motor Show, the Jetour T2 i-DM hybrid SUV has now been launched in Qatar. It is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine and two electric motor setups, combined producing 380 hp of maximum power and 610 Nm of peak torque. On the WLTP cycle, it offers a driving range of over 1,000 km with an all-electric range of 70 km. The Jetour T2 i-DM price in Qatar starts at QAR 149,000, which is equivalent to RM 183,000.

New Baojun electrified sedan breaks cover 

GM-owned Baojun has unveiled its first flagship sedan, the Xiang Jing (Enjoy Territory) in two different versions - plug-in hybrid and pure electric. The former combines a 141-hp 1.5-litre turbocharged engine and a smaller battery delivering a CLTC range of approx 100 km. The Xiang Jing EV, on the other hand, comes with a 249-hp electric motor and a lithium iron phosphate battery, offering a top speed of 106 mph. In terms of design, the electrified sedan boasts a sharp styling with the Porsche Taycan-inspired front fascia, flush door handles, and a panoramic roof. 

BYD records  41.3% sales growth in 2024

China’s largest EV maker, BYD, ended the year with record-breaking sales numbers. The automaker sold a total of 4,272,145 units globally during the twelve months, which marks an impressive growth of 41.3% compared to the last year. The total sales includes - 1.76 million EVs, 2.49 million PHEVs, and 21,775 commercial vehicles. The company’s exports also witnessed a surge of approx 72%, reaching 417,204 in 2024.

Toyota Hilux Travo trademarked in Thailand

Toyota recently trademarked the name Hilux Travo in Thailand, which is speculated to be the next generation of the popular pickup truck. The new model is expected to get significant cosmetic tweaks and advanced technology features with the mechanical setup likely to have the ongoing turbodiesel mills, meeting Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards. The Toyota Hilux Travo is speculated to arrive in the second half of 2025. Close to home, the Hilux is Malaysia’s best-selling pickup truck with over 22,000 units sold in 2024.

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

Also read: Top 7 fastest cars launched in 2024