Top auto news of the week: 2023 Toyota Vios, 2023 Peugeot Landtrek, Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition launched, Honda WR-V arrival confirmed, and more

Last week was an exciting time for local car enthusiasts as the much-anticipated second-generation Toyota Vios has finally launched in Malaysia. It was followed by a few other exciting arrivals, including the 2023 Peugeot Landtrek pickup, Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition supercar, and BMW XM plug-in hybrid SUV. In the meantime, the global auto industry also had several noteworthy reveals and updates about upcoming models. In case you missed out on any of that, we've got you covered in our quick recap of all the major auto news of the week. 

2023 Toyota Vios launched: UMW Toyota has launched the latest generation of its popular sedan, the Vios, this week. The new iteration is offered in two variants - E and G, priced at RM 89,600 and RM 96,000, respectively. Both are powered by the same 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated dual-VVT-i mill that kicks out 106 PS of a maximum power of 138 Nm of peak torque. The power is sent to the wheels via a new CVT gearbox. Standard equipment kit includes LED headlamps, LED DRLS, LED tail lights, 16-inch wheels, 9-inch head unit, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, wireless phone charger, six airbags, and several advanced driver-assistance gears. 

2023 Peugeot Landtrek launched: Marking the debut of the Peugeot Landtrek in the ASEAN region is its arrival in the Malaysian market this week. The latest French pickup is offered in a single Allure trim, carrying a price tag of RM 120,072. It is powered by a 1.9-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine that generates 150 hp at 4,000 rpm and 350 Nm at 1,800-2,800 rpm. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, a part-time 4WD system, and a mechanical rear differential lock. Parts of the equipment kit are LED headlights with signature illumination, 18-inch alloy wheels, DRLs, fog lights, a 10-inch head unit, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster, Lane departure warning, and more.

Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition launched: Aston Martin has introduced the Vantage F1® Edition in Malaysia this week, which marks the brand’s return to Formula 1®. Positioned at the top of the Vantage lineup, the latest model is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that is capable of generating a maximum of 535 PS and a peak torque of 685 Nm. The supercar retails for RM 978,000 (before duties, taxes, and additional customisation). 

BMW XM debuts: After announcing the official pricing for the XM plug-in hybrid SUV back in January, BMW has now previewed its first-ever plug-in hybrid M car in Malaysia. Priced at RM 1,398,800 (inclusive of extended warranty package), the XM is a high-performance luxury SUV, powered by a combination of a 4.4-litre twinpower turbo V8 engine and a high-performance electric motor, together making 653 PS and 800 Nm. With more than 10 bookings currently in hand, the automaker will launch the SUV in June this month. 

Honda Malaysia detailed its 2023 product plan: Honda Malaysia has detailed its 2023 product plan, which includes the launch of several new and updated models, the discontinuation of the BR-V, and strategies for making the customer experience better. The former includes the WR-V, which will be making its Malaysian debut in the third quarter of the year. It will be the brand’s entry-level SUV replacing the BR-V in the local lineup. Other upcoming Honda models could be the sixth-generation Honda CR-V, the new Honda Civic Type R, and the City facelift.

Aveta VADV150 Hybrid launched: The local bikemaker Aveta introduced Malaysia's first-ever Smart Hybrid Scooter - the Aveta VADV150, this week. Priced at RM 13,980, the new Aveta scooter comes equipped with a 149-cc single, 4-valve, SOHC, liquid-cooled hybrid engine that delivers a maximum power of 16.22 hp along with a peak torque of 14.6 Nm. It is offered in three colour options - Yellow Topaz, Blue Sapphire, and Red Ruby.

CFMoto 450SR launched: Another recent addition to Malaysia’s two-wheeler industry is the CFMoto 450SR. Offering a perfect combination of style and premium features, the latest CFMoto bike is kitted with a 5-inch TFT instrument display, smartphone connectivity, switchable ABS, Brembo M40 brake callipers, and USB charging. Power comes from a 450-cc parallel-twin DOHC engine making 50 hp at 9,500 rpm and 39 Nm of torque at 7,600 rpm. The CFMoto 450SR price tag reads RM 28,888.

Blueshark R Series e-scooters launched: Blueshark also launched its brand new Blues Kark R Series in Malaysia this week. It includes two e-scooters - R1 and R1 Lite, priced at RM 9,390 and RM 7,190, respectively. Both come with swappable dual batteries with a combined capacity of 2880wh, offering a total driving range of 110 km. Also part of the setup is a high-speed permanent magnet electric motor that churns out 201 Nm of torque. The top speed is rated at 80 kmph.

Mitsubishi opens new outlets in Alor Star and Langkawi: In association with its dealer partner JM Auto Gallery, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, has launched a new 3S centre in Langkawi and a newly-relocated 3S outlet in Alor Setar, Kedah. Both feature Mitsubishi’s latest brand identity and offer modern amenities to its customers, which include a comfortable lounge, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a kids' corner.

International news 

2023 Bangkok International Motor Show kicked off: The 44th edition of the Bangkok International Motor Show has kicked off in Thailand with all pomp and show, previewing several latest models. These comprise - 2023 Ford Ranger Stormtrak (a sportier trim of the Ranger Wildtrak featuring exclusive styling and additional equipment), Mitsubishi XRT concept (previews the upcoming all-new Triton), BYD Dolphin EV (earmarked to launch in Malaysia soon), all-new Peugeot 408, all-new Lexus all-new RZ 450e, and latest-gen Honda Civic Type R, and the highly-awaited new Honda CR-V.

Kia EV5 concept revealed: Kia revealed a new smaller Kia concept, called the EV5, during the recently held Chinese EV Day. The new model is a 5-seater iteration of the bigger EV9 SUV and previews the automaker’s global electrification strategy. It will first launch in China, followed by other global markets later in the future.

2023 Toyota GR86 10th Anniversary Edition launched in Australia: The Australian market welcomed the 10th Anniversary Edition of the Toyota GR86 this week. Limited to just 86 units, the special GR86 features an exclusive Solar Orange exterior colour and orange and black interior accents. It is offered in both manual and automatic versions, both priced at AUD 46,700 (approx RM 139k). 

2023 Mini Clubman Final Edition debuts: Mini bids adieu to its beloved station wagon, the Clubman, with the introduction of the 2023 Mini Clubman Final Edition. Limited to just 1969 units, the special car pays homage to its roots and comes with special colour schemes, Shimmer Copper accents, unique split rear doors, and exclusive ‘Final Edition" and "1 of 1969" badges positioned inside and out. Pricing for the Mini Clubman Final Edition in the UK starts at £37,000 (RM 201,733).

That’s all for the week. For further exciting updates on the automotive industry, stay tuned with us.

Also read: 2023 Toyota Vios: Variants explained