Weekly wrap-up: Jaecoo J8 previewed, Aion Hyptec HT EV teased, Next-gen Nissan Leaf revealed and more

The Malaysian automotive industry was a bit quiet this week with no major launches and fewer announcements and activities. Still, Jaecoo previewed the J8 SUV and GAC-owned Aion teased the Hyptec HT EV, keeping some buzz alive in the market. The global arena, on the other hand, saw the unveiling of the third-gen Nissan Leaf, along with several other new models.

In case you missed out on any of that, we have covered you with this quick recap of important auto news of the week. So let’s get started.

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

Jaecoo J8 debuts in Malaysia

Jaecoo previewed its latest model, the J8, in Malaysia this week. Part of the brand’s fast-growing SUV lineup, the Jaecoo J8 is a D-segment SUV that will be offered in two variants locally - J8 2WD and J8 AWD. The former incorporates five seats spread across two rows while the latter gets six seats (2-2-2 layout). Both variants are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating a maximum power of 249 PS and a peak torque of 385 Nm. Set to compete against the Proton X90 and Kia Sorento, the upcoming Jaecoo J8 is expected to be priced between RM 195,000 and RM 220,000.

Aion Hyptec HT EV teased ahead of launch

GAC’s sub-brand Aion is set to expand its lineup in Malaysia with the launch of a new electric SUV, the Hyptec HT. The automaker dropped the first teaser of the EV this week, highlighting some of its key standout features. The Hyptec HT is a fastback electric SUV based on the automaker’s AEP3.0 third-gen electric platform. It comes powered by a single 340 PS/430 Nm e-motor and an 83.3 kWh Magazine battery in neighbouring markets (Thailand and Indonesia). The EV cruises up to 600 km on a single charge.

Proton e.MAS 7 makes its international debut

After shaking up the local EV market, the Proton e.MAS 7 has made its international debut, with Nepal being the first country to receive it. Jagdamba Motors Pvt Ltd is Proton’s authorized distributor in Nepal, which offers the EV in two trims - Prime and Premium variants, similar to the ones we have here. The price begins at NPR 5.699 million (approx RM183k) and goes up to NPR 6.799 million (approx RM 219k). After Nepal, the e.MAS 7 will make its way to Trinidad & Tobago, Singapore, and Mauritius.

2025 Honda X-ADV launched in Malaysia at RM 70k

Boon Siew Honda has rolled out the upgraded version of the X-ADV for the model year 2025. Priced at RM 69,999, the new Honda X-ADV features sharper and more aggressive bodywork and comes equipped with new dual LED projector headlights, a redesigned windshield (with 3-step adjustment), a cruise control system, and a new 5-inch full-colour TFT screen mated to Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity. It is powered by a 745-cc parallel twin-cylinder Euro5-compliant engine tuned to make 57.8 hp at 6,750 rpm and 69 Nm at 4,750 rpm. Four colour options are - Matte Deep Mud Gray, Pearl Glare White, Graphite Black, and Matte Goldfinch Yellow.

Boon Siew Honda appoints a new CEO in Malaysia

Boon Siew Honda has appointed Mr. Kunitomo Asano as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. He succeeds Mr. Mitsuharu  Funase, who has now taken the role of General Manager of the Motorcycle Race Division at Honda Racing Corporation. Asano has a 20-year-long career in the motorcycle industry, 10 years in Japan, and another 10 years in international markets, including Thailand, India, and Malaysia.

Toyota Eco Youth 2025 registration now opens 

UMW Toyota Motor has geared up for the 24th edition of the Toyota Eco Youth programme. It has officially opened registration for this year’s initiative, in association with the Ministry of Education. The 2025 TEY will feature 30 schools and each selected school will get a RM 3,000 grant, totalling RM 90,000, to initiate their sustainability projects. Participants will also be rewarded.

2025 BMW C400 X and C400 GT arrives in Malaysia

BMW Motorrad Malaysia has launched the all-new 2025 BMW C400 X and C400 GT. The latest models benefit from new features, accessories, technical improvements and colours. The 2025 BMW C 400 X is priced at RM 47,500, and the 2025 BMW C 400 GT costs RM 53,500. Key specs are as follows -

Specs	BMW C 400 X	BMW C 400 GT
Engine	350cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled
Power output	34 hp at 7,500 rpm
Torque	35 Nm at 5,750 rpm
Instrument display	6.5-inch TFT display with BMW Motorrad Connected App integration	10.25-inch TFT display with Connectivity Pro, offering split-screen functionality and built-in navigation
Safety	ABS Pro, Dynamic Brake Control, Dynamic Traction Control, Engine Drag Torque Control
Storage capacity	Under-seat storage increased by 3 liters	Under-seat storage increased by 12 liters
Colour	“Rugged" variant with Kalamata metallic matte finish	"Exclusive" variant with Diamond White metallic paint
Seat height	775 mm	765 mm
Additional accessories	Compatible with a new 43.5-litre top case accessory, featuring interior lighting and USB charging ports

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

All-new third-gen Nissan Leaf revealed globally

Nissan has pulled the wraps off the third-gen Leaf in the global market. The generational upgrade has transformed the conventional electric hatchback into a stylish, high-riding crossover SUV. It is based on the brand’s modular CMF-EV platform, which also underpins the Ariya. The EV gets a new three-in-one electric drive unit and “significant range improvements over the previous generation.” The new Nissan Leaf is expected to hit the global showrooms in the second half of 2025.

Denza N9 EV launched in China

BYD-owned Denza continues to expand in its home market, China, with the launch of its new model, the Denza N9. It is a large luxury SUV, offered in both plug-in hybrid and pure-electric versions. The N9 is equipped with BYD’s e3 “Yisanfang” technology, which enables advanced features like a crab walk, tank turn, and high-speed tyre burst stability control. Other key highlights of the hi-tech EV include - a 17.3-inch 2.5K infotainment unit, a 13.2-inch 2.5K co-pilot display, a 50-inch augmented reality head-up display, a 26-speaker Devialet sound system, a 17.3-inch rear ceiling screen, intelligent vehicle-mounted drone system, and "God’s Eye B" (DiPilot 300) ADAS pack. Currently exclusive to China, the Denza N9 price starts at CNY 389,800 (approx RM 237,774).

Honda e:N1 electric SUV launched in Thailand

The Malaysia-bound Honda e:N1 electric SUV made its way to the Thai market this week. Fully imported from Dongfeng Honda's facility in China, the e:N1 is priced at THB 1,199,000 (approximately RM 156,500). At its core lies a robust electric motor, producing a maximum power of 204 PS and a peak torque of 310 Nm. The motor is fed by a 68.8 kWh battery, offering a driving range of up to 500 km (under the NEDC testing standard).

Mazda 6e makes ASEAN debut at 2025 Bangkok Motor Show

One of the several exciting models displayed at the 2025 Bangkok Motor Show is the Mazda 6e. It is the global twin of the Mazda EZ-6, which went on sale in China in October last year. The EV features an 80 kWh battery pack that delivers 552 km of range and a ‘fast charge’ technology, allowing it to get charged from 30-80% in just 15 minutes. No more details have yet been revealed.

BYD Shark 6 bookings open in Thailand

BYD has started accepting bookings for its electrified pickup in the Land of Smiles, called the Shark 6 (called as the Shark in other markets). With a length of 5,457 mm, a width of 1,917 mm, and a height of 1,925 mm, the BYD Shark 6 rivals the likes of the Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max, and Ford Ranger. The plug-in hybrid pick-up truck is expected to go on sale later this year at an estimated price of THB 1,699,900 (about RM 221k), The availability will be capped at 500 units, as per reports.

Aston Martin Vanquish Volante breaks cover

Aston Martin has unveiled the all-new Vanquish Volante as its most powerful convertible model to date. This drop-top flagship model features a fabric top, operated by a K-fold mechanism; it can be opened in 14 seconds and closed in 16 seconds. Powering the new Vanquish Volante is the same twin-turbo 5.2-litre V12 engine as the Vanquish coupe. It kicks out 835 hp of maximum power and 1,000 Nm of torque, helping the convertible to hit the century sprint in 3.4 seconds (0.1 seconds slower than the coupe).

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

Also read: Asiabike Jakarta 2025: SEA's premier electric mobility show returns