Weekly wrap-up: 2024 Honda City Hatchback, 2024 Isuzu D-Max launched, BAIC BJ40 and X55 II previewed, and more

This week, the Malaysian automotive scene witnessed its fair share of buzz, as notable launches and debuts took centre stage. Honda Malaysia launched the highly-anticipated City Hatchback facelift while Isuzu introduced the D-Max facelift. Additionally, China’s BAIC entered the local market with a promising debut, showcasing the rugged BJ40 and the sophisticated X55 II. In the meantime, some significant reveals also took place in the international arena as well. 

Here’s a quick recap of all major happenings in the global automotive sector in case you missed them.

Local news

2024 Honda City Hatchback launched

Honda launched the facelifted City Hatchback in Malaysia this week. Just like earlier, the new version is also offered in five variants - S, E, V, RS, and e:HEV RS, priced between RM 85,900 and RM 112,900. The upgraded hatchback boasts a refreshed exterior design, featuring a new grille, redesigned fog light housings, and a honeycomb-patterned lower intake. The minor interior changes include blacked-out air-con vents and steering wheel trims, with enhanced safety features. The powertrain options remain the same as earlier.

2024 Isuzu D-Max launched

Isuzu also introduced the D-Max facelift this week in Malaysia. It is offered in five variants - Single Cab, Standard, Auto Plus, Premium, and X-Terrain. The pickup received significant exterior updates, including a new front grille design, redesigned headlights and taillights, and new wheel options. Inside, it received new equipment such as a 7-inch e-Lumax Multi-Information Display and a 10-inch infotainment head unit. The upgraded version is offered in two inline-four turbo diesel engines - a 1.9-litre and a 3.0-litre.

BAIC made its debut in Malaysia

The Chinese carmaker, BAIC, has made its official entry in Malaysia with the launch of its first showroom at Wisma Consplant 1 and the preview of two SUVs - the X55 II and the BJ40 Plus. The BAIC X55 II is a C-segment SUV, which will be offered in two variants - Standard and Premium with an estimated price starting at RM 12x,xxx. The BAIC BJ40 Plus, on the other hand, is an off-road SUV set to arrive in a sole trim with an estimated price ranging from RM 180k to RM 190k. Both BAIC SUVs will be locally assembled at the EP Manufacturing plant in Melaka, with deliveries slated to begin in Q4 2024.

New Perodua EV debut soon

Perodua is set to reveal an electrified car at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024, which will take place from May 22 to May 26, 2024. The automaker released a teaser on its social media handle displaying a hatchback car equipped with an electrified drivetrain. Details about whether the upcoming Perodua model will be new or based on an existing one have not been disclosed yet.

smart Malaysia previews the #3 

At a recently held three-day event, smart Malaysia introduced the all-electric #3 SUV coupe. The event aimed to showcase the EV's capabilities and offer a close-up view of its design and performance. The smart #3 will make its public debut at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024. Upon launching, it will be available in four versions: Pro+, Pulse AWD, Premium, and limited-edition Brabus Performance.

SDAC Ford teases the new Ranger pickup variant

The sole distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion, will introduce a new special Ranger pickup on May 30. It teased the upcoming pickup truck on its official website with a caption that reads, “It’s time to weather the Storm,” hinting at the arrival of the Ford Ranger Stormtrak, which made its regional in Thailand last year. The Ranger Stormtrak is a sportier trim of the Ranger Wildtrak equipped with additional equipment and features.

New GAC Motor showroom opens in Cyberjaya

GAC Motor has expanded its reach in Malaysia with the launch of a new showroom in Cyberjaya, Selangor. Managed by Evo Cartech Sdn. Bhd, the new outlet spans across 4,434 sq ft. It is the first GAC showroom in the Klang Valley managed by a third-party dealership, with others operated by the official distributor WTC Automotif (M) Sdn. Bhd. The new centre showcases the newly launched GS3 EmZoom SUV and offers its test drives as well.

Proton EON Banting 3S Centre opens in Selangor

DRB-Hicom's wholly-owned subsidiary, EON has opened its revamped Proton 3S centre in Banting, Selangor. The upgraded centre, which previously operated only as a showroom, now offers sales, after-sales service, and spare parts replacement. It spans an area of 18,775 sq ft, including a spacious display area and a service centre with ten service bays.

International news

2024 Honda Freed MPV debuts in Japan

The all-new third-generation Honda Freed has made its way to the Japanese market. The upgraded MPV comes in two versions - Air and Crosstar. The former has a simple and practical appearance with horizontal lines while the latter features a more rugged look with sportier elements. Set to launch in June this year, the new Freed will be offered in two powertrain options - a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine and an e:HEV hybrid setup combining a 1.5-litre petrol unit and two electric motors.

2024 Kia EV6 facelift unveiled globally

Kia has introduced the upgraded version of the EV6 in the global market. The revamped EV gets cosmetic changes like new ‘Star Map Signature Lighting’ adaptive headlights and a “wing-shaped” bumper. The interior gains a new dashboard pattern and an updated panoramic curved display powered by Hyundai Motor Group's new 'ccNC' software. Another important upgrade is a bigger battery pack, which offers 19 km more range than the previous version.

BYD Shark PHEV revealed in Mexico

BYD has revealed its first pickup truck, the Shark, in Mexico as part of its 'Ocean Series.' It is equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine and a DMO (dual-mode off-road) system, producing a total output of 435 hp. The pickup features a bold design and hi-tech cabin featuring a 12.8-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch instrumentation screen.

2025 Bentley Continental GT first images out

Bentley has unveiled the first images and details of its next-gen Continental GT, set to make its debut next month. The latest model introduces Bentley's first 'ultra-performance hybrid' powertrain, offering a combined 782 PS and 1,000 Nm of torque and up to 80 km of electric range and . It will be the most powerful and capable Bentley road car, replacing the previous 6.0-litre W12 and 4.0-litre V8 engines.

That’s a wrap for now. For further exciting updates on the automotive industry, stay tuned with us.

Also read: Asiabike Jakarta 2024: A successful debut, to expand across SEA