The Malaysian automotive industry witnessed an exciting week filled with launches, previews, and the opening of new centres. Among the highlights was the arrival of the highly-awaited Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, the new Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, the debut of the Porsche Macan EV, and the new Taycan facelift. In the meantime, some major reveals kept the show running across the globe.

Here’s a quick recap of the top auto news of the week -

Local news

Chery Tiggo 7 Pro launched

The Chinese automaker Chery has expanded its SUV lineup in Malaysia with the launch of the Tiggo 7 Pro. It is a C-segment SUV that rivals the likes of the Proton X70 and Honda CR-V. The Tiggo 7 Pro is offered in a single locally assembled variant, priced at RM 123,800. It is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine tuned to deliver a maximum power of 197 PS and a peak torque of 290 Nm of torque. Sending power to the front wheels is a seven-speed wet DCT.

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 launched 

Mercedes-Benz has launched a new variant of the GLA-Class in Malaysia, called the GLA 250 4Matic AMG Line. Priced at RM 295,888, the top-spec model is powered by a mild-hybrid powertrain. It combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48V belt-driven starter-generator and kicks out a total system output of 224 hp and 350 Nm. The luxury SUV features a diamond-patterned radiator grille, AMG Line kit, 19-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, two 10.25-inch displays, and several advanced features.

Porsche World Roadshow Malaysia 2024

 

The globally renowned Porsche World Roadshow event began in Malaysia at the Sepang International Circuit yesterday. Led by certified international Porsche instructors, the Porsche World Roadshow Malaysia 2024 offers a sensational and exceptional driving experience to auto enthusiasts. It features guided sessions on the racetrack focusing on acceleration, braking, slalom, and off-road driving. This 10-day event will conclude on June 29.

Porsche Taycan facelift bookings open

At the PWRS event, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the local distributor of Porsche cars, introduced two new EVs - Taycan facelift and Macan. The bookings for the upgraded Porsche Taycan are now open in the local market. It is offered in seven variants across two body styles: Sedan and Cross Turismo; prices range from RM 575,000 to RM 1,600,000. Among the key updates are significant cosmetic tweaks, advanced tech, enhanced chassis and suspension system, and more powerful drivetrain setups offering faster acceleration and range. Check full details here.

Porsche Macan EV made its local debut 

Another exciting Porsche EV that marked its debut on Malaysian soil is the all-electric Macan. Globally revealed in January this year, the Porsche Macan EV is based on the brand's new dedicated EV platform, the Premium Platform Electric (PPE). It will be offered in two variants locally - Macan 4 and Macan Turbo, both featuring a dual motor AWD setup. The Macan 4 boasts 408 PS and 650 Nm of torque, while the Macan Turbo offers a powerful 639 PS and 1,130 Nm of torque. Both are equipped with a 100 kWh battery pack offering a range of up to 613 km for the Macan 4 and 591 km for the Turbo. SDAP has started accepting orders for the Macan EV with deliveries set to commence later this year.

2024 Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic launched

The facelifted Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic Sedan has also made its way to Malaysia this week. Priced at RM 343,888, the performance model comes with an uprated 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine producing 306 PS and 400 Nm. It also gets 48-volt mild hybrid assistance and a revised eight-speed AMG Speedshift 8G DCT. Also new for the 2024 model year are redesigned Multibeam LED headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, a new Panamericana grille, and 19-inch five-double-spoke AMG two-tone alloy wheels.

Honda Malaysia introduces two new models 

Boon Siew Honda has launched the upgraded versions of two big Honda bikes this week viz the 2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES and 2024 Honda CBR250RR. The new Africa twin benefits from an improved 1,084-cc parallel-twin engine, a new six-speed Dual Clutch Transmission, and an advanced electronic package ​​including Throttle-By-Wire, Honda Selectable Torque Control, and Wheelie Control. It is now priced at RM 119,388 in Malaysia.

The upgraded Honda CBR250RR, on the other hand, comes with a more powerful 250cc twin-cylinder engine, a more cutting-edge design, and advanced features. It now retails for RM 27,999.

Proton hits new production milestone and wins ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix Awards 2024

Just like always, Proton remains in the headlines this week as well. The national automaker has crossed the 5 million production mark this week, marking another milestone in its 41-year history. The record-setting vehicle was the Proton X90 SUV, finished in Marine Blue hue. Along with that, Proton also grabbed the “Excellence Award” at the ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix Awards 2024. The award highlights the brand’s continuous and outstanding efforts and contributions to vehicle safety technology. 

Chery Malaysia to award free cars to Olympic winners 

An exceptional gesture by Chery Malaysia also captured attention this week. The Chinese automaker has announced its support for Malaysian athletes set to compete in the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Chery will award free cars to the medal winners - a brand-new Tiggo 8 Pro to the Gold medal winners, an Omoda E5 electric SUV to the Silver medal winners, and the newly launched Tiggo 7 Pro to the Bronze medal winners.

First Jaecoo plant in the ASEAN region opens in Shah Alam

Chery's luxury sub-brand, Jaecoo, is set to launch its two SUVs - J7 and J8, in Malaysia soon. Ahead of that, the company launched its highly anticipated assembly plant in Shah Alam industrial zone. It is important to note that this is the first Jaecoo plant in the ASEAN region. The opening ceremony of the facility was marked by the production of the very first locally-assembled Jaecoo J7.

New Nissan 3S centre opens in Muar, Johor

ETCM (Edaran Tan Chong Motor) inaugurated a new Nissan 3S centre in association with NM Supreme. Located in Muar, Johor, the new outlet follows the Nissan Retail Concept (NRC) corporate identity. It has a total built-up area of over 8,000 sq ft, featuring a large showroom, a service centre with four service bays, and a comfortable customer lounge equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity.

International news

Bugatti Tourbillon debuts as Chiron successor

Bugatti has finally revealed its new hypercar, the Tourbillon, which succeeds the Chiron. It marks a new era for the high-performance carmaker and aims at becoming the world’s fastest road car. The new Bugatti model features a completely new look and a hybridised V16 engine replacing the iconic W16 unit. The new mill comprises an 8.3-litre naturally-aspirated V16 engine and three electric motors, producing a whopping combined output of 1,800 hp. The power is sent to the wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, enabling the car to hit the centuring sprint in just 2 seconds. The top speed of the Bugatti Tourbillon is claimed at 445 kmph. The production of this ferocious machine will be limited to 250 units, each priced at €3.8 million (approximately RM 19.2 million).

Fourth-gen BMW X3 revealed

BMW has finally pulled the wraps off the all-new fourth-generation X3, which will hit the European showrooms in Q4 2024. The new BMW X3 underpins a new platform making it 34 mm longer and 29 mm wider. In terms of design, it draws inspiration from the brand’s other SAVs and sports a newly designed kidney grille and other elements. The upgraded X3 is also more hi-tech thanks to the iDrive 9 infotainment system. Drivetrain options include - 2.0-litre turbo mild-hybrid petrol, 2.0-litre mild-hybrid diesel, 2.0-litre turbo plug-in hybrid, and a 3.0-litre turbocharged unit.

Volkswagen Tharu XR debuts in China

The all-new Volkswagen Tharu XR also made its official debut this week. Based on the Taigun platform, the latest SUV will initially be a China-only model. It has an upmarket look compared to the Taigun and features a spacious five-seater with a bigger trunk than the donor model. It will be offered with a 1.5-litre TSI petrol mill in multiple configurations.

2025 Audi e-tron GT facelift breaks cover

Audi has updated the e-tron GT range for the model year 2025. The upgraded EV will be offered in three variants - S e-tron GT, RS e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT Performance. The all-new range-topping RS e-tron GT Performance variant is capable of generating a maximum power of 925 hp, making it Audi's most powerful production vehicle to date. It accelerates from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in 2.5 seconds. All the latest models come with minor visual tweaks and improved charging speed (270kW to 320kW).

That's all for now. For the latest updates on the automotive industry, keep following Zigwheels Malaysia.

Also read: Proton e.MAS EV: All you need to know