Top auto news of the week: Kia EV9, Peugeot 408 launched, Chery Omoda 5 recalled, and more

This week was a bit of excitement for the Malaysian automotive landscape with several new launches from renowned automakers. Kia launched its highly anticipated EV9 while BMW and Peugeot introduced the iX1 eDrive20 and the 408 respectively, each promising cutting-edge technology and style. Meanwhile, the global automotive arena witnessed a few big reveals and received updates on the upcoming models. Here we bring a recap of all the major happenings of the week -

Local news

Kia EV9 launched 

Bermaz Auto has finally launched the Kia EV9, a fully electric flagship SUV, in Malaysia. It is available in two GT-Line variants, both powered by a dual-motor, all-wheel drive setup generating 385 PS and 700 Nm of torque. The more affordable variant features a seven-seater configuration and is priced at RM 369,668, while the six-seater version is offered at RM 374,668. In terms of range, the EV can cruise up to  505 km on a single charge, thanks to a 99.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that supports up to 350 kW DC charging.

Peugeot 408 launched 

The highly-anticipated 2024 Peugeot 408 also made its way to Malaysia this week. It is offered in three variants – Allure, Premium, and GT – priced from RM 146,055 to RM 196,055 . Locally assembled at the Stellantis plant in Gurun, Kedah, all variants feature a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine producing 218 PS and 300 Nm of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The new Peugeot 408 is built on Stellantis' EMP2 platform.

2024 BMW iX1 eDrive20 M Sport launched 

BMW has expanded the iX1 lineup in Malaysia with the addition of a new base trim - called the iX1 eDrive20 M Sport. Priced at RM 264,000 (with 5-year unlimited warranty), the new BMW EV comes powered by a front-mounted single motor tuned to deliver 204 PS and 250 Nm of torque. The motor is fed by a 66.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, offering a driving range of 475 km. In terms of visuals, the BMW iX1 eDrive20 confirms its distinctive identity with a variant-exclusive panel grille featuring solid patterns.

BYD Atto 3 EV gets an update 

Sime Darby Motors has launched the updated 2024 BYD Atto 3 in Malaysia. The new model is offered in a single Standard Range variant priced at RM 150,430. Changes include a Black D-pillar texture, a simplified ‘BYD’ badge, and a new Cosmos Black colour option. Inside, there's a new Black/Dark Blue interior scheme and a larger 15.6-inch infotainment display supporting wired Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. The drivetrain setup remains the same as earlier.

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC CKD launched

Globally revealed in November last year, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 facelift has arrived in Malaysia. It is locally assembled at the brand’s assembly plant in Pekan and priced at RM 528,888 on the road without insurance. The new GLE features a more refined aesthetic and functional design, both inside and out.

2024 Porsche Panamera bookings open 

Sime Darby Auto Performance has begun accepting orders for the latest third-gen Porsche Panamera in Malaysia, starting at RM 1.3 million. The new Panamera is equipped with a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine tuned to generate 353 PS and 500 Nm of torque, which is 23 PS and 50 Nm more than its predecessor. It also features upgraded technology and design, solidifying its position as a premier luxury sports sedan.

Chery Omoda 5 recalled 

Chery Malaysia has issued a safety recall for 600 units of the Omoda 5 due to a potential axle issue after a customer's viral social media post. The company will replace the affected rear axle beam component rather than repairing it. Owners will be contacted directly to schedule replacements, which will take about two hours per vehicle.

Italian scooter brand Lambretta ready for a comeback

The iconic Italian scooter brand Lambretta is ready to make a comeback in Malaysia after a hiatus of more than 60 years. The company has announced its plan to open five official stores in Malaysia, located strategically across the country including Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Penang, and Kuching. The first two Lambretta scooters to hit the local roads are the X250 and G350.

Yamaha Y15ZR gets a colour upgrade

Malaysia’s popular underbone scooter, the Yamaha Y15ZR, has received a colour upgrade for 2024. It now comes in Grey, Blue, and Cyan colour options. The 2024 model is now available at all authorised Hong Leong Yamaha dealerships across the country at the same old price tag, which reads RM 8,998.

Proton opens a new R&D centre in China

In collaboration with Geely, Proton has opened a new R&D centre in China. Located within the Geely Automobile Research Institute (GRI) at Hangzhou Bay, the new centre will complement Proton’s existing facilities in Malaysia and enhance its global R&D capabilities. It will also help the automaker in upgrading its models and explore various areas such as vehicle integration, intelligent driving, and more.

International news

4 Nissan EV concepts showcased at 2024 Auto China

At the ongoing 2024 Auto China show, Nissan unveiled four innovative new energy vehicle (NEV) concepts - Epoch, Epic, Era, and Evo. The former two are fully-electric models while the latter two are powered by a plug-in hybrid engine. These new concepts are based on the theme "A new Nissan for a new era in China" and aim to offer "a more exciting mobility experience to all customers in China."

BYD Ocean-M concept EV previewed in China

BYD also stole the limelight at the Beijing auto show by introducing its new EV concept, the Ocean-M. It is an electric hatchback positioned above the Dolphin and underpins a new platform (possibly e-platform 4.0). The road-ready version of the EV is scheduled to hit the Chinese market in Q3 2024.

Chery Omoda 7 SUV unveiled in China

Chery revealed a stylish and sporty urban-centric SUV, the Omoda 7, during the event. Bigger than Omoda 5, the upcoming Chery SUV will fall in the C-segment SUV category where it will rival the likes of the Honda CR-V and Proton X70. It will come equipped with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain combining a 1.5TGDi four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor. The full reveal is earmarked for early 2025.

Kia EV6 facelift teased

Kia has released a teaser for the upcoming facelifted version of the EV6, scheduled for launch in June this year. The teaser showcases redesigned headlights with a sharper and more angular appearance. Alongside cosmetic changes, there are speculations that the updated EV6 will feature a larger 84 kWh battery pack instead of the current 77.4 kWh unit, offering improved range and performance.

Volkswagen introduces the ID.Code concept 

Volkswagen unveiled the ID.Code concept at Auto China, previewing a future large electric SUV with a new design language for China. It features a sleek roofline, an interactive lighting system with 967 LEDs, Smart Windows powered by AI, and advanced Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities. The drivetrain setup of this futuristic EV concept comprises electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack with solar panels.

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

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