For the Malaysian automotive industry, the year 2020 kickstarted with a bang of revamped Perodua Bezza hitting on the shores, followed by some other important launches. While the second quarter witnessed an unprecedented time when the entire world came to a standstill, and things did not go as planned. Well, the car giants stuck to their guts and move ahead with virtual grand launches in the second half. From new models to facelifts and new-generation updates, the year was a whole lot of excitement and buzz at a glance.

Here, we have compiled a list of the important car launches that have taken place in 2020, have a look.

Proton X70 CKD

Malaysia’s second-largest automaker Proton launched the updated and locally assembled X70 CKD in February this year. Along with a brand new DCT gearbox, the changes for 2020 included a new front grille, panoramic sunroof, foot-sensor powered tailgate, air-purifying system, rear-seat recline in 60:40 split, front-seat ventilation, and advanced driver assistance features. The SUV is offered in four variants, powered by a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder gasoline engine producing 181 hp of power and 300 Nm of torque. The Proton X70 price starts at RM 94,800.

Proton X50

After a long wait, the most-anticipated Proton X50 launch happened in October this year that begged more than 20,000 bookings even before its arrival. The B-segment crossover, which is a rebadged version of the Geely Binyue has everything up its sleeve and woos the Malaysian customers with its stylish design, powerful performance, and long hi-tech features list, As a CKD unit, it is available in four variants - Standard, Executive, Premium, and Flagship, powered by differently tuned 1.5-litre engines. The Proton X50 price starts at RM 79,200.

Honda City

The fifth-generation Honda City set its foot in the country back in October featuring visual enhancements, bigger dimensions, and performance upgrades. It is being offered in four variants, including the top-spec RS e:HEV hybrid trim that made its global debut in the Malay market. While the deliveries of the hybrid version will start in January next year, all other trims are now on sale with a starting price of RM 76,800.

Perodua Bezza facelift

As mentioned earlier, the year started with the launch of the Bezza facelift, for which Malaysia’s largest automaker brings on board design upgrades inside out and Perodua’s Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0 suite. Available in four variants, the Bezza price for the base version starts at RM 33,456 and goes all the way up to RM 48,356. The two engine choices on offer include a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine producing 67 hp and 91 Nm and 1.3-litre unit churning out 94 hp and 121 Nm. 

Mitsubishi Xpander

The seven-seater Xpander is the latest addition to Mitsubishi’s lineup in Malaysia that features impressive SUVish styling, large interior space, technology, and performance. After a long wait, Mitsubishi opened the bookings of the anticipated SUV in November, followed by deliveries commencement in the same month. The Japanese SUV is locally assembled and offered in a single variant, powered by a 1.5-litre MIVEC petrol engine producing 105 PS of maximum power and 141 Nm of peak torque. It comes equipped with best-in-class safety features and priced at RM 91369.

Mazda CX-30

Mazda updated its lineup at the starting of the year with the launch of the new CX-30 SUV that is one of the finely designed models in the segment. Featuring the brand’s ‘Kodo Soul of Motion’ design, it is available in three variants with a starting price of RM 143,059. Two of the variants run on gasoline whereas one has been equipped with a diesel powertrain, while all three are fully-imported CBU models. 

Toyota GR Yaris

Toyota GR Yaris, the most hyped hot hatchback of the last decade finally hit the Malaysian shores a few days back alongside some other latest additions in the automaker’s lineup. After GR Supra, it is the second Toyota Gazoo Racing product in the country, whose sale is limited to 200 units at a price of RM 299,000. The small pocket rocket is powered by a 1.6-litre, three-cylinder turbo mill, which is the world’s most powerful three-pot engine generating 261 horsepower and 360 Nm of torque,  propelling the hatch from 0 to 100 kmph in just 5.5 seconds before hitting the electronically limited top speed of 230 kmph. 

Toyota Hilux

The revamped ute version of the popular Fortuner SUV, the new Hilux made its debut in the country back in October. The latest model features more power, tougher designing mods along with some significant safety updates i.e. addition of Toyota Safety Sense. The Japanese automaker offers the pickup in five variants, comprising single and double cab options. The engines on offer include a 2.4-litre and 2.8-litre mill, the bigger one is exclusively available for range-topping Hilux Rogue. The price of the new Toyota Hilux in Malaysia starts at RM 92,880.

Volkswagen Passat

With a new look, a mildly refreshed cabin, and some added kit, the eighth-generation Volkswagen Passat hits the market in the starting of the year in a single Elegance trim. And later on, it was joined by the sporty R-line trim in mid-October. The latter features an assortment of the brand’s R-Line trimmings inside and out. On the mechanical front, both versions are powered by the same 2.0 litre turbocharged TSI petrol engine making 190 PS of maximum power and 320 Nm of torque. The German automaker retails the Elegance at a base price of RM 189,012, while the R-Line price starts at RM 204,433.

Hyundai Kona

As its answer to the recently launched Proton X50, Hyundai came up with the Kona compact SUV in the field. Based on the new compact SUV architecture, the Kona is a fully-imported model that appeals to young buyers with an active trendy lifestyle. It is being offered in three different trims, including two powertrain options coupled with the different transmission systems. The price for the base variants starts at RM 115,888, while for the full bells-and-whistles version, customers need to shell out RM 143,888.

At the end of the list, we realised that ten is a small number for covering all the amazing car launches we saw in 2020. However, the mentioned ones would perhaps be remembered for shaping this year.

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