The Malaysian automotive industry is scheduled to receive several new cars before the end of this year and next year. The list includes many electric vehicles along with PHEV and internal combustion engine-powered models.

Get to know each upcoming model in detail -

Proton X90

The X90 will be the next Proton car to be introduced in Malaysia. The three-door seven-seater hails from the D-segment and in the local market will compete with the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-8. Previously scheduled for a Q3 2022 launch, the Proton SUV due to COVID-19 Movement Control Order will land on our shores next year.

Based on the Geely Haoyue (as known in China) and Geely Okavango (in international markets), the SUV in Malaysia will go by the name X90. The car is expected to be powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder 48V hybrid system generating 190 PS and 300 Nm. Other engine options that might be a part of the lineup include a non-hybrid 1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine.

The X90 SUV is likely to showcase a big boot space along with several comforting and connectivity features.

Toyota bZ4X

UMW Toyota Motor has confirmed the arrival of the Toyota bZ4X in the Malaysian market. The local debut is set for next year and thus bringing Malaysia to par with Indonesia and Thailand where the electric EV is on sale from November 2022.

Noting much is revealed about the local-spec EV and we can only take hints from our neighbors. While Thailand receives an all-wheel-drive version (218PS/337 Nm) of the EV, Indonesia receives the FWD configuration (204PS/266 Nm). A 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery remains common offering a range of 411 km and 500 km in the Thai and Indonesian markets respectively. Charing options include AC charging support (up to 6.6 kW via Type 2 connection) and DC charging (CCS2 connection at up to 150 kW).

The Ev's safety specs are expected to include 8 airbags, ABS, EBD, traction control, VSC, hill start assist, and TSS 3.0 safety suite.

Toyota GR Corolla

By next year, Toyota Malaysia’s lineup will include several GR models, one of which is the GR Corolla. The upcoming Toyota has received several revisions from the brand which helps the car pack more power. The 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine makes 304 hp and 370 Nm of torque. The power is sent to the wheels via a six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) with rev-matching.

In addition to the standard version, the lineup is expected to include the limited-edition Morizo Edition which is lighter and enhances dynamic driving performance.

Toyota GR Supra

Another Toyota GR model to join the brand’s local lineup is the GR Supra which made its global debut only recently.

Powering the car is a 3.0-litre inline-six turbo engine generating 387 PS and 500 Nm of peak torque. The drive is sent to the wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Though the price point is not confirmed yet, the car is expected to retail for RM 611,880 on the road without insurance.

Toyota GR86

It was in April last year that the Toyota GR86 made its premier along with the second-gen Subaru BRZ.

The two-door, rear-wheel drive sports car is powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.4-litre flat-four engine pumping out a maximum power of 235 PS and 250 Nm of torque. The drive is sent to the wheels either via a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Volvo C40 Recharge

Volvo Car Malaysia is set to host a brand experience event at the KLGCC Resort, from Dec 16 to 18. At the event will be launched the Volvo C40 Recharge, the automaker’s second locally-assembled EV in Malaysia after the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric.

In terms of specifications, the car is powered by two electric motors, one on each axle, the total system output reads 408 PS and 660 Nm of torque. The e-motor is powered by a 78 kWh lithium-ion battery which is likely to provide a range of more than 438 km. It will complete a century sprint in just 4.7 seconds.

The C40 gets a more coupe-like roofline with a prominent roof spoiler, a tailgate with a wing, and reworked LED tail lights.

Kia Sorento

Before the end of 2022, there will be a new car launch in Malaysia, the 4th gen Kia Sorento. As per the automaker’s local distributor, Bermaz confirmed that the SUV will be offered in Malaysia in three versions - internal combustion, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid.

Globally, the Sorento is offered in two ICE powertrains - a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a 2.2-liter turbo diesel unit; both paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The hybrid version consists of a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo engine joined by a 60 PS e-motor, with a combined power output of 230 PS. The plug-in hybrid version gets a stronger e-motor rated at 91 PS, fed by a 13.8 kWh lithium-ion battery with a range of 51 km. Both hybrid and PHEV versions get a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Once the car is launched it is expected to feature - a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 1025-inch center touchscreen, remote parking assist, a Bose sound system, and Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capability.

GWM Poer EV pickup

During the launch of Ora Good Cat, Great Wall Motors (GWM) announced its growth plans for Malaysia. The lineup will include nine models that will roll out within three years and include sedans, SUVs, and pickup trucks.

After the Ora Good Cat, the next electrified vehicle to join the range is the Poer EV which was first showcased at the 2020 Beijing Auto Show. As can be guessed from the name, the Poer EV pickup is a fully electric version of the double cab vehicle.

The electric pickup will pack an electric powertrain generating 204 PS and 300 Nm of torque.

BYD Atto 3

Sime Darby Motors, the official distributor of BYD vehicles in Malaysia, will showcase its brand-new offering the Atto 3. When & where? At Bandar Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, on December 9-11. Here onlookers will not only be able to explore the EC but also get a chance to experience the car first-hand by test-driving it at the launch.

In Malaysia, the Atto 3 will be offered in two battery capacities - a 49.92 kWh (410 km of range) and a 60.48 kWh unit (480 km of range).

Audi e-tron GT & RS GT

The official distributor of Audi vehicles in Malaysia, PHS Automotive has announced the soon arrival of the e-tron GT. The car is scheduled to arrive in Q2 of 2023 and will be offered in two trim options - the e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT.

Both the Audi e-tron GT models will be powered by two e-motors, powered by an 85 kWh lithium-ion battery.

While the e-tron GT pumps out 476PS/630Nm (bump up to 530 PS/640 Nm), the RS e-tron GT
churns out 598PS/830Nm (bump up to 646PS).
Which one of the upcoming car models are you excited the most about? Let us know in the comments.

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