Weekly update: Bentley Continental GT Speed, Mercedes-BenzGLC300, Peugeot 2008 SE & Benelli TNT 25 N launch, Toyota & Proton Q1 sales, and more

The second week of April started and ended on a pretty exciting note. It took off with the launch of the 2023 Bentley Continental GT Speed and ended with a few big launches, including the Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4MATIC, Peugeot 3008 SE, Subaru Forester facelift, and Benelli TNT 25 N. Also, several automakers revealed their Q1 2023 sales report which showcased a pretty impressive picture. The global auto market also received some interesting bits. Read the whole blog for detailed information.

Local news

2023 Bentley Continental GT Speed launch

The ‘most dynamic road car in Bentley’s 101-year history’ is here in Malaysia in the form of the all-new 2023 Continental GT Speed. With a starting price of RM 1,135,000 (before duties, taxes, and registration, the car is powered by a 6.0-litre W12 twin-turbo mill making a maximum power of 659 hp along with a peak torque of 900 Nm. The drive is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The following allows the car to spin from 0 to 100 km in just 3.6 seconds and attain a top speed of 335 kmph.

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic launch

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has finally launched the all-new GLC in the local market. Powering the car is a mild hybrid setup with 48-volt technology and an integrated starter generator. As for the engine, it gets a 1,999 cc four-cylinder unit from the ongoing brand’s FAME engine family. The unit makes a max power of 258 hp and a peak torque of 400 Nm.

Peugeot 2008 Special Edition launch

Peugeot Malaysia has launched a special version of the Peugeot 2008 in the local market. Called the Peugeot 2008 Special Edition it is RM 2,900 costlier than the Allure variant. The special edition model is only available in two tones - Pearl White and Orange Fusion. It comes with a bunch of accessories like - Black front bumper garnish, Black rear bumper garnish, Black side bumper garnish (left & right), Piano black rims, Vehicle decals, and SE badges.

Benelli TNT 25 N launch

Benelli Malaysia has launched its latest motorcycle in the local market which is known to fulfill all the demands of enthusiasts. Called the TNT25N, it is available at an introductory price of RM 12,998 which includes a 2-year/20,000km manufacturer’s warranty. Powering the new Benelli is a 249cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC bike making 25.5 hp and 21.2 Nm of torque. Part of its specs kit is a digital meter panel, LED signal lamps, and bright headlights.

Volvo Malaysia opens its largest Certified Damage Repair Centre

Volvo Car Malaysia has opened its third and largest Volvo Certified Damage Repair Centre in Juru, Penang. The new center is equipped with state-of-the-art systems ensuring an “end-to-end high-quality body repair and paint service” for its customers.

Proton Q1 2023 sales report

In the first quarter of 2023, Proton Malaysia recorded a total sales of 40,287 cars, including both domestic and export. This figure represents a 50.9% growth over last year’s figure which, as per the automaker, was mostly due to the rush to deliver cars booked during the PENJANA incentive period. The Proton model which made the maximum and minimum sales during the period includes Saga with 17,446 units and Exora with 1,094 units respectively.

UMW Toyota Q1 2023 sales report

During the first three months of 2023, Toyota Malaysia sold a total of 25,219 cars which represents the brand’s highest-ever first-quarter sales. Compared to Q1 2022, this figure represents a 12% hike at 22,447 units.

Mitsubishi Malaysia update price chart

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has released its updated price list for Xpander and Triton models. The 7-seater Xpander is now RM 3,180 more expensive than before and is now priced at RM 96,800. As for the Triton, all its variants are a bit dearer than before with the Athlete variant receiving the maximum price hike of RM 3,300.

Automotive-Tech Valley in Tanjung Malim

DRB-Hicom and Geely will together be investing, managing, and developing the Automotive High-Tech Valley in Tanjung Malim. Designed as a ‘smart city’ AHTV is set to become the hub for Next Generation Vehicles in the region and is expected to be an investment worth RM 32 billion over the next 10 years. Spread over an area of approximately 1,000 acres, it will be expanded as per future needs and requirements.

Chery to invest in Malaysia

On PMs Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent official visit to China, he had several trade discussions with Chinese companies, all of which are keen to invest in the ASEAN country. The list of companies also includes Chery. As per the automaker’s PR, the minister “showed great interest” in the proposals, recognizing Chery’s international corporate strength.

Zeekr is to enter Malaysia soon

Geely’s premium electric sub-brand, Zeekr, is expected to enter the Malaysian market soon - as part of the Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry investment plans. The company’s arrival was announced via Smart Malaysia’s Facebook post that read, “The delegation test-drove various EV models, including the Smart #1, and were thoroughly impressed by the premium design and advanced technology of the EV cars from Geely and Zeekr, heightening the anticipation of their arrival to Malaysia, with the Smart #1 expected to be the first on the road.”

Audi Malaysia recalls more the 2k cars

PHS Automotive Malaysia, the new official distributor of Audi cars in the country, has announced a voluntary recall for 2,767 cars. The recall will concentrate on the inspection and replacement of Takata airbags and related parts on the concerned models which include - the A4 Sedan, A5 Sportback, A6 Sedan, Q5, and TT Coupe (manufactured between 2008 - 2017).

Toyota Hiace to serve as an ambulance

The Ministry of Defense now gets a new ambulance in the form of a sixth-generation Toyota Hiace. Around 50 units of the vehicle were delivered to the ministry to improve military personnel's health services.

BMW 330 Li M Sport facelift launch

BMW Malaysia has completed its 3 Series facelift with the launch of the new 330Li M Sport. Priced at RM 305,800 (with a two-year warranty) and RM 325,800 (with a 5-year extended warranty & service package). Part of the updated list is - a 110 mm-longer wheelbase, fixed rear seat, dual trapezoidal exhaust outlets, panoramic sunroof, and a Sensatec leather dashboard.

International news

Mazda 3 updated for the model year 2024

Dubbed the 2024 Mazda 3, the new car features several design and spec updations. Part of the list is - a new “Ceramic Metallic” body color, heartbeat indicators, remote engine start function, a new 10.25-inch head unit with wireless smartphone connectivity, new wireless QI mobile phone charger, Type-C USB connectivity, new pedestrian detection, and new driver attention warning function.

Electric MINI Countryman specs revealed

The Mini Countryman is the brand’s first all-wheel-drive EV and also the first Mini to be made in Germany. Now, the brand has revealed its key specs which include its variant, dimension, powertrain, battery, and other key information.

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