Weekly wrap-up: 2023 Honda City, 2023 BMW X6 launched, 2023 Volkswagen Golf R bookings open, Mitsubishi Xforce revealed, and more

This past week was pretty exciting as we received the upgraded version of our beloved Honda City and the premium BMW X6. Along with that, we also witnessed the arrival of the all-new locally-assembled Volkswagen Golf R, the new JMC Vigus Pro White Series, and the GWM Cannon pickup truck. In the meantime, the international auto industry welcomed the new Mitsubishi Xforce, new Kia K3, Toyota RAV4 GR Sport, and Neta V facelift. In case you missed out on any of that, we've got you covered in our weekly wrap.

Local news

2023 Honda City launched

Honda has launched the upgraded version of the City in Malaysia. It is offered in five variants - S, E, V, RS, and e:HEV RS, priced between RM 84,900 and RM 111,900. The latest sedan comes with a new honeycomb front grille, new rear diffuser, new side skirting, new “RS” emblem, and new 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. The interior gets a new interface for the 8-inch infotainment unit, an enhanced multi-angle rearview camera, and a new USB Port (Type C) at the rear. The Honda Sensing ADAS suite is now part of the standard package.

All-new 2023 BMW X6 up for grabs

The new BMW X6 facelift has also made its way to the Malaysian market this week. It is available in a single variant - xDrive40i M Sport, priced at RM 719,620. The upgraded SUV gets a more powerful drivetrain combining a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six petrol engine and a new 48-volt mild hybrid system, together producing 381 PS and 540 Nm. The new X6 also gets significant cosmetic tweaks inside and out and advanced features such as the new BMW Curved Display integrating a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment unit.

2023 JMC Vigus Pro White Series arrived

Angka-Tan Motor has expanded the lineup of the JMC Vigus Pro in Malaysia by introducing a new White Series variant. Priced at RM 99,888, the new JMC Vigus Pro pickup truck is primarily designed as a workhorse and targets corporates and SMEs. It comes equipped with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine generating 141 hp of maximum power and 340 Nm of peak torque. The power is sent to the wheels via a “first-in-class” ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox and a BorgWarner 4WD system.

2023 Volkswagen Golf R bookings open

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia has started accepting reservations for the 2023 Volkswagen Golf R. The upcoming hatchback is locally assembled in Pekan, Pahang, which marks Malaysia as the first country outside Germany to assemble the Golf R. The CKD model will come with a new “R Performance Package” as standard, which comprises a new 7 kg lighter Titanium Akrapovič exhaust system, two new modes, a new rear spoiler, and new 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels. Also, parts of the upgraded kit are - a head-up display, wireless smartphone charging, automatic high beam assist, and IQ.DRIVE pack. The estimated price ranges between RM 330,000 and RM 350,000.

First batch of the GWM Cannon on offer

Great Wall Motors has brought the first batch of the Cannon pick-up truck in Malaysia. The lot includes a total of 66 units in conjunction with the celebration of Malaysia’s 66th year of independence. Powering the GWM Cannon is a 2.0-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder mill, which is good for making 163 PS and 400 Nm. As per one of the brand’s dealer’s social media post, the GWM Cannon is priced at RM 127,800 in Malaysia.

2023 Mercedes-AMG SL43 price announced

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has revealed the price of the 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL43 previewed at the Sepang International Circuit earlier this year. The price tag of the roadster reads RM 999,888 (on the road, without insurance). It comes fitted with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mill kicking out 381 PS and 480 Nm. The engine is paired with an AMG Speedshift MCT 9G nine-speed automatic gearbox enabling the car to hit the century sprint in 4.9 seconds. 

Next-gen Honda Accord not coming to Malaysia

During the launch event of the new City, Honda Malaysia confirmed that the eleventh-gen Accord will not come to Malaysia. It implies the ongoing version is the final offering of the sedan in the local market.  

2023 Modenas Ninja 250 ABS gets a colour upgrade

The Modenas Ninja 250 ABS now comes in a new Kawasaki Green colour featuring eye-catching red and white graphics. With the colour upgrade, the bike’s price has also increased by RM 1300. It now retails for RM 21,800.

UMW Toyota July 2023 sales report

UMW Toyota has released its sales report for July, according to which the company sold a total of 8,349 vehicles last month, comprising 8,200 Toyota and 149 Lexus units. The tally of the automaker’s year-to-date sales stands at 57,008 units with an increase of 8.5% over year-to-date sales registered in July 2022.

International news

Mitsubishi Xforce SUV made its global debut

The highly-anticipated Mitsubishi’s new SUV has finally come out of the box. Called the Xforce, the SUV is the production version of the XFC concept. It boasts an evolved version of the brand’s signature Dynamic Shield face complemented by T-shaped signatures on the front and rear lights and 18-inch alloys. Among the key interior highlights are - the Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium sound system, an 8.0-inch instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch central monolithic display, and a new melange fabric. Under the hood, it gets a 1.5-litre engine generating 105 hp and 141 Nm.

All-new Kia K3 revealed

The new Kia K3 compact sedan has made its world premiere in Mexico City. The car looks familiar as it shares several exterior bits with the K5. It features the brand’s 'Opposites United' design philosophy and a minimalistic cabin loaded with advanced tech elements. The power comes from a 1.6-litre engine making 123 PS or a 2.0-litre unit rated at 152 hp PS.

Neta V facelift debuts in China

The Chinese EV brand Neta (owned by Hozon Hozon New Energy Automobile) entered Malaysia earlier this year with the launch of the Neta V, which now received an upgrade in China. It gets a new name i.e. Aya, with cosmetic tweaks and new features. Powering the EV is a dual-motor setup producing 94 hp and 150 Nm. The range-topping version comes with a 38.5 kWh NMC battery pack offering a range of 401 km.

Toyota RAV4 GR Sport hits Indonesian roads

At the ongoing Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show, Toyota launched the all-new RAV4 GR Sport. The SUV features a sporty exterior and a plug-in hybrid powertrain under the hood. The PHEV mill comprises a Dynamic Force 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine and a set of e-motors combinedly generating 306 PS. It is priced at IDR 1.15 billion (RM 345k approx).

Hyundai Stargazer X revealed at GIIAS 2023

Hyundai has also introduced the new Stargazer X at the ongoing auto show in Indonesia. The MPV is offered in two trims - Style and Prime, priced at IDR 325.6 million (RM 98k) and IDR 336.2 million (RM 101k). It looks more futuristic with a bolder wide grille featuring chequered flag-style look and a full-width LED light bar. Powering the new Stargazer X is a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated drivetrain making 115 PS and 144 Nm.

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

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