Weekly wrap-up: 2025 Volvo EX90, XC90 facelift, Jetour Dashing, New Mazda MX-5 launched and more

After a slow momentum in the last two weeks, the Malaysian automotive industry is back to running at full speed. Over the past week, the new Chinese marque Jetour made its way to the local shores alongside many other exciting launches. The global auto industry also had several noteworthy reveals and updates. In case you missed out on any of that, we've got you covered in our quick recap of all the major auto news of the week. 

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

Volvo EX90 and XC90 facelift launched in Malaysia

Volvo launched two new exciting 7-seater SUVs on our shores this week - the fully-electric EX90 and the refreshed XC90. The former is offered in a sole Ultra Twin variant, priced at RM 442,888 while the latter comes in two variants - B5 AWD Mild Hybrid and T8 AWD Plug-in Hybrid, priced at RM 418,888 and RM 434,888.

The EX90 has a sleek and aerodynamic appearance with a minimalist cabin featuring a Scandinavian living room-inspired design. It is powered by an AWD motor setup and a 111-kWh NCM battery, offering a range of 623 km.

The all-new XC90 facelift features a broad suite of technology and design updates inside, making this award-winning SUV even more desirable. The plug-in hybrid trim is kitted with a larger rear-mounted e-motor and a dedicated lithium-ion battery pack with an all-electric range of 77 km whereas the mild-hybrid houses an integrated starter generator and cannot run on electric power alone.

Jetour Dashing SUV arrives in Malaysia

Chery’s sub-brand Jetour has finally launched its first model in Malaysia called the Dashing. It is a 5-seater SUV offered in two variants locally -  Comfort and Prime, priced at RM 109,800 and RM 116,800. Both are powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine tuned to make 156 PS and 230 Nm, mated to a 6-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. However, differentiating the two are premium features like wireless phone charging, and ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, 360° camera, available on the top-spec Prime variant.

All-new Mazda MX-5 lineup up for grabs in Malaysia

Bermaz Motor has introduced the all-new 2025 MX-5 lineup in Malaysia, comprising three variants - 2.0L M/T, 2.0L A/T and a special 35th Anniversary Edition. The latter is a tribute to 35 years of the iconic sports car; it is sprayed with a special three-layer Artisan Red Premium and features special badging inside and out. The standard model, on the other hand, gets new lighting units, better connectivity, and performance enhancements. The pricing is as follows - 

Variants	Price (on the road, without insurance)
Mazda MX-5 2.0L M/T	RM 293,000
Mazda MX-5 2.0L A/T	RM 295,000
Mazda MX-5 35th Anniversary Edition	RM 315,000

2025 Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera 4 GTS now in Malaysia

Sime Darby Auto Performance, the official distributor of Porsche cars in Malaysia, has introduced the next-gen 911 lineup. The new sports car is available in two versions - base-spec 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera 4 GTS, priced at RM 1,430,000 and RM 1,890,000 respectively. The Carrera 4 GTS comes equipped with a new T-Hybrid system combining a new 3.6L flat-six engine with two electric motors, generating a total system output of 541 PS and 610 Nm. Both models are now open for booking in the local market. 

2025 Audi Q7 CKD bookings open in Malaysia

 PHS Automotive Malaysia has started accepting bookings for the all-new 2025 Audi Q7 CKD, expected to launch next month. The new Q7 will be offered in the S line 3.0 TFSI quattro variant with the price likely to range between RM 469k and RM 489k. Powering the new Audi Q7 is a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine that kicks out a maximum power of 340 PS and a peak torque of 500 Nm. It is coupled with a 48-volt mild hybrid system and an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission, sending power to all four wheels via the quattro permanent AWD system.

GWM Tank 500 SUV teased; launch expected soon

Previewed at the 2024 Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show, the GWM Tank 500 is expected to launch in Malaysia soon. The automaker dropped a teaser of the upcoming SUV on its social media handle this week. The Tank 500 is a 7-seater SUV that represents the pinnacle of refined off-road capability combined with luxury. Designed for adventure enthusiasts, it offers impressive off-road capabilities with features like 11 driving modes, TANK Turn, and Off-road Cruise Control. 

Proton wraps up Q1 2025 at 35k

Proton sold a total of 13,918 cars in March 2025, and wrapped up the first quarter of the year at 35,068 units. The March witnessed a strong momentum in sales with an impressive growth of 23.9% compared to the last month. Proton's market share (including domestic, export, smart, Proton e.MAS) is estimated at 19.4%. The Proton e.MAS 7 is now dominating the electric car market in Malaysia with year-to-date sales of 1,853 units.

UMW Toyota March 2025 sales figures revealed

UMW Toyota Motor has also revealed its March sales numbers. During the third month of the year, the Japanese automaker delivered 7,929 units, bringing the year-to-date total to 19,944. The automaker continues to see strong interest in hybrid electric vehicles, with the Corolla Cross Hybrid playing a pivotal role. Since its launch in 2021, over 23,031 units have been sold, supporting the brand’s multi-pathway strategy toward carbon neutrality. The UMW Toyota April promo offers savings of up to RM 9,500.

Honda Cars Malaysia appoints new Managing Director and CEO

Mr. Narushi Yazaki is the new Managing Director and CEO of Honda Cars Malaysia, effective from April 1, 2025. He succeeded Hironobu Yoshimura, who has now taken a new role at Honda Motor Co., Ltd. in Tokyo. Yazaki has over 25 years of experience in various leadership roles within Honda; some of his previous stints include assignments in Japan, Thailand, and the United States.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Mazda EZ-60 electric SUV debuts in China

Mazda has pulled the wraps off its new electric SUV, the EZ-60. Set to make its world premiere at the Auto Shanghai event later this month, the Mazda EZ-60 is built in collaboration with Changan. The EV is inspired by the Arata concept and shares its platform with the EZ-6/6e and Deepal EVs. It has a sleek and futuristic design with an illuminated front grille, handles, side-view cameras, and aerodynamic elements. While technical details are yet to be revealed, the EV is expected to offer a driving range of up to 552 km. 

New Chevrolet Corvette electric concept unveiled

The American automaker Chevrolet unveiled a bold all-electric concept in the UK this week. It previews the brand’s next-gen design language and features gullwing doors, fighter jet-inspired elements, and a blacked-out Corvette emblem. The prototype has an innovative Aero Duality fan system, providing increased aerodynamic efficiency. The new Chevrolet Corvette EV concept is unlikely to enter into production.

Toyota introduces the all-new 2026 GR Yaris in Japan 

Just months after the GR Yaris facelift launched in Malaysia, Toyota has upgraded this hot hatchback in the home market. As for the model year 2026, the car gets a new 8-speed GR Direct Automatic Transmission, offering better response and gearshift precision. The automaker has also tuned the steering, suspension, and chassis rigidity with input from Super GT racer Kazuya Oshima. The Toyota Safety Sense and a vertical handbrake will now be a part of the standard kit. Pricing of the Toyota GR Yaris starts from JPY 4.48 million (approx RM 138k) in Japan.

Bentley Continental GT, Flying Spur receive new V8 hybrid option

Bentley has rolled out an all-new plug-in hybrid V8 option for the Continental GT and Flying Spur in the global market. Slightly less powerful than the Ultra Performance Hybrid, the new High Performance Hybrid setup comprises a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine and an electric motor generating a combined output of 680 hp and 930 Nm. Also part of the kit is a 25.9kWh battery, offering an all-electric range of up to 85 km. Notably, the new option is available only for Core and Azure trims.

That's a wrap for now. For all the latest updates on the automotive industry, stay tuned with us.

Also read: Perodua Alza vs Rivals: The best value-for-money MPV in Malaysia?