Weekly wrap-up: Lexus LBX, Neta X launched, Proton e:MAS lineup teased, Lotus Emeya bookings open, and more

This week was an exciting time for Malaysian car enthusiasts as a couple of new cars hit the local roads, including the much-anticipated Lexus LBX and the all-electric Neta X. Along with that, Proton also spilled some beans regarding its upcoming electric cars. The global automotive scene was also eventful with a few major debuts and notable developments. Here's a recap of the top auto news of the week.

Local news

Lexus LBX launched

Lexus's smallest model ever, the LBX, was launched in Malaysia this week. It is offered in two variants - Premium and Luxury, priced at RM 238,888 and RM 268,888, respectively. Both are powered by a hybrid powertrain, comprising a 91 PS/120 Nm 1.5-litre NA three-cylinder engine and a 94 PS/185 Nm electric motor. The total output is rated at 136 PS and 185 Nm. The LBX features the Lexus Next Chapter Design, an innovative driver’s cockpit inspired by the brand’s Tazuna concept, a 9.8-inch infotainment unit, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, a Mark Levinson sound system, and Lexus Safety System + package.

Neta X electric SUV now up for grabs

The Chinese automaker Neta Auto has expanded its range in Malaysia with the launch of its second electric vehicle, the Neta X. Rivalling the likes of the BYD Atto 3, the Neta X is offered in three variants - 400 Comfort, 400 Luxury, and 500 Luxury, all are equipped with a front-mounted motor tuned to deliver a maximum power of 163 PS and a peak torque of 210 Nm. The motor is fed by either a 51.8 kWh or a 62 kWh battery pack, delivering an NEDC-rated range of up to 480 km. The Neta X price in Malaysia ranges between RM 119,888 and RM 135,888.

Proton e:MAS lineup teased

After launching its electric sub-brand ‘e:MAS’ last month, Proton has now released an intriguing teaser video on its social media handle. The teaser previews the silhouette of the three upcoming e:MAS electric cars, including - an SUV, a sedan, and a hatchback. While the automaker remains tight-lipped about the details, the electric SUV is expected to be a rebadged version of the Geely Galaxy E5, and the electric sedan can be assumed as the electric equivalent of the Proton S70. 

Entry-level Lotus Eletre variant launched, Lotus Emeya bookings open

This week Lotus introduced the entry-level Eletre in Malaysia alongside opening the ordering books for its new hyper GT, the Emeya. Priced at RM 598,800, the new affordable Eletre trim is positioned below the Eletre S and Eletre R. It is powered by a dual motor AWD setup generating a maximum power of 603 hp and a peak torque of  710 Nm. Feeding the motor is a 112 kWh battery pack that offers a WLTP-rated range of 600 km. With the launch of this relatively affordable Eletre variant, Lotus aims to attract more customers and expand its presence in the country.

The upcoming Lotus Emeya underpins the brand’s new Electric Premium Architecture. It will be available in three versions - base Emeya, Emeya S, and Emeya R. The two lower-spec models are powered by a twin-motor setup making 612 PS and 710 Nm. In contrast, the top-spec Emeya has more powerful electric motors, offering an impressive 918 PS and 985 Nm. As for the battery pack, all variants have a 102-kWh unit providing a range of up to 610 km. The pricing begins at RM 575,000.

Honda Malaysia delivers the 170,000th Civic and 150,000th HR-V

Honda has achieved another milestone in Malaysia with the delivery of the 170,000th unit of the Civic sedan and the 150,000th unit of the HR-V SUV. To celebrate this achievement, the automaker hosted a special handover ceremony where owners of the vehicles received a special gift along with Honda Genuine Accessories valued at RM 10,000.  

Maserati begins accepting bookings for the new Grecale

Naza Italia has started accepting bookings for the all-new 2024 Maserati Grecale. The upgraded model is offered in two variants - GT and Trofeo, priced at RM 634,889 and RM 1,100,000, respectively. The former is fitted with a hybrid mill combining a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mill and an electric motor for a combined output of 300 PS and 450 Nm. Powering the Grecale Trofeo is a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine tuned to make a maximum power of 530 PS and a peak torque of 620 Nm. Naza Italia offers a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty on the purchase of the new Grecale, which can be extended up to a 10-year term.

CFMoto 800MT Explore Edition launched

The all-new CFMoto 800MT Explore Edition landed on Malaysian soil this week. Positioned above the Sport and Touring trims of the 800MT, the bike features advanced electronic systems including a blind spot monitoring system, enhanced traction control, and cruise control. It is powered by a 799-cc parallel-twin DOHC Euro 5 compliant engine, producing 89.8 hp of maximum power and 75 Nm of peak torque. The CFMoto 800MT Explore Edition retails for RM 57,800. The colour choices include Gem Black and Starry White.

Mercedes-Benz appoints Nadia Trimmel VP of Marketing & Sales for Malaysia & SEA

Mercedes-Benz has appointed Nadia Trimmel as Vice President of Marketing & Sales for Mercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia & SEA II to steer its marketing and sales operations. Nadia Trimmel joined Mercedes-Benz in 2014 as General Manager Sales. She holds nearly 25 years of industry experience, including key roles at Ford and Nissan. She also played a key role in the success of Mercedes-Benz’s Van division and the brand’s transition to the Retail of the Future model in South Africa. Trimmel succeeds Bettina Plangger, who is moving to a Strategic Project role in Stuttgart, Germany.

Proton will produce Saga in Tanjong Malim from 2026

Proton has begun construction of a new stamping line at its Tanjong Malim facility. This expansion aims to increase the volume of parts stamping as the automaker plans to relocate the Saga production from Shah Alam by 2026. It will also reduce the dependency on imported parts and thus minimise risks from global supply chain issues.

International news

Smart #5 electric SUV debut next month

Jointly owned by Mercedes-Benz and Geely, smart Automobile, has announced the debut date of its next electric car, the #5. Previewed s a concept earlier this year, the smart #5 is the brand’s largest model ever and features an 800 V architecture system. As per the leaked documents, the EV will be offered in four drivetrains - two single-motor and two dual-motor trims with output ranging from 335 hp to 638 hp. There will be two battery options - 76 kWh and 100.01 kWh, offering a driving range from 570 km to 740 km. The smart #5 will make its debut on August 28, 2024.

Malaysia-bound Zeekr 009 gets an upgrade in China

Ahead of launching the 009 in Malaysia, Zeekr has given this electric MPV an update in China. The new Zeekr 009 is 8 mm longer and 36 mm shorter than the predecessor and boasts a number of enhancements such as an illuminated front grille, a larger 15.05-inch OLED infotainment display, a new 17-inch OLED rear display, and a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor. It is now offered with a seven-seater variant along with the existing six-seater layout. The EV comes in two drivetrain setups - a new single-motor FWD and a dual-motor AWD. Both are mated to a 108-kWh NMC battery, providing a range of up to 740 km.

Xiaomi SU7 Ultra breaks cover

The tech giant Xiaomi has unveiled an all-new concept model, called the SU7 Ultra. It is a racing-inspired version of the SU7 electric sedan revealed in China last year. The concept vehicle features three electric motors - two V8 and one V6, which are tuned to generate a whopping power of 1,548 PS. The power is sent to all four wheels enabling the vehicle to run from zero to 100 kmph in just 1.97 seconds and to 200 kmph in 5.96 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 350 kmph. The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is equipped with a high-performance 897-volt battery, designed specifically for racing.

2025 Honda Civic Si facelift debuts in the US

Honda US has introduced the all-new Civic Si facelift, which is a sporty alternative to the regular Civic. The latest model features refreshed design elements, including a new front fascia with a hexagonal grille and darker tail lights. Interior highlights include sport-oriented elements, a 9-inch touchscreen, a 10.2-inch digital instrument console, and Google built-in connectivity. Honda has improved chassis rigidity and recalibrated the suspension of the sedan. Under the hood lies the same 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing a maximum power of 205 hp and a peak torque of 260 Nm. 

Porsche teases the all-electric Cayenne 

Porsche has released the teased images of the fourth-gen Cayenne, which will be an all-electric luxury crossover SUV. The Cayenne EV will underpin the brand’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, just like the second-gen Macan. The said platform boasts an 800 V electrical architecture for faster charging and enhanced power delivery. While the Porsche Cayenne EV is in the making, the automaker confirmed that the ongoing third-gen model of the SUV will continue to be sold alongside its electric successor. Porsche also announced that it will keep producing hybrid and combustion engine options, with three powertrain options available beyond 2030.

That's all for now. For the latest updates on the automotive industry, keep following Zigwheels Malaysia.

Also read: A ‘Healing’ day out with the Proton X90: A day adventure to Bentong