Weekly wrap-up: MG Cyberster bookings open, Jaecoo J7 PHEV, JAC T9 previewed, and more

This week was quite exciting for the electrified vehicles segment in Malaysia. MG finally opened the books of its highly-anticipated Cyberster EV roadster, while Jaecoo previewed the plug-in hybrid premium off-road SUV, the J7. The local market also witnessed the debut of the JAC T9 pickup truck in pure BEV and ICE forms.

If you missed tuning into Zigwheels Malaysia, we’ve covered you with our weekly wrap-up of the top auto news from local and global markets. So, let’s get started.

Malaysia automotive market: Key launches and updates

MG Cyberster bookings open

After previewing the Cyberster earlier this year, SAIC Motor Malaysia has now started accepting bookings for the groundbreaking roadster EV. It is offered in a single CBU variant and is expected to be priced below RM 350,000. The two-seater fully electric roadster is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup generating a combined output of 544 PS and a peak torque of 725. Feeding the motor is a 77 kWh battery, which offers a driving range of up to 446 km (on the WLTP cycle). In terms of performance, the MG Cyberster completes the century sprint in just 3.2 seconds.

Jaecoo J7 PHEV previewed at Sunway Pyramid

Earlier this year, Jaecoo made its Malaysian debut with the launch of its first SUV, the J7. It is now geared to bring the plug-in hybrid variant of the SUV to the local shores. The Chinese automaker previewed the J7 PHEV at Sunway Pyramid this week, ahead of its official launch slated for later this year. It will come powered by an 18.3 kWh battery pack and a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, capable of generating 341 hp and 525 Nm of torque. The PHEV model will be available in two versions: the AWD with seven modes, including Sand, Mud, Snow, and Off-Road, and the 2WD with Standard, Sport, and Economy modes.

JAC T9 pickup truck made its local debut

JAC Motors introduced its premium pick-up truck, the T9, in Malaysia this week, marking its debut in the local passenger car segment. The JAC T9 will be offered in two versions here - ICE (diesel) and BEV. The former runs on a 1.9-litre inline four-cylinder turbo diesel engine good for making 170 PS at 3,600 rpm and 410 Nm from 1,500 rpm to 2,500 rpm. The electric pickup, on the other hand, comes powered by two electric motors delivering 299 PS of power and 516 Nm of torque. The motors are fed by an 88 kWh LFP battery offering a range of 340 km. The introductory price tags read RM 120,000 for the ICE-powered JAC T9 and RM 200,000 for the JAC T9 EV.

2024 CFMoto 500SR Voom now in Malaysia

CFMoto launched an all-new middleweight sports bike, the 500SR Voom, in Malaysia this week Priced at RM 35,888, the bike features retro styling, cutting-edge technology, and a 499-cc inline four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine producing 77.78 hp of power at 12,500 rpm 49 Nm of torque at 10,000 rpm. It accelerates from zero to 100 kmph in 4.2 seconds and attains a top speed of 200 kmph. Two exciting colour options are - Zephyr Blue and Nebula White. 

Groundbreaking ceremony held for Perodua new 3S centre

Perodua’s largest dealership, DMM Sales Sdn. Bhd. began constructing its new outlet in Pasir Mas, Kelantan this week. The upcoming outlet is DMMS’ 18th outlet in Malaysia and the first 3S centre in the East Coast region. It will cover an expansive area of 84,506 square feet, offering sales, servicing, and spare parts facilities to both new and existing Perodua customers in the region. With a significant development investment of RM 6.4 million, the outlet is expected to be operational by August 2025.

Stellantis Malaysia opens new multi-brand showroom

Stellantis Malaysia has officially opened the doors of its second showroom, located on Old Klang Road. Managed by Allure Auto, the new outlet is a multi-brand showroom displaying new Peugeot and Leapmotor models. It is initially operated as a 1S dealership, comprising a spacious vehicle display area, a comfortable customer lounge and a vehicle delivery bay. The company has plans to add a 2S service and spare parts facility in USJ 1, which will be equipped with Stellantis-certified technicians, serving the after-sales requirements of both Peugeot and Leapmotor customers. 

New GAC and Aion 3S centre opens in Glenmarie

WTC Automotif (WTCA) inaugurated its new 3S facility in Malaysia this week. Strategically located in Glenmarie, the new centre is operated by WariTan Automobile. The showroom incorporates separate display sections for GAC Motor and its sub-brand Aion, while the shared service centre features 10 work bays for all customers. The latter is staffed by seven certified technicians and houses a ‘premier lounge,’ charging points, a children's playroom, a coffee corner and a merchandise area.

BMW Malaysia becomes e-mobility partner for 2024 Maybank Championship

BMW Malaysia has once again become the Official E-Mobility Partner for the Maybank Championship 2024 set to be held from October 24th to 27th at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. The company will provide a fleet of 60 electric vehicles to transport players, officials, and VIPs throughout the event. The fleet includes high-end electric cars such as - BMW iX, BMW i5, and BMW i7. 

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Mitsubishi DST concept debuts in the Philippines

Mitsubishi has revealed an all-new DST Concept, a seven-seater SUV at the 2024 Philippine International Motor Show. Made for the ASEAN market, this model will join Mitsubishi's regional lineup alongside the Pajero Sport, Xforce, and Xpander models. It underpins a new mid-size SUV platform and features the brand’s “Gravitas & Dynamism” design language with high ground clearance, and rugged tyres. Although Mitsubishi has not shared powertrain details, it is expected to use a 1.5-litre engine with 105 hp and 141 Nm torque, just like the Xpander and Xforce.

Leapmotor B10 made its global debut 

Stellantis-backed Leapmotor recently unveiled its new electric SUV, the B10, in the global market. It is the brand’s first global C-segment SUV, positioned between the Leapmotor C10 and Leapmotor T03. The B10 is built on the company’s innovative LEAP 3.5 architecture, integrating several cutting-edge technologies for a seamless driving experience. While the automaker is yet to announce the technical specifications, the EV is slated to hit multiple markets in 2025.

2025 Mazda BT-50 unveiled in Australia

Mazda has rolled out the upgraded version of the BT-50 pickup in the Australian market. The refreshed model gets cosmetic tweaks inside and out, along with bigger displays, upgraded safety systems, and new colour options. Under the hood, things remain unchanged, with the 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine producing 150 PS and the more powerful 3.0-litre version delivering 190 PS.

2025 Mini Cooper JCW hatch and Convertible revealed

Mini revealed two new petrol-powered JCW models this week viz. Mini John Cooper Works 2 Door and Mini John Cooper Works Convertible. The latest JCW trims feature a glossy black octagonal front grille, three-colour JCW logo, an aerodynamic spoiler, a black diffuser, and a central rear tailpipe. The convertible model comes with a soft top that opens in 18 seconds. Under the hood lies a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine tuned to make 231 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a new eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, enabling the two-door hatch to achieve a 0-100 kmph sprint in 6.1 seconds. The Convertible completes the same task in 6.4 seconds.

2024 Toyota Yaris Ativ Nightshade arrives in Thailand 

Toyota has launched a new version of the Yaris Ativ (aka Toyota Vios) in Thailand, called the Yaris Ativ Nightshade. This edition adds a "black pack" to the top-tier Premium Luxury model, priced at THB 699,000 (approx RM 90k). Mechanically, the Nightshade remains the same, powered by a 1.2-litre Dual VVT-i engine delivering 94 PS and 110 Nm. Notable, the Malaysia-spec Vios comes with a larger 1.5-litre engine with 106 PS and 138 Nm. 

2025 Kia Sportage facelift teased 

While still awaited in Malaysia, the fifth-gen Kia Sportage is up for an upgrade in the Korean market. The Korean automaker recently teased the refreshed model showcasing softer front styling and vertical Star Map DRLs similar to those on the EV9. The upcoming Kia SUV is expected to keep the same powertrains, including 1.6-litre petrol, 2.0-litre diesel, and hybrid options.

Zeekr Mix mini-MPV launched in China 

Zeekr has launched a unique five-seater mini-MPV in China, called Mix. Built on Geely’s SEA-M platform, it features ample interior space, sliding doors, and flexible seating layouts. The front seats rotate 180 degrees to face the rear or 90 degrees to look out the doors. It is powered by a single 421 PS rear motor paired with either a 76 kWh battery pack, offering a 550 km range, or a 102 kWh option, providing up to 702 km. The Zeekr Mix price begins at CNY 279,900, approximately equal to RM 171k.

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

Also read: 2024 Mitsubishi Triton first Impressions: Bold, powerful, but with some surprising quirks