Weekly Wrap-up: MG HS launched, 2025 Kia Sportage bookings open in Malaysia, Hyundai Ioniq 9 revealed, and more

The past week was quite eventful for the Malaysian automotive world, with MG finally revealing the price of its much-anticipated model, the HS. The excitement was further fueled by Kia who is ready to unveil its new model, the Sportage, at the upcoming KL International Motorshow. On the global front, some exciting reveals such as the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Jaguar's new brand identity remained in the headlines.

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 HS launched

Previewed in August, the MG HS has now made its way to the Malaysian market. The SUV is offered in two variants - Standard and Lux, priced at RM 129,900 and RM 145,900, respectively. However, the HS is offered at a RM 5,000 introductory discount in conjunction with the brand’s 100th anniversary celebration. The SUV boasts a sharp design, advanced technology, and a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, tuned to generate a maximum power of 162 PS and 250 Nm of peak torque. It stands neck-to-neck against the Proton X70 and Honda CR-V.

Suzuki Jimny gets a new variant

Suzuki Cars Malaysia expanded its Jimny lineup this week by adding a new Arctic variant. It is a three-door model featuring some exclusive bits, including door visors, three-panel glass tint, an exclusive Arctic-themed soft tyre cover, and black mud flaps. Several exterior elements of the vehicle are sprayed with a  Pearl White finish, giving it a whole new look. Inside, we can find a new trim design for the central display, two-tone colour scheme for seats, and high-quality floor mats. Priced at RM 167,900, the Suzuki Jimny Arctic features the same 100 hp/130 Nm 1.5-litre VVT naturally-aspirated petrol engine available on the standard model. 

2025 Kia Sportage bookings open

Kia Malaysia has finally opened the ordering bookings for the long-awaited Sportage SUV. Set to launch at KLIMS next month, the Kia Sportage is a C-segment SUV that will be offered as a CKD model in the country. It boasts an eye-catching road appearance and an avant-garde cabin loaded with modern niceties. The Malaysia-spec is offered in two drivetrain options - a 1.6-litre turbocharged inline-four and a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated, paired with a 7-speed DCT and 6-speed AT, respectively. The 2025 Kia Sportage estimated price begins at RM 150,000. 

Audi Q5 Sportback price slashed by RM 145k

As the year draws to a close, PHS Automotive Malaysia has revised the pricing of the Audi Q5 Sportback in Malaysia, making the premium coupe SUV more competitively priced within its segment. It now retails for RM 370,223 with a significant reduction of RM 145,000 compared to its previous price. The Q5 Sportback continues to combine sporty aesthetics with advanced technology and Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Audi Malaysia is also offering year-end savings on its e-tron range, with prices starting at RM 378,990. 

Ford Raptor Rev off-road event announced

SDAC-Ford announced an exciting off-road experience event this week, designed specifically for Ranger Raptor owners. Touted as Malaysia’s first premier off-road event, this one-day “Ford Raptor Rev” event will take place in the first quarter of 2025. It offers a one-of-its-kind opportunity for participants to experience the full power of their performance-packed pickup in a secure, off-road environment.

Sime Darby unveils new brand identity

Sime Darby Berhad has unveiled a new brand identity, transitioning to the simplified name "Sime" as part of its strategic evolution. The rebranding focuses on the company’s core automotive and industrial equipment sectors, with the new tagline, “Bridging Opportunities,” emphasising growth, innovation, and sustainability. Sime Darby is a long-standing name in Malaysia's corporate landscape, which officially represents a variety of foreign car brands such as BMW, MINI, Ford, BYD, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Hyundai.

Perodua teams up with Petronas and Gentari 

Perodua has entered into two key partnerships to enhance its customer experience. The first is a collaboration with Petronas and Setel Ventures, under which the national automaker will integrate Setel’s digital payment system into Perodua’s UFirst app and establish Mesra retail stations at Perodua service centres. The second partnership with Gentari, through Gentari Green Mobility, will see the installation of EV charging facilities at existing Perodua service centres to support the company’s shift towards electric vehicles.

Proton emerges as a top graduate employer in automotive sector

Proton has been named as the top automotive employer and fastest-moving employer at the 2024 Malaysia’s 100 Leading Graduate Employers (M100) Awards. The driving force behind this achievement is the PROTON Young Talents (PYT) programme launched in 2028, which identifies and grooms promising graduates into skilled professionals and future leaders within the company.  The M100 Awards assess companies based on factors like leadership, career growth, salary, work-life balance, and job security.

Mitsubishi Malaysia opens a new 4S centre

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has expanded its footprint in Malaysia with the opening of a new 4S Centre in Sarawak. Operated by Auto Pacifica Sdn Bhd, the new facility spans across 21,700 sq ft and the brand’s global design identity. It incorporates a spacious display area, advanced service facilities, a dedicated body and paint section, a comfortable customer lounge equipped with Wi-Fi, and a kid’s corner.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Hyundai Ioniq 9 three-row EV breaks cover

After much teasing, Hyundai has finally pulled the wraps off the Ioniq 9. It is a three-row SUV featuring an ‘Aerosthetic’ styling and futuristic design elements with a streamlined roof and flush surfaces. The EV boasts an impressive cabin space with a fully flat floor, relaxation seats, swivelling seats, and a slidable Universal Island 2.0 console for enhanced comfort. It is equipped with future-oriented technologies and a 110.3 kWh battery pack offering a WLTP-claimed driving range of 620 km. The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is set to make its debut in Korea and the U.S. in 2025, followed by other markets.

Jaguar introduces bold new brand identity for EV transition 

Jaguar is geared up to become an all-electric ultra-luxury EV brand by 2026. Heralding this transformation is the automaker’s new brand identity that screams its commitment to innovation, originality, and sustainability. The new Jaguar device mark incorporates upper and lowercase characters in a unique font while the logo ditches the Jaguar face for a more refined and geometric design with the letters "J" and "r" in brass. Jaguar's new identity received mixed reactions from car enthusiasts with some being disappointed by the brand's shift away from its classic, bold image.

Mazda CX-60 gets an upgrade in the UK

Bound to launch in Malaysia sometime next year, the Mazda CX-60 received a subtle upgrade in the UK. Key changes include a revised dashboard panel and black Nappa leather seats for the Homura variant, and a revised rear suspension setup promising better handling and ride comfort. Powertrain options remain the same as earlier, including a 3.3-litre inline-six turbocharged mild hybrid, a 3.3-litre turbocharged diesel, and a 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid.

Hyundai Elantra N TCR Edition revealed

Hyundai also unveiled a new Elantra N TCR Edition that celebrates its achievements in the TCR (Touring Car Racing) series. This limited-edition model features a lightweight Carbon Swan Neck Spoiler with adjustable functionality, highly rigid, lightweight 19-inch N TCR forged wheels, exclusive decals, a race-inspired Alcantara steering wheel, and Performance Blue seat belts. The under-the-hood setup incorporates the same tried and tested 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Set to arrive in South Korea this December, the Elantra N TCR Edition will be launched in other markets next year.

Kia EV9 GT revealed in the US

Kia has unveiled a high-performance version of the already impressive EV9, the EV9 GT. It is equipped with a more powerful dual motor setup combinedly producing a power of 501 hp. Kia claims a 0-100 kmph sprint time of 4.3 seconds, which is 0.7 seconds faster than the EV9 GT-Line. The EV9 GT also features larger brakes, upgraded suspension, and an electronic rear limited-slip differential for improved handling. Built in South Korea, the deliveries of the EV9 GT are expected to begin in mid-2025.

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

Also read: Is Proton e.MAS 7 the eco-friendly drive Malaysians have been waiting for?