Weekly wrap-up: Volvo EX90, XC90 facelift bookings open, Jetour Dashing, Audi Q7 CKD launch confirmed and more

As the first quarter of the year is about to end, the automakers are ramping up their plans to roll out new models slated for release in 2025. Volvo started accepting bookings for the EX90 and XC90 facelift, while Audi and Jetour have officially confirmed the launch timelines for their upcoming models, the all-new Q7 CKD and Dashing, respectively. Similarly, a lot happened in the international market, such as the debut of the BYD Sealion 05 EV and more.

Here, we bring a quick recap of all the top auto news that stole the spotlight during the week.

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

Volvo EX90, XC90 facelift bookings open in Malaysia

Volvo Car Malaysia has opened the ordering books for two upcoming vehicles - EX90 EV and XC90 facelift. The Volvo EX90 is the brand’s first fully electric 7-seater SUV, featuring an evolutionary design language, advanced safety tech, powerful dual-motor performance, and over 600 km range. The second upcoming Volvo car is the XC90 facelift, which boasts a new look and user interface redefined for a new electric age. Set to hit the local shores soon, both models are expected to be priced at around RM 450,000.

Jetour Dashing launch confirmed for April 2025

After making its first official appearance at the 2024 MAS event, Chery’s sub-brand Jetour is now ready to set up its shop in Malaysia. The Chinese automaker will be launching its first SUV, the Dashing, next month. It is a 5-seater vehicle that will compete against the Proton X70, Honda CR-V, and Toyota Corolla Cross in the C-segment SUV category. Notably, Jetour will operate independently of Chery in Malaysia, unlike Jaecoo. It will establish over 20 outlets in the country, out of which 10 are slated to open very soon.

2025 Audi Q7 ROI open ahead of imminent launch

Audi Malaysia has opened registrations of interest for its upcoming car, the all-new Q7. Set to launch in May 2025, the Audi Q7 will be offered as a CKD model, locally assembled in Pekan, Pahang. While information about the local-spec Q7 is scarce, the SUV comes in a diverse range of variants with different engine choices in the global market. It includes a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine generating 340 hp and 500 Nm, and a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 mill tuned to produce 507 hp and 700 Nm.

Perodua joins hands with MyDigital ID for digital services

Perodua has signed an MoU with My Digital ID to enhance user authentication for its cashless transactions. This collaboration will eliminate the need to remember multiple passwords as MyDigital ID offers a single, secure digital identity to Malaysians, allowing them to log into multiple apps and portals with a single verification system. This effort is part of the automaker’s broader commitment to improving digital experiences.

Chery opens new outlets in East Malaysia

With an aim to better serve customers in East Malaysia, Chery has opened four new centres. These are located in Sandakan, Tawau, Miri and Kota Kinabalu’s Imago Mall -

• Chery Sandakan: Operated by Universal Chery, it is a 1S centre located in Taman Wemin, Batu 5, Jalan Labuk, and opens daily.
• Chery Tawau: It is a 3S outlet in Taman Berkeley, Batu 1, Jalan Apas, with a four-bay service centre. The showroom is open daily while the service centre remains closed on Sundays and public holidays.
• Chery Miri: It is also a 3S outlet by MP Advanced Automotive, situated at Lambir Land District, Jalan Miri Bypass, with four service bays and a service centre that remains open Monday to Saturday.
• Chery Imago Mall Kota Kinabalu: It is a boutique showroom on the ground floor of Imago Mall, operated by Universal Chery. It follows the operating hours of the mall.

Leapmotor C10 EV now offered with a 0.38% financing scheme

Leapmotor Malaysia has announced an exclusive financing campaign for the C10, in partnership with Public Bank Berhad. It offers an ultra-low interest rate of just 0.38% for a 90% loan over 60 months on the purchase of the EV, making it more accessible and attainable for all Malaysians. The promotion is running from March 13 until April 30, 2025. Customers who take advantage of this financing offer will also get a free Wallbox Charger with installation worth over RM 4,000 for convenient home charging.

2025 Royal Enfield Guerilla 450 launched in Malaysia

Didi Group has expanded the Royal Enfield lineup in Malaysia with the introduction of the Guerilla 450. It is a premium roadster made for those who crave adventure and agility. The bike is powered by a 452-cc Sherpa DOHC liquid-cooled engine, good for producing a maximum power of  40 PS at 8,000 rpm and a peak torque of 40 Nm at 5,500 rpm. Key features include - a dual-channel ABS system, a 4-inch Tripper Dash console supporting Google Maps navigation, two riding modes (Eco and Performance), and 17-inch wheels. Priced at RM 28,700, the Guerilla 450 is available in two colours - Yellow Ribbon and Brava Blue.

Aveta DY115 up for grabs in Malaysia

Aveta has launched an affordable kapchai for Malaysians, called DY115. It is offered in two versions - Standard and Special Edition, priced at RM 3,988 and RM 4,088, respectively. The Aveta DY115 is powered by a 113.3-cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine producing 8.71 hp at 8,000 rpm and 9.0 Nm of torque at 5,000. Other key highlights include -  17-inch wheels, a hydraulic front disc, an LCD instrument panel, USB-A and USB-C charging ports and a 4.2-litre fuel tank. Two available colour options are - Black and Light Blue.

Denza hits a sales milestone in Malaysia

BYD’s sub-brand Denza recently made its way to Malaysia with its first electric vehicle, the Denza D9. And in less than a month, the automaker marked a significant sales milestone. It delivered the first 200 units of the premium electric minivan at the "Denza and BYD Electrifying Experience" event held at Plaza Arkadia, Desa Park City last week. The Denza D9 is offered in two variants - Advanced FWD and Premium AWD. Key specs are as follows -  

Models	Advanced FWD	Premium AWD
Price	RM 259,000	RM 309,000
Max output	313 PS and 360 Nm	374 PS and 470 Nm
0-100 kmph	9.5 seconds	6.9 seconds
Battery	103.6 kWh LFP	103.6 kWh LFP
Range	520 km	480 km

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

BYD Sealion 05 EV breaks cover

BYD has revealed the exterior images of its new electric SUV, the Sealion 05, ahead of the official launch scheduled for March 25 in China. Notably, the latest model differs from the Sealion 05 DM-i PHEV introduced last year as it houses a pure electric drivetrain under the skin.  It slots between the Atto 3 and Sealion 7 in terms of size and is expected to offer a driving range of up to 520 km.

2025 MG4 EV revealed in China

MG Motor has pulled the wraps off the all-new next-gen MG4 EV, which is set to replace the existing version launched in mid-2022 facing low traction in the Chinese market. Said to be the brand’s first global model for 2025, the EV boasts a completely overhauled styling and an upgraded drivetrain setup. It features a more subtle design language, larger dimensions, and a refined rear fascia. Power will likely be derived from a 163 PS motor mated to a LFP battery. 

Road-ready Skoda Vision 7S electric SUV teased

Skoda dropped the first teaser of the production-spec Vision 7S concept this week. It is an all-new seven-seat EV that will enter into production next year in global markets. The SUV is likely to be based on the modular MEB platform, which underpins other Skoda EVs. It will come equipped with an 89-kWh battery pack offering a range of 600 km and will also support DC fast charging of up to 200 kW.

2025 Mitsubishi Xforce HEV debuts in Thailand

The all-new 2025 Mitsubishi Xforce HEV made its way to the Thai market this week. It is a hybrid variant of the pure ICE-powered Xforce introduced in 2023. The HEV trim is powered by the same e: Motion powertrain as the Xpander HEV, which generates an output of 116 hp and 255 Nm of torque. It will be available in three variants in the Land of Smiles, priced between THB 899 (RM 118k) and THB1.089 million (RM 144k). 

MG IM6 electric SUV arrives in Thailand

MG has expanded its lineup in Thailand with the introduction of a new electric SUV, the IM6. It will be offered in two different configurations - single RWD and dual AWD. The former generates a maximum power of 295 hp and 450 Nm along with a driving range of 550 km. The top-spec AWD trim, on the other hand, makes 778 hp and 802 Nm of torque and comes powered by a 100 kWh lithium-ion battery delivering an estimated 634 km range. Key features include - a 15.5-inch infotainment unit, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.5-inch centre screen, and a “crab walking” function. The MG IM6 price ranges from THB 1,399,900 (RM 184k) to THB 1,799,900 (RM 237k).

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

Also read: Proton X90: Is it the best 7-seater SUV under RM 150k?