Weekly wrapup: 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix, 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S, 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE, Suzuki Jimny Rhino Edition launch; Omoda 5 & Tiggo 8 Pro coming soon

The past week was pretty busy for both the national and international auto industry. Toyota Malaysia launched the much anticipated Innova Zenix in the local market. Suzuki also introduced two striking models, namely the 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S and the 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE. The international auto market saw the unveiling of the 2023 BYD Dolphin, 2024 Range Rover Evoque, and Mercedes-Benz Estate S214.

Local auto news

2023 Toyota Innova Zenix launched in Malaysia

The all-new fully-imported 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix has finally landed on Malaysian soil. Globally unveiled late last year, the new MPV is the third-generation Innova, which bears the “Zenix” suffix to its name. Make note the new version of the MPV does not replace the existing second-gen locally assembled Innova in Malaysia, rather it will be sold alongside the latter. The 2023 Innova Zenix is offered in two variants, 2.0 V petrol and 2.0 HEV hybrid, priced at RM 165,000 and RM 202,000 respectively. Included in the price is a standard 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and an 8-year unlimited mileage warranty for the battery, inverter, and ECU in the case of the hybrid model.

Mitsubishi Triton Champion Xperience Weekend Fest

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia, is set to organize an electrifying event this weekend. Named “The Mitsubishi Triton Champion Xperience” the adrenaline-packed event offers enthusiasts a chance to enjoy the first-hand thrills of a rally experience and the proven capabilities of the legendary Triton. Here visitors can enjoy a thrilling taxi ride in the Triton pickup truck which won the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) last year. To participate in the test drives, one needs to sign up at MMM’s official site https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my/triton-mini-axcr/. The early bird registrations will get an exclusive Champion Xperience T-Shirt and RM 20 Touch N Go reload pin along with a chance to win North Face EXPLORE BARDU II bag lucky draw prizes.

2023 Honda CBR150R gets a new color

Boon Siew Honda Malaysia has updated the CBR150R for 2023. The latest iteration of the Japanese sports bike gets a new color tone, which is Pearl Nightfall Blue. It joins the existing color palette of the motorcycle comprising Mat Charcoal Grey Metallic and Candy Scintillate Red. The bike now retails at RM 13,299 (excluding registration fees and insurance), which is approx RM 800 dearer than the 2022 model year.

Chery Malaysia set to launch Omoda 5 & Tiggo 8 Pro soon

Chery expressed its intention to re-enter the Malaysian market nearly a year back and now it is all finally falling into place. The automaker has set a debut date to step in again in the local market, i.e., July 6th, 2023. Accompanying the brand launch will be the introduction of two of its popular models, the Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro. Thus forming “Phase One” of Chery’s plan for the local market, also both the cars will be locally assembled from the very beginning.

One unit limited BRABUS 1300R Edition 23 in Malaysia

BRABUS has introduced its version of the KTM motorcycle which it described as “an undeniably statement of style and individuality”. Called the BRABUS 1300R Edition 23, the ultra-exclusive and limited KTM has made its way into the Malaysian market.

2023 Suzuki GSX-8S launched in Malaysia

The highly anticipated all-new Suzuki GSX-8S middleweight naked motorcycle has finally landed on Malaysian soil. Thus giving the buyers a new exciting option in the segment to choose from. The motorcycle retails for RM 50,800 and has so much to offer to the rider including advanced features and impressive specs. Powering the new Suzuki motorcycle is a 776cc twin engine that has been developed from scratch by the brand.

2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE launched in Malaysia

The much-awaited 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE (DE stands for Dual Explorer) has finally arrived in the country. The new adventure-touring machine is the latest addition to the brand’s renowned V-Strom range. It brings impressive specifications and lots of advanced features to the table.

2023 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT gets new hues

The official distributor of Yamaha motorcycles in Malaysia, Hong Long Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has updated the Tracer GT for the model year 2023. The bike is now offered in two new striking tones, namely Midnight Black and Pure White.

Suzuki Jimny Jimny Rhino Edition arrives in Malaysia

Naza Eastern Motors, the official distributor of Suzuki Cars in Malaysia, has just launched the all-new Jimny Rhino Edition. It is priced at RM 174,900 (on the road without insurance). It features a pure pearl paint job with red, gray, and black decals on the hood and body, along with the “Real Offroader” script and a rhino graphic, and pays homage to the heritage of the Suzuki SJ series, the second-gen Jimny, which was introduced 41 years ago

First-ever Proton Digital Xperience center opens in Malaysia

Proton along with ACO Tech (maker of the GKUI infotainment software) has officially launched the Proton Digital Xperience (DX) center, which is touted as Malaysia's first-ever automotive digital experience center. Located in Quill City Mall, Kuala Lumpur, the new Proton DX spans across 5,275 sq ft space with multiple zones, including - Virtual Cockpit, Activity Zone, Lifestyle Zone, and Aico Cafe.

International auto news

2024 Range Rover Evoque debuts

The all-new 2024 Range Rover Evoque has received a series of upgrades in the global market, making it more appealing than the model it replaces. The upgrades include some minor styling tweaks, new tech features, and improved mild and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The SUV comes in different powertrain options, including D165 mild hybrid, D200 Mild Hybrid, P200 Mild Hybrid, P250 Mild Hybrid, and P300e Plug-in Hybrid. As the names suggest, the entire ​​range is now paired to a 48-V mild-hybrid system, with the plug-in hybrid unit getting updates for more efficiency

2023 Toyota Alphard and Vellfire Modellista and GR optional parts & accessories

After treating car enthusiasts with the launch of the all-new 2023 Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, there is more in the bag to surprise the audience. The luxury MPVs now get a range of optional parts and accessories for customers to choose from. And as expected the additions come from Modellista and GR (Gazoo Racing). For the new Alphard, there are two Modellista body kits to choose from - the Regal Dignity Style and Cool Shine Kit. As for the Vellfire, the MPV benefits from two Modellista body kits, namely the Beast Razor Style kit and Cool Shine Kit.

Toyota introduces all-new Alphard and Vellfire

In its homeland, Toyota has introduced the next generation of its luxury twins, the Alphard and Vellfire. Both the MPVs are built on the GA-K version of Toyota’s TNGA platform which has been optimized for the new vehicles. The fourth-gen Toyota Alphard and Vellfire are offered with a choice of three engine options, depending on the variant chosen. The list includes a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated (NA) petrol, 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol, and 2.5-liter petrol hybrid unit.

Mercedes-Benz unveils new Estate S214

It was only a few months back that Mercedes-Benz introduced the E-Class sedan and now we hear the automaker has unveiled the wagon version of the luxury car. Called the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate S214, it keeps the line-up tradition alive. The all-new wagon is offered in three different engine options, including Petrol mild hybrid (MHEV) E 200, Diesel MHEV E 220 d, and Petrol plug-in hybrid (PHEV) E 300 e.

Subaru confirms EyeSight ADAS

The acclaimed Subaru EyeSight advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) that was limited to automatic transmission vehicles will soon make its way to MT cars. The news was confirmed by the automaker and the system is currently in the development process. The new ADAS system for Subaru MT cars can operate in a wide range of real-world situations, thanks to the “control tailored to the driving and operating characteristics of MT vehicles”

All-new Mitsubishi Triton to unbox on July 26

Mitsubishi Motors has finally announced the world premiere date of the fully redesigned Triton. The all-new sixth generation of the pickup truck will be unveiled in Thailand on July 26, 2023. The Japanese automaker also teased several dark images, which reveal both the exterior and the interior of the upcoming pickup truck.

Renault unveils new Rafale SUV

Renault unveiled its all-new sports utility vehicle called the Renault Rafale. The new car is named after a 1934 racing plan. Powering the new Renault Rafale is the brand's E-Tech hybrid setup that pumps out a maximum power output of 200 hp.

BYD Dolphin EV debuts in Australia

BYD Australia has revealed the Dolphin price and specifications along with opening its order books. The deliveries of the EV will commence by the end of this year. The BYD Dolphin is offered in two variants - Dynamic and Premium, priced at AUD 38,890 (approx RM 122k) and AUD 44,890 (approx RM 140k). The top-spec ‘Sport’ variant will join the lineup at a later date.

Also Read: All-new 2023 Mazda 2 facelift up for grabs in Thailand; When will it come to Malaysia?