This past week was not like the rest, as a lot of important stuff happened during the seven days; both in the national and international auto industry. While BMW Malaysia updated the iX EV, the Chinese automaker GWM introduced three cars, namely the Ora 07, Ora Good Cat EV in a unique green tone, and GWM Tank 300. Also, interested individuals can now register their interest in the 2024 Subaru Forester GT Wild Lite. Also, the Malaysian auto market will soon witness the arrival of the BYD SEAL and Perodua D668. Interestingly, Honda is working on advanced safety technology that will enhance rider’s comfort and safety. Also, the Indonesian car market got two new cars, the Mitsubishi L100 EV and the 2024 Honda BR-V N7X Edition.

Local news

2024 BMW iX updated

BMW Malaysia has updated the iX EV with the changes consisting of a revised kit list and variant line-up. The automaker has dropped the xDrive40 and xDrive40 Sport from the lineup, leaving us with just two options to choose from, the xDrive50 Sport and M60. The latter two now retail for RM 465,800 and RM 579,8000 (on the road without insurance). As for the revised equipment list, the xDrive50 Sport gets an upgraded onboard AC charger (Type 2) with up to 22 kW (previously available 11 kW) that allows the AC charger to fully charge the battery in 5 hrs 30 minutes instead of 11 hours.

The car’s revised list also includes the new BMW Operating System 8.5, improved Comfort Access with Digital Key Plus, Parking Assistant Professional (now in xDrive50 Sport as well), updated infotainment & air suspension. In addition to the above-mentioned inclusions, there are new omissions as well like the Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof (from xDrive50 Sport), Bowers & Wilkins sound system has been swapped with Harman Kardon, Laserlight headlights, Titanium Bronze M exterior trim, seat ventilation, gesture control, and the Clear & Bold interior applications.

Ora 07 arrives in Malaysia

Great Wall Motor Malaysia has confirmed that in addition to the Tank 300, it will be launching the Ora 07 soon in the country. The automaker has brought in the first few units of the Ora 07 giving an indication of a soon market debut. It would be GWM’s second EV in the country after the Good Cat and will be offered in two configurations - a single e-motor version with 640 km of range and a twin-motor, all-wheel drive variant with 550 km of range.

Ora Good Cat EV in Pistachio Green tone

Malaysia has received a shipment of Good Car EV in striking Pistachio Green exterior tone. The special green tone is limited to the range-topping 500 Ultra variant which retails for RM 169,000 (without registration & insurance). In addition to the special green tone, the car gets a specific two-tone cabin color scheme with light cream upholstery and pastel green for the seat and dash/door card paneling. There is also a paw print motif on the center armrest.

GWM Tank 300 arrives ahead of the launch

The first units of the GWM Tank 300 have arrived in Malaysia ahead of the SUV’s official launch which is expected to happen sometime this year. Details about the Malaysia-spec model are scarce, however, we can take clues from Thailand where deliveries from the Tank 300 are scheduled to start anytime soon. The tahi-spec features a hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine generating a maximum power of 244 PS along with a peak torque of 380 Nm. The electric motor is rated at 106 PS and 268 Nm for a total system output of 351 PS and 615 Nm. The hybrid setup includes a 1.75 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 9-speed Hybrid Automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive system.
Perodua Alza recall

Owners of the second-gen Perodua Alza have received a letter from the national automaker Perodua telling them to bring the car in for a quality inspection service. Why? Well, the issue involves the car’s front suspension which may require the bolts holding the shock absorbers to be tightened. The rectification work will hardly take an hour with all costs borne by the automaker.

2024 Subaru Forester GT Wild Lite ROI open in Malaysia

The official distributor of Subaru Cars in Malaysia, Motor Image Malaysia, has started accepting registration of interest for the new Forester GT Wild Lite SUV. Compared to other Forester variants, the GT Wild Lite comes with a distinct accessory kit. The said kit will be installed at select dealerships and includes a distinctive decal of the mountain range, new alloy wheels with a ‘GT’ center cap, an anti-glare hood decal, and a Yokohama Geolander tire. As for the powertrain, the SUV continues to be powered by a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-four petrol engine making 156 PS and 196 Nm; paired with a Lineartronic CVT & Symmetrical All-wheel drive system.

Tesla Supercharger now at Pavilion Bukit Jalil

Tesla Malaysia has opened a new Supercharging station at Pavilion Bukit Jalil with six Superchargers and two Destination Chargers at the mall’s B1 car park.

Perodua D668 coming soon to Malaysia

As per Kenanga Research, the Perodua B-segment SUV, the D66B, is anticipated to launch in Malaysia by April 2024. The car will sit above the Ativa in the company’s line-up and information about it is still scarce.

BYD SEAL will launch soon in Malaysia

The four-door electric coupe, the BYD SEAL, is coming to Malaysia soon. The car will launch in a public event that is scheduled to be held at The Exchange TRX, Outdoor at the Raintree Plaza, on 23-25 Feb, from 10 am to 8 pm. At the event, the company apart from organizing test drives will put up a kid's zone for the children. Powering the EV will be an AWD dual-motor powertrain that puts out a maximum power of 530 PS along with a peak torque of 670 Nm. The setup allows the car to sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in just 3.8 seconds and offers a range of 650 km on a single charge.

International news

Mitsubishi L100 EV launched in Indonesia

A Mitsubishi L100 EV has been officially launched in Indonesia after it entered production just a few months ago. The fully electric light commercial vehicle is priced at 320 million rupiah (RM 97,791) and is the first Japanese electric commercial vehicle in the country. Powering it is a rear electric motor making a maximum power of 42 PS along with a peak torque of 195 Nm. The setup allows the EV to attain a top speed of 180 kmph. In terms of standard equipment, the EV benefits from halogen headlamps, 12-inch wheels, traction control, BA, air-con system, two airbags, ABS with EBD, and a seatbelt reminder system.

2024 Honda BR-V N7X Edition launched in Indonesia

Honda has introduced the all-new 2024 BR-V N7X Edition at this year’s Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS). The car features several aesthetic improvements all of which are inspired by the N7X Concept. The Indonesia-spec model is offered in three trim options namely, E CVT, Prestige CVT, and range-topping Prestige with Honda Sensing. Powering the car is a 1.5-litre i-VTEC 4-cylinder unit with DOHC making a maximum power of 121 PS at 6,600 rpm along with a peak torque of 145 NM at 4,300 rpm. The power is sent to the front wheels via a CVT unit.

2024 Aston Martin Vantage unveiled

Aston Martin has revealed the latest iteration of the Vantage after six years of the car’s initial debut. Like before, the car is powered by a front-mounted 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine delivering a maximum power of 665 PS along with a peak torque of 800 Nm (155 PS and 115 Nm more than before). As for performance, the car goes from 0 to 96 kph in 3.4 seconds and attains a top speed of 323 kmph. Some of the highlighting features of the new Vantage include an advanced vehicle dynamics control system, adjustable traction control, electrically power-assisted steering system, 21-inch forged alloy wheels shod in AML-coded Michelin Pilot Sport 5S tyres, 400 mm cast-iron brake discs in front, and 360 mm disc at the rear, multifunctional steering wheel, digital driver’s instrument display, 10.25-inch infotainment system, parking sensors, and much more.

Triumph Tiger 1200 upgraded for 2024

Triumph has introduced an array of new features for its Tiger 1200 family for the model year 2024. The improvements include refined performance, improved ergonomics & comfort, reduced seat height, better cornering, and vibrant hues. The 1160cc triple engine now offers a more controlled and smooth riding experience, especially at low speeds.

Honda developing crosswind assist & lane keep assist systems

Honda plans to end all fatalities involving its motorcycles by 2050. How? By developing technologies like lane keep assist and crosswind assist systems. The implementation of this tech will enhance the rider’s safety and comfort. However, the effectiveness and user acceptance of these innovations remain to be seen in real-world scenarios.

GAC M8 launched in the Philippines

GAC Motors Philippines has now added a new MPV to its lineup called the M8. The seven-seater premium MPV is offered in two variants - 2.0L M8 GL Master and 2.0L M8 GX Master, priced at P2.998 million (approx RM 255k) and P3.948 million (approx RM 337k) respectively. It is powered by a a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine tuned to generate a maximum power of 248 hp and a peak torque of 400 Nm. The engine comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It features a pretty impressive equipment kit including - a 14.6-inch infotainment unit supporting Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, a 12.3-inch LCD instrument panel, eight speakers, three-zone auto air-conditioning, multi-color intelligent ambient lighting, a panoramic roof, a wireless charging pad, a rearview camera, and electronic parking brake with auto brake hold. 

5-door Suzuki Jimny launched in Indonesia

After the Philippines and Singapore, the 5-door Suzuki Jimmy has now made its way to the Indonesian market. The automaker launched the 5-door off-road SUV at the ongoing Indonesia International Motor Show. It is offered in four variants at a price starting from IDR 462 mil (approximately equal to RM 141k). Built on a sturdy ladder-frame chassis, the 5-door Jimny is powered by the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine available with the 3-door model. The said engine produces a maximum power of 105 PS and a peak torque of 130 Nm of torque. Transmission choices include - 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic.

2024 Mini Cooper Electric gets a new Classic trim

The BMW-owned brand, Mini has expanded the car’s lineup by adding a new all-electric Cooper Electric variant in the entry-level Classic trim. It is cheaper and less powerful and highlights the minimalist design ethos of the brand. Powering the new Mini Cooper is a front-mounted electric motor pumping out a maximum power of 184 PS and a peak torque of 290 Nm. Performance-wise, this power is sufficient to propel the EV from 0 to 100 kmph in 7.3 seconds. Other highlighting bits include a 9.44-inch circular OLED touchscreen,  Vescin synthetic leather upholstery, LED highlights , aerodynamically optimised wheels, an octagonal front grille, and much more. 

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