The second last week of February 2024 was pretty busy for both the national and international auto industry. Toyota Malaysia previewed not one but three hybrid models including the Alphard Hybrid, Vellfire Hybrid & Camry Hybrid. Also, we got 1 of 48 Bentley Continental GT Le Mans Edition that was secured by a Malaysian buyer for RM 4,540,696 (including taxes). Let us check out the latest auto events in national and international markets.

Local news

1 of 48 Bentley Continental GT Le Mans Edition sold to Malaysia

One of 48 Bentley Continental GT Le Mans Editions has been secured by a Malaysian buyer for RM 4,540,696 (including taxes). The said model marks the 20th anniversary of Bentley’s sixth victory at the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Le Mans Collection includes several unique exterior and interior details that resemble the winning Speed 8 race car. All 48 units feature a Verdant Green tone with a Moonbeam racing stripe across the bonnet and roof, #7 painted on the matrix grille, a bespoke welcome lamp projecting a 2003 wreath on the ground, and many more interesting bits.

Powering the supercar is a 6.0-litre twin-turbo unit making a maximum power of 659 PS along with a peak torque of 900 Nm. The said mill pushes the Conti GT from 0 to 100 kmph in just 3.6 seconds and attains a top speed of 335 kmph.

2024 Range Rover Evoque facelift in Malaysia

Land Rover has finally launched the facelift Range Rover Evoque in Malaysia. The brand's stylish entry-level SUV is offered in a total of three variants, namely P200 Dynamic SE (M Spec), P250 version (H Spec), and P250 Dynamic HSE (Lux Spec). The three trims retail for RM 498,800, RM 529,800, and RM 565,800 respectively.

Powering the Evoque facelift model is a 2.0-litre Ingenium turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine which makes 200PS/320 Nm in the entry-level model and 249PS/365Nm in the other two versions. Part of the standard kit is a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, 10-way adjustment front passenger seat, 12.3-inch digital instrument display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 400-watt Meridian sound system, and dual-zone climate control.

The P250 version gets some added features like an auto high beam, a 360-degree camera system with a 3D function, front fog lights, and a ClearSight digital rear-view mirror. The top-spec trim benefits from LED matrix headlights, Windsor leather upholstery, 21-inch Style 5137 alloys, 14-way power-adjustable seats, a head-up display, a panoramic glass roof, and adaptive suspension.

2024 W206 Mercedes-Benz C350e teased in Malaysia

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s Facebook page recently teased the 2024 C350e tagging it as the arrival of ‘the best of all worlds’. The exact specifications of the Malaysia-spec C 350 e will be revealed at the time of launch. As per the post by the automaker, the model will be revealed at the International news Plaza Arkadia in Desa Park City, Kuala Lumpur from February 23 to 25.

Guaranteed courtesy car by Chery if the repair takes more than 48 hrs

Chery Malaysia has started an initiative called ‘Keeps you Moving’ to keep its customers moving even when their car is out of action. So, you will be issued a replacement car while work is being done on your personal car. However, the dealership is under no obligation to offer a courtesy car, if the customer is lucky he/she will get one and they certainly can’t choose a model. The said Chery Malaysia programme will be introduced soon. So, just wait up.

BMW Premium Selection Showcase coming up

BMW Malaysia has announced the return of the BMW Premium Selection (BPS) Showcase. This year’s event will take place at Carpark B, Bukit Jalil National Stadium from 9am to 7 pm this March 1 to 3. At the three-day event, the automaker will offer a wide selection of up to 500 pre-owned cars along with new products from across the BMW range (2 Series, 3 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, and X range). In addition to BMW models, onlookers will also get to check out a premium line-up of pre-owned MINI and BMW Motorrad cars.

Sashi Ambihaipahan, BMW Malaysia’s head of corporate communications and sustainability on the upcoming event said, “We are thrilled to be able to bring back the BMW Premium Selection showcase yet again, this time with even more innovative choices in our premium vehicle repertoire on show, further showcasing our ongoing dedication to delivering the epitome of Sheer Driving Pleasure across our entire portfolio, even in the luxury used car market.”

Proton’s first EV coming soon

‘Very soon’ Proton will launch its first electric vehicle in Malaysia, said the company’s CEO Li Chunrong. During his speech, Li also revealed that the brand will be launching not one but two EVs with the second one arriving 6 to 8 months after the launch of the first model.

Next-gen Proton Persona & Saga will be developed in the new R&D center

Proton’s CEO, Li Churong recently shared a few updates on the company’s future plan which includes setting up of a new R&D center in Hangzhou, China. Here Proton will be developing homegrown models which currently consist of the Iriz, Saga, and Persona. The automaker also confirmed that it will be introducing a New Energy Vehicle based on the Saga/Iriz/Persona platform.

Proton share updates on the Automotive High Tech Valley

At the recently held Proton Chinese New Year media appreciation dinner, the automaker offered an update on the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjong Malim - the brand’s future hub for all its manufacturing, research, and design needs. As per the automaker, the AHTV vendor park is being aggressively developed with 20 vendors currently operational at the site with more expected to come in when parcel five is ready. Also, four vendors have started new construction to expand their operation in AHTV. For companies looking to set up a site in AHTV, 6 new factories will be ready for lease in 2024 within the vendor park with a total of 400,000 sq feet.

Toyota Alphard Hybrid and Vellfire Hybrid previewed by UMWT

At Toyota’s Beyond Zero event, the automaker showcased hybrid versions of the Alphard and Vellfire which supports Malaysia’s goal of becoming a carbon-neutral nation by 2050. The MPV duo features a series-parallel system featuring a Dynamic Force engine and a 5 NM electric motor. The former is a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol unit making 190 PS ns 236 Nm and later making 182 PS and 270 Nm. The end result is a total system output of 250 PS. The power is sent to the front wheels via an electronic CVT, also part of the setup is an all-wheel drive which adds a 4NM electric motor at the rear.

Toyota Camry Hybrid previewed in Malaysia

In addition to the hybrid versions on the Alphard and Vellfire, Toyota also showcased the Camry Hybrid. The electrified version of the D-segment sedan is powered by a 178 PS/221 Nm generating Atkinson-cycle version of the 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol engine seen in the currently on sale Camry. The mill is paired to an e-motor rated at 120 PS and 202 Nm. The total system output stands at 211 PS.

Chery Omoda E5 EV bookings open

From this weekend Chery Omoda E5 EV will be in showrooms nationwide. The Malaysian-spec model will be powered by a front-mounted electric motor making a maximum power output of 204 PS along with a peak torque of 340 Nm. The setup allows the SUV to go from a standstill to 100 kmph in just 7.6 seconds. The 61 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery is good enough to offer a range of 430 km. Charging is supported by a 9.9 kW AC charger as well as an 80 kW DC fast charger (30 to 80% SOC in 30 minutes).

Part of the car’s feature kit is LED projector headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a powered sunroof, a powered tailgate, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, puddle lamps, selectable drive modes, leather upholstery, and dual-zone climate control.

Toyota Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition in Malaysia

Present at the Toyota Beyond Zero event was the Toyota Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition; the said car was first revealed at the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race. The special edition Prius displays motorsport-inspired parts including a rear diffuser, carbon-fiber bonnet, canards on the front bumper, rear wing, and side skirts. Also, part of the setup is a bumper with a large, rectangular intake with a honeycomb grille, and LED lighting units.

Powering the Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition is a hybrid EV all-wheel-drive powertrain. As for the ongoing Prius it is offered in two engine options - a 2.0 liter naturally aspirated petrol engine mated to an e-motor and a 1.8 liter 2ZR-FXE NA four-cylinder engine mated to a 1VM e-motor.

Tesla Model 3 HighlAND EV body on display at IOI City Mall

Here’s a chance to find out what’s under the skin of Model 3 Highland. The body-in-white structure of the model is currently on display at IOI City Mall until 26th Feb. The Model 3 is primarily made up of stamped steel of various strengths which makes the car low-priced compared to cars made using aluminum castings.

BYD Seal launched in Malaysia

BYD Seal is now officially on sale in the country. The car was launched by BYD’s sole distributor in Malaysia, Sime Darby Beyond on 22nd Feb at the TRX Exchange. The EV is offered in two variant options -

The Seal Premium (Extended Range) at RM179,800; RM180,430 on-the-road without insurance and the Seal Performance AWD at RM199,800; RM200,430 on-the-road without insurance.

Powering the Premium trim is a single-motor, rear-wheel drive unit making 308 hp and 360 Nm of torque. It comes combined with a 82.5 kWh LFP Blade battery, which provides the car with up to 570 km range. The Performance variant, on the other hand, is powered by a dual-motor unit along with a front and rear motor.

2024 Mercedes-Benz C350e launched in Malaysia

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has finally launched the C350e AMG Line. The newest member of the 5th gen C-Class range is available as a locally assembled unit with an estimated price tag of RM 355,000 (on the road without insurance).

Powering the new plug-in hybrid variant is a 204hp/320 Nm 2.0-litre turbo inline-four engine augmented by a 129PS/440 Nm e-motor. Total system output rests at 313 PS and 550 Nm of torque which is good enough to go from 0 to 100 kmph in 6.1 seconds and attain a top speed of 245 kmph. The power is sent to the rear wheels via a 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission.

International news -

MG One made its ASEAN debut

MG One has made its ASEAN debut with the Philippines being the first country to receive the EV. The model here is offered in two variants - Standard and Lux, priced at Php 1,298,888 (approx RM 110,963) and Php 1.458,888 (approx RM 124,632) respectively. Included in the price is a 5-year/100,000 km vehicle warranty and 24/7 roadside assistance. Based on the SAIC Intelligent Global Modular Architecture (SIGMA) platform, the MG One measures 4,581 mm in length, 1,871 mm in width, and 1,617 mm in height. It is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine, which is tuned to generate 168 hp and 285 Nm of torque.

Yamaha to discontinue YZF-R1 and YZF-R1 M

Yamaha UK has recently shed some light on the potential discontinuation of Yamaha's revered YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M superbike. The statement reads, “Yamaha Motor Group has taken the decision not to develop an EU5+ version of the R1 or R1M instead focussing on other mid-term business and product strategies that will provide future opportunities.”

New Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid variants introduced

 

The all-new Porsche Panamera made its global debut last November and now the automaker has updated the vehicle’s lineup with the addition of two new V6 plug-in hybrid variants. The new Panamera E-Hybrid models are powered by a new hybrid system featuring a revamped 2.9-litre V6-twin-turbo engine producing a combined output of 463 hp on the 4 E trim and 536 hp on the 4S E trim. It is priced at $115,500 (approx RM 550k), and the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid at $126,800 (approx RM 604k).

Also Read: Mercedes-Benz introduces portable wallbox charger for EVs, starting from RM 4,300