Weekly wrapup: Chery Omoda 5, Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, Nissan Serena J Impul, Proton X70 Premium X, 2023 Kia Niro EV, & Isuzu D-Max 1.9L Standard launched; New Toyota Alphard & Vellfire booking open

The first week of July was pretty busy for both the national and international auto industry. While Toyota opened ordering books for the Alphard & Vellfire luxurious MPVs in the local market. Chery launched two striking models, namely the Omoda 5 and the Tiggo 8 Pro in Malaysia. Other noticeable introductions included that of the Nissan Serena J Impul, Proton X70 Premium X, 2023 Kia Niro EV, & Isuzu D-Max 1.9L Standard. The international auto market saw the unveiling of the Honda City facelift, the Mrcedes-Benz CLE, the Kia Picanto facelift, and the 2023 Harley-Davidson X440.

Local auto news

Chery Omoda 5 launched in Malaysia

Chery Malaysia launched the Omoda 5 in two locally-assembled variants - C and H, priced at RM 108,800 and RM 118,800. Included in the price is a 7-year manufacturing warranty and a 5-year free servicing package. Both Omoda 5 variants are powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four engine generating a maximum power of 156 hp and a peak torque of 230 Nm.

Chery Tiggo 8 Pro launched in Malaysia

The seven-seater Chery Tiggo 8 Pro SUV is launched in a single Luxury variant in Malaysia, priced at RM 159,800. Powering the Tiggo 8 Pro SUV is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that kicks out a maximum power of 256 hp and a peak torque of 390 Nm. In the local market, it will rival the newly-launched Proton X90, Toyota Innova Zenix, Mazda CX-8, and Kia Sorento.

2023 Proton X70 gets a new Premium X variant

Proton has expanded the X70 lineup in Malaysia with the addition of a new variant called the 1.5 TGDi Premium X 2WD. Placed between the 1.5 TGDi Premium 2WD and 1.8 TGDi Premium 2WD, it gets a powered sunroof and a new Quartz Black colour tone. The new trim retails for RM 126,800 (on the road, without insurance).

All-new Nissan Serena J Impul introduced

Nissan Malaysia has introduced the all-new Nissan Serena J Impul model that features premium styling, is conveniently efficient, and is safer as well thanks to the Nissan Intelligent Mobility. Interested individuals can view and test drive the all-new Nissan Serena J IMPUL at all Nissan showrooms nationwide.

New Toyota Alphard & Vellfire MPVs now open for booking

The all-new 2023 Toyota Alphard & Vellfire luxury MPVs bookings are now open across Malaysia. Both the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire are offered in single-trim options and are priced at RM 538,000 and RM 438,000, respectively.

Yamaha EGO Gear in new colours for 2023

The official distributor of Yamaha vehicles in Malaysia, Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has introduced new colour tones for the EGO Gear scooter. Thus giving its popular model a new lease of life and enhancing the overall appeal & style of the scooter. Priced at RM 5,998, the new Yamaha EGO Gear makes a bold statement on the road, thanks to the new colour tones - Green, Yellow, and Blue.

2023 Honda CBR1000RR-R SP Fireblade 30th Anniversary edition in Malaysia

Honda Malaysia has launched the 30th Anniversary edition of the 2023 Honda CBR1000RR-R SP Fireblade. The new model is priced at RM 208,800 and features several revisions along with powertrain updates. Though it shares major parts and specs with Honda’s flagship superbike, the CBR10000RR-R SP. However, it has been refined by the brand for enhanced mid-range acceleration. For instance, Honda has revamped the intake ports, mid-section exhaust, and airbox. Also, the final drive sprocket has been increased from 40 to 43.

2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace with IQ.DRIVE suite in Malaysia

After Volkswagen Golf GTI and Arteon R-Line 4MOTION, it's the Tiguan Allspace family's turn to get the brand’s updated IQ.DRIVE suite in Malaysia. The new ADAS pack comprises several advanced safety systems, which promise a more comfortable and safer journey for occupants. Available in all three 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace variants - R-Line, Elegance, and Life, the list of the new IQ.DRIVE features include - Front Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Side Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Assist. also updated the technology pack of the SUV. Also, part of the update is a wireless charging pad as standard.

Standard and Plus after-sales service packages by BYD Malaysia

The official distributor of BYD cars in Malaysia, Sime Darby Motors, has come up with new after-sales service packages offering customers an enhanced level of satisfaction and support. The offered service packages are - Standard and Plus, cater to the diverse needs of BYD owners with different price points and different duration.

Proton’s 1H2023 sales report

Proton ended the first half-year of 2023 with outstanding sales numbers and an increased market share in the Malaysian automotive market. It managed to sell a total of 77,321 units during the first six months of the year, wherein the last month saw total deliveries of 14,351 units (including exports).

MINIfest is making a comeback

MINIfest is returning for 2023 with which the brand will get to celebrate the Spirit of Big Love. MINIlacs (MINI enthusiasts) will get to embrace a world of diversity that will unite local music, thrilling entertainment, eccentric art, and delectable delight. The MINIfest 2023 will take place at Tiffin at the Yard @ Sentul Depot Sentul West, on Saturday, 22nd July 2023.

2023 Honda Civic and City Hatchback prices revised

Honda Malaysia has revised prices for many of its models including the HR-V, Civic, and City Hatchback. While the HR-V’s revised price list emerged a bit early, thanks to the leaked price sheet, the other two Honda cars' new prices were confirmed, the Civic and City Hatchback. While the Honda HR-V experiences a price hike of RM 1,100. The City hatch is now RM 300 dearer than before across its entire range compared to the price in July 2022. As for the Civic sedan, out of the four variants, only three have undergone price hikes of RM 2,100, including E, V, and RS. The e:HEV 2.0L RS retails for the same amount as before.

2023 Kia Niro EV launched in Malaysia

Kia has expanded its fully-electric vehicle portfolio in Malaysia with the launch of the Niro EV. Currently in its second generation, the Kia Niro is a stylish and bold crossover electric car that offers an impressive drive range, advanced technology, and eco-friendly features. Offered in a single fully imported variant in Malaysia, it is priced at RM 256,668 (on the road without insurance).

Tesla official launch in Malaysia on July 20, 2023

After establishing its footprint in Singapore and Thailand, Tesla has geared up to mark its official presence in the third Southeast Asia market which is none other than Malaysia. Yes, that’s right! The official local launch of the American EV brand is set to be held on July 20, 2023.

Isuzu D-Max 1.9L Standard launched in Malaysia

Isuzu Malaysia has launched the new Isuzu D-Max 1.9L Standard. The new standard variant is offered in two trim options, one with a 6-speed manual and the other with an automatic transmission. The two now retail for RM 1,500 more than before with every purchase accompanied by a five-year, 150,000-km warranty.

Maxus Mifa 9 EV is coming to Malaysia

Weststar Motors, the sole distributor of Maxus vehicles in Malaysia, made a surprise announcement on its social media page, i.e., the soon arrival of the 2023 Maxus Mifa 9 via dropping a teaser for the electric MPV.

Two new GWM 4S centers open in Malaysia

Great Wall Motors has expanded its footprint in Malaysia with the launch of two new 4S centers. One of these outlets is located in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, while the other one is in Butterworth, Penang.

International auto news

Honda City facelift introduced in Thailand

It was only recently that Honda introduced the all-new City facelift in India and now the next country on the receiving end is none other than Thailand. The Thai-spec model is offered in five variant options, 1.0 Turbo V, 1.0 Turbo SV, 1.0 Turbo RS, 1.5L e:HEV SV, and 1.5L e:HEV RS; with price ranging between RM 629,000 to RM 839,000. The City facelift is offered in two engine options - a 112hp/173 Nm 1.0-litre 3-cyl turbo mill and Honda’s Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) powertrain with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson Cycle naturally-aspirated unit with an integrated starter-generator electric motor. The latter generates a total output of 109hp/253Nm.

Mercedes-Benz CLE introduced

Mercedes-Benz has introduced the all-new CLE in coupe body type. The brand’s new model’s market launch will commence this November with Europe being the pioneer market. Also, the CLE coupe comes as a replacement for the existing C-Class Coupe, E-Class Coupe, and Cabriolet versions. It will be offered in five trim options, namely the CLE 220d, CLE 200, CLE 200 4MATIC, CLE 300 4MATIC, and CLE 450 4MATIC. As for powertrain options, there will be a total of five units, all integrated with 48V mild hybrid systems with an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG).

Kia Picanto facelift introduced

Kia has given the Picanto hatchback a facelift which makes the car even more attractive and comforting. The facelifted model is offered in two variant options, namely the baseline and GT Line. The new Picanto is offered in two engine options - a 1.0-litre and a 1.2-litre unit, both naturally aspirated and paired to either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automated manual transmission.

2023 Harley-Davidson X440 unveiled

The highly anticipated Harley-Davidson X440 has been finally introduced by the brand in India. Unveiled in collaboration with Hero MotoCrop, the new H-D targets new and budget-conscious riders. Available in three variants, the 2023 Harley-Davidson X440 retails between INR 229,000 (RM13k) to NR269,000 (RM15k).

Also Read: Proton teams up with AAPICO for the production of automotive components