Weekly wrapup: Mini Cooper SE launch, SpeedFeast 2024, smart#3 launch, new Chery 3S Centre, and more

KUALA LUMPUR: The second week of July was exciting for the Malaysian automotive industry. Alongside the launch of two amazing cars the MINI Cooper SE and 2024 smart #3, Lexus Malaysia finally opened its ordering books for the RZ EV. Additionally, BMW introduced the 2024 X4 xDrive30i M Sport Pro. Remember, Tesla added a new colour to the Model 3 shade card.

Also, several important reveals were held in the international market. In case you missed out on any of that, here's the weekly wrap-up of top auto news of the week. So let’s get started.

Also Read: GMW TANK 300 launched in Malaysia; priced at RM 250,000

Here’s a quick recap of the top auto news of the week.

Local news

All-new MINI Cooper SE launch

At the recently held New MINI Family Event at the JIO Space, Petaling Jaya, the automaker introduced the all-electric MINI Cooper SE, making its Southeast Asia debut. The car shared the stage with the MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) Countryman ALL4 and the MINI Cooper S. The Cooper SE delivers a maximum power output of 218 hp along with a peak torque of 330 Nm. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds with a top speed of 170 km/h. Its key features include a Harman Kardon surround sound system, Vescin sport seats, 240mm round OLED display, comfort access system, electric seat adjustment, and headliner anthracite. The car’s safety specs kit includes Lane Change Warning, Speed Limit Info, Cruise Control, Front Collision Warning, and Parking Assistant Plus.

New Chery 3S Centre in Bandar Bukit Puchong

To strengthen its hold in Malaysia, Chery Malaysia has opened a new 3S Centre in Selangor. Located at No. 2 Jalan BP 4, Bandar Bukit Puchong, 47120 Puchong, Selangor, the dealership covers 1400 sp meters area. It offers several services to customers including a comprehensive vehicle viewing experience, maintenance, and customer service, along with a customer lounge, a fully functional workshop, and a service center. The dealership is functional all seven days a week, from 9 am to 8 pm (Monday – Saturday) and from 10 am to 6 pm (Sunday).

2024 BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport Pro introduced

BMW Malaysia has introduced the refreshed BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport Pro, giving the SUV a sportier look and an expanded set of features. Priced at RM399,800.00, the car features like M Lights Shadowline, 21-inch BMW Individual V-Spoke Style 726 Wheels, M Sport Brakes in High-Gloss Red, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go Function, and telephony with wireless charging. Powering the car is a B48 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 252 PS and 350 Nm of torque. The drive is sent to the wheels via a ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox and xDrive all-wheel drive. the vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 240 km/h.

40,000th Mitsubishi Xpander rolls out of production

Mitsubishi Xpander has reached a significant production milestone in its four-year journey, as the 40,000th unit has rolled off the production line. And guess what, MMM has launched a campaign to find the lucky customer who will owe the 40,000th Xpander. In addition to the car, the lucky customer will drive away with a travel voucher worth RM 10,000 that can be used for a vacation of choice.

Lexus RZ EV is now open for booking

Lexus Malaysia is accepting bookings for its very first electric car, the RZ. It is offered in just one variant option, the RZ450e which retails for RM 429,888. Powering the Lexus RX450e EV is a dual-motor setup that pumps out a maximum power of 313 hp along with a peak torque of 435 Nm. The power is transmitted to all four wheels via the Direct4 all-wheel drive (AWD) system. This setup allows the EV to go from 0 to 100 kmph in 5.3 seconds. It has an
electronically limited top speed of 160 kmph.

New colour for Tesla Model 3

Tesla has added a new colour tone to the Model 3s vibrant shade card. The EV is now offered in a brand-new exterior colour option called the Quicksilver. The latest hue is available at an extra price of RM 7,500, just like the Stealth Grey colour option.

2024 smart#3 launched in Malaysia

Smart's second EV has been launched in Malaysia, the smart #3. It is available in three variant options - Pro, Premium, and Brabu; priced between RM 175,000 to RM 255,000. In case you intend to purchase the smart#3 now and manage to register it before the end of the month, you’ll get some exciting freebies including a 22kW smart charge home charger, a six-item accessories package, V2L Adaptor, 5-year internet data total of 60GB, and a standard warranty package.

5th-gen Kia Sportage is coming to Malaysia

Kia has confirmed the upcoming arrival of its C-segment SUV, the Sportage, in Malaysia. On arrival, the Sportage SUV is expected to compete with Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, Proton X70, and Honda CR-V.

Test drive the all-new Peugeot 408 & win exciting prizes

From July 9 to July 27, visitors who test drive the all-new Peugeot 408 at any authorized dealership stand a chance to win tickets to two major KLFW 2024 shows. Participants could win a pair of tickets to the Kit Woo Show on July 31 or the Design to Sustain Finale on August 2. A total of 50 pairs of tickets are up for grabs and winners will be announced on Peugeot Malaysia's Facebook and Instagram pages.

Speedfest 2024 coming this weekend

Scheduled to take place from July 13th to 14th, the Speedfeast 2024 is the largest car gathering in Malaysia. Its main highlights include - Multi-category car competition, the creation of diecast models, drift showcase, drag racing, diecast expo, and E-racing zone.

International news

Limited edition Suzuki Jimny ‘Horizon’ edition introduced

Suzuki Jimny is bidding farewell to the European market and to make the car’s last sighting in the continent memorable the automaker has introduced the limited edition Jimny ‘Horizon’. Priced at EUR 32,340 (approx. RM164,379), the car is limited to just 900 units. Powering the limited edition Jimny is a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine making a maximum power output of 102 hp and a peak torque of 130 Nm. The next Suzuki car to follow Jimny’s fate is the Swift Sport which is scheduled for discontinuation in the UK in 2025.

Volvo introduces EX40 and EC40 in Thailand

Volvo Thailand has introduced two new EVs, the all-new Volvo EX40 and EC40. Both the new Volvo cars are offered in three trim options in Thailand namely, Single Motor Extended Range, Twin Motor, and Black Edition, and their price ranges from THB1.99 million (approx. RM257,887) to THB 2.79 million (approx. RM361,560). They are available in two powertrain options - a single motor extended range and a twin motor. Also, both are packed with an array of driver assistance features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Avoidance & Mitigation Support, Front Cross Traffic Alert, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Geely Galaxy E5 pre-sales begins in China

The Geely Galaxy E5 is scheduled for an August 2024 launch in China, however, its pre-sales have already started. Built on the automaker's popular GEEA 3.0 platform it features a cell-to-body integration and measures 4,615 mm in length, 1,901 mm in width, and 1,670 mm in height. It is powered by a 160 kW e-motor that is common across all its five variant options and pumps out a maximum power output of 218 hp.

Ford Capri EV debuts

As promised Ford has launched the all-new Capri EV. The new EV is available in two trims: Capri and Capri Premium, and is powered by a 77 kWh battery, has up to 390 miles (627 km) WLTP driving range, and 282 hp. The 5-seater features a minimalist design with the brand’s latest tech like an adjustable 14.6″ infotainment screen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, a wrap-around cockpit, and sculpted sports seats.

That's all for now. For the latest updates on the automotive industry, keep following Zigwheels Malaysia.

Also Read: Upcoming New Defender Octa: Top 10 most impressive features