Weekly wrapup: Proton ‘Test Drive & Win Big’ winners, MG’s new part warehouse, 2024 BYD Sealion 7 EV launch

The second week of November was equally exciting as the initial days for Malaysian auto enthusiasts as we saw several new models touching our shores. The excitement grew further with the confirmation of upcoming launches including Jetour T2 and T1 and Nissan Kicks e-Power.

If you missed tuning into Zigwheels Malaysia, we’ve covered you with our weekly wrap-up of the top auto news from local and global markets. So, let’s get started.

Local news

Proton announces ‘Test Drive & Win Big’ contest winner

PROTON kicked off its Year-End Vaganza Campaign to show appreciation towards its customers for their support and trust. With a total prize pool of RM 254,000, the campaign offers special promotions, rebates, and a monthly chance to win a brand-new Proton S70. The automaker recently announced the winners for October and November.

In October, Abdul Taib Bin Ahmad from Sarawak, who purchased a Proton Persona from Ngu’s Motor Service Sdn Bhd, was named the Grand Prize winner. And for November, Mohamed Affandy Bin Zainal Ariffin, a resident of Teluk Intan, became the lucky grand prize winner of Proton’s Q3 Test Drive & Win contest. He purchased a Proton Saga Premium in July and now thanks to his entry in the contest is the owner of Saga Premium Standard as well. The handover was officiated by Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar.

Renault Malaysia will host a men’s health-dedicated event soon

Renault is uniquely celebrating Men’s Day 2024 and the annual Movember event. The automaker has announced a special gathering called “Celebrating Movember with Health, Cars, and Great Deals.” It is scheduled to take place on November 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Renault’s outlet on Jalan Kemajuan in Seksyen 13.

Here are the highlights of the event -

• Complimentary health screenings (blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and blood glucose levels) provided by MiCare and Beacon Hospital ( Saturday, November 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
  Cholesterol test for RM10
• Showcasing of Renault vehicles, including the Renault Captur, Koleos, Zoe, and Megane R.S., with test drives available
• Custom Movember Renault T-shirt as a memento for the ones participating in test drives
• Kids’ coloring contest (Sunday, November 17, from 11 a.m. to noon)
• Exclusive offers on select pre-owned Renault models

MG opens a new part warehouse

SAIC Motor Malaysia has launched a new dedicated parts warehouse in the Klang Valley. The facility aims to improve service efficiency and speed up repair times for MG customers, catering to both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) models. It will supply parts for popular models like the MG4 EV, MG ZS EV, MG5 Sedan, MG HS SUV, and the soon-to-launch MG Cyberster EV Roadster. Further, it is stocked with over 4,500 SKUs and a total of 22,000 parts.

2024 BYD Sealion 7 EV in Malaysia

Sime Darby Motors has officially unveiled the BYD Sealion 7 in Malaysia, marking it the brand’s fifth electric vehicle in the local market. It is available in two variants - Premium and Performance each priced at RM 183,800 and RM 199,800 respectively.

Built on BYD’s latest e-Platform 3.0 Evo, the EV comes equipped with s a 12-in-1 electric drive system, cell-to-body (CTB) architecture, and an efficient 800-volt electrical system designed for improved power delivery and rapid charging. Those interested in experiencing the BYD Sealion 7 EV over the weekend (15-17 November) can visit Level Upper Ground, The TRX Exchange 106, Kuala Lumpur.

2024 Yamaha Y16ZR 6MRO Limited Edition in Malaysia

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) recently rolled out the 2024 Yamaha Y16ZR 6MRO Limited Edition (6MRO stands for 6 Million Roll Out) It is a tribute to the model, as recently the six millionth locally assembled Yamaha motorcycle rolled out, marking a significant milestone in its manufacturing journey. To further commemorate this milestone, the company announced the opening of a Yamaha museum, called Space Y.

The limited edition model is priced at RM 13,668 (excluding road tax, insurance, and registration), which is RM 2,270 dearer than the regular Y16ZR. For this additional price you will get unique styling touches and exclusive badges, including a special asymmetrical two-tone livery and “chameleon” UV-sensitive graphics. Also, it is Yamaha's first bike featuring the ‘Glow-in-the Dark’ emblem, positioned on the side.

MINI Aceman unveiled at Auto Bavaria’s Tebrau branch

Auto Bavaria’s Tebrau branch recently unveiled the new addition to MINI’s EV lineup, the Aceman. The new EV showcases a fresh design language that merges compact dimensions with a spacious interior.

Powering it is a powerful 218 hp electric motor, delivering 330 Nm of torque and an impressive 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 7.1 seconds. It gets a 54.2 kWh high-voltage battery that offers a solid driving range of up to 405 km, making it a practical choice for both daily routines and weekend road trips.

Jetour T2 and T1 off-road SUVs coming soon

Jetour is all set to enter the Malaysian market and recently the Chinese automaker confirmed the arrival of two more models the Dashing and X70 Plus. Called the T1 and T2, they hail from the off-road SUV segment. Both cars are targeted at individuals seeking a mix of urban practicality and off-road adventure.

Nissan Kicks e-Power coming soon

Nissan Kicks e-Power is finally coming to Malaysia this December and before its official release the brand has revealed some key specs including -

• It will be powered by Nissan's innovative e-Power technology, a series-hybrid setup that combines a 1.2-litre DOHC 12-valve three-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor
• Four selectable driving modes - EV, Normal, Sport, and Eco
• Dimensions reading 4,290 mm x 1,760 mm x 1,610 mm (LXWXH) and 2,615 mm wheelbase. Ground clearance and minimum turning radius are 182 mm and 5.100 mm

International news

Leapmotor sets new sales record

Leapmotor has set a new sales record in the third quarter of 2024. The brand sold 86,165 cars in the third quarter, representing a 61.7% quarter-on-quarter growth compared to the previous quarter. Its year-to-date sales now stand at 172,861 cars, which showcases an impressive hike of 94.6% over the units sold in the first three quarters of the previous year.

2025 KTM 390 Adventure R revealed

At the recently concluded 2024 EICMA (Esposizione Internazionale Ciclo Motociclo e Accessori) show in Milan, Italy, KTM introduced the all-new 2025 390 Adventure R. The latest model sits at the top of the brand’s 390 Adventure range and boasts a rally-inspired bodywork with the brand’s iconic orange and white paint scheme. It is powered by an updated 399-cc LC4 liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that is expected to make around 45.3 bhp of maximum power and 39 Nm of peak torque.

Alongside the 390 Adventure R, KTM also introduced the 390 Enduro R and 390 SMC adventure bikes at the event.

MG HS gets 5-star safety rating

MG HS is all set to make its Malaysian debut and the news of it scoring a 5-star safety rating couldn’t come at a better time. The second-generation model of the upcoming Chinese SUV received a full-score safety rating in ANCAP crash tests with excellent performance across several key safety areas.

Some of its best safety features include - Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction & Crossing, Backover and Head-On), Lane keep assist, Lane departure warning, Emergency lane keeping, Advanced speed assistance system, and Speed sign recognition system.

GAC Aion UT EV revealed

China recently welcomed a new electric hatchback from GAC Group’s EV brand Aion called the UT. Powering the Aion EV is a single electric motor fed by a lithium iron phosphate battery pack and tuned to generate a maximum power of 134 hp. This setup offers a driving range of 600 km on a single charge and a top speed of 150 kmph. The EV is expected to be priced under CNY 100,000 (approximately equal to RM 61,689) in the Chinese market.

Proton Saga to begin local assembly in Egypt

Proton is strengthening its foothold in Egypt by commencing the local assembly of the left-hand-drive Saga in the region next month. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim along with official Malaysian delegates and Proton management recently officiated the launch of the CKD Proton Assembly Plant in Egypt. For the local assembly of vehicles in Egypt, Proton joined hands with Ezz Elsewedy Automotive Factories (ESAF), which is supported by a local distributor Ezz Elarab.

Kia Syros teased

Kia recently teased its upcoming SUV, the Syrios, which will be a distinctive addition to the lineup. Positioned between the compact Sonet and the mid-sized Seltos, the Syros is set to carve its own niche, boasting dimensions similar to a minivan and featuring a notably innovative seating layout. Here’s what is expected from the Syros SUV -

• A boxy shape, flat roofline, almost vertical tailgate, sculpted fenders, sharp LED headlights
• A lounge-like cabin with futuristic elements and a unique seating configuration
• A digital cockpit, powered and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, a Bose audio system, up to six airbags, and a suite of advanced safety features

20k Zeekr 7X delivered in just 50 days

The luxurious Chinese EV, Zeekr 7X, has a new record to its name - sold 20,000 units within 50 days of launch. Priced at around $32,000 (approximately RM141,467), the Zeekr 7X has quickly gained traction and become the brand’s best-selling model.

That's a wrap for now. For all the latest updates on the automotive industry, stay tuned with us.

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