Zeekr Malaysia is heading into the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) 2026 with its two most aspirational models – the Zeekr 009 Grand and the Zeekr 9X. The ultra luxe duo will make their Malaysian debut at the show, which runs from June 12 to 21 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).

It’s likely a showcase and not a sales launch as @zeekrmy’s Instagram caption says “both models offer a glimpse into the future direction of the Zeekr brand” – the keyword here is future, so we think a proper sales launch will come later, just not right now at KLIMS.

In any case, the pair headline a five-model Zeekr stand that also includes the existing 009 MPV, the 7X SUV and the 2026 Zeekr X, a trio which you can already buy now.

Zeekr 9X – the flagship PHEV SUV

The 9X is the bigger story of the two. It’s Zeekr’s new flagship – and the current standard-bearer for the wider Geely Group – but more significantly, it’s the first Zeekr to have an internal combustion engine. The full-size luxury SUV is a plug-in hybrid, marking the brand’s pivot from its EV-only origins.

The ICE in question is Geely’s 2.0 litre turbo-four making 279 PS, paired with a dual- or tri-motor electric setup depending on trim. In its most potent form, the 9X serves up a frankly absurd 1,400 PS (1,030 kW) and 1,410 Nm, good for a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.1 seconds in a car that weighs the wrong side of three tonnes.

Despite being a “PHEV” instead of a pure EV, it rides on a 900V platform with 6C ultra-fast charging, and battery options run to 55.1 kWh and 70 kWh (CATL), with a CLTC EV-only range of around 300-380 km and combined range north of 1,200 km.

At 5,239 mm long with a 3,169 mm wheelbase, the six-seat 9X is genuinely vast, and its imposing chrome-grilled, long-bonnet silhouette has earned it the “Hangzhou Bay Cullinan” nickname.

Zeekr 009 Grand

If the regular 009 is Zeekr’s answer to the Alphard, the 009 Grand is its Alphard Royal Lounge. It’s the range-topping variant of the electric MPV, swapping the standard six- or seven-seat layouts for an ultra-luxurious four-seat, 2+2 configuration with rear captain’s chairs, a large rear screen and Himalayan marble trim in the cabin.

It’s no slouch, either. The dual-motor AWD setup produces 788 PS (580 kW) and 810 Nm, sending the limousine-like MPV from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and on to 230 km/h. Power comes from a 108 kWh CATL Qilin battery on an 800V architecture, rated at 702 km CLTC.

KLIMS 2026

Venue: Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC)
Zeekr booth: Level 2, Booth 6B02-C
Dates: June 12 to 21, 2026
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 10am–8pm; Friday, weekends and public holidays, 10am–10pm

GALLERY: Zeekr 9X in Harbin, China

GALLERY: Zeekr 009 Grand at Auto China 2024

The post Zeekr 9X, 009 Grand to make Malaysian debut at KLIMS – flagship PHEV SUV and four-seat luxe MPV appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

Debuting in Malaysia is the 2026 Alpinestars Supertech R10 helmet, designed for the sports bike rider. Pricing is set at RM3,999 for the plain carbon and white Supertech R10, while opting for one of the six graphics helmets will set you back RM4,799.

Imported and distributed in Malaysia by Sinar Puncak, the Supertech R10 is FIM, ECE 22.06 and DOT certified and comes in an Asian fit to fit the more circular head shape. Every R10 helmet comes with a clear visor, dark smoke visor, Pinlock anti-fog lens, tear-offs and breath deflector, while the graphics helmets come with an additional race rear spoiler.

Construction of the Supertech R10 uses an eight-piece multi-density EPS foam shell as its base, and low-friction liner. The liner was developed for racing in MotoGP and is certified, exceeding ECE 22.06 by 37% for linear movement and 65% for rotational movement.

Above the inner foam liner, a multi-layer carbon composite shell combines 3K high-density carbon, uni-directional carbon, aramid fibre, and fibreglass layers bonded with advanced epoxy resin. The inner comfort liner is removable for cleaning, and reduces rotational, oblique, and linear forces transmitted to the head, neck, and brain while the padding system uses elastically connected crown and neck pads for improved oblique impact management.

The outer shell features 11 vent ports – six inlet and five outlet, to improve cooling while riding, while drag is reduced by 4.54% with the use of the race spoiler and built-in lateral winglets. Additionally, cheek pads feature quick removal to ensure the helmet can be safely removed from the rider’s head in emergency situations.

The Supertech R10 comes in four shell sizes and four EPS foam liner sizes to ensure fit for a broad range of riders, while Alpinestars A-Head fitment system allows for fine tuning of the helmet to suit head size or shape. The shell itself comes with a chin bar with a raised lower profile, and the sides of the helmet are cut in to ensure clearance for the rider’s collarbone in the event of a crash while a channel for a hydration system is built into the right cheek pad.

For weight, the size ‘M’ Supertech R10 is claimed to weigh 1,540 grammes. Stocks of the Supertech R-10 are available in authorised Alpinestars Malaysia dealers from June 2026.

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Suzuki Cars Malaysia has launched the Suzuki Fronx Sport alongside the Malaysian launch of the Suzuki Jimny Allgrip Plus and Jimny Rhino Plus.

Based on the Fronx Hybrid that was launched in Malaysia last November, the Fronx Sport is priced at RM130,888 on-the-road without insurance, and Suzuki Cars Malaysia also announced a price reduction for the base Fronx, which now brings the mild-hybrid crossover to RM118,888 on-the-road without insurance.

Added to the base Fronx Hybrid are a set of exterior embellishments including a front bumper lower lip extension, side skirts, a blacked-out front grille and logo, optional 17-inch alloy wheels shod in Continental UltraContact UC7 tyres measuring 215/50R17 (the base Fronx Hybrid gets 16-inch alloys in 195/60R16 tyres), a rear diffuser and tailgate-mounted spoiler, and Fronx Sport side decals.

Under the skin, the Fronx Sport is unchanged from the base Fronx Hybrid, which means suspension is by MacPherson struts in front and a torsion beam layout at the rear; braking is by ventilated discs in front and drum brakes at the rear. The same gross vehicle weight of 1,480 kg is quoted for the Fronx Sport, as for the base Fronx.

Powertrain for the Fronx Sport is also carried over unchanged from the Fronx Hybrid, which means the use of the K15C 1.5 litre inline-four-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine with an integrated starter-generator (ISG) that outputs 103 PS at 6,000 rpm and 138 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm, sending drive to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

Inside, the Fronx dashboard is carried over, and the Fronx Sport gains a 4K dashcam (front and rear), and is otherwise identical in specification to the base Fronx Hybrid. This means the inclusion of a leather three-spoke steering wheel with shift paddles, on a tilt and telescopic steering column. Infotainment is via a nine-inch touchscreen unit that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging is included as well.

Likewise, safety and driving assistance systems are retained in the Fronx Sport from the base variant. The ADAS suite includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, lane change assist, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, lane keep assist and vehicle sway warning.

Similarly, also included here in the Fronx Sport are electronic stability control, ABS with EBD and brake assist, hill hold and high beam assist, along with Isofix anchors in two seats, and six airbags.

Fully imported (CBU) from Indonesia, the Fronx Sport is offered in Malaysia in two exterior colour schemes; Pearl Snow White with Cool Black, and Cool Black. As with the Jimny duo launched concurrently, the Suzuki Fronx Sport is covered by a three-year, 100,000 km warranty.

Suzuki Fronx Sport in Malaysia, official images

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Suzuki Cars Malaysia has launched the Suzuki Jimny Allgrip Plus and the Jimny Rhino Plus three-door variants, adding to the range of models that was most recently joined by the Fronx Hybrid last November.

New equipment comes to the Allgrip Plus and Rhino Plus variants, both receiving a host of added safety, comfort and convenience features over the existing three- and five-door versions of the current, fourth-generation Jimny.

Pricing is RM158,900 for the Jimny Allgrip Plus, and RM173,900 for the Jimny Rhino Plus; both figures are on-the-road without insurance. This makes the Jimny Allgrip Plus is priced identically to the current Jimny Allgrip Pro, which continues to be on sale in Malaysia while stocks last.

The new equipment additions for the Jimny Allgrip Plus, at a glance:

ADAS and safety:

• Reverse camera with millimeter wave radar
• Dual Sensor Brake Support II (DSBS II)
• Lane Departure Warning/Prevention and Weaving Alert
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Automatic High Beam
• Emergency Stop Signal
• Side and curtain airbags

Comfort and convenience features:

• Front and rear parking sensors with clearance sonar
• Electrically foldable and heated side mirrors
• Nine-inch display audio head unit

The 2026 Suzuki Jimny Rhino Plus includes the equipment upgrades above, and adds:

• 15-inch polished alloy wheels
• Spare wheel cover with Rhino logo
• Front grille
• Front bumper under garnish
• Side under garnish
• Door visors
• Front and rear mud flaps, red

Powertrain for both new Jimny variants continues to be the K15B 1.5 litre VVT naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine which outputs 102 PS and 130 Nm, which pairs with a four-speed automatic gearbox and a part-time four-wheel-drive system with a transfer case with 2H, 4H, 4L modes.

Chassis specification is carried over, utilising a ladder-frame construction with rigid-axle suspension; rolling stock is a set of 195/80R15 tyres shod in 15-inch alloy wheels.

Standard equipment across both Allgrip Plus and Rhino Plus variants of the Jimny include automatic LED headlamps with washer and auto high beam, while inside are a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel on a tilt-adjustable column, fabric seat upholstery with 50:50 split-folding rear seats, and electric windows.

Also included on both variants are the aforementioned nine-inch touchscreen infotainment unit that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Bluetooth, USB, auxiliary audio connectivity and radio. Airbag count is stepped up to six, with the duo now gaining side and curtain airbags.

The exterior colour scheme seen on the Jimny Rhino Plus here is Kinetic Yellow with Bluish Black Pearl, one of a pair of two-tone paint schemes priced at RM1,000, the other being Chiffon Ivory Metallic paired with Bluish Black Pearl. These are joined by Jungle Green, Medium Grey, Bluish Black Pearl and Pure White Pearl.

For Malaysia, the 2026 Suzuki Jimny Allgrip Plus and Jimny Rhino Plus are fully imported (CBU) from Japan, and are sold with a three-year, 100,000 km warranty.

2026 Suzuki Jimny Rhino Plus

2026 Suzuki Jimny Rhino Plus, official images

The post Suzuki Jimny Allgrip Plus, Rhino Plus in Malaysia – ADAS, front and rear parking sensors; RM159k-174k appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

Sime Motors’ has kicked off its MotorExpo 2026, which runs from today, June 5 to June 7 at the XOX Arena, The Arch Galeries in Kuala Lumpur. Described by the organiser as ‘the ultimate destination for Malaysians looking to secure the best automotive deals of the year’, the three-day event will feature a host of event-only promotions and ‘unbeatable purchase opportunities’.

Besides rebates of up to RM200,000, special financing packages and trade-in opportunities, there will be no shortage of vehicle choices, what with BMW, MINI, BMW Motorrad, BYD, Denza, Hyundai, Ford, Range Rover and Volvo as well as Auto Selection all displaying their wares under one convenient – and comfortable – roof. Here are some highlights of what you can expect to find at the event.

Over at the BMW display, the BMW X3 is being offered with monthly instalments from as low as RM3,340 and cash rebates with BMW Financial Services. Buyers of the SUV can also look forward to a complimentary Braun Buffel gift set worth RM4,800.

Meanwhile, the BMW iX1L is being offered with attractive cash rebates and interest rates from as low as 1.68%. At MINI, there’s the Aceman, which at the event will feature an attractive cash rebate, free Sony headphones, free car stickers and interest rates as low as 0.88%, exclusively from BMW Financial Services.

Over at BYD, attractive ownership packages of up to RM13,000 for the Sealion 7 SUV and RM10,288 for the Seal 6 sedan await prospective buyers. There are also event-exclusive offers for other BYD models, for which you’ll have to find out in person at the show.

As for the Denza D9, buyers can look forward to RM5,000 worth of charging credits by ChargeEV, a free 22kW wallbox with installation (up to 10m long) and a free six-year scheduled service package with every purchase of the MPV.

At the Hyundai showcase, you’ll find rewards of up to RM36,000 on the Tucson hybrid, and the Ioniq 5N will also be on display. As for Ford, the Blue Oval is offering cash rebates of up to RM25,000 on the Ranger Raptor, and the just-launched Everest Platinum will be on show.

Elsewhere, the event will also showcase pre-owned units of the Range Rover Evoque, which is now priced from RM368k, with warranty included. You’ll also be able to check out pre-loved examples of the Range Rover Velar and Land Rover Defender. At the Swedish Auto booth, there are plenty of exceptional rebates waiting, with up to RM50,500 lined up for the XC90 T8, RM30,888 for the EX30, RM30,000 for the EC40 and RM20,000 for the ES90 electric sedan.

As for Auto Selection, deals on pre-owned units will include a 2025 BMW X1 and a BMW 218i with a 10-year free service package. If you’re in for a diesel pick, these will come with a special diesel subsidy of 500 litres, while EVs will come with RM500 of charging credits.

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We know that the locally assembled Proton eMas 5 is coming soon, but how soon? Very soon, this month kind of soon.

Proton revealed the timeline in its monthly sales press release, which announced deliveries of 883 units in May ‘ahead of the commencement of local assembly operations’. Despite the relatively low number (by its own high standards), the eMas 5 is still Malaysia’s best selling EV year-to-date with 9,357 units delivered in five months.

“With CKD production scheduled to begin this month, Proton eMas expects supply to strengthen further in the coming months to support growing customer demand,” the company said.

The eMas 5 will roll out of Proton’s EV factory, which sits on a 5.57-acre site within the carmaker’s complex in Tanjong Malim, Perak. Launched last September, the RM82 million facility has a first phase capacity of 20,000 units per annum.

Last month, Proton announced a RM37 million expansion plan that will take annual capacity to 42,000 units. The plan was accelerated due to good demand for the eMas 5, which has been CBU imported from China since launch.

The eMas 5 is priced at RM56,800 for the Prime and RM69,800 for the Premium, on-the-road without insurance. Both are rear-wheel drive, powered by a single motor that produces 79 PS (58 kW) and 130 Nm of torque on the Prime and 116 PS (85 kW) and 150 Nm on the Premium. The Prime uses a 30.12 kWh CATL lithium iron phosphate (LFP) unit for a range of 225 km on the WLTP cycle, while the Premium’s 40.16 kWh pack delivers 325 km.

As for charging, the Prime accepts up to 53 kW of DC power, while the Premium does better at 71 kW; both can be topped up from 30% to 80% SoC in 20 minutes. The max AC charging rate is 6.6 kW. Jade Green joined the colour options in April.

Will we be getting the latest Geely Xingyuan update that surfaced in China last month? The eMas 5’s donor car is entering its third year on the Chinese market and has been given a larger 47.14 kWh LFP battery from CATL, which delivers a range of 480 km on China’s optimistic CLTC cycle (expect closer to 390 km on the more realistic WLTP). That’s a significant improvement from the 310 km (225 km WLTP) and 410 km (325 km WLTP) achieved by the 30.12 kWh and 40.16 kWh variants of the EV.

The new 47.14 kWh version also accepts higher DC fast charging power, taking 19 minutes to go from 30 to 80% SoC (21 minutes on the other variants) despite the larger capacity, although AC charging is still at 6.6 kW. Too soon for us perhaps but one can hope.

GALLERY: Proton eMas 5 in Jade Green

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The first locally-assembled (CKD) Xpeng G6 has rolled off the line at EPMB’s Melaka plant, a few months after the March 31 date revealed through a Bursa Malaysia announcement in December. Will it launch together with the CKD X9 facelift?

The SUV, currently in facelift form, is available in RM160k RWD Standard Range, RM180k RWD Long Range Pro, RM192k AWD Performance and RM196k AWD Black Edition variants – all fully-imported (CBU) from China. What do you think the CKD prices are going to be, and will any variant(s) be dropped?

Xpeng announced EPMB as its CKD partner in Malaysia in December – besides the G6 and X9, the X9 PowerX range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) is also expected to be produced in Melaka.

Xpeng G6 facelift RWD Standard Range

Xpeng G6 facelift RWD Long Range Pro

Xpeng G6 facelift AWD Performance

Xpeng G6 facelift AWD Performance Black Edition

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Perodua has posted a video on its Facebook page to explain the QV-E‘s much-maligned battery leasing programme. It reiterates much of the points you’ve heard before – battery degrades over time, Perodua takes responsibility for the battery’s health and environmentally-friendly disposal, resale value is protected because the car’s value isn’t tied to the battery.

“When the EV battery isn’t your responsibility, you’re protected from the usual concerns of ownership”, says the caption, and one of the texts in the video says “most EVs come with battery worries. QV-E doesn’t.”

You will no doubt find a thousand ways to poke holes at this (for the uninitiated or to jog your memory, dive deep into the Perodua QV-E’s battery leasing scheme here – it is rather complex), but what has us scratching our heads most is the ‘guaranteed resale value’ part.

You see, as far as we’re aware, Perodua has yet to publicise how much it’ll buy back the car for after X years/X km (you can only sell it through Perodua Pre-Owned Vehicles). So while you don’t have to worry about finding buyers when you’re done with the QV-E, you don’t know what the resale value is going to be.

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As hinted previously, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) has taken the wraps off the Ford Everest Platinum, with the latest iteration of the Ranger-based SUV making its official debut earlier this evening at the ongoing Sime Motors MotorExpo 2026 happening at the XOX Arena, The Arch Galeries.

With its arrival, the Everest Platinum now sits at the top of a five variant line-up (Sport, Trend, Titanium and Wildtrak) for the model in Malaysia. The Platinum goes on sale in two engine forms, with the range-topper being the one with a 3.0 V6 oil burner, which that puts out 250 PS (246 hp) at 3,250 rpm and 600 Nm from 1,750 to 2,250 rpm, differentiating ot from the other Everest variants

As it is with the lower displacement mills, the 3.0 litre engine is paired with the automaker’s 10R80 10-speed SelectShift automatic, which features an e-Shifter. The flagship variant is also equipped with an advanced ElectroMagnetic Transfer Case (EMTC), a full-time four-wheel drive system, enabling intelligent torque distribution to maximise traction, stability and control across more demanding driving conditions.

The second Everest Platinum is equipped with a 2.0 litre turbodiesel familiar from the rest of the Everest range, but this is the Single-Turbo version similar to that found on the Sport. The unit, which offers 170 PS at 3,500 rpm and 405 Nm from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm, is paired with a 10R80 10-speed unit.

As before, you’ll find a two-speed electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case, also known as a part-time 4WD system, with an e-locking rear differential. The system offers six selectable drive modes, these being Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts and Sand.

What do you get with the Platinum, which is essentially the ‘luxury’ version that sits above the Wildtrak? Well, some of the advancements brought about by the latter, for one, and these include a larger 12.4-inch instrument display panel (the Sport, Trend and Titanium feature an eight-inch TFT unit) and specifically adorned leather upholstery, on the Platinum presented in quilted form.

The 3.0 litre variant also adds dedicated exterior cues such as a distinctive black grille with black ‘Platinum’ script on the bonnet and badge identifiers on the front doors and tailgate (the latter two also on the 2.0L). It also has the largest wheels on any Everest, 21-inch Platinum-specific units wrapped with 275/45 profile tyres, while the 2.0 litre rides on similarly styled units, but in 20-inch form.

Inside, there are 10-way adjustable powered (and heated/ventilated) front seats with three memory settings for the driver’s side, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system (as found on the Ranger Platinum) to differentiate it from its siblings. including the 2.0 litre Platinum, which has eight-way adjustable front seats and a standard eight-speaker sound system. Both versions come with a dual-panel sunroof and Platinum badging on the front seats.

Elsewhere, it’s all familiar ground, from the matrix LED headlamps with adaptive front lighting/auto high beam and C-clamp daytime running lights to the 12-inch portrait-oriented central touchscreen (similar to the Wildtrak and Titanium). A SYNC 4A system handles all matters related to communications, entertainment and information, and there’s wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support as well as wireless charging.

Safety-wise, the Everest Platinum features seven airbags (front, front side, side curtain and knee), hill descent control, hill launch assist and roll-over mitigation as well as a 360-degree camera and front/rear parking sensors. The variant also gets a tyre pressure monitoring system.

As for driver assistance kit, the ADAS suite consists of adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centring, AEB with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning with brake support, post-impact braking, lane departure warning, blind spot information system, rear cross traffic alert and braking, reverse brake assist and evasive steer assist.

In terms of exterior colours, the Everest Platinum 3.0L is available in Acacia Green, Meteor Grey and Absolute Black, while the Platinum 2.0L is offered in the same three colours, adding on Arctic White to make it four.

Aside from the new Everest Platinum, SDAC also introduced the updated Everest Sport, continuing to run the 170 PS/405 Nm Single-Turbo 2.0L, but with a 10R80 10-speed auto transmission in place of the previous six-speed. Inside, the Sport also gains newly-designed two-tone seats, while the Platinum’s full range of ADAS systems – a glaring omission on the previous Sport – has also been added. Four exterior colours are available for the Sport, and they are Command Grey, Lightning Blue, Arctic White and Absolute Black.

Finally, pricing. The Ford Everest Platinum 3.0L V6 is priced at RM430,888, while the Everest Platinum 2.0L goes for RM348,888, both on-the-road without insurance. Meanwhile, the updated Everest Sport is priced at RM316,888, also OTR without insurance.

GALLERY: 2026 Ford Everest Platinum 3.0L V6 in Malaysia
GALLERY: 2026 Ford Everest Platinum 2.0L in Malaysia
GALLERY: 2026 Ford Everest Sport 2.0L in Malaysia

The post Ford Everest Platinum launched in Malaysia – 2.0L and 3.0L V6 diesels, RM349k-RM431k; Sport 2.0L updated appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

We already know that Jozef Kaban, VP of global design at SAIC Motor, will be present at MG’s Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) 2026 booth; the presence of the Bugatti Veyron’s exterior designer is quite a coup for MG Motor Malaysia. Now, here are the cars that will also be on stage at MITEC from June 12-21.

MG’s KLIMS offerings ‘signals the brand’s next chapter in electrified and premium mobility for the Malaysian market’ and so far, they’ve confirmed previews of the MG ZS SUV and the IM6. The latter marks the first appearance of a model from the IM (Intelligence in Motion) premium sub-brand in Malaysia.

But we’ll start with the ZS, which actually predates the S5 EV. Not many will remember this, but the ZS EV was one of MG Motor Malaysia’s launch models alongside the MG4 back in March 2024. A new generation ZS appeared later that year, and made it to the previous KLIMS in December 2024.

More of the same then, but surely, after a second consecutive KLIMS preview, the ZS will soon hit local showrooms? We’ll get to see two variants of the ZS – Hybrid+ and Turbo. This generation of ZS is much larger than the one before – over 100 mm longer (4,430 mm) and nine mm wider (1,818 mm), with a 29 mm longer wheelbase (2,610 mm).

The hybrid’s 102 PS/128 Nm 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine is paired with a 136 PS/250 Nm electric motor, a three-speed hybrid transmission and a 1.83 kWh battery. Total system output of 196 PS and 465 Nm of torque, good for 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds, while achieving claimed fuel consumption of 5.1 litres per 100 km on the WLTP cycle. The turbo’s 1.5T makes 170 PS/275 Nm, and is mated to a CVT.

Think of the IM6 as SAIC Motor’s rival to the BYD Sealion 7 and Xpeng G6. At 4,904 mm long and 1,988 mm wide, the IM6 has a larger footprint than those two, and its 2,950 mm wheelbase is also longer than the Sealion 7’s by 20 mm. The super curvy body’s most distinctive angle is the rear, which reminds us of the Aston Martin DBX.

In Thailand, the Premium RWD powertrain has a motor at the rear making 295 PS (217 kW) and 450 Nm of torque, good for 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. The battery is a 75 kWh lithium-ion NMC unit and claimed range is 550 km in the easier NEDC standard. Max charging rates are 11 kW AC and 153 kW DC, and there’s a 6.6 kW V2L function to power your accessories.

The Performance AWD gets another motor at the front for a total of 787 PS (572 kW), 802 Nm and a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.48 seconds. Also an NMC unit, the battery capacity is 100 kWh and NEDC range is 634 km. As for charging, the Performance AWD’s max rate is 22 kW AC and 396 kW DC, and getting from 10-80% SoC takes less than 20 minutes. Top speed is 240 km/h, 40 km/h higher than the RWD.

The range-topper also gets air suspension that auto adjusts to three levels – normal, 20 mm higher or 50 mm lower – according to driving mode. The IM6 comes with four-wheel steering and disc brakes with orange calipers from Continental. Wheels are 20-inch for the RWD and 21-inch for the Performance AWD, which also gets a more conventional/sporty design with a black finish. What do you think?

GALLERY: MG ZS at KLIMS 2024

GALLERY: MG IM6 at BIMS 2025

The post MG ZS Hybrid+ and Turbo B-SUV, premium sub-brand’s IM6 EV will be previewed at KLIMS 2026 appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

Just two weeks on from the Malaysian launch of the B8 plug-in hybrid 4×4, Denza has previewed the Z9GT at the Sime Motors MotorExpo at The Arch Galeries today. Unlike previous appearances, the luxury electric wagon is being shown here in right-hand-drive form, meaning that a local launch is imminent.

The car seen here is also the latest 2026 model, as evidenced by the roof-mounted lidar sensor and new 20-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels shod with Continental EcoContact 7 tyres. No change to the rest of the exterior – you still get a long and low body with dual-bar LED headlights, a hockey-stick graphic at the side housing fake front fender vents, and wide taillights with hourglass-shaped graphics.

Inside, there’s a new three-spoke flat-bottomed steering wheel and a column-mounted gear selector, plus a lightly reconfigured centre console with repositioned physical controls and additional storage. The rest of the cabin is largely unchanged, still featuring a 17.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 50-inch augmented reality head-up display and twin 13.2-inch driver and passenger displays. The car you see here isn’t fitted with the optional side-view cameras and associated screens.

Elsewhere, you get fine-grade leather upholstery and light-smoked wood decor, plus powered, heated, ventilated and massaging front seats with active side bolsters that use the same air as the suspension – a claimed world first. The rear seats are just as feature packed and come with extended leg rests.

Also fitted are built-in fridges at the front and rear (here in a lovely but easy to stain brown and white colour scheme), a panoramic glass roof, four-zone auto air con, three 50-watt Qi wireless chargers (two at the front, one at the rear) and a 20-speaker, 1,150-watt Devialet sound system with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Behind the rear seats is a 495 litre boot, and there’s also a 53 litre front boot.

Bigger changes can be found under the skin. The Z9GT still uses a three-motor all-wheel drive setup, with the front motor producing an unchanged 313 PS (230 kW) and 430 Nm of torque. However, the rear motors now each produce 422 PS (310 kW) and 400 Nm, resulting in a total system output some 191 PS (140 kW) and 100 Nm higher at a astonishing 1,156 PS (850 kW) and 1,210 Nm.

So equipped, the Z9GT takes seven tenths of a second out of the zero-to-100 km/h time, which it completes in just 2.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 269 km/h. The car also the first sold globally to be fitted with BYD’s second-generation Blade LFP battery, with the capacity increasing from 100 kWh to 122.49 kWh.

The result is a WLTP range of 600 km, which is on par with the old car’s 630 km – despite that figure on China’s much more lenient CLTC cycle. A rear-wheel-drive variant will be rolled out globally at the end of the year, offering up to 805 km of range.

Perhaps even more important than the range increase is the massive boost in charging performance, with the battery able to support the company’s new 1,500 kW (!) Flash Charging technology. Thanks to a specialised DC fast charger, the Z9GT can be topped up from 10 to 70% (ready to drive, BYD says) in only five minutes, and from 10 to 97% (basically a full charge) in just nine minutes.

Charging at those speeds requires the use of these bespoke Flash Charging stations – a self-operated network similar to Tesla’s Superchargers. Having already built 5,000 such stations in China, BYD aims to furnish 6,000 of them globally within the next 12 months. Could Malaysia be the recipient of these chargers? It’s certainly possible, considering that the tech supports the use of battery energy storage systems (BESS) to avoid putting a huge strain on the national grid.

Aside from the EV version, the Z9GT is also offered in Dual Mode (DM) plug-in hybrid guise. This utilises a 173 PS/320 Nm 2.0 litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine and three less powerful motors for a total output of 776 PS (570 kW) and 1,035 Nm. It completes the century sprint slightly slower at 3.6 seconds, has a pure EV range of 203 km from its 63.82 kWh battery, and has a total range of 805 km. It too supports Flash Charging with the same charging times, albeit almost certainly at much slower speeds.

With the smorgasbord of technologies on board – and the import and excise duties applied to CBU fully-imported EVs starting this year – don’t expect the Z9GT to come cheap. In Europe, the car is priced starting at €117,500 in EV form, which equates to a whopping RM548,200. Still, are you excited for a top-of-the-line, no-expenses-spared BYD? Let us know in the comments.

GALLERY: 2026 Denza Z9GT PHEV in Beijing

The post Denza Z9GT RHD Malaysia preview – 2nd-gen BYD Blade battery, 1,156 PS, 600 km WLTP, Flash Charging appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

A teaser by Xpeng Malaysia hints at the arrival of the facelifted Xpeng X9 MPV, following a sighting of the updated electric people-mover on a transporter trailer.

The facelifted X9 EV went on sale in Thailand in March this year, and the update brought significant changes to its specifications; the single-motor, FWD variant received a 27 PS gain to 346 PS and the same 450 Nm, while new to the line-up is a dual-motor AWD version with a combined 537 PS and 640 Nm.

Battery capacity figures for both battery versions have also increased, from 84.5 kWh to 94.6 kWh for the LFP battery version and from 101.5 kWh to 110 kWh for the NMC battery version, the latter being the sole choice offered for the dual-motor AWD version.

These result in greater WLTP-rated range figures, at 535 km for the 94.6 kWh LFP battery version and 615 km for the 110 kWh NMC battery FWD version; the dual-motor AWD is rated at 580 km WLTP. Charging speeds have also improved significantly, up to 537 kW for the 94.8 kWh battery version and 542 kW for the 110 kWh battery version. All versions are rated for a 10-80% charge in 12 minutes, down from 20 minutes.

This is set to be locally assembled by EP Manufacturing Bhd (EPMB) in Melaka, in addition to the X9 range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) – expected to join the Malaysian range soon – and the G6 electric SUV. A Bursa Malaysia announcement in December revealed that local assembly of the X9 was to begin on May 25, and run until Q1 2028.

The facelifted X9 for export markets gains soft-closing front doors, ISOFIX mounts on both outer second-row seats (previously only on the right side) and the third row, and physical rear side window switches which replace the previous capacitive units.

Inside, the facelifted X9 gets a new steering wheel with a 360-degree camera shortcut button and a “Mode” switch, plus a new wood trim and interior colour scheme. Carried over are 17.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital instrument display, a 21.4-inch roof-mounted rear monitor, a rear fridge and 18-way power-adjustable second-row captain’s chairs with heating, ventilation, massage and one-touch “zero gravity” recline.

Driving assistance systems are powered by the latest Turing AI chip capable of up to 2,250 TOPS, enabling a second-generation visual-language-action (VLA) model that is said to improve the car’s highly-automated driving features. Xpeng claims VLA 2.0 does not require local on-road training data to function, and it aims to bring the technology into Malaysia within the next two years.

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GALLERY: Xpeng X9 facelift, 2026 Bangkok International Motor Show

The post Xpeng X9 facelift teased for Malaysia – FWD and AWD, up to 615 km WLTP, 542 kW DC; launch soon? appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

Debuting in Malaysia is the 2026 BMW Motorrad F450 GS, with pricing at RM40,000. Only one colour option is offered in the Malaysia market – GS Trophy Racing blue metallic.

First shown internationally in 2025, the F450 GS is an all-new dual-purpose motorcycle from BMW Motorrad, for riders wanting a balance between everyday usability, touring comfort, and off-road capability. Competition for the F450 GS in Malaysia includes its direct competitor the CFMoto 450MT, and the recently launched single-cylinder KTM 390 Adventure R, and to a lesser extent the Honda NX500, Brixton Storr 500 and the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450.

The F450 GS is powered by a liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine displacing 420 cc, producing 48 hp at 8,750 rpm with a peak torque of 43 Nm at 6,750 rpm. Power goes through a six speed gearbox equipped with BMW Motorrad’s Easy Ride Clutch (ERC), a centrifugal clutch system that eliminates the need to manually operate the clutch lever while riding and applies to all situations, from starting off and changing gears to off-road manoeuvres.

Off-road footpegs are included as standard, as well as a Sport windshield while the two-piece seat places the rider at 845 of the ground, with a 830 mm low seat and 865 mm Rally seat available as optional accessories. The right foot brake lever is height-adjustable using tools through a vertical range of 20 mm, while the gearshift lever is adjusted for height via a toothed mechanism on the gear shaft.

Ergonomics can be further tuned to suit the rider with adjustable handlebar levers and the optional 20 mm handlebar risers. Weight for the F450 GS is listed at 178 kg, ready to roll, with 14-litres of fuel contained in the tank.

A full suite of electronic riding aids is standard equipment including ABS Pro, DBC, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) as
well as engine drag torque control (MSR). There are four riding modes – Rain, Road, Enduro and Enduro Pro – with Enduro Pro mode designed for use with off-road tyres with wheelie control and rear wheel ABS switched off for dirt riding.

Wheel sizing for the F450 GS is 19-inches in front and 17-inches in the rear, fitted with 100/90 front and 130/80 rear tyres. BMW Motorrad also supplies spoked wheels as an optional accessory from the official catalogue.

Suspension uses KYB upside-down telescopic fork with a 43 mm inner tube diameter in front, adjustable for rebound and compression. At the rear, a KYB monoshock, adjustable for preload and rebound, holds ups the rear, while suspension travel is 180 mm at both ends.

Brembo supplies the braking for the F450 GS, with a floating single-disc brake with a Brembo four-piston calliper and a 310 mm brake disc diameter in front and a single disc brake with single-piston floating caliper and 240 mm diameter disc is fitted on the rear wheel.

Riding information is shown on a large 6.5-inch TFT display with a multi-controller on the left handlebar allowing for quick and safe menu selection. A USB-C charging socket is also located in the handlebar area for charging the rider’s electronics.

The post 2026 BMW Motorrad F450 GS in Malaysia, RM40,000 appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

Cycle & Carriage (C&C) has started distribution operations for Leapmotor in Malaysia, marked by a signing ceremony yesterday between C&C and Stellantis Malaysia. This development builds on a partnership that has been ongoing since 2024, which marked the 127-year old group’s return as a multi-brand automotive retailer.

C&C says that Leapmotor strengthens its growing presence in the electrified mobility space while supporting the company’s ambition to deliver accessible premium EV experiences to Malaysian customers. Over the past year, C&C has expanded its Leapmotor network footprint across Malaysia with locations in George Town, Pavilion Bukit Jalil and Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru, plus the opening of Leapmotor’s flagship 3S centre in Glenmarie.

“We are proud to mark another significant milestone in our partnership with Stellantis Malaysia by beginning distribution operations for Leapmotor in Malaysia. We believe Malaysia is entering an exciting new phase in electric mobility adoption, with customers increasingly looking for smart, technology-driven vehicles that deliver both innovation and everyday practicality,” said Adrian Short, CEO of C&C.

“Electric mobility must not only be aspirational, it must also be accessible. Through Leapmotor, we see strong potential to bring a high-value, accessible premium EV proposition to more Malaysian customers, supported by Cycle & Carriage’s commitment to delivering exceptional journeys across every stage of ownership, from retail and aftersales to long-term customer support,” he added.

“C&C’s role in leading Leapmotor’s distribution operations in Malaysia reflects a longstanding partnership built on our shared values, mutual trust, and commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences,” said Isaac Yeo, MD of Stellantis ASEAN.

“This appointment marks an important milestone in a partnership that has continued to strengthen and is backed by proven automotive expertise, an established retail network, and a customer-first approach. We believe that C&C is well-positioned to drive Leapmotor’s next phase of growth in Malaysia,” he added.

By managing Leapmotor’s distribution operations, C&C will work closely with its dealer network in Malaysia to expand the brand’s presence, strengthen customer experience and retail standards and enhance aftersales capabilities nationwide. To date, Leapmotor has 12 sales and six service locations across Malaysia, with more set to open by the end of the year.

Product wise, Yeo announced yesterday that local assembly for the C10 has already started at Stellantis’ Gurun plant in Kedah, with the CKD B10 to follow in two to three months time. The next all-new Leapmotor model that will be launched in Malaysia is the B03X, which is called the A10 in China.

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The facelifted BYD Atto 3 has been launched in Malaysia, a culmination of a teaser campaign spanning the past two weeks. And yes, as previously reported, we get the massive Evo upgrade that was designed for the European market, offering more performance, a longer range and faster charging.

Surprisingly, however, we’re getting both the regular front-wheel-drive variant sold in Hong Kong and this rear-wheel-drive Evo, called the Ultra and Premium respectively. These are priced at RM125,800 for the Ultra and RM138,800 for the Premium, both nett inclusive of a six-year/150,000 km warranty and an eight-year/160,000 km battery and motor warranty.

That means the Ultra is RM2,000 more expensive than the previous car’s launch price of RM123,800, owing to the import and excise duties applied to CBU fully-imported EVs starting this year. To soften the blow, the company is offering a launch package worth up to RM14,000, including RM10,000 in overtrade support and either an AC wallbox charger (inclusive of installation) or six years of free service.

With initial units arriving in Malaysia just before the ministry of investment, trade and industry’s (MITI) new EV policy is applied on July 1, the facelifted Atto 3 dodges the revised rules that effectively force a minimum price of around RM300,000. That means the car will continue to be sold at this price until stocks run out, by which point BYD has hopefully begun CKD local assembly – either by reviving its stalled factory in Tanjong Malim, or by partnering with a contract manufacturer like Sime Motors.

The Ultra continues to produce 204 PS (150 kW) and 310 Nm of torque, getting it from zero to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. The 60.48 kWh Blade LFP battery also remains in situ and delivers a claimed range of 420 km on the WLTP cycle. The only significant change is the increase in DC fast charging power from 88 kW to 110 kW, topping up the pack from 30 to 80% ten minutes quicker at 30 minutes; AC charging remains at 7 kW.

The big news is the Premium, which switches to a rear motor that boosts output by a staggering 109 PS (80 kW) and 70 Nm, taking it to 313 PS (230 kW) and 380 Nm of torque. This takes two whole seconds out of the previous car’s zero-to-100 km/h acceleration, which it completes in 5.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 180 km/h. There’s an even more powerful all-wheel-drive model in other markets, but not here.

Battery capacity also jumps to 74.88 kWh, granting a commensurately longer range of 510 km. We should point out that in Malaysia, BYD continues to use NEDC range figures to market the car, with the numbers being 480 km for the Ultra and 600 km for the Premium.

Even more impressive is charging – the Premium is built on an 800-volt electrical architecture, enabling the charging speed to be uprated to a much more respectable 220 kW. Despite the larger battery, it takes just 25 minutes to charge from 10 to 80%, while AC charging is also bumped up to 11 kW for a full charge in eight hours – more than an hour shorter than before.

Other far-reaching changes exclusive to the Premium include new dual-jointed MacPherson strut front and five-link (previously four) rear suspension setup. The latter, together with the rear motor, means that the boot floor doesn’t go as low as on the Ultra, so ultimate boot space is less at the rear.

However, the removal of the FWD model’s dual-level boot floor, side storage nets and thinner rear seat backs with dual-position recline enables BYD to claim a 56 litre increase on paper, from 434 litres on the Ultra to 490 litres on the Premium. The difference between the two is closer with the rear seats folded – 1,340 litres versus 1,360 litres – but the Premium also benefits from the addition of a 101 litre front boot.

The rest of the changes are mostly common on both cars and include sportier front and rear bumpers with body-coloured “tusks”, cascading triangular graphics for the taillights and a new rear spoiler with twin vertical centre brake lights. The D-pillars have also been made sleeker with new rear quarter light windows and the ditching of the old car’s “scales”.

Being rear-driven, the Premium obviously gets a rear charging port instead of a front one, which has in turn resulted in the jettisoning of the “BYD Design” front fender appliqués. Also different are the wheels – while they both measure the same 18 inches in diameter, the Ultra uses the same two-tone design as the previous model, whereas the Premium gains a new turbine rollers with a grey finish.

On the inside, the Atto 3 has been dispensed with much of its eccentric fitness- and muscle-inspired touches. The dashboard and door panels, previously ribbed for your pleasure, are now all smooth with classy stitching, although the pull-back door openers and the “guitar strings” on the door pockets remain. The latter are now finished in black, however, helping them better blend in with the rest of the interior.

The 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen also no longer rotates, while a much larger 8.8-inch instrument display takes the place of the current car’s tiny five-inch panel. No built-in Google services for the Premium here, unlike the Evo in Europe.

Meanwhile, the steering wheel has been lifted from the Atto 2, with a less ornate design and a new column-mounted gear selector that replaces the kettlebell-inspired centre console-mounted one. This has freed up space in the middle for twin smartphone holders, one of which houses a faster 50-watt Qi wireless charger with integrated cooling.

Standard kit includes LED headlights, roof rails, keyless entry with an NFC key card, push-button start, single-zone automatic air con, six-way driver’s and four-way passenger side power-adjustable front seats with ventilation, faux leather upholstery, a panoramic glass sunroof, heated side-view mirrors, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 360-degree camera system.

The Premium adds driver’s side seat lumbar adjustment and a six-way power-adjustable passenger seat; neither car offers a built-in dash cam anymore. The differences even extend to the tonneau cover – the Ultra retains its hard cover, while the Premium doesn’t get one at all, even though there are provisions for a more “premium” roller cover.

In terms of safety, the Ultra loses its front centre airbag, bringing the total count down to six airbags; the Premium continues to offer seven airbags. The suite of driver assists remains and includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane centring assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, rear collision warning and a door opening warning. The Premium adds front cross traffic alert with auto brake, traffic sign recognition and speed limit assist.

GALLERY: BYD Atto 3 Ultra facelift
GALLERY: BYD Atto 3 Premium facelift

The post 2026 BYD Atto 3 facelift in Malaysia – FWD/RWD Evo, up to 313 PS, 510 km WLTP, 220 kW DCFC, fr RM126k appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

The Hyundai Stargazer has appeared in a social media post by Hyundai Motor Malaysia, which could mean that the B-segment MPV is set for its Malaysian arrival at the 2026 Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS 2026).

The show is set to begin this month, and should the Stargazer arrive locally then, it would be ahead of its previously stated timeline of a fourth quarter arrival of a “B-MPV”. When it does, it will add to the segment currently populated in Malaysia by the Mitsubishi Xpander, Perodua Alza and Toyota Veloz.

Measuring 4,575 mm long and 1,780 mm wide, the Hyundai Stargazer is 150 mm longer and 50 mm wider than the Perodua Alza, and the Stargazer is also 30 mm longer of wheelbase, at 2,780 mm. Inside, luggage capacity is 185 litres with all rows of seats upright, increasing to 585 litres with the third row folded down, or up to a maximum of 1,892 litres.

In Thailand and in Indonesia, the sole powertrain choice for the Stargazer is a 1.5 litre Smartstream naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that outputs 113 hp at 6,300 rpm and 144 Nm at 4,500 rpm, paired with Hyundai’s IVT, a continuously variable transmission that utilises a chain instead of a belt.

Inside the Stargazer for Thailand are a pair of captan seats in the second row, and a rear passenger table on the left-hand-side seat. Also included are smart keyless entry, and electric parking brake, rear air-conditioning vents with dedicated controls, and four drive modes.

Infotainment in the Thai-spec model is by an eight-inch touchscreen display unit that offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while the driver also gets a digital display. For hardware connectivity, both Trend and Smart variants get two 12-volt sockets; in terms of USB-C sockets, the Trend gets one outlet, while the Smart has three outlets.

For safety and assistance systems, the Thai-spec Stargazer Smart variant adds gets smart cruise control with stop-and-go, forward collision avoidance assist with junction turning assist, lane following assist, lane keeping assist, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist, safe exit warning, high beam assist, driver attention warning, leading vehicle departure alert, rear occupant alert and manual speed limit assist.

GALLERY: Hyundai Stagazer at 2026 Bangkok International Motor Show

The post 2026 Hyundai Stargazer MPV heading to KLIMS 2026? appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

As of June 3, 8,862 vehicles – comprising 8,524 diesel pick-up trucks, 329 diesel jeeps and nine petrol jeeps – have been registered under the enhanced implementation of the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS) and Subsidised Petrol Control System (SKPS), which took effect on June 1, Bernama reports.

Domestic trade and cost of living (KPDN) minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said pick-up trucks and jeeps used in the land goods transport sector are now eligible for SKDS and SKPS, subject to conditions including registration under a company or business entity and classification as commercial vehicles in the road transport department’s (JPJ) road tax records.

“The expansion covers pick-up trucks and jeeps under the Rigid Goods and Rigid Goods Decon categories with a laden weight between 950 and 7,500 kg. Vehicles registered under government, local authority and other special categories, as well as goods vehicles without permits or designated for off-road use, are not eligible,” he said in a recent statement.

Armizan added that KPDN has also revised the SKDS fixed quota limits for the goods transportation sector to between 900 and 5,000 litres monthly, depending on the limits set for the 23 eligible vehicle categories. This is to strengthen regulatory controls as well as to curb subsidy leakages and fleet card misuse.

“The quota levels were determined based on an analysis of actual fuel consumption data recorded over nearly two years of SKDS implementation since 2024,” he said, adding that companies or business entities requiring fuel volumes beyond the prescribed quota may appeal to the Petroleum Subsidy Approval Committee (JKSP), supported by operational justifications and at least three months of actual usage records.

From June 1-3, eight companies have submitted appeals of this nature, involving 82 vehicles. Said appeals are being processed for the committee’s consideration, Armizan revealed.

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Being bold isn’t just about making a statement, as it also requires a strong sense of commitment to follow through. For Kia Sales Malaysia, that is the essence of Kia TotalCare, the company’s boldest ownership promise offered from June 1-22, 2026, in conjunction with this year’s Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS).

The premise is simple: when you book a Kia Sportage (any variant) or Kia Carnival (8-Seater or 7-Seater), you are entitled to rewards that further enrich your ownership experience. This is provided your booking is done by June 22 and registration of your new Kia is completed by August 31, 2026.

These rewards include an eight-year warranty and service package for ultimate peace of mind when behind the wheel. If that isn’t enough, Kia TotalCare also supports you with eight tyre changes – effectively two sets – as well as a RM8,000 cash rebate and complimentary first-year vehicle insurance coverage.

With Kia TotalCare, you’re getting exceptional value with your new Kia Sportage or Carnival. Should you place a booking at KLIMS 2026 between June 12-21, you’ll also stand a chance to win one of five Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 1TB smartphones or be in the running for one of three grand prizes that includes a pair of tickets plus accommodation to Seoul, South Korea worth an estimated RM10,000.

There’s certainly no better time to own a Kia than now. With Kia TotalCare rewards, a revitalised aftersales network, enhanced service standards and attractive prizes at KLIMS 2026, this is something you don’t want to miss.

Find out more about Kia TotalCare at Kia Sales Malaysia’s official website, Facebook or Instagram, and make your way to KLIMS 2026 to experience the brand first-hand. Don’t forget to check out the previously reported selection of new Kia electric vehicles (EVs) that will be presented at the show too.

The post Enjoy RM8k rebate, eight-year warranty and more with Kia TotalCare – book at KLIMS and stand to win prizes appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

JPJ has announced that MEG and BSX are the next number plate series to go up for bidding on its online auction platform, JPJ eBid.

Melaka’s latest running number series is ‘MEG’, and it opened for tender on June 4. The bidding period on JPJeBid is five days, ending 10pm on June 8. As usual, the results will be out the following day. The whole process is online now, as it has been for some time, and bidders will get the good (or bad) news via email.

Also available on JPJ eBid is the Selangor series ‘BSX’. The bidding period starts on June 7, and will close at 10pm on June 11. Results will be out the day after the auction closes.

New car coming soon and want a nice number plate for the new ride? Why not DIY and skip the reseller’s markup and runner fees? If you have never bid for a number yourself, check out our step-by-step guide on how to navigate JPJ eBid and the techniques needed to get your preferred number at “retail price”.

The post JPJ eBid: MEG and BSX number plates up for bidding appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

Earlier this week, Omoda Jaecoo Malaysia teased the impending arrival of the Jaecoo J5 EV in Malaysia. The J5 EV is as expected from its name an EV version of the J5 B-segment SUV that has already been launched here with a 1.5 litre turbocharged engine.

The J5 EV trades ICE power for a front-mounted motor that outputs 211 PS and 288 Nm and a 58.9 kWh battery, offering 461 km of range on the NEDC test cycle (400 km WLTP). Performance is spritely, with a 0-100 km/h time of 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 175 km/h.

You might notice some design similarities with the iCaur 03, which shares a similarly boxy look. Some may think, is the J5 EV just a rebadged iCaur 03?

The two cars actually sit in completely different segments. A big hint is the fact that the iCaur 03 when wearing a Jaecoo badge sold in other markets is called the Jaecoo J6. And 6 is a bigger number than 5, so it all makes sense doesn’t it?

Jaecoo J5 EV vs iCaur 03 iWD

Specs	Jaecoo J5 EV	iCaur 03 iWD
Length	4,380 mm	4,406 mm
Width	1,860 mm	1,910 mm
Height	1,650 mm	1,715 mm
Wheelbase	2,620 mm	2,715 mm
Segment	B-segment	C-segment
Motor	211 PS, 288Nm	279 PS, 385 Nm
Driven	Front Wheel	All Wheel
Battery	58.9 kWh	69.8 kWh
Range	461 km	418 km
0-100	7.7s	6.5s
Price	TBC	RM129,880

Comparison between the Jaecoo J5 EV and iCaur 03 iWD.

The iCaur 03 is the bigger car on every axis. The most meaningful gaps are the 95 mm longer wheelbase and the 50 mm extra width. It sits in the C segment, which means it is sized more like a Jaecoo J7. The Jaecoo J5 is classed as a B-segment subcompact crossover.

As for motor specs, the iCaur 03 originally came in two variants – the 2WD and the iWD. After CKD operations began, the 2WD was dropped and only the iWD remains. That’s probably for the good as the 2WD performance specs was curiously slower than the Jaecoo J5 EV.

The J5 EV’s more efficient packaging and aero give it more usable range than the taller, boxier, off-road-pitched iCaur 03.

And of course most importantly, the Jaecoo J5 EV is also likely expected to be priced lower than then iCaur 03 iWD’s RM129,880 price tag. How much do you think the Jaecoo J5 EV will be priced at? In comparison, the ICE-powered J5 comes in at RM108k. Share your thoughts in the comments.

Jaecoo J5 EV at the 2025 Bangkok International Motor Show

GALLERY: 2026 iCaur 03 CKD

The post Jaecoo J5 EV vs iCaur 03 iWD compared – what are the differences between the two Chery EV SUVs appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.