The government has announced that the price of subsidised diesel for Malaysians will be lowered to RM2.10 per litre nationwide from July.

In a statement issued earlier this evening, the finance ministry said that the move will be implemented through a uniform targeting using a MyKad-based mechanism, similar to the approach implemented by the Budi Madani RON 95 (Budi95) scheme.

With this, Malaysians will enjoy the same price and purchasing method nationwide, using MyKad verification, As is the case with RON 95 petrol, non-citizens and ineligible parties will have to purchase diesel at the unsubsidised price. The ministry said that this step is important to reduce leakage and smuggling of the fuel, and to ensure that government subsidies only reach Malaysians.

In line with the move, the retail price of diesel in Sabah and Sarawak, which is presently set at RM2.15 per litre, will be adjusted to the retail price in Peninsular Malaysia, with non-citizens no longer able to enjoy the subsidy. The ministry added that further details of the targeted diesel subsidy reform will be announced by finance minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan tomorrow, June 22.

The post Subsidised diesel to be lowered to RM2.10 per litre for Malaysians from July – MyKad mechanism, like Budi95 appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

The Toyota Corolla Cross has quietly become one of the default choices in Malaysia’s busy C-segment SUV class – a no-drama, efficient family crossover that pairs Toyota’s reputation for reliability with a frugal hybrid option. But at around RM134,000 to RM149,000 it sits in one of the most fiercely contested price brackets on the market, up against the Honda HR-V, Proton X50, Mazda CX-30 and a wave of new Chinese rivals.

So is the Corolla Cross the one to buy? This guide lays out the current Malaysian price list, answers the questions buyers actually ask (including the recurring “is it a 5- or 7-seater?”), runs the key specs, and pits it head-to-head against its main rivals.

Toyota Corolla Cross price in Malaysia (2026)

The Corolla Cross is offered in three variants, all five-seaters and all 1.8 litre: one naturally-aspirated petrol and two hybrids, topped by the sporty GR Sport. Here’s the line-up with an indicative monthly instalment.

Toyota Corolla Cross - Malaysia price list (2026)

Variant	Price (OTR)	Powertrain	Est. monthly*
1.8V (petrol)	RM133,800	1.8L NA petrol, 139 PS / 172 Nm	~RM1,366
1.8 HEV	RM140,800	1.8L hybrid, 122 PS combined	~RM1,437
1.8 HEV GR Sport	RM148,800	1.8L hybrid, 122 PS combined	~RM1,519

Prices are on-the-road without insurance. The GR Sport commands an RM8,000 premium over the regular Hybrid for its bodykit, 18-inch turbine alloys, black roof option, red interior accents and GR badging – it’s a cosmetic and trim upgrade, not a mechanical one.

Monthly figures are indicative estimates based on a 10% down payment, 2.5% flat interest and a nine-year hire-purchase tenure; your actual instalment will vary with down payment, rate and tenure.

Is the Corolla Cross a 5-seater or a 7-seater?

This is the single most common question, so to be clear: in Malaysia the Toyota Corolla Cross is a five-seater only. There is no seven-seat version. We’re not kidding about this being a frequently asked question, as it’s a suggested autocomplete on search engines.

If you need three rows from Toyota at a similar size, that’s the Veloz (a seven-seat MPV) or a step up to an Innova Zenix; among rivals here, none of the direct competitors below offer seven seats either.

The Corolla Cross’s appeal is a roomy five-seat cabin and a large, flat 440-litre boot rather than occasional-use third-row seats.

Specs and fuel consumption

Every Corolla Cross shares the same body and footprint – 4,460 mm long, 1,825 mm wide, 1,620 mm tall on a 2,640 mm wheelbase, with 161 mm of ground clearance and a tight 5.2 m turning radius. The real split is the powertrain.

The petrol 1.8V uses a 139 PS/172 Nm 1.8 litre engine with a 7-speed CVT (Sequential Shiftmatic), while the hybrids pair a 98 PS/142 Nm Atkinson-cycle 1.8 with a 72 PS (53 kW)/163 Nm electric motor and an E-CVT for a combined 122 PS, fed by a 201.6V nickel-metal hydride battery. Top speed for the hybrid is 170 km/h.

The GR Sport is mechanically the same as the 1.8 HEV, adding sport-tuned suspension, performance bracing, a Sport ECU steering tune, GR-design 18-inch wheels and the cosmetic GR package – it’s a sportier flavour, not a faster one.

Toyota Corolla Cross - detailed specifications

Specification	1.8V (petrol)	1.8 HEV / GR Sport
Engine	1.8L 4-cyl DOHC 16V VVT-i	1.8L 4-cyl DOHC 16V VVT-i (Atkinson)
Bore x stroke	80.5 x 88.3 mm	80.5 x 88.3 mm
Engine output	139 PS / 172 Nm	98 PS / 142 Nm
Electric motor	None	72 PS (53 kW) / 163 Nm
Combined output	139 PS	122 PS
Transmission	7-speed CVT (Sequential Shiftmatic)	E-CVT
Drive modes	None	Power / Eco / Normal / EV
Hybrid battery	None	NiMH, 201.6 V, 6.5 Ah
Top speed	Not stated	170 km/h
Length x width x height	4,460 x 1,825 x 1,620 mm	4,460 x 1,825 x 1,620 mm
Wheelbase	2,640 mm	2,640 mm
Ground clearance	161 mm	161 mm
Kerb weight	1,405 kg	1,430 kg
Fuel tank	47 litres	36 litres
Boot space	440 litres	440 litres
Tyres & rims	225/50 R18 alloy	225/50 R18 alloy (GR Sport design)
Suspension (F/R)	MacPherson strut / torsion beam	MacPherson strut / torsion beam (sport-tuned on GR Sport)
Brakes (F/R)	Ventilated disc / solid disc	Ventilated disc / solid disc
Instrument display (MID)	4.2-inch	12.3-inch
Infotainment	10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless CarPlay / Android Auto, 6 speakers	10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless CarPlay / Android Auto, 6 speakers
Air-conditioning	Single-zone auto	Dual-zone auto
Driver’s seat	8-way powered	8-way powered
360 camera (PVM)	With	With
Toyota Safety Sense	PCS, LDA, DRCC, LTA, AHB, BSM, RCTA	PCS, LDA, DRCC, LTA, AHB, BSM, RCTA
Airbags	7 (incl. driver’s knee)	7 (incl. driver’s knee)

On fuel, the hybrid is the headline: Toyota’s claimed figure is 23.3 km per litre (about 4.3 L/100km), genuinely frugal for the class and the single biggest reason most buyers step up to the HEV.

The petrol 1.8V is the thirstier choice – it makes its 139 PS by revving to 6,400 rpm and lacks any electric assistance, so expect real-world economy in the mid-teens km/l. Interestingly, the petrol partly offsets this with a larger 47-litre fuel tank (versus the hybrid’s 36 litres), so touring range between fills is closer than the consumption gap suggests – but around town, where the hybrid runs on electric power most often, the HEV’s advantage is decisive.

Every variant gets Toyota Safety Sense as standard – autonomous emergency braking, full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane centring, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert and more – plus seven airbags.

Ownership is backed by Toyota’s five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, with an additional eight-year battery warranty on the hybrids.

How the Corolla Cross compares to its rivals

Here’s the Corolla Cross against its five closest cross-shops, before we go through each in turn.

Corolla Cross vs similarly priced rivals

Specification	Corolla Cross	Honda HR-V	Mazda CX-30	Proton X70	Jaecoo J7
Price (OTR)	RM133,800-148,800	RM115,900-143,900	RM128,400-154,400	RM106,800-119,800	RM138,800-158,800
Powertrains	1.8 NA or 1.8 hybrid	1.5 NA / 1.5 turbo / e:HEV	2.0 / 2.5 NA	1.5 turbo	1.6 turbo or plug-in hybrid
Max power	139 PS (NA), 122 PS (HEV)	up to 179 PS	up to 162 PS	178 PS	up to 279 PS (PHEV)
Hybrid option	Yes (full hybrid)	Yes (e:HEV)	No	No	Yes (plug-in)
Seats	5	5	5	5	5

Prices OTR without insurance; current 2026 figures and max power from carbase.my. All are five-seaters. Power shown is the highest in each range.

Corolla Cross vs Honda HR-V

This is the headline rivalry. The Honda HR-V matches the Corolla Cross almost dead-on on price (RM115,900-143,900) and, like Toyota, offers an e:HEV hybrid at the top.

Where Honda pulls ahead is choice and performance: the HR-V also offers a 179 PS 1.5 turbo that the Corolla Cross has no answer to, and Honda’s packaging (including the clever “Ultra Seats”) is a cabin highlight. The Corolla Cross counters with stronger hybrid economy, Toyota’s resale and reliability reputation, and the bigger boot.

Pick the HR-V if you want turbo performance or Honda’s interior versatility; pick the Corolla Cross if hybrid efficiency and Toyota ownership peace-of-mind top your list.

Corolla Cross vs Jaecoo J7

The Jaecoo J7 (RM138,800-158,800) is the most ambitious of the new Chinese challengers – a larger, more premium-feeling SUV with Land Rover-inspired styling, a big touchscreen-led cabin and a generous kit list.

It also offers powertrains the Corolla Cross simply can’t match: a 197 PS 1.6 turbo (in 2WD or AWD form) or a 279 PS plug-in hybrid with around 88 km of EV-only range (WLTP) for daily commutes on electricity alone. The Corolla Cross counters with Toyota’s unmatched reliability and resale record, a fuss-free full hybrid that never needs plugging in, and a proven local service and parts network.

Pick the Jaecoo J7 if you want maximum space, power and technology for the money – especially the plug-in hybrid if you can charge at home; pick the Corolla Cross for Toyota peace-of-mind, effortless hybrid operation and potentially stronger resale value.

Corolla Cross vs Proton X50

The Proton X50 is the value challenger, starting from just RM89,800 and topping out at RM113,300 – comfortably under the Corolla Cross – while its 1.5 turbo musters up to 178 PS. The trade-offs: it’s a size smaller, there’s no hybrid option, and resale and brand perception sit below Toyota’s.

Pick the X50 if budget and turbocharged performance-per-ringgit matter most; pick the Corolla Cross for the hybrid’s running-cost savings and long-term resale.

Corolla Cross vs Proton X70

In size and segment, the Proton X70 (RM106,800-119,800) is arguably the closest natural rival to the Corolla Cross – a proper C-segment SUV that happens to undercut it by RM15,000 to RM30,000.

Its 1.5 litre turbo musters 178 PS/290 Nm, comfortably more grunt than the Corolla Cross’s petrol, and it serves up a larger 515-litre boot. The trade-offs: there’s no hybrid option, real-world economy trails the Toyota’s HEV, and Proton’s resale sits below Toyota’s.

Pick the X70 if you want a similarly-sized SUV with more turbo torque and a bigger boot for noticeably less money; pick the Corolla Cross for the hybrid’s fuel savings and Toyota’s resale and reliability.

Corolla Cross vs Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota’s own Yaris Cross (RM99,900-109,900) is a deliberately smaller and cheaper B-segment SUV, also offered with a hybrid. Think of it as the Corolla Cross’s little brother: less rear space and boot, less power (105-111 PS), but lighter on the wallet to buy and run.

Pick the Yaris Cross if you want a smaller, more affordable Toyota hybrid for city use; pick the Corolla Cross if you need the extra space and a more substantial feel for family duty.

Corolla Cross vs Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is a size up and a price tier above (RM178,200-195,900), so it’s a stretch cross-shop rather than a direct rival. It’s noticeably bigger inside, with a 1.5 turbo and a 2.0 e:HEV hybrid, but you’re paying RM30,000-plus more.

Pick the CR-V if you genuinely need the extra space and have the budget; the Corolla Cross is the smarter buy if you don’t.

Corolla Cross vs Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 (RM128,400-154,400) is the premium-feel alternative – lovely materials, sharp styling and the best drive in the class. But it’s naturally-aspirated only (up to 162 PS), with no hybrid, a smaller boot and thirstier real-world economy.

Pick the CX-30 if cabin quality and driving enjoyment outrank efficiency; pick the Corolla Cross for the hybrid’s frugality and Toyota’s practicality.

Other rivals worth a look

Beyond the big five, the Corolla Cross also draws cross-shoppers from:

– Perodua Traz (RM76,100-81,100) – the value pick and, in fact, a twin of the Yaris Cross; far cheaper, though a class smaller and petrol-only.
– Mitsubishi Xforce (RM109,980-119,980) – a stylish, well-priced B-SUV, but naturally-aspirated only.
– Chery Tiggo Cross (RM88,800-99,800) – undercuts everyone and offers a hybrid, the value-hybrid wildcard.

Ownership and running costs

Toyota Malaysia publishes fixed-price service packages, which are available for viewing in the images above. The compulsory first service at 1,000 km is RM198 with free labour, after which servicing steps through the schedule at regular intervals, alternating a light “Basic” service with a fuller “Advance” one, plus a bigger “Advance Plus” major service every 40,000 km.

Here’s how the standard (synthetic) packages compare:

Toyota Corolla Cross - service package prices (Jan 2026)

Service package	Petrol 1.8V	1.8 HEV
First service (1,000 km, free labour)	RM198	RM198
Basic service	RM218	RM218
Advance service	RM358	RM358
Advance Plus (major, every 40,000 km)	RM618	RM578

Big-ticket periodic items are few and far between. On the petrol, the CVT fluid and fuel filter are due at 80,000 km and iridium spark plugs at 100,000 km (around RM270), with engine coolant not needed until 160,000 km.

The hybrid is no costlier to keep – its major service is actually RM40 cheaper, its transaxle fluid is due at 80,000 km, spark plugs at 100,000 km (around RM390), engine coolant at 160,000 km and the inverter coolant only at 240,000 km.

Crucially, there is no scheduled replacement for the hybrid battery, which is covered by the eight-year warranty. In practice, that means routine upkeep of roughly RM900-1,200 a year for a typical 15,000-20,000 km annual mileage – genuinely low running costs, and near-identical whether you choose petrol or hybrid.

Backing all this is Toyota’s five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, plus the additional eight-year (also unlimited-mileage) hybrid battery warranty – and you can prepay a service package for fixed costs.

A big part of the Corolla Cross’s appeal is cheap, fuss-free ownership:

• Fuel: the hybrid’s 23.3 km/l claim means real savings at the pump versus turbocharged rivals – the single biggest running-cost advantage here.
• Road tax: because the Corolla Cross hybrid is a conventional (non-plug-in) hybrid, road tax is calculated on its 1.8-litre (1,798cc) engine, just like any petrol car – it is not taxed under the EV road-tax scheme. That works out to RM359.40 a year, the same across all three variants.
• Insurance: the first-year premium, before any no-claim discount (NCD), is around RM3,791.90 for the 1.8V based on its sum insured; the higher-value hybrids cost a little more, and your accumulated NCD will bring renewals down significantly from there.
• Servicing & warranty: Toyota’s reputation for low maintenance costs applies, backed by the five-year/unlimited-mileage warranty and eight-year battery warranty.

Verdict – is the Corolla Cross the one?

The Toyota Corolla Cross wins on the things that matter most to a mainstream family buyer: a genuinely frugal hybrid, a roomy five-seat cabin and big boot, a full safety suite as standard, and Toyota’s unmatched reputation for reliability and resale.

It’s not the sportiest (the HR-V turbo and X50 are quicker), the most premium-feeling (that’s the CX-30), nor the cheapest (the X50, Traz and Tiggo Cross all undercut it) – but it’s the most rounded, and for most shoppers in this bracket that balance is exactly the point.

If your priority is efficiency, peace of mind and resale, the 1.8 Hybrid is the sweet spot of the range – and the one to put at the top of your shortlist.

Video review

What about a used Corolla Cross?

The Corolla Cross only arrived in Malaysia in 2021, so even the oldest used examples are still relatively young, and there’s a healthy supply to choose from.

Going by current Carro Certified listings, used prices run from roughly RM69,000 for an early, higher-mileage 2022 car to around RM128,000 for a near-new 2024-2025 example, with the bulk sitting between RM92,000 and RM113,000. As a rough year-by-year guide, 2021 cars hover around RM88,000, 2022s around RM103,000, 2023s around RM109,000 and 2024s around RM116,000.

The most useful quirk for used buyers is that the hybrid’s new-car premium all but disappears on the second-hand market: used petrol and hybrid Corolla Crosses trade at almost identical money (both around RM104,000 median), so a pre-owned HEV is arguably the smartest pick in the range – you get the fuel savings without paying extra for them.

That said, a near-new 2024-2025 example at RM116,000-125,000 sits close enough to the RM133,800 list price of a brand-new 1.8V that buyers may simply want stretch to new for the full warranty. This simply speaks of how well Toyotas retain their resale value.

Whichever you choose, buy on service history and condition first, and on a hybrid remember the high-voltage battery is covered by Toyota’s eight-year warranty from new.

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GALLERY: Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV GR Sport

GALLERY: Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV GR Sport (2026)

GALLERY: Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV

GALLERY: Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8V

The post Toyota Corolla Cross Malaysia 2026 buyer’s guide – price, specs and how it compares to rivals appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

Amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) are set to be tabled in parliament next Monday, and they will be wide-ranging, containing reforms and changes in 11 scopes, covering 42 provisions. These were briefly outlined by the ministry of transport (MoT) at a special media briefing yesterday, with transport minister Anthony Loke saying that these changes were due.

“As all matters regarding road transport are under Act 333, it is a very important piece of legislation, and there are amendments that we make periodically. The last was in 2020, regarding increasing the punishment for drink-driving, but this time we have amendments that contain more changes and are more comprehensive,” he said.

He said the amendments have gone through a careful process, including discussions in the parliament select committee involving members from both the government and the opposition, demonstrating cross-party support. “The first amendment will be tabled in parliament next Monday (first reading) and is expected to be passed as early as Tuesday (second reading), demonstrating the government’s urgency and commitment,” he said..

While the primary aim of many of these changes are scoped at improving road safety through new legal provisions, allowing authorities to take more effective action against those who endanger other road users, some of the amendments are targeted at improving the service system and simplifying people’s affairs by modernising services and enforcement through digitalisation. Loke said amendments were necessary on that front as the growing scope of digitalisation meant the law also had to evolve accordingly.

The amendments cover four broad categories, these being digitalisation of services and enforcement, an increase in fine and compound rates, the introduction of new provisions and the strengthening and harmonisation of existing provisions. In a nutshell, the 11 areas covered under the amendments are:

Digitalisation of JPJ services and enforcement

Although myJPJ is currently being used by 14 million people, many of the digital processes are not yet supported by a solid legal basis. As such, the amendment introduces provisions for the legal use of digital licenses (e-license) and motor vehicle licenses (e-LKM) in the myJPJ application, essentially providing recognition of digital documents as valid according to the law.

As for enforcement, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) is set to play a key role in digitalising this – road transport department (JPJ) patrol vehicles will be equipped with cameras that can automatically identify number plates and check the existence of road tax/insurance and also uncover any stolen vehicles.

When implemented, JPJ patrol vehicles will be able to detect problematic vehicles without having to utilise traditional roadblocks. This will reduce direct interaction between enforcers and drivers, reducing the risk of integrity and corruption allegations.

Harmonisation of road tax rates and declaration of region for use

Currently, road tax (LKM) rates differ by region (Peninsular and Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan). Problems arise when vehicles are registered in a low-fee region (such as Labuan) but are used in Peninsular Malaysia. This amendment will require vehicle owners to declare the primary region of use when registering or renewing their road tax.

The road tax amount will then be calculated based on the declared location, closing the loophole in which cars that were registered in either duty-free states like Langkawi or Labuan, or in Sabah or Sarawak, get exacted a lower road tax when used in Peninsular Malaysia.

Increase in the minimum fine rate

The current maximum compound rate is RM300, which authorities consider to be insufficient as a deterrent, with many drivers more willing to pay a fine than comply with the law. Therefore, the government is looking to increase the maximum compound rate for certain offences, especially those that endanger safety. Offences that will be involved in the fine increase include driving without road tax (LKM), driving without a valid driving licence (CDL), driving above the speed limit or dangerously, and failure to adhere to traffic lights/road signs.

“However, the implementation of this increase will not be implemented immediately. It will be given a period of two years for public preparation and system adaptation. This gives room for public education and preparation by the authorities,” Loke explained.

The introduction of a new Section 42A to deal with illegal racing

As indicated previously, the government is looking to clamp down on the mat rempit menace with the introduction of tougher laws. This will be accomplished with a new Section 42A, which has specific rules against illegal racing and speeding. Previously, action could only be taken under the offence of dangerous driving, which required proof of an accident or actual danger.

This made it difficult for enforcement to act if there was no accident. With Section 42A, the act of racing or speeding itself is now considered an offence, even if there is no accident (for example, two or more vehicles speeding competitively on a public road).

Electronic accident reporting (e-Polis Reporting)

The amendment to Section 52 allows accident reporting to be done electronically, not just physically at the police station. This is a collaboration between the MoT, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), and the General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM) to make it easier for accident victims to make insurance claims. Minor accidents involving single vehicles without injuries or third parties can be reported via e-Polis Reporting.

Identical to the PDRM e-Reporting pilot trial that was introduced last September, this reduces the burden on the police, saves time, and helps process insurance claims faster. It also addresses the problem where drivers have difficulty reporting accidents because they are far from their homes. However, accidents involving injuries, deaths or third parties will still require a physical report as usual.

Expanding the transport minister’s regulatory powers

The amendment clarifies and expands the regulatory power of the minister of transport over workshops, modifications, technical safety standards and EV/new-tech components. This will include the ability to regulate the registration and operation of workshops, factories and vehicle repair centres; setting technical standards for vehicle safety; regulating driver training/shifts and setting related fees.

The extended scope will also cover regulating new vehicle models, components, and safety technologies (for example, electrical systems on vehicles). This is important to address issues, for example illegal modifications that cause electric shocks on buses, because previously there was no clear authority to take action against workshops or manufacturers.

Enhanced cross-border movement control

The amendment tightens control of vehicles entering or leaving Malaysia, with the purpose being to encourage vehicle owners to settle summonses before travelling or crossing the border. Essentially, foreign vehicles may be prohibited from entering if they do not have a valid permit (including VEP) or have outstanding summonses, while Malaysian vehicles may be prevented from leaving the country if they have pending traffic summonses.

Vehicle towing and impounding

The amendment will provide local authorities (PBT) with clearer scope to remove vehicles that are obstructing traffic or violating parking regulations, and also detain these vehicles until removal and detention fees are paid, with the risk of removal being on the vehicle owner. The changes are aimed at addressing the problem of random parking causing congestion in urban areas.

Curbing “tonto” activities

The amendment introduces new provisions to make “tonto” activity – in which individuals or groups help lorry drivers evade enforcement by disrupting JPJ field operations – a criminal offence, with authorities being able to take action and mete out strict penalties in the form of fines and/or imprisonment.

Management of micromobility vehicles

With the use of electric scooters and other micromobility devices increasing, the amendment looks to introduce clearer definitions and rules regarding e-scooters/e-bikes, with the intention of providing a framework regarding their use. These include a minimum age to use, speed limits, where these devices can be ridden as well as the need for safety equipment (helmet, lighting, reflectors etc)

As there is presently no clear procedure for managing impounded or abandoned vehicles, the amendment will also introduce one, where micromobility vehicles used contrary to regulations may be impounded. The owner will be given a reasonable period to reclaim them. If not reclaimed, the vehicle can be legally destroyed with the permission of the court. This will help authorities manage and overcome storage and safety issues in public areas.

Addressing document forgery and vehicle cloning

The amendment increases the punishment under Section 19 for the offence of submitting false documents or false vehicle records, with higher fines and prison terms for those convicted of for these offences. It aims to tackle vehicle cloning syndicates and address the issue of document forgery and stolen vehicles, crimes that were previously not punished commensurate with the risk.

The post Amendments to Road Transport Act to be tabled next week – 11 scopes, 42 provisions, here’s what to expect appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

A batch of right-hand-drive Denza Z9GT units has been sighted on their way to showrooms aboard a transporter, as photographed by paultan.org reader Derek Chong. The Z9GT was previewed in Malaysia earlier this month, at the Sime Motors MotorExpo.

The Z9GT was shown in Malaysia already in right-hand-drive form, which should mean that its official launch is imminent. The battery-electric station wagon packs a three-motor powertrain consisting of a 313 PS/430 Nm front motor, and a pair of motors on the rear axle each producing 422 PS and 400 Nm to yield a combined 1,156 PS and 1,210 Nm.

This setup will propel the Z9GT from 0-100 km/h in 2.7 seconds, and on to a top speed of 269 km/h. Energy is stored in a second-generation Blade LFP battery that holds up to 122.49 kWh, for a WLTP-rated range of 600 km.

In its latest 2026 form, the Z9GT is able to support BYD’s Flash Charging technology to take up to 1,500 kW through a specialised DC charger. This enables the Z9GT to be recharged from 10-70% in just five minutes, or form 10-97% in nine minutes.

This level of charging requires the use of the Flash Charging stations, which are on a self-operated network; BYD has deployed 5,000 of these stations in China, with 6,000 of them to be deployed globally in the next 12 months.

In addition to the battery-electric version, the Denza Z9GT is also produced in Dual Mode (DM) plug-in hybrid form, which employs a 173 PS/320 Nm 2.0 litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine and three electric motors of lower rating, for a combined 776 PS and 1,035 Nm. This setup enables the 0-100 km/h run in 3.6 seconds, while pure EV range is 203 km from a 63.82 kWh battery and a combined range of 805 km.

The 2026 update as shown at the preview also revealed a new three-spoke flat-bottomed steering wheel, a column-mounted transmission selector, and a reconfigured centre console with repositioned physical controls and additional storage. Displays continue to be a 17.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 50-inch augmented reality head-up display and twin 13.2-inch driver and passenger displays.

Also found in preview guise were leather upholstery and light-smoked wood decor, plus powered, heated, ventilated and massaging front seats with active side bolsters, along with rear seats that incorporate extended leg rests.

Further conveniences include front and rear built-in refrigerators, panoramic glass roof, four-zone air-conditioning, a trio of 50-watt Qi wireless device chargers (two in front, one at the rear), and a 20-speaker, 1,150-watt Devialet sound system with Dolby Atmos surround sound. For luggage, the rear compartment takes 495 litres, while the front holds up to 53 litres.

There’s yet to be official indicative pricing for the Denza Z9GT, though with prices in Europe starting from 117,500 euros, this equates to around RM554k. No small sum, then, though this model is generously equipped. What do you think of the Denza Z9GT?

GALLERY: 2026 Denza Z9GT previewed in Malaysia

The post Denza Z9GT spied in Malaysia – right-hand-drive units transported to showrooms; official launch soon? appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

Getting a makeover is the 2026 Honda Vario 125, priced at RM7,268 in Malaysia. Following the launch of the Vario 125 Street (RM7,468) in April, the Vario 125 completes the Vario range in the local scooter market.

Pricing for the Vario 125 is unchanged from 2025, and a two-year or 20,000 km warranty is offered against manufacturing defects. Stocks of the Vario 125 will be available in all Honda Impian X and authorised Boon Siew Honda dealerships nationwide beginning 22 June 2026.

New colour options are Green, Magenta, and Matte Black, complemented by new graphic accents on the bodywork. Bodywork is new for 2026, with a sharper front fascia and a more dynamic stance.

Also new for the Vario 125 is the lighting, with new LED headlamps, as well as LED turn signals and tail light. Additionally, there is now a USB-C charging port inside the front cowl for charging the rider’s electronics, adding to the practicality of the Vario 125.

No changes otherwise for Vario 125 specifications, powered by an Enhanced Smart Power (eSP) single-cylinder, SOHC liquid-cooled engine with idling start-stop, displacing 124.9 cc. Honda says the Vario 125 is capable of producing 11.5 hp at 8,500 rpm and 11.74 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm, certified as an Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) and has a three-star Malaysia Motorcycle Assessment Program (MyMAP) rating.

Power goes to the rear wheel via a CVT gearbox and belt drive, while wheel sizing on the Vario 125 is 14-inches, wearing 90/80 tyre in front and 100/80 rubber in the rear. The Vario 125 gets a hydraulic disc in front and mechanical drum brake at the back with Honda’s combined braking system (CBS), and a parking brake is standard equipment.

Telescopic forks hold up the front end of the Vario 125, while the rear is propped up with a single preload-adjustable shock absorber. Riding conveniences on the Vario 125 include smart key for keyless starting with anti-theft alarm and vehicle answer back, while an 18-litre storage compartment is found under the seat.

Riding information is displayed LCD instrument panel. The Vario 125 holds 5.5-litres of fuel in the tank with weight listed at 112 kg and seat height is set at 769 mm.

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It’s taken a while for the MG4 Urban to arrive in Southeast Asia, but it’s finally done so – first in Singapore, then in the Philippines and now, Thailand. The electric hatch has been launched in the Land of Smiles, there without the MG4 moniker (so just the MG Urban, then) to differentiate it from the current model.

The Urban is offered in Standard, Max and Ultra versions, priced at 529,900 baht (RM66,800) for the Standard, 599,900 baht (RM75,600) for the Max and 709,900 baht (RM89,500) for the Ultra. All are single-motor front-wheel drive, with the base model producing 150 PS (110 kW) and 250 Nm of torque, getting it from zero to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 160 km/h.

Equipped with a 42.8 kWh LFP battery, the Standard delivers a WLTP range of 325 km, while the Max and Ultra versions gain a 53.9 kWh pack that allow them to travel up to 416 km. These two also get boosted to 160 PS (118 kW), although this only shaves a tenth a second off their century sprint, which they complete in 9.5 seconds. No mention of a semi-solid-state battery, which appears to be exclusive to China for now.

The MG Urban supports up to 82 kW of DC fast charging for the Standard and 88 kW on the other models, topping them up from 10 to 80% in 28 and 30 minutes respectively. It will also accept up to 6.6 kW of AC charging, which is much lower than the 11 kW max offered in other markets like the UK.

Continuing the trend set by most modern Chinese EV hatches, the Urban’s middle-of-the-road one-box design differs from the sharp and sporty design of the original MG4, sporting cues lifted from the Cyberster. These include sweptback LED headlights, a split lower air intake and arrow-shaped taillights inspired by the Union Jack. The alloy wheels measure 16 inches for the Standard and 17 inches for the Max and Ultra.

Inside, the Urban takes after the MG S5 SUV with a clean horizontal dashboard design, a large infotainment touchscreen (12.8 inches for the Standard, 15.6 inches for the Max and Ultra) and physical air con controls (yay!). These items have also been carried over into the MG4.

Other standard equipment includes a seven-inch instrument display, a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat (the Max and Ultra get ventilated front seats, and the latter gains a powered passenger seat as well), grey faux leather upholstery, auto air con, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear air vents and a 3.3 kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) function. The Max and Ultra also come with a Qi wireless charger, a 360-degree camera and a powered tailgate, while a panoramic glass roof and remote park assist are exclusive to the Ultra.

Safety-wise, the Urban comes as standard with six airbags and a suite of driver assists that include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert with auto brake, rear collision warning, a door opening warning and auto high beam. The Ultra gains lane centring assist for full Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities, as well as a front centre airbag.

With the Urban already in many ASEAN markets, it will likely be launched in Malaysia eventually, although it wasn’t among the cars currently being previewed at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS). That means it may need to wait until after the flurry of new models already earmarked for our market, which include the new MG ZS and the premium IM6 this year.

It will also need to be CKD locally assembled to be priced competitively, and the EP Manufacturing (EPMB) plant in Melaka is probably already swamped with production of the MG S5 and the aforementioned ZS.

The post MG4 Urban for Thailand – badged MG Urban, up to 160 PS, 416 km WLTP range, fr RM67k; Malaysia next? appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

JPJ Selangor, in Ops Pemandu Warga Asing (PEWA) that started earlier this year, has detected locals renting out or allowing their vehicles to be driven by foreigners without valid licenses. Deputy director Datuk Ahmad Kamarunzaman Mehat said that the trend came to light when owners came to claim their vehicles after they were seized and the cases brought to court.

He said that the same thing happened in the latest three-day operation that started last Tuesday in Balakong, Puchong, Petaling Jaya and Persiaran Hamzah Alang in Shah Alam, in cooperation with the state’s immigration department and local councils MBSJ and MBPJ.

“Vehicle owners and foreign drivers have to pay the fine dished out by the court before the vehicle can be removed from JPJ’s depot. If they fail to pay the fine, the vehicle cannot be claimed,” he told reporters at an Ops PEWA press conference yesterday.

Ahmad Kamarunzaman revealed that JPJ took action against 304 vehicles, including 125 motorcycles, 90 private vehicles, 74 goods vehicles and 15 public service vehicles.

Of the 239 foreigners involved, 50 were from Myanmar, followed by Bangladesh (46), Indonesia (44), India (10) and other countries (89). 734 offences were recorded, with ‘no lesen’ cases the highest at 268 cases, followed by no road tax (207) and no insurance (178).

A total of 95 vehicles were seized, including 61 motorcycles, 23 goods vehicles, nine private vehicles and two public transport vehicles. Ahmad Kamarunzaman said that some of the vehicles used by foreigners were not well maintained, with bald tyres and bad brakes, which endangers other road users.

The JPJ Selangor man warned vehicle owners, employers and transport companies that under Section 109 of the Road Transport Act 1987, registered owners are responsible for the offences of the driver, including foreigners.

Under Section 64 of the same act, JPJ can seize a vehicle if a foreign driver does not possess a valid driver’s license. Companies that hire ineligible drivers can face suspension or cancellation of permits under the Land Public Transport Act 2010.

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The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) has released vehicle sales data for the month of May 2026, which saw a total of 61,250 units delivered to customers. This represents a decline of 15%, or 10,863 units, from the 72,113 units reported for the month of April.

According to the association, the reduced total industry volume (TIV) after two consecutive months of growth was primarily due to the long festive holiday period towards the end of April. It expects sales to regain its momentum in the month of June 2026.

Compared to the same month last year, May 2026’s total is also down by 12%, or 8,357 units, from the 69,607 units recorded for May 2025. Meanwhile, the year-to-date (YTD) tally so far is 315,568 units, which is 1%, or 4,278 units, less than the same period in 2025 that saw 319,846 deliveries.

Production numbers reflect the sales drop, with 57,849 units coming out of factories in May 2026. This is 13%, or 8,865 units, less than the same month last year (66,354 units). Similarly, the YTD production total is now at 287,477 units, which is 4%, or 13,082 units, less than the 300,559 units reported for the first five months of 2025.

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This is Xpeng’s flying car prototype that is currently on display at this year’s Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS). Called the X2, it is dubbed a fifth-generation flying car by Xpeng AeroHT, which is the Chinese company’s aviation and flying car subsidiary that has since been renamed to Aridge.

The X2 features an enclosed cockpit with a minimalist teardrop-shaped design and carbon-fibre structure. Capable of ferrying two passengers, it is fully electric and adopts an octocopter layout with four arms, each mounting two electric motors and counter-rotating propellers.

Its four lithium-ion battery packs enable a flight time of around 35 minutes, and the X2 can travel at speeds of up to 130 km/h and cruising altitude between 300 and 500 metres. In 2022, the X2 completed its first public flight in Dubai, with other demonstrations taking place in China since.

The X2 primarily served as a testbed and a demonstrator for Xpeng’s flight control software, autonomy and electric propulsion technologies, but it was never meant to be sold to customers. However, it did pave the way for upcoming commercial flying vehicles.

This includes the Land Aircraft Carrier, which sees a two-seat fully electric eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft tucked into a six-wheeled vehicle. When flying is needed, the aircraft exits from the rear “carrier” and deploys its six arms, each with a propeller and electric motor to take off and fly away.

Aridge, as it is now known, says the aircraft provides roughly 30 minutes of flight time and can be charged by the carrier, which is a range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) with an 800-volt system and petrol generator. The company is also working on the A868, a high-speed, long-range full tilt-rotor flying car capable of over 500 km and 360 km/h.

In October 2024, Aridge broke ground on its flying car manufacturing base in Huangpu, Guangzhou, which was completed less than a year later in September 2025. Production of the Land Aircraft Carrier is slated for this year, with deliveries to follow shortly after.

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Rapid KL has teased the opening of the LRT3 Shah Alam Line, which transport minister Anthony Loke had previously indicated would open by the end of this month.

This, along with the announcement by the transport minister, is in line with the timeline stated in February, which was when the transport minister said the rail line is expected to commence operations in June.

Spanning 25 stations along a 37.8 km line, The Shah Alam Line runs from Bandar Utama to Johan Setia with interchanges at Bandar Utama (Kajang MRT) and Glenmarie (Kelana Jaya LRT).

Launched in 2016, the line was initially designed for 26 stations, though in 2018 this saw one station cancelled and the construction of five stations halted. Budget 2024 saw construction of the five stations reinstated; these were Tropicana (previously Lien Hoe), Temasya, Raja Muda (Sirim), Bukit Raja and Bandar Botanik.

Originally planned for operations to start on September 30, 2025, the LRT Shah Alam Line rail project was delayed to December 31 last year, and then it was announced in December that operations would not begin in 2025. Delays were attributed to system stability and software issues identified during the testing and commissioning phase.

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Battery health is crucial to the steady, reliable operation of an automobile, and as battery failure continues to be among the leading causes of vehicle breakdowns, preventive care and precautions are paramount in ensuring worry-free operation, which is where a trusted brand comes into play.

Enter AMARON, which is at the 2026 Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS 2026) that is taking place at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) this weekend, until June 21, 2026. This event is where you’ll find AMARON on location with its wide range of battery products to suit a variety of motor vehicles.

Of course, you may be curious about the health of the battery that is presently installed in your vehicle. To this end, AMARON which is at KLIMS 2026 at Hall 1, Level 1, is offering visitors to its booth a complimentary health check throughout the duration of the show; head to the booth to find out more.

The complimentary health check is a quick, no-obligation service that will offer vehicle drivers valuable insight into the condition of their vehicle’s battery – regardless of the brand of battery currently in use. This surely is a practical, worthwhile reason to visit to booth to explore the aftermarket services zone, and engage with the team at AMARON.

Of course, the AMARON product line is showcased at KLIMS 2026. Visitors to the booth may explore the brand’s extensive portfolio with guidance from the brand’s technical experts, and no matter your vehicles’ application, be it daily commuting, commercial duties, or high-performance driving, the AMARON team will be on hand to identify the product best suited to your needs.

AMARON batteries are engineered to operate in the rigours of the Malaysian driving environment, being designed for high heat tolerance, superior vibration resistance and to offer a dependable reserve capacity. Factory-charged and ready for installation from the get-go, AMARON batteries offer a convenient, reliable solution for motorists seeking both long-term performance and peace of mind.

This peace of mind can be enjoyed beyond just the point of purchase, as AMARON customers can connect with AMARON Care Centres and authorised service centres throughout Peninsular Malaysia for warranty support, battery assistance and after-sales service.

As KLIMS 2026 comes to its conclusion this weekend, be sure to head to the AMARON booth at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) Hall 1, Level 1, and learn more about all that’s offered by AMARON. Find out more here about AMARON in Malaysia, for batteries that Last Long, Really Long.

The post Explore AMARON at KLIMS 2026 – get a free battery health check, see the range of products and services appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

Previewed alongside the MHero II off-roader and the 008 SUV on the third-last day of the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) 2026 is the Voyah Dream MPV. If you don’t like any of the following – Vellphard, G9, M8, X9, D9 or 009, your Dream has come true.

Voyah is to Dongfeng what Wey is to GWM – it’s the luxury sub-brand. In China, the Voyah Dream can be had in PHEV (as shown here at KLIMS) and EV versions.

The latest PHEV version has 800V architecture, 5C charging, a 62.5-kWh battery (there’s also a 43.2 kWh option with a 225-km CLTC EV-only range), a 350-km CLTC EV-only range and a 1,530-km combined range (Dongfeng Malaysia quotes 1,500 km but does not specify the cycle), while the EV version has a 700-km CLTC range, a 108.7 kWh NMC battery and two electric motors (551 PS total).

The Dream’s length is a mad 5,315 mm, making it longer than all of its compatriots, including the 5,293 mm-long Xpeng X9. Its 1,980-mm width is about average; wider than the Denza but the Zeekr remains the width king at 2,024 mm.

In terms of height, the Voyah stands at 1,820 mm (Vellphard twins are tallest at 1,950 mm; Xpeng X9 is lowest at 1,785 mm). Its 3,200-mm wheelbase is unrivalled by all but the Zeekr, which beats it by only 5 mm.

The 653 PS/915 Nm PHEV version (1.5T + two electric motors) does 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and maxes out at 203 km/h. There’s rear-wheel steering (up to five degrees), a 29-inch augmented-reality head-up display, a 17.3-inch ceiling monitor, a 15.6-inch touch-screen, a 13-litre centre console fridge and air suspension with continuous damping control.

The KLIMS car has seven seats, but in China there’s also a four-seat version, which we saw at Auto China 2026 in Beijing. That extremely plush guy has a curtained partition between the two rows of seats on which is mounted a huge TV. There are also elaborate footrests that combine with the reclining seats to provide a business class-style lie-flat sleeping area, and all windows save for the front ones are curtained.

Whether or not we’ll get this four-seat version is probably something we can only Dream about, but the seven-seater is almost a given. The more pertinent question is, will we get the PHEV or the EV? The PHEV’s KLIMS appearance is a strong suggestion. Of all the Chinese luxo-MPVs currently in Malaysia, only the GAC M8 and GWM Wey G9 are PHEVs.

Dongfeng Voyah Dream seven-seater at KLIMS 2026

Dongfeng Voyah Dream seven-seater at Auto China 2026 in Beijing

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Better late than never, they say, and that’s certainly true for Dongfeng at Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) 2026. The brand – now under new Singapore-based distributor Volt Auto – is pulling the wraps off the Dongfeng MHero II, Voyah Dream and 008 at MITEC.

The 008 is the most modest-looking of the eye-catching trio, and it’s an SUV with MPV practicality and space sort of car. Like the 007 sedan that’s already on sale here, the 008 started life under Dongfeng’s sub-brand eπ (say ‘yipai’) in 2024.

There are five- and six-seat versions as well as REEV and pure EV options. This left-hand-drive example at KLIMS is a six-seater EV with two captain chairs in the middle row. At 5,002 mm long and 1,972 mm wide with a 3,025 mm wheelbase, the 008 is a very big car – for context, the soon-to-be-launched Chery Tiggo 9, also a three-row SUV, is 4,810 mm long and 1,925 mm wide, with a 2.8m wheelbase.

The handsome but rather generic styling sets itself apart with jewel-like dotted horizontal front LED lighting, instead of the usual ‘solid’ bar of light. The motif is repeated at the back. The wheels you see here are 21-inch items, which gives you an idea of how big the 008 is.

Inside the cabin – which Dongfeng says is class-leading with 78.2% space utilisation rate – the 008 looks very much like a high-end Chinese car and is equipped like one. There’s an 8.8-inch digital meter panel, a 9.2-inch digital rear-view mirror and a 15.6-inch touchscreen that controls everything. The VIPs behind get to enjoy a 15.6-inch rear entertainment screen and a small fridge that opens like a drawer below the front centre console.

Their seats are heated and ventilated, and there’s also 64-colour ambient lighting, 50W wireless charging and 20 speakers including headrest speakers and an amp.

The 008 EV seen here is powered by a 272 PS (200 kW) and 340 Nm rear-mounted electric motor, juiced by a 82.28 kWh battery pack. The LFP unit refills in from 30% to 80% SoC in 28 minutes and provides a CLTC range of 636 km, which is around 520 km on the more realistic WLTP scale.

In China, there’s a REEV version that adds on a 147 PS/210 Nm 1.5-litre turbo engine, which charges a 34.32 kWh LFP battery that turns the same e-motor used in the EV. Pure EV range is 210 km CLTC (around 170 km) and combined range is 1,300 km in the same easy cycle.

Coming to Malaysia? No timeline was given but Dongfeng and Volt Auto are looking at CKD local assembly – more on the brand’s plans here. The models currently on sale here are the Box hatchback, Vigo SUV and the very sleek 007 sedan. What do you think of the Dongfeng 008?

GALLERY: Dongfeng 008 at KLIMS 2026

GALLERY: Dongfeng 008 at Auto China 2026

GALLERY: Dongfeng 008 official images

The post Dongfeng 008 SUV previewed in Malaysia at KLIMS – high-end 5m-long six-seater EV with 520 km range appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

The second-generation Nissan Kicks has finally been launched in its home market of Japan, some two years after it was revealed in the US. Unlike its predecessor, the new P16 model is built at the carmaker’s local Oppama plant rather than being imported from Samut Prakan in Thailand, as the factory there is still stuck building the facelifted version of the old P15.

Still, the Land of the Rising Sun has benefitted from the delay, as it’s the only market to receive the e-Power hybrid powertrain. This uses an electric front motor that produces 143 PS and 315 Nm of torque, as well as the Serena e-Power’s HR14DDe 1.4 litre direct-injected three-cylinder engine that functions solely as a generator, producing 98 PS and 115 Nm at 6,000 rpm.

Nissan says the third-generation system, which makes its Japanese debut after launching in the Qashqai in Europe, is more compact thanks to its five-in-one (motor, generator, inverter, reducer and increaser) electric powertrain unit, which also reduces weight and increases rigidity. For the first time, there’s also an e-4orce all-wheel-drive variant that gains an additional 68 PS/140 Nm electric motor on the rear axle.

Based on the newer B-segment Common Modular Family (CMF-B) architecture that also underpins the Note, the new Kicks is also claimed to feature a stiffer body and upgraded suspension for more stable handling and lower vibration over rough roads. The e-4orce model combines torque vectoring by braking with a new Snow drive mode to increase driver confidence on slippery surfaces.

Despite remaining resolutely in the B-segment, the new Kicks is quite a bit larger than before. At 4,365 mm long, 1,800 mm wide and 1,615 mm tall, the new car is 75 mm longer, 40 mm wider and ten millimetres taller, while its 2,655 mm wheelbase is 35 mm longer. Nissan says the increased dimensions provide class-leading shoulder room and rear legroom, as well as enlarging the boot.

The exterior design is as per what was shown in the US, with greater road presence thanks to the full-width grille that integrates neatly with the three-tier daytime running lights, sitting below the slim headlights. The whole setup is said to be inspired by the protective mask of an American football helmet.

Along the side, the gently muscled fenders provide a stronger stance, while the window line flicks up into the glazed D-pillars – replete with a subtle “Kicks” script – that give the car an in-vogue “floating roof” look. A simple horizontal shoulder line connects the headlights with the L-shaped taillights that feature a similar tiered design as the DRLs. A new colour called Resonance Blue is said to represent the e-Power’s system’s “advanced and clean nature.”

One feature unique to the Japanese model is the gloss black body cladding on the range-topping trim; other models get regular plastic with a three-dimensional chequered pattern on the lower cladding, which Nissan says was inspired by sports shoes. Beneath it, you’ll find 170 mm of ground clearance, which is quite a bit less than what you’d find on the American version.

The interior of the new Kicks said to be designed to “cocoon” the occupants, which sit on Zero Gravity seats at the front and rear for the first time. The slim dashboard design, trimmed in fabric and faux leather, is dominated by a widescreen display panel that houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, joined by another 12.3-inch touchscreen with built-in Google services.

Available features include a ten-speaker Bose Personal Plus sound system (including headrest speakers at the front), capacitive touch air-con controls and a panoramic glass sunroof. The latter has a thinner design to free up more headroom and a new slide mechanism that reduces wind noise when open. Elsewhere, the cupholders were designed to fit coffee tumblers, while larger tumblers can be stored in the door cards.

The Kicks continues to come with Nissan’s ProPilot suite of safety features, including Level 2 semi-autonomous driving functionality. Autonomous emergency braking performance has improved with better detection of pedestrians, oncoming traffic and crossing traffic at junctions, while blind spot warning with collision avoidance and rear cross traffic alert have also been added. The 360-degree camera setup also gains new view options, such as “transparent bonnet” and 3D views.

Closer to home, Edaran Tan Chong Malaysia (ETCM) will likely eschew this latest model in favour of the facelifted P15 that was introduced in Thailand earlier this year. That’s because we currently get our Kicks from the Land of Smiles, although given that ETCM’s only big launch this year is the already long-delayed X-Trail, we don’t expect to see the car here until next year at the earliest.

The post 2026 Nissan Kicks launched in Japan – all-new 2nd gen based on US model with e-Power AWD hybrid appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

Yup, after Hyundai Motor Malaysia chose to debut the Stargazer on Day 4 of the ongoing Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) 2026, Dongfeng has executed its own belated preview (on the show’s third-last day, no less), taking the wraps off the MHero II off-roader, Voyah Dream MPV and 008 SUV. This story focuses on the ‘tough guy’ of the trio.

MHero is to Dongfeng what Tank is to GWM, but the former’s products look a lot more post-apocalyptic. The original product was 2023’s MHero 917 (overseas name MHero 1). Then last year, a second model called the M817 (overseas name MHero 2 or MHero II) surfaced. We’ll just refer to it for now as the MHero II.

Looking considerably more toned-down and ‘urban’ than the MHero 917/MHero 1, the MHero II is 5,100 mm long (longer than Tank 500, shorter than Denza B8 and Jetour G700), 1,998 mm wide and 1,899 mm tall, and the 3,005-mm wheelbase beats its three compatriots.

Dongfeng Malaysia (Volt Auto Malaysia) says the MHero II is a range-extended EV (REEV) with a 1.5 litre turbo engine, two electric motors, a 687 hp total system output and a 1,300 km combined range, but reveals little else.

If we fill in the blanks with Chinese-market specs, we also have 848 Nm combined torque, motor outputs of 272 and 279 PS front and rear, 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, a 215-km CLTC EV range and an 828-litre boot.

In China, the MHero II has all-wheel drive with intelligent E-lock, a 900-mm wading depth, a 3.5-metre turning radius, nine drive modes (including mud, sand and rock), 256-colour ambient lighting, Dynaudio sound, 6 kW vehicle-to-load (V2L), a 15.6-inch touch-screen, a 10.25-inch instrument panel, a head-up display, a digital rear-view mirror and a five-litre centre console fridge.

Dongfeng MHero II at KLIMS 2026

Dongfeng MHero II at Auto China 2026 in Beijing

The post Dongfeng MHero II previewed in Malaysia at KLIMS 2026 – massive 1.5T REEV two-motor AWD off-roader appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

Tesla Malaysia has told customers that the one-time purchase option for Full Self-Driving (FSD) Capability will soon be discontinued in our market.

According to a notice posted on the company’s official Malaysian Instagram account, buyers who want to lock in the outright purchase must complete it on or before June 30, 2026. After that date, the perpetual licence goes away, and FSD is expected to be offered only as a recurring subscription – mirroring what Tesla has already done in its larger markets.

Right now, FSD is listed at RM32,000 as a one-time add-on on Tesla Malaysia’s website, with Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) at RM16,000. If you’ve been on the fence, this is effectively the last window to “own” it on the car.

The change here is part of a global pivot. In January 2026, Elon Musk announced on X that Tesla would stop selling FSD as a one-time purchase after February 14, 2026, with the feature available only as a monthly subscription thereafter.

The US and Canada were first to hit the cut-off on Valentine’s Day, ending the US$8,000 outright option in favour of a US$99/month subscription. The rollout then moved market by market – new orders in Australia and New Zealand from April 1, 2026, the Netherlands on May 15, and the UK and most of Europe on May 21 (priced at £3,400 for buyers who acted before the cut-off).

Tesla does not currently offer an FSD subscription in Malaysia, and just as importantly, FSD is still not active for use here pending regulatory approval. So a Malaysian buyer paying RM32,000 today is buying a forward promise rather than a feature they can switch on tomorrow.

The open question the notice doesn’t answer: once the one-time option disappears on June 30, will Tesla immediately introduce a local subscription, or will there be a period where new buyers simply have no way to add FSD at all?

For context on when activation might actually arrive here, it’s worth looking at how FSD’s right-hand-drive rollout is progressing. As of June 2026, supervised FSD is live in 11 markets worldwide, but the vast majority are left-hand-drive (the US, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, China, South Korea, the Netherlands, Lithuania and Estonia).

Among right-hand-drive markets like ours, the picture is far thinner. The lists below are based on the FSD rollout slide presented by Tesla AI VP Ashok Elluswamy at the CVPR 2026 conference in Denver on June 4, 2026, cross-referenced with regulatory trackers – and filtered to RHD markets only.

Tesla Self-Driving Global Rollout Current Status pic.twitter.com/rnzBRykx2u

— Whole Mars Catalog (@wholemars) June 3, 2026

Australia and New Zealand remain the only two right-hand-drive countries where supervised FSD can actually be switched on, helped in part by road rules that suited the technology. Both originally went live on the v13.2.9 “Down Under” branch and sat on it for roughly nine months.

Coincidentally, Tesla announced just today that FSD Supervised v14 is now rolling out across both AU and NZ markets – the wider public push following a limited Early Access deployment of v14 that began around June 8.

Interestingly, the rollout status slide above lists colours Malaysia in yellow, which means it is on Tesla’s pending-approval list, but with no firm date.

The cleaner explanation for why Tesla is killing one-time purchases worldwide may have less to do with FSD itself and more to do with Musk’s pay cheque. At the November 2025 AGM, Tesla shareholders approved Musk’s 2025 CEO Performance Award.

Alongside aggressive market-cap targets ranging from US$2 trillion up to US$8.5 trillion, the plan ties Musk’s stock tranches to a set of operational milestones. Among them: 20 million vehicles delivered, one million Optimus robots, one million robotaxis in commercial operation – and crucially, 10 million active FSD subscriptions.

Note the wording: subscriptions, not purchases. A customer who pays once for a perpetual FSD licence does nothing to move that 10-million needle. A customer paying every month does.

If you’re ordering a new Tesla and you want FSD tied permanently to the car, the math is straightforward – the RM32,000 one-time purchase is available only until June 30, 2026. But do remember it is tied to the car and not the purchaser, so an owned licence travels with the vehicle when you sell it.

Against that, you’re paying RM32,000 today for a capability you can’t fully use in Malaysia yet, betting that activation and regulatory approval eventually arrive. Existing owners who have already bought FSD are unaffected – their capability remains tied to their vehicle regardless of this change.

For now, anyone weighing the decision should treat June 30 as a hard deadline for the outright option, and watch closely for whether a local subscription – and an actual activation timeline for FSD features in Malaysia – follows.

The post Tesla Malaysia to discontinue FSD one-time purchase – buy outright before June 30, 2026, or it’s sub only appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

Honda has announced a special edition of the Prelude called the ‘2027 Limited Edition’, which will go on sale in Japan in August this year, less than a year after the revived model went on sale in its home market.

Priced at 6,306,300 yen (about RM162k) inclusive of Japan’s 10% consumption tax, the Prelude 2027 Limited Edition is around 2% more expensive than a regular Prelude that sells for 6,179,800 yen (RM159k). Fun fact: the Prelude and Civic Type R (sold with the Racing Black Package) is now priced the same in Japan.

For the premium, buyers will get the privilege of owning a Prelude painted in an exclusive Premium Crystal Garnet Metallic finish. This deep red hue gets matching accents on the front upper grille moulding as well as the bumpers, the latter originally being blue.

Other changes include a machined black clear finish for the 19-inch wheels, which are of the same design as the standard Prelude, while the blue brake calipers are now finished in red. As for the interior, it follows the red theme with Bordeaux-coloured accents on the centre console and door armrest pads. You’ll also spot red stitching and two-tone leather seats with the ones at the front , featuring ‘Prelude’ embroidery on the headrest.

Aside from the aesthetic changes, the rest of the 2027 Limited Edition is identical to a regular Prelude. This includes the hybrid powertrain, which continues to feature a 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol engine running on the Atkinson cycle to make 141 PS (139 hp or 104 kW) and 182 Nm of torque.

The engine primarily serves to charge a battery, which then powers a front electric motor rated at 184 PS (181 hp or 135 kW) and 315 Nm. When needed, the engine can directly drive the front wheels via an E-CVT, and this setup, called Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD), is what you’ll find in the Civic e:HEV.

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The planned amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) by the ministry of transport (MoT) include revisions to provisions specific to micromobility vehicles, transport minister Anthony Loke has said in a briefing.

The amendments are to introduce a specific definition of micromobility vehicles, which cover e-scooters, e-bikes, hoverboards and the like, as well as to set the conditions of their usage on public roads such as permitted paths, speed limits and their users’ minimum age.

Provisions to be introduced with regard to micromobility vehicles also include safety requirements, such as equipment including helmets, lights, reflectors and bells. Provisions will also be made for the responsibility of micromobility vehicle users, including restrictions on dangerous operation, taking passengers or using mobile phones while operating micromobility vehicles.

Amendments will also be made to empower enforcement officers to take action and apply penalties against offences committed in the operation of micromobility vehicles, with Sections 112 and 127 of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) to be amended. These amendments and others by the ministry of transport will be presented in Parliament next week.

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The BYD Dolphin G was revealed last month, and we now get more details about the plug-in hybrid B-segment hatchback. Designed specifically for the European market, it will be available to order on the continent within the next couple of months, with deliveries kicking off in the fourth quarter of the year.

Among the details is what’s powering the car – BYD’s latest fifth-generation Dual Mode-Intelligent (DM-i) powertrain, making its debut in Europe. This consists of a 95 PS/120 Nm 1.5 litre four-cylinder engine and a 163 PS/210 Nm electric drive motor, along with a generator motor, a dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) and a clutch to allow the engine to occasionally drive the wheels.

Total system output depends on the Blade LFP battery provided – the base model with a 7.42 kWh battery produces 176 PS and 210 Nm of torque, while other variants with a 18.3 kWh pack get boosted to 212 PS. Despite this, all models get from zero to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds on their way to a top speed of 180 km/h.

Those batteries, by the way, deliver a claimed electric range of 40 km with the 7.42 kWh unit and 105 km with the 18.3 kWh one, and with a 42 litre fuel tank, total range figures are quoted at 1,019 km and 1,040 km respectively. Fuel consumption is rated at 23.2 km per litre (4.3 litres per 100 km) with the 7.42 kWh battery and 22.2 km per litre (4.5 litres per 100 km) with the 18.3 kWh pack.

Charging speeds also vary depending on the battery chosen – the 7.42 kWh battery only accepts up to 3.3 kW of AC charging, filling it from 15 to 100% in 2.8 hours. The 18.3 kWh pack doubles that to 6.6 kW, but even so, its larger capacity means it takes slightly longer to be charged back up, at 2.9 hours. The larger battery is also the only one to support DC fast charging at up to 39 kW, for a 10 to 80% top up in 26 minutes.

Slotting in between the electric version and the diminutive Dolphin Surf (i.e. the Atto 1), the Dolphin G measures 4,160 mm long, 1,825 mm wide and 1,575 mm tall, making it 130 mm shorter but 55 mm wider and five millimetres taller than the regular Dolphin. Its 2,610 mm wheelbase, meanwhile, is 90 mm shorter.

On the outside, the Dolphin lineage is fairly obvious, with the G retaining the streamlined one-box body style and blacked-out C-pillars for a “floating roof” look. However, the design is sleeker and sportier with slim triangular headlights joined together by a simple black strip, plus a downturned centre air intake with an active grille shutter and slim corner inlets.

Along the side, the myriad of lines on the electric Dolphin have been smoothened out, with a simple shoulder crease, flush pull-up door handles and triangular surfacing along the flanks being the only adornments. The window line rises past the rear doors but then drops to meet the full-width taillights to create a “kick” motif. The alloy wheels measure either 16 or 18 inches in diameter depending on the trim level.

Inside, the G is rather sober compared to the original Dolphin, replacing the flowing lines with a simple horizontal dashboard design, replete with a flat gloss black panel that also houses the 8.8-inch instrument display (much larger than the five-inch unit in the electric model). The round air vents have also been replaced by simpler rectangular vents with vertical fins.

There are still some playful touches, such as the dolphin fin-inspired door handles and an ornate steering wheel with wing-shaped spokes. Depending on the trim level, the infotainment touchscreen measures 10.1 or 12.8 inches across, and you get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google services built in and even a head-up display on the range-topper.

Meanwhile, the gear selector, previously a dial below the centre “shelf”, has been moved to the steering column. This makes space for a bridge-style centre console, equipped with a 15-watt Qi wireless charger and no less than three cupholders. There’s also a powered driver’s seat, a panoramic glass roof with a retractable sunshade, vehicle-to-load (V2L) at 3.3 kW and a 360-degree camera, as well as a large 425 litre boot.

It remains to be seen if the Dolphin G will be offered in Malaysia to complement the electric model, but the relative expense of the PHEV powertrain would likely push its price beyond natural rivals like the Honda City Hatchback and Toyota Yaris. It would also depend heavily on BYD being able to assemble its cars locally, either by restarting its stalled plant in Tanjong Malim or collaborating with a contract manufacturer like Sime Motors. Would you like to see this car here? Let us know in the comments.

The post BYD Dolphin G full details – up to 212 PS, 105 km WLTP EV range, 1,040 km total range for PHEV hatch appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

Following its global debut in June 2024, the Volkswagen Golf R Mk8.5 has now been launched in Malaysia. Like the Mk8 model it replaces, the newer Mk8.5 continues to be a CKD offering, with Malaysia being the only country outside of Germany to locally assemble the Golf R – the hot hatch is assembled in Pekan.

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is asking RM338,812 for the latest Golf R, with the on-the-road figure excluding insurance and the Volkswagen Assurance Package (VAP). The latter is available as a RM18,200 option that bumps the price to RM357,012 and includes a five-year warranty as well as a five-year maintenance package and five years of roadside assistance. Without it, it’s just a two-year warranty and roadside assistance.

For the money, you’re getting the most powerful production Golf currently in the market. The Golf R still comes with an EA888 2.0 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine as before, albeit fettled with to now deliver 333 PS (329 hp or 245 kW) and 420 Nm of torque. By comparison, the Mk8 model serves up 320 PS (315 hp or 235 kW) and 400 Nm.

Drive continues to be transmitted to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and 4Motion all-wheel-drive with torque vectoring, which is good for a 0-100 km/h time of 4.6 seconds (4.8 seconds for the Mk8) and an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h. The Golf R comes standard with progressive steering, Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) with selectable profiles, sports suspension and an XDS electronic differential lock.

You’ll be able to identify the new Golf R by its revised front end that features sharper lines for a more expressive look. This applies to the front bumper with angled structures that serve to channel air to the side inlets, while the upward-facing “fangs” have been brought closer to the middle of the more exposed central intake.

The headlamps have also been reshaped to be sleeker and are IQ.Light LED matrix units with High Beam Plus. These are joined by an illuminated VW logo with accompanying light strips, while the rear gets taillights with a new light signature as well as a roof spoiler.

Carried over from the Mk8 are the 19-inch ‘Estoril’ alloy wheels with 235/35R19 tyres and an Akrapovic titanium exhaust with quad pipes. You can order the Golf R in one of four colours, with Dolphin Grey being a new option joining Lapiz Blue, Grenadilla Black and Pure White.

Inside, the big change is the new 12.9-inch Discover Media infotainment system that replaces the smaller 10-inch Discover Pro system. This is hooked up to a nine-speaker (including subwoofer) Harman Kardon sound system, and you still get wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other technologies include a 10-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster, a wireless charging, three-zone climate control, keyless entry and start and a head-up display.

In terms of interior appointments, the Golf R gets a black headliner, carbon grey interior trim, brushed stainless steel pedals, Nappa leather seat upholstery, a powered driver’s seat, 30-colour ambient lighting as well as heated and ventilated front seats.

Safety and driver assistance equipment remain familiar, with standard items being seven airbags (front, front side, curtain and one centre) and IQ.Drive, which brings Travel Assist with adaptive cruise control (ACC), side assist with rear cross traffic alert, front assist (AEB), emergency assist, and lane assist. Park distance control (front and rear), a rear-view camera and hill start assist are also on.

GALLERY: 2026 Volkswagen Golf R Mk8.5 Malaysia launch official photos

GALLERY: 2026 Volkswagen Golf R Mk8.5 Malaysian brochure

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