While the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire will still have their  substantial share of loyalists, those who prefer an alternative now have appealing choices from ZEEKR and DENZA. And a third choice in the luxury MPV space is the new Xpeng X9 which makes its official debut in Malaysia. Dubbed the ‘Starship’, the X9 is the flagship MPV of the automaker which was founded by two ex-GAC executives in 2014. It is one of two models (the other being the G6 launched here in August 2024) which Xpeng is selling globally in over 30 markets, with the ASEAN markets now getting…

Announced last month, the new Isuzu D-MAX Double Cab 1.9-litre 4×2 Manual Low Ride pick-up truck is officially launched today. Imported from Isuzu’s factory in Thailand and priced (excluding insurance) from RM92,199.20 in Peninsular Malaysia, RM94,279.60 in Sabah and RM94,170.30 in Sarawak, it is one of the most affordable pick-up trucks available in Malaysia. The ‘Low Ride’ designation refers to the overall ride height of the vehicle being around 5% lower than standard D-MAX trucks. This is useful in operating conditions where ground clearance is not important (ie in urban conditions). With the deck floor 78 cm from road level,…

The Mercedes-Maybach brand was introduced in Malaysia in 2022, offering customers an even more luxurious limousine than the S-Class which has been at the pinnacle of the Mercedes-Benz brand. Three years later, the EQS 680 SUV has been launched and as the ‘EQS’ indicates, it is a fully electric model – Mercedes-Maybach’s first, in fact. Equivalent of Mercedes-Benz EQS SUVAs with the S-Class, the EQS 680 SUV is also an equivalent of a Mercedes-Benz model but built to far more luxurious standards that have been the hallmark of the Maybach brand that has a history going back to 1921 (it…

The Denza D9 has officially arrived in Malaysia, joining in the few China premium MPVs chomping into the share of the the luxury Alphards, Vellfires and Lexus. With this new level of luxury and innovation at a lower cost, do you see the new Chinese breaking into the market strong this year?

BMW Malaysia was among the earliest companies in Malaysia to promote electrification over 12 years ago with the BMW Active Hybrid. Today, it offers a range of hybrid and fully electric models, with the new i4 eDrive35 M Sport launched this week. Priced at RM294,800, the 4-door coupe comes with an M Sport Package for a sportier look. Inside,  Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite M trim is standard, along with M Performtex velour upholstery in a Black with M piping that pays tribute to BMW M’s motorsport heritage. This innovative lightweight upholstery not only offers a premium look and feel but is also…

Following a preview at the KL International Mobility Show in December 2024, the special edition of the best-selling B-segment SUV – the X50 – is now on sale. Referred to as the X50 Sport Edition (SE), only 1,000 units will be offered, each priced at RM105,300. Buy the special edition this month and you can also enjoy a savings of up to RM13,500 (cash rebate of RM7,000 + an angpao). 13 enhancements to make it specialBesides having all the upgrades made in the model last year, the X50 SE also has 13 enhancements. These start with a sporty 4-part Aerokit and…

Although it is no longer popular in its home market, the Honda Civic remains a popular model outside Japan, especially in America. In Malaysia, it has been a class-leader for decades. In 2024, it accounts for 81% of the C-segment (non-national brands). As such, regular updating has taken place every few years and today sees a midcycle update for the 11th generation (FE) which was launched in 2022. Honda Malaysia has set a 1,000-unit monthly target which it expects will maintain the leadership position. New design elements include body-coloured front grille extension and lower grille garnishes for the e:HEV RS,…

UMW Toyota Motor today launched the first new models of 2025 with the updated GR Yaris, GR Corolla and Corolla GR-Sport. All three models have been in the market over the past 3 years and with its kaizen (constant improvement) philosophy, improvements have been ongoing. Many of these improvements come from the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing team’s successful participation in the World Rally Championship and World Endurance Championship and in recent years, the Dakar Rally. Being a racing driver himself, Akio Toyoda understood the value of motorsports in making ‘ever better cars’ as the cars could be tested in extreme conditions.…