Reviews

Malaysia Car of the Year Gala Dinner 2025Vote now for a chance to enjoy a priceless dinner for two at the Malaysia Car of the Year Awards Gala Dinner The Malaysia Car of the Year Gala Dinner is an exclusive, invitation-only celebration that brings together the nation’s most influential automotive leaders, innovators, media representatives and distinguished guests for one extraordinary evening.This prestigious gala represents the pinnacle of Malaysia’s automotive calendar, where excellence in engineering, design and innovation is formally recognised and celebrated on a grand stage through a meticulously curated awards ceremony and premium dining experience.All voters will stand a change …

BY COTY JUDGE YAMIN VONG Since its Malaysian debut earlier this year, the GWM Tank 300 has drawn strong interest from SUV buyers looking for something modern, rugged, and relatively affordable. Great Wall Motor positions the Tank 300 as a rival to established 4×4 icons such as the Toyota FJ Cruiser, the Jeep Wrangler, and even the latest monocoque Land Rover Defender (L663). With those benchmarks in mind, we took the Tank 300 to our Grade 4 rock-crawl test track to see how it performs when pushed beyond the typical showroom test drive. Under our off-road rating scheme, Grade 1 is mild …

Article by Lisa Kuok The Xpeng was the least boxy-looking of the three EV Executive MPVs we reviewed. Wedge-shaped front with an angular posterior line, the star-ship inspired Xpeng X9 has an acute rake to both its front and rear windscreens, making it the most unconventional and distinctive new design in the Executive MPV segment in several decades. Designed with optimised aerodynamics from the angles of the windscreens to the design elements on the body and window glass flush to the pillars in order to maximise slip, the X9 boasts a drag coefficient of 0.236 Cd compared to the Zeekr 009 at …

Article by Lisa Kuok One aspect of Executive MPVs not usually considered after the comfort of the Captain Chairs is accessibility. We had the six-seater Zeekr 009 and seven-seaters, Denza D9 and Xpeng X9. With their doors closed, they all appear to have low ground clearance, making entry a small step up into the cabin. However, the exterior appearance is deceptive. The suspension, EV powertrain and other mechanicals as well as the mechanism for the large sliding doors are sandwiched in the space between the undercarriage plate and the cabin floor. In the Zeekr, that’s an additional 23cm between the …

Article by Yamin Vong During our recent comparison test of 3 business-class MPVs that represent the pinnacle of Chinese EVs, it was very difficult to judge what were essentially incomparable: one was all about power and the fun of driving, one was a big all-rounder EV that was like a Japanese petrol-MPV, and one was a techno MPV. Then there was the 4th eMPV. This was a BYD M6 compact eMPV that wasn’t in the comparo but anyway stole the hearts of the judges for its nippiness. These business-class eMPVs also incorporated a variety of technology and innovations. It is …

BY COTY JUDGE SHAMSUL YUNUSThe Xpeng X9 arrives in the MPV segment with a clear mission: to challenge conventions. It blends a distinctly racy, angular profile with a deeply considered, high-quality interior experience. Having spent time in the X9, it is evident that this isn’t merely another people-mover; it’s a confident, well-executed blend of family practicality and technological ambition that offers impressive value against its competitors.AppearanceThe Xpeng X9’s styling is undeniably its most polarizing feature—and one of its greatest strengths. The bold angular styling gives the large MPV a dynamic, almost futuristic presence that bucks the boxy trend of the …

Article By Gokul KandiahImagine pulling up to a five-star hotel and watching heads turn — not because of a throaty V8 rumble, but because your ride looks like it just landed from the future.That’s the kind of entrance the Zeekr 009 Ultra Luxury makes. This isn’t merely a people carrier; it’s an electric palace on wheels, a rolling showcase of cutting-edge technology, plush indulgence, and unapologetic presence.Priced at RM359,800, this flagship MPV from Zeekr (a premium sub-brand under Geely) is here to redefine what luxury mobility means in Malaysia’s EV era.DesignThe Zeekr 009’s appearance is nothing short of theatrical. At …

Article by Gokul Kandiah My impression about the 2025 Jetour VT9, priced in Malaysia for RM118,000, and I must say, it’s an impressive package. The design is sharp and modern, the cabin feels upmarket with generous tech and space, and the 2.0L turbocharged engine delivers smooth, responsive performance. For a new entrant in the segment, Jetour has done its homework — ride comfort and handling are surprisingly refined, and the car exudes a premium feel that belies its price tag. Some issues with the fussy engagement of the reverse in its transmission and the glitches in the infotainment are I …

BY COTY JUDGE HARJINDER SINGHWe took the 2025 JAC T9 EV pickup to the rocky trails of Pertak in Kuala Kubu Bharu with the noble aim of testing its off-road mettle. What started as a confident climb quickly turned into a counselling session with a confused electric truck.The T9 EV, with its torquey electric motor and silent demeanor, rolled into the trail like it had something to prove. But once we hit the gnarly rocky sections, it became clear: this wasn’t its natural habitat. Without a central differential lock and lacking the smarts of a dual motor setup, the poor …

Spacious. Fully electric. The Leapmotor C10 modernises the Stellantis Peugeot redefining the SUV landscape. With 420 km range and smart features at RM159,000, it’s everything you didn’t know you needed.