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All-New Proton Saga Launched – Prices Start from RM38,990

Proton has officially launched the all-new Saga, marking the start of a new chapter for one of Malaysia’s most recognisable cars. For more than forty years, the Proton Saga has been a familiar presence on Malaysian roads, with over 2.1 million units sold globally since its 1985 debut.

It remains Proton’s most popular and enduring model, a role it continues to build on with this fourth-generation version.

The 2025 Proton Saga arrives with a new powertrain configuration. It is now equipped with a 1.5-litre i-GT engine that produces 120 PS and 150 Nm, paired with a CVT for improved smoothness and refinement. The more affordable variants retain the 4-speed automatic gearbox. Proton says the updates deliver better response and overall efficiency.

The exterior has been completely redesigned. The latest model features a sculpted bonnet, a revised front grille with Proton’s “Sulaman Songket” motif, full LED projector headlamps with DRLs, and a new LED tail light bar inspired by the Proton X50. New 15-inch alloy wheels, offered in both two-tone and single-tone designs, complete the updated look.

Safety has been significantly upgraded. The Saga now includes Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), six airbags, and additional structural reinforcements such as a strengthened front seat cross-member and reinforced centre pillars. Key features include Front Collision Warning, Front Departure Alert, Intelligent High Beam Control and Lane Departure Warning.

The new Saga also becomes Malaysia’s first A-segment model to earn ASEAN NCAP recognition for passing the Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) Motorcyclist Test. It is further supported by Door Opening Warning, Rear Collision Warning, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Inside, the cabin receives a notable uplift in both technology and design. The dashboard now houses a 16-inch dual-screen layout that combines a 9-inch infotainment display with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as standard.

Other design details include a flat-bottom electric power steering wheel, “Congkak”-inspired air vents and wave-pattern elements inspired by Malaysian coastlines. Two new colours—Marine Blue and Space Grey—join the range.

Prices for the 2025 Proton Saga start from RM38,990 for the Standard variant, RM44,990 for the Executive and RM49,990 for the Premium variant.

For the units registered before 31 December 2025, get a special launch rebate of RM1,000.

iCAUR V23 Electric SUV Launched in Malaysia – Prices Start from RM119,800

iCAUR Malaysia has expanded its electric SUV line-up with the launch of the new iCAUR V23, a model designed to strengthen the brand’s presence in the country’s increasingly competitive EV market. It follows the earlier arrival of the iCAUR 03, but this time the company is leaning into nostalgia, shaping its new C-segment SUV with cues from old-school off-roaders while pairing that look with modern performance and safety technology.

Despite its compact footprint, the V23 carries noticeably bold proportions. It measures 4,220 mm in length, 1,915 mm in width, and 1,845 mm in height, with a 2,735 mm wheelbase that gives it the stance of a true adventure-ready SUV, whether navigating the city or heading into rougher terrain.

Two powertrain choices are available. The rear-wheel-drive version uses a single motor producing 136 PS and 180 Nm, paired with a 59.9 kWh LFP battery. The more powerful intelligent all-wheel-drive model adds a front motor for a combined 211 PS and 292 Nm, supported by a larger 81.8 kWh NMC battery. Range remains a strong selling point for both, with the 2WD rated at 401 km on the NEDC cycle and the iWD stretching that to 501 km.

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Porsche Looks to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N as Benchmark for Its Next Electric 718

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has earned a strong reputation as one of the first electric cars designed with enthusiastic drivers in mind. Its capabilities have not gone unnoticed by Porsche, which is now benchmarking its next-generation all-electric 718 sports car against Hyundai’s high-performance EV, according to a report by Drive.

Frank Moser, Porsche’s Vice President for the 718 and 911 model lines, said he was impressed after several drives in the Ioniq 5 N. He described it as a vehicle from which Porsche has “learnt a lot,” calling its development “really, really good.” His praise was echoed internally by Andreas Preuninger, Porsche’s Director of the GT Programme. Moser recalled taking a drive with Preuninger and noted that his colleague reacted with a simple “wow” when experiencing the N Grin Boost mode.

Porsche is now considering adopting some ideas from Hyundai’s approach. Moser acknowledged that the brand is exploring features similar to Hyundai’s ‘N e-shift’, which mimics the sensation of an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and ‘N Active Sound+’, which offers a range of synthesised driving sounds. However, he stressed that Porsche would tailor the system to its own identity if it moves forward with the concept.

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Land Rover Builds Toughest Defender for Dakar Rally

Land Rover has pulled the covers off a hardcore new version of the Defender, engineered specifically to take on the 2026 World Rally-Raid Championship and the famously punishing Dakar Rally. The model, officially named the Defender Dakar D7X-R, will compete in the “Stock” category and will be led by 14-time Dakar champion Stéphane Peterhansel, who takes on driving duties for the team.

Although the D7X-R is based on the already formidable Defender Octa, the rally variant has been pushed even further within the limits allowed by competition regulations. The body structure has been reinforced, cooling has been improved to cope with the extreme desert heat, and additional underbody protection has been fitted to cope with continuous impact and rough terrain.

The exterior leaves no doubt about its purpose. The car wears pronounced fender extensions, heavily cut bumpers and a vented bonnet, along with a larger air intake and twin snorkels designed for deep sand and dust. A full LED light bar on the roof is fitted for night stages, and the usual tailgate-mounted spare wheel has been deleted to shave weight. It also adopts a striking “Geopalette” livery inspired by desert landscapes.

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BMW Prepares to Bid Farewell to the Z4 With a Final Edition Ahead of 2026 Production End

BMW is closing the chapter on one of its most recognisable modern roadsters with the introduction of the Z4 Final Edition. This limited-run version marks the last opportunity for customers to order a new Z4 before production ends in March 2026. Since its debut in 2002, the Z4 has built a strong following through its mix of distinctive styling, open-top driving and sharp handling. The Final Edition is designed as a closing tribute to the model, offering exclusive exterior and interior details that set it apart from the standard range.

The Final Edition will be available for order only for a short period beginning in late January 2026, giving interested buyers a narrow window to secure one of the last examples.

A key feature of the Final Edition is its exclusive Frozen Matt Black paintwork, a finish offered only on this farewell model. Paired with the standard M High-gloss Shadowline trim, the colour highlights the Z4’s lines and gives the car a more assertive presence. Buyers can still choose from the regular Z4 colour palette at no extra cost. The edition also includes High-gloss Red M Sport brakes, which provide both strong stopping power and a visual flourish behind the wheels.

Inside, the Final Edition is defined by red contrast stitching running across the dashboard, centre console, door panels and the M Sport seats trimmed in Vernasca leather and Alcantara. The M Alcantara steering wheel carries matching stitching, reinforcing the roadster’s sport-focused character. Specially engraved door sill plates complete the interior adjustments unique to this edition.

The Final Edition treatment is offered across the full Z4 line-up. It is available for the 197hp sDrive20i, the 258hp sDrive30i, and the flagship 340hp Z4 M40i. The package is priced at €4,200 (around RM20,012) for models that already include the M Sport package as standard. For the sDrive20i, which does not come with the M Sport package, the total cost rises to €7,400 (around RM35,259), as the M Sport kit is added to the vehicle along with the Final Edition features.

The Z4’s place in BMW’s history goes back to 2002, when the first-generation model was introduced as the successor to the Z3. With a long bonnet, short tail and low seating position ahead of the rear axle, it delivered the classic roadster experience with impressive chassis rigidity and 50:50 weight distribution. The range-topping Z4 M Roadster used the same 340hp straight-six engine as the contemporary M3 and could reach 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds.

The second-generation Z4 arrived in 2008, introducing a major change with its retractable aluminium hardtop, which transformed the car from roadster to coupé at the press of a button. The folding roof broadened the model’s usability while maintaining the proportions and driving character that defined the nameplate. This generation also brought the Z4 into the era of BMW’s iDrive system and offered improved cabin space.

The current and third-generation Z4 made its global debut in 2018 at Pebble Beach. It returned to a fabric soft-top roof, paired with a more focused interior design and updated driver assistance and connectivity features. Its flagship variant, the Z4 M40i, is powered by a 3.0-litre straight-six with M TwinPower Turbo technology. Since 2024, BMW has also offered a manual transmission option in the Pure Impulse Edition. The Final Edition now acts as the final chapter for this generation and the Z4 line as a whole.

With production ending in 2026, the Z4 Final Edition stands as a last chance to own a version of BMW’s long-running roadster—one that highlights the model’s design heritage while marking the end of its story.

Porsche 911 GT3 Gets Track-Ready Upgrade with Manthey Kit

The Porsche 911 GT3 has long been a favourite among enthusiasts who push their cars to the limit on track days, and the new Manthey Kit takes its performance to a whole new level. Designed specifically for those with a passion for high-speed circuit driving, the package builds on the Weissach Package with upgraded aerodynamics, suspension, and braking components.

The result is a car capable of lapping the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 6:52.981 minutes—nearly three seconds quicker than its predecessor fitted with the same kit.

Developed in close collaboration between Porsche’s Weissach Development Centre and Manthey engineers in Meuspath, the Manthey Kit is available through Porsche Centres worldwide. Its focus is on maximising downforce, improving cornering speeds, and ensuring the car can handle the intense demands of track use.

The suspension has been specially adapted for circuit driving, with four-way adjustable coilovers allowing rebound and compression to be fine-tuned without tools. Spring rates on the front axle have been increased by 10 per cent over the previous generation, enhancing stability and mechanical grip, particularly over kerbs.

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