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Next-Generation Peugeot 208 to Debut in 2026 as All-Electric Hatchback on New STLA Small Platform

Peugeot is preparing to launch an all-new 208 in 2026, a car that will not only redefine the brand’s compact offering but also mark one of Stellantis’s most important global introductions in recent years. The next-generation model will debut the all-new STLA Small platform, showcase a futuristic tech-led cabin, and arrive as a fully electric vehicle from day one.

The new 208 represents a turning point for Stellantis’s compact cars, setting the tone for future models that will span the A- to C-segments. The STLA Small platform replaces the existing CMP and e-CMP architectures that currently underpin models like the 208, 2008, and Vauxhall Corsa. It also serves as a cornerstone for Stellantis’s ambition to remain at the forefront of Europe’s affordable EV market—a segment that continues to heat up as mainstream automakers accelerate their electrification plans.

Peugeot’s decision to introduce the platform through the 208 speaks volumes about the model’s importance within the company’s line-up. The hatchback has been a consistent bestseller for the brand, with 109,146 units sold in the first half of 2025 alone. That figure placed it among Europe’s top three compact cars, trailing only the Renault Clio and Dacia Sandero, according to data from Jato Dynamics.

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Mitsubishi XPANDER Surpasses 50,000 Units Sold in Malaysia

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in the country, has announced that its best-selling model, the Mitsubishi XPANDER, has achieved a major milestone with over 50,000 units sold since its introduction. The model’s continued popularity has also secured its position as Malaysia’s No.1 non-national MPV for five consecutive years, maintaining a strong lead in its segment since November 2020.

The XPANDER remains a strong favourite among families for its seven-seat configuration, spacious cabin, and SUV-inspired styling. Designed with practicality in mind, it strikes a balance between everyday usability and comfort, making it equally suitable for city commuting or longer road trips.

To commemorate the sales milestone, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has launched the ‘XPANDER Step Up To Your Dream’ campaign, offering savings of up to RM10,000. The limited-time campaign includes monthly instalments starting from RM799, along with insurance subsidies and trade-in offers for new customers.

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Zeekr Unveils 2026 Zeekr 001 with Major Tech Upgrades and Up to 810km Range

Zeekr has revealed the 2026 Zeekr 001, a heavily updated version of its full-size electric shooting brake that blends performance, luxury, and next-generation technology. The refreshed model is available in four variants — Max 95 kWh AWD, Max 103 kWh RWD, Ultra 103 kWh AWD, and Ultra+ 103 kWh AWD.

Although it remains a facelift rather than a full redesign, the new Zeekr 001 introduces notable styling tweaks that give the car a sharper, more cohesive look. The front bumper now features a wider horizontal grille pattern paired with sleeker air ducts, while the rear end has been cleaned up with the removal of triangular reflectors. Two new paint options, Mysterious Purple and Star Grey, join the colour palette alongside five returning finishes, adding to the car’s visual appeal.

Inside, Zeekr has completely reworked the cabin with a stronger focus on digital integration and passenger comfort. A 16-inch 3.5K central touchscreen takes centre stage on the dashboard, supported by a 13.02-inch digital cluster and a massive 39.3-inch augmented reality head-up display (AR-HUD). Rear passengers also get an 8-inch control display for seat and climate adjustments.

The car’s interior ambience is elevated by a 256-colour ambient lighting system, a 29-speaker Zeekr Sound Max audio setup delivering 4,680 watts of power, and a panoramic glass roof with a starry pattern finish.

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BYD Launches 2026 Seal 05 DM-i with 2,000km Driving Range in China

BYD has introduced the 2026 Seal 05 DM-i, the latest iteration of its popular plug-in hybrid sedan, now boasting a pure electric range of up to 128 kilometres (CLTC) and a total driving range of an impressive 2,000km. Despite these substantial improvements, the car maintains its starting price of 79,800 yuan (around RM52,000), reinforcing BYD’s commitment to offering high-value electrified mobility.

The Seal 05 DM-i continues to embrace BYD’s “Ocean Aesthetics” design philosophy, which favours clean, fluid lines and aerodynamic efficiency. For 2026, subtle refinements have been made to streamline its appearance further, including the removal of the automatic front grille. This small but deliberate change gives the car a more cohesive front profile while preserving its sleek, modern look.

Inside, the cabin keeps to its minimalist and practical roots, with thoughtful updates aimed at improving comfort and usability. The familiar flat-bottom three-spoke steering wheel and dual-screen layout remain — an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster sits ahead of the driver, while a 10.1-inch central touchscreen runs the brand’s DiLink smart cockpit system.

The most notable interior revision is the switch from the previous crystal gear lever to a column-mounted electronic shifter, which opens up additional space on the centre console for storage and convenience.

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BMW Revives a Legend with the M2 Turbo Design Edition

BMW has unveiled the M2 Turbo Design Edition, a tribute to one of its most celebrated performance icons — the BMW 2002 Turbo of the 1970s. The special-edition coupe takes direct inspiration from the original’s distinctive tricolour livery, blending motorsport heritage with modern M engineering.

Finished in Alpine White, the car stands out with hand-painted BMW Motorsport stripes running along the front and rear. The classic blue, purple, and red accents wrap around the bonnet and continue across the boot lid, while a single offset stripe runs over the carbon fibre roof, creating a striking connection between past and present.

The Power Dome on the bonnet proudly displays a black “Turbo” graphic, and a subtle carbon fibre spoiler adds a refined finishing touch. Standard fitment includes black M Dual-Spoke alloy wheels, with the option to upgrade to M Performance wheels in Matte Gold Bronze for a more distinctive look.

Inside, the M2 Turbo Design Edition echoes the same design theme. The door sills carry the “M2 turbo” script, and another Turbo logo sits ahead of the gear shifter — a nod to the car’s inspiration. The M Sport seats come upholstered in Black Vernasca Leather, finished with the familiar M tricolour detailing. For drivers seeking a more focused experience, M Carbon bucket seats are available as an option, also featuring the same coloured accents.

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Proton X50 Delivers Strong Market Debut with Over 5,000 Units Delivered in 40 Days

Since its launch on 24 July 2025, the Proton X50 has quickly asserted itself as the benchmark in Malaysia’s compact SUV market. In just 40 days, more than 5,000 units have been delivered nationwide, a figure that speaks volumes about its strong demand and widespread appeal.

Market research conducted by Proton reveals that the X50’s appeal cuts across several key buyer demographics, though it has proven especially popular among younger professionals and entrepreneurs in their 20s to mid-30s. For this group, the SUV represents a significant lifestyle upgrade — modern, dynamic, and well-equipped for both work and leisure.

Over half of these customers were replacing older vehicles, many of which had been owned for nearly a decade, while around a third had previously driven models such as the Proton Saga. The data highlights the X50’s role as a natural progression for Malaysians looking to move up into a more premium yet attainable vehicle segment.

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Volvo’s New EX60 to Debut World-First Multi-Adaptive Safety Belt Recognised by TIME Magazine

Volvo Cars is set to introduce another industry-first with the debut of its fully electric EX60 SUV — featuring a revolutionary multi-adaptive safety belt system that has already earned a place on TIME magazine’s list of the Best Inventions of 2025. The innovation marks Volvo’s second consecutive appearance on the list, which honours 300 groundbreaking technologies shaping the world today.

True to Volvo’s reputation as a safety pioneer, the new seatbelt goes far beyond the traditional restraint system. It is designed to adapt in real time to both the individual passenger and the surrounding environment, using data from the car’s extensive network of sensors. Instead of applying a one-size-fits-all approach, the system adjusts its tension and resistance according to factors such as the occupant’s body type, seating position, and even the severity of a potential impact.

For instance, a larger passenger involved in a severe collision would experience higher belt tension to mitigate head injuries, while a smaller occupant in a lighter crash would receive gentler restraint to avoid rib or chest injuries. This precision-driven technology ensures that every person in the car receives protection that’s tailored to their physical characteristics and the specific crash scenario, creating a new benchmark in occupant safety.

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Volkswagen Unveils Golf GTI Sepang Edition – A Tribute to Malaysian Motorsport

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has launched the Golf GTI Sepang Edition, a special variant that becomes the first car in Malaysia to officially bear the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) insignia. Limited in number and proudly local in inspiration, the model celebrates Malaysia’s motorsport heritage and Volkswagen’s engineering precision in a single package.

For over twenty years, the Sepang International Circuit has been the heart of motorsport in Malaysia, playing host to global events such as Formula 1 and MotoGP while symbolising the nation’s growing automotive culture. The Golf GTI Sepang Edition pays homage to this spirit of speed and innovation with a design and performance philosophy that captures the adrenaline of the track.

In conjunction with the launch, Volkswagen Malaysia has announced a special 10.10 promotion. The first ten units registered between 9 and 16 October will be eligible for zero per cent loan interest for ten months—a first-of-its-kind initiative by the brand for a limited-edition release.

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Parliament Approves Hire Purchase Reform to End Outdated Loan Interest Calculations

The Dewan Rakyat has passed the Hire Purchase (Amendment) Bill 2025, officially abolishing the long-standing flat rate and the Rule of 78 in hire-purchase loan calculations — a move that promises fairer and more transparent financing for Malaysians.

The Rule of 78, a decades-old method, calculates interest based on the original loan amount, which means borrowers continue paying the same amount of interest even if they settle their loans early. Under the new amendment, this outdated approach will be replaced with the Effective Interest Rate (EIR) and a reducing balance system — methods already widely used in modern financial markets to ensure borrowers only pay interest on their remaining balance.

According to The Edge Malaysia, the EIR will now serve as the standard measure of the true cost of financing under a hire-purchase agreement. For fixed-rate loans, it will show the total financing cost over the term of the agreement, while for variable loans, it will be tied to benchmark rates set by financial institutions. The amendment also introduces new caps on interest rates: fixed-term loans up to five years will be limited to 17% per annum, while those exceeding five years will be capped at 16%. Variable-rate loans will remain at 17% per annum.

Financial institutions are now required to disclose the EIR upfront — both during marketing and before any agreement is signed — to ensure borrowers fully understand the actual cost of their loans. The Hire Purchase Act 1967, which governs consumer goods like motor vehicles with a permitted load not exceeding 2,540 kg, will continue to apply, but with updated definitions and mechanisms that reflect today’s financial realities.

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Bookings Open for Locally Assembled Hyundai Staria in Malaysia

Hyundai Motor Malaysia has officially opened bookings for the locally assembled Hyundai Staria, now produced at the company’s plant in Kulim, Kedah. This marks another key milestone for Hyundai’s presence in Malaysia, offering a premium MPV that blends futuristic design, practicality, and comfort — now made closer to home.

The CKD Staria arrives with refreshed exterior colour options, including Jet Black, Snow Flake White Pearl, Meteor Grey, and Stormy Sea, giving customers a variety of shades to match different personalities and preferences.

Priced between RM179,888 and RM267,888, the locally assembled Staria is available in several variants with configurations for either seven or ten passengers, making it a versatile choice for families, businesses, and executive transport alike.

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