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All-New Hyundai Santa FE Previewed: Bold, Boxy and Commanding

Hyundai Motor Malaysia has offered an exciting first glimpse of the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe, a bold and boxy SUV that stands out with its commanding presence and premium design touches. The rugged silhouette, complemented by a wide stance and high hood, marks a significant shift in styling for Hyundai’s flagship D/E-segment SUV. Featuring bold fenders, a distinctive H-light LED signature, a dark chrome-finished grille, and a hidden rear wiper, the new Santa Fe looks every bit the adventurer it promises to be.

But this SUV isn’t just about striking looks. Practicality is clearly at the heart of the design too. One of the standout features is the wider tailgate opening, which makes loading and unloading cargo easier than ever, perfect for families or road-trippers who pack heavy.

Under the hood, the new Santa Fe comes in three distinct variants for the Malaysian market. The Prime and Prestige trims are both hybrids, each powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. These variants produce a respectable 235PS at 5,500 rpm and 367Nm of torque from just 1,000 to 4,000 rpm—more than enough for smooth city driving and confident highway cruising.

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Hyundai Motor Malaysia Officially Starts Operations: New Tucson and STARIA Previewed

Hyundai Motor Company has officially launched Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMM), transitioning from third-party distribution to full-fledged direct operations. This shift signals Hyundai’s ambition to take greater control over its brand, sales, and service experience in the region.

To strengthen this move, Hyundai Motor Malaysia provided us with a preview of three new models: the new Tucson, STARIA, and the all-new Santa Fe.

So what’s new for the Tucson?

Hyundai has given its popular Tucson a bold refresh, and it’s not just a facelift—it’s a full-on statement. With a sleek new look, a high-tech interior, and the introduction of a hybrid variant, the updated Tucson is clearly out to shake up the C-segment SUV market. Whether you’re after style, performance, or a bit of both, the new Tucson delivers in spades.

One of the first things that’ll grab your attention is the panoramic curved 12.3-inch HD display that stretches across the dashboard. It blends beautifully into a redesigned interior that’s all about modern comfort and connectivity. Gloss black and alloy-effect accents add a premium touch, and the revamped centre console, steering wheel, and door panels round out the upscale cabin. Higher-spec variants, like the Prime and Prestige, come with leather seats, a wireless charging pad, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror—little details that really elevate the day-to-day driving experience.

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Lamborghini Sees Synthetic Fuels as Lifeline for Combustion Engines Amid Electrification Shift

As the automotive world accelerates towards electrification, Lamborghini remains committed to preserving the essence of internal combustion, with synthetic fuel emerging as a potential saviour. According to CarExpert, the Italian marque’s Chief Technical Officer, Rouven Mohr, has emphasised the importance of maintaining the emotional core of performance vehicles while acknowledging that the era of electric parity is rapidly approaching.

Mohr highlighted the capabilities of Lamborghini’s latest hybrid powertrain, which debuts in the upcoming Temerario supercar. The new system combines a twin-turbocharged V8 with three electric motors, generating an impressive 908hp and 730Nm of torque. Beyond raw numbers, the drivetrain has been engineered to sustain the visceral driving experience synonymous with the Lamborghini name. Critically, the system is also capable of running on synthetic fuel, ensuring relevance even as emissions regulations tighten worldwide.

While acknowledging that synthetic fuel may not outperform conventional petrol in all respects, Mohr regards it as a vital bridge to keeping combustion technology viable. The new engine has been developed for peak efficiency and performance regardless of whether it runs on fossil or synthetic fuels, providing a degree of futureproofing rare among performance engines.

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Lexus Marks the Finale of IS500 with Limited-Run “Climax Edition”

Hold onto your seats because Lexus is taking the IS500 Ultimate Edition to new… heights. Introducing the Climax Edition, a name that’s either a bold JDM homage or proof that car marketers know exactly what they’re doing.

Yes, you read that right, your luxury sports sedan now comes with a badge that’ll make you giggle like a teenager every time you glance at the centre console. Is it a cheeky nod to performance ecstasy? Or did someone at Lexus just have a really good day at work? Either way, this isn’t just a car—it’s a mood. And if you forget, don’t worry: the name’s plastered right in the digital cluster, because nothing says ‘premium experience’ like a not-so-subtle double entendre.

With the model having remained largely unchanged for over a decade, the Climax Edition arrives as a right-hand-drive version of the previously released IS500 Ultimate Edition, aimed exclusively at the Japanese market.

Despite its unusual name, the Climax Edition represents a celebration of what enthusiasts value most in the IS500—its raw, undiluted performance. The sedan retains its naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine, a rarity in today’s era of downsized and turbocharged powertrains. The 2UR-GSE engine delivers 472hp and 535Nm of torque to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, preserving the engaging driving dynamics that have defined the IS lineage.

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Land Rover Unveils 2026 Defender Trophy Edition, Heralding a New Era of Adventure

Land Rover has introduced a new chapter in its legacy of exploration with the debut of the 2026 Defender Trophy Edition, an expedition-ready variant of the Defender 110 SUV that celebrates the British marque’s historic ties to global off-road challenges. Designed to meet the demands of serious adventurers, the latest Trophy Edition is inspired by the brand’s storied past while looking firmly to the future of purposeful travel and environmental stewardship.

Available in two classic colour finishes—Deep Sandglow Yellow and Keswick Green—the Defender Trophy Edition evokes the aesthetics of vintage Land Rover expeditions. This distinctive model comes equipped with a suite of expedition-specific enhancements, establishing it as a formidable companion for off-road exploration.

Under the bonnet lies the 3.0-litre inline-six turbo-diesel engine, producing 346hp and incorporating mild-hybrid technology. The vehicle rides on gloss black 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tyres, while exterior additions such as gloss black wheel arch protection, a dark rear scuff plate and a black front undershield contribute both to aesthetics and functionality.

Subtle but telling design flourishes mark the Trophy Edition’s unique identity. Trophy decals adorn the bonnet and C-pillars, with dedicated rear badging completing the exterior branding. The interior features illuminated ‘Trophy’ treadplates and Ebony Windsor leather seats, adding a refined touch. A colour-coordinated cross-car beam, finished with laser-etched Trophy badging on the end caps, reinforces the edition’s bespoke character.

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Rompin Beach Bash Ignites Camaraderie Among Adventure Enthusiasts on Pahang’s Southern Coast

The serene shores of Pahang’s southern coastline came alive with energy and engines as camping aficionados, 4×4 adventurers, and motorcycle enthusiasts converged for the Rompin Beach Bash 2025. Held from 13 to 15 June on the picturesque grounds of Villea Rompin Resort & Golf, the event offered a thrilling weekend of outdoor festivities against the backdrop of the South China Sea.

Hosted by By The Billions, the event attracted a diverse mix of participants, including international travellers and local off-road communities, united by their shared passion for the outdoors. Attendees from Singapore, Vietnam, and as far as the Netherlands joined Malaysian drivers to enjoy a packed itinerary of competitions, demonstrations, and social gatherings that celebrated both the thrill of adventure and the warmth of Malaysian hospitality.

The gathering was supported by an impressive roster of sponsors, including Grantt Lubricants, Michelin, Red Springs, Ironman 4×4, Tough Dog, AMP Tires, Saber Offroad, Firemaple, and others, with over RM40,000 worth of prizes up for grabs. Local off-road groups such as Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Malaysia and Santai Drive added to the atmosphere with their strong presence, reflecting the deep camaraderie embedded within the enthusiast community.

Excitement began long before the campsite, as a convoy of modified 4×4 vehicles from Klang Valley assembled at Ironman 4×4’s headquarters in Segambut, Kuala Lumpur. The journey to Rompin grew in scale as drivers from Seremban, Melaka, and Kuantan joined en route, culminating in a dramatic 3km drive across beach sand to the final destination.

With tents pitched and friendships rekindled, participants began settling into their seaside weekend. Stories were exchanged over coffee, barriers of language and nationality effortlessly broken. The event embodied a sense of unity rarely seen, blending families and adrenaline-seekers into one thriving community.

Saturday’s programme commenced with the roar of engines as custom motorcycles and 4x4s rolled onto the beach. More than 90 off-road vehicles, 50 motorcycles, a few campervans and over 300 attendees gathered for a full day of competitions and interactive experiences. The Outdoor Cooking Challenge kickstarted the day, with participants competing to impress judges using Mexican and Asian flavours. Winners walked away with high-performance camp cookware, courtesy of Firemaple.

By midday, the beach transformed into an open-air classroom as M4TREC instructors demonstrated fundamental 4×4 recovery techniques. Participants were invited not only to observe but to engage hands-on with real-world off-road problem solving, reinforcing safety and skill development.

Later, 32 vehicles took on the 4×4 Sand Challenge. Drivers tackled a purpose-built track set among beachside forest trails and abandoned resort buildings. After a competitive time-trial session, Khairuddin, a coffee shop owner from Pontian, Johor, emerged victorious in his new Suzuki Jimny, earning a full set of AMP Tires donated by Red Springs in addition to well-earned bragging rights.

Adrenaline surged into the evening as over 50 custom motorcycles lined up for the Beach Drag competition, backed by Michelin. Riders pushed their machines to the limit across the sand, with the top performers receiving Michelin tyres and a cash prize pool totalling RM6,000.

The success of the Rompin Beach Bash was underscored by the enthusiastic response from attendees. Afiq Feisal, representing By The Billions, highlighted the spirit of inclusivity that defined the event. He noted that participants from across the globe had gathered not just to compete, but to camp, cook and celebrate their passion for exploration and adventure together.

More than just a weekend getaway, Rompin Beach Bash proved to be a meaningful platform for forging connections across communities and brands. By creating a space where camping newcomers, overland veterans, motorcycle hobbyists, and major industry players could mingle freely, the event showcased the enduring power of the outdoors to bring people together, no matter where they come from or what they drive.

Volkswagen Celebrates GTI Legacy with Most Powerful Golf Yet: The Golf GTI EDITION 50

Volkswagen has marked half a century of GTI heritage with the launch of the Golf GTI EDITION 50, the most powerful and track-focused iteration of the legendary hot hatch to date. Developed with precision engineering and motorsport pedigree, this anniversary model promises to deliver uncompromised performance both on the road and the racetrack.

At the heart of the EDITION 50 lies a reworked 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, derived from the Golf GTI Clubsport. Volkswagen’s engine team has pushed its performance envelope even further, increasing output to 325PS and 420Nm of torque. These figures significantly surpass the standard Golf GTI’s 265PS and 370Nm, and even outstrip the Clubsport’s 300PS and 400Nm, cementing the EDITION 50’s position as the pinnacle of the GTI lineup.

To harness this additional power, the chassis has undergone extensive tuning. The model features a MacPherson front axle and a four-link rear suspension setup, and sits 15 mm lower than the standard GTI. A further 5 mm drop is offered with the optional Performance Package, which introduces stiffer springs, increasing the natural frequency at both axles by approximately 20 per cent. This upgrade enhances body control, sharpens handling, and reduces roll and pitch, resulting in a much more connected driving experience.

The Performance Package also equips the EDITION 50 with 235-sized Bridgestone Potenza Race semi-slick tyres, newly developed for this application. These are mounted on 19-inch forged Warmenau wheels, each weighing just 8 kg—around 3 kg lighter than the standard rims. The tyres themselves are 1.1 kg lighter apiece, providing superior grip while reducing rotational mass. Additionally, a titanium Akrapovič R-Performance exhaust system contributes to a weight saving of 11 kg, while adding an aggressive acoustic edge to the car’s performance credentials.

The dynamic potential of the Golf GTI EDITION 50 was vividly demonstrated by Volkswagen test and development driver Benjamin Leuchter, who set a lap time of 7 minutes and 46.13 seconds around the Nürburgring Nordschleife in April 2025. This makes it the fastest production Golf ever to lap the 20.8-kilometre ‘Green Hell’, confirming its credentials as a true track weapon.

Inside, the EDITION 50 continues the GTI’s tradition of blending sportiness with refinement. The cabin features check-patterned sports seats trimmed with Racing Green highlights and synthetic velour, accented by red seat belts. A newly designed multifunction leather sports steering wheel, bearing the GTI 50 insignia and integrated with shift paddles for the seven-speed DSG, serves as the tactile link between driver and machine.

The car’s distinctive styling extends to the exterior. GTI 50 badges appear on the roof spoiler and interior mirror housings, while black-painted mirror caps, black tailpipe trims, and a black roof create a striking contrast. A side stripe running along the lower body panels, fading from black to Tornado Red, reinforces the car’s aggressive presence.

Buyers can choose from five paint finishes, including Pure White, Moonstone Grey, and Grenadilla Black Metallic. Two colours are exclusive to the anniversary edition: Dark Moss Green Metallic and Tornado Red—the latter a nod to Volkswagen’s GTI legacy, having adorned high-performance models since the mid-1980s, including the Golf II GTI 16V and Golf VII GTI TCR.

The Golf GTI EDITION 50 stands as a bold celebration of the nameplate’s 50-year journey—refined, powerful, and engineered with the spirit of the racetrack.

JAECOO J7 PHEV Signals Strong Shift Towards Hybrid Mobility in Malaysia

OMODA | JAECOO Malaysia is witnessing a marked rise in public confidence surrounding the transition to new energy mobility, with plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) emerging as a practical solution for consumers navigating range anxiety and reliability concerns. Central to this momentum is the successful introduction of the JAECOO J7 PHEV, launched in February 2025, which has rapidly gained traction in the local market.

Positioned as a benchmark in the premium off-road SUV segment, the J7 PHEV integrates cutting-edge performance with a highly competitive pricing and warranty structure. Within just four months of its debut, over 800 units have been registered in Malaysia—a significant milestone reflecting the growing acceptance of hybrid technology in a traditionally internal combustion engine-dominated landscape.

Equipped with OMODA | JAECOO’s proprietary Super Hybrid System (SHS), the J7 PHEV offers a seamless blend of electric and fuel-powered efficiency. On a full tank and a fully charged battery, the SUV can cover more than 1,300 kilometres based on NEDC standards. The vehicle also boasts a class-leading all-electric range of 106 kilometres, catering to urban commuters seeking emission-free mobility within city limits, while ensuring extended travel capabilities for longer journeys.

Emily Lek, Vice President of OMODA | JAECOO Malaysia, described the J7 PHEV as a segment leader in both innovation and practicality. She emphasised the importance of continuous consumer education regarding hybrid systems, particularly as awareness remains in its early stages within Malaysia. To that end, the company has initiated PHEV familiarisation sessions designed to support customers throughout their ownership experience.

The brand’s commitment to customer engagement was underscored during a recent handover event celebrating the delivery of 100 units to early adopters. Lek reaffirmed the company’s dedication to supporting its growing user base, recognising these initial owners as vital ambassadors for the brand’s push into electrified mobility.

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Armor All Unveils Premium Podium Series in Malaysia with Red Bull Racing Partnership

Armor All, the renowned name in automotive care and a brand under Energizer Holdings Inc., has officially launched its high-performance Armor All Podium Series in Malaysia. Developed through an exclusive partnership with Oracle Red Bull Racing, the new product line made its debut alongside a special public event at Elmina Lakeside Mall, designed to showcase its premium capabilities while engaging local car enthusiasts and families alike.

The event highlighted the standout product from the range—the Armor All Podium Series Interior Detailer—alongside demonstrations of its trusted exterior offerings. Visitors were treated to complimentary car wash services, giving them a hands-on introduction to the advanced formulations now available to the Malaysian market.

This new Podium Series represents a significant leap in car care technology, incorporating hybrid ceramic formulas based on advanced SiO₂ compounds. The result is a range that provides exceptional surface protection, long-lasting water repellency, and high durability across various vehicle surfaces. The collection has been designed with both professional detailers and everyday car owners in mind, combining performance with ease of use to suit Malaysia’s climate and urban driving conditions.

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Maserati Electrifies Malaysia with the Debut of GranTurismo and Grecale Folgore

Maserati has officially ushered in a new chapter of automotive innovation in Malaysia, introducing its first all-electric models, the GranTurismo Folgore and Grecale Folgore. These new additions not only signal the brand’s commitment to electrification but also mark Maserati as the first Italian luxury manufacturer to fully embrace electric mobility.

The GranTurismo Folgore represents a striking blend of performance and poise, embodying the elegance of a traditional grand tourer reimagined for the future. Powered by three radial electric motors, it produces a formidable 750hp, enabling the coupe to sprint from zero to 100km/h in a mere 2.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 325 km/h. At the heart of this performance lies a 92.5 kWh battery pack, with 83 kWh usable capacity, offering a WLTP-certified range of up to 450km. Thanks to its advanced 800-volt electrical system, the vehicle can regain 100 kilometres of range in just five minutes, while a charge from 20% to 80% takes only 18 minutes.

Inside, the GranTurismo Folgore delivers a refined and contemporary experience, with a minimalist interior designed around intuitive technology and tactile luxury. Despite its sleek silhouette, it offers 270 litres of boot space, ensuring everyday practicality. Priced from RM998,800, the model combines timeless Italian design with cutting-edge performance, bringing a fresh definition to the grand touring experience.

The Grecale Folgore, Maserati’s all-electric SUV, offers a different expression of the brand’s electric vision—designed for both urban commuting and adventurous getaways. Equipped with two motors generating a total of 549hp, the Grecale accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 220 km/h. A 105 kWh battery delivers up to 500 kilometres of range, supported by an AC onboard charger of 22 kW for convenient overnight charging. For quicker top-ups, 100 kilometres of range can be restored in just nine minutes.

Practicality meets Italian artistry in the Grecale’s interior, which offers 535 litres of luggage space and a meticulously crafted environment tailored to modern lifestyles. Starting at RM588,000, the SUV stands as a testament to Maserati’s ability to merge electric performance with daily versatility.

The name “Folgore,” meaning lightning in Italian, encapsulates Maserati’s forward-looking ethos—a symbol of power, energy, and progress. With the launch of these fully electric models, Maserati Malaysia redefines what it means to drive a luxury Italian vehicle in the electric age.

The GranTurismo Folgore and Grecale Folgore are now available for viewing at authorised Maserati showrooms nationwide, offering Malaysians a firsthand glimpse into the brand’s electrified future.