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Review: Jaecoo J8 AWD Redefines Premium Cars

Chinese cars are many things but if there is one thing they deserve credit for is bringing technology to the masses.

There used to be a time when certain features were reserved only for the upper segment cars. You could never find suede trimming, massage seats or even captain seats in any car below RM200,000.

But the Chinese have completely changed that, specifically Jaecoo.

Jaecoo has only been in Malaysia for a little over a year, but it has already made an impact that other car makers have struggled to match despite their years of being in the market.

The first model launched in Malaysia was the J7, and it was an immediate success thanks to its design, interior trimming and advanced technologies. But more than anything else, it was a success because of its price.

Suddenly, Malaysians realised that they could have more for less. Much to the horror of legacy car makers who were getting too comfortable for too long.

But Jaecoo is not a company that sits comfortably, it is on a roll and has introduced more models such as the J8. (more…)

Proton Records Strong September Sales, X50 Leads as Best-Selling SUV

Proton has carried its momentum from August into September, once again posting strong results despite a weaker market. The national carmaker delivered 13,395 units (domestic and export) last month, lifting its third-quarter total to 42,141 units. Year-to-date sales now stand at 114,297 units, a 0.9% improvement over the same period in 2024.

What makes the achievement stand out is the wider industry backdrop. The Total Industry Volume (TIV) dropped by nearly 21.7% in September to an estimated 57,169 units, just one month after reaching its 2025 peak. Against that, Proton’s market share rose to 23.4% for the month and 19.9% year-to-date — the brand’s highest figure this year as it continues to push towards a 20% target for 2025.

The Proton X50 remains the company’s star performer, cementing its place as the nation’s best-selling SUV. In September, 3,438 units were delivered, marking its second full month on sale and placing it at the top of its segment as well as the overall SUV market.

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Chery TIGGO 8 PHEV Launched in Malaysia for RM159,800

Chery has officially introduced the TIGGO 8 PHEV to Malaysia, joining the brand’s growing electrified line-up and positioning itself as a larger, more premium option for families looking to embrace plug-in hybrid technology. Like the smaller TIGGO 7 PHEV, the new model sits on Chery’s Super Hybrid platform but adds more space, more tech, and a greater focus on refinement.

Power comes from the same 1.5-litre ACTECO TGDi hybrid engine paired with a dedicated hybrid transmission and an 18.3kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. Together, the system pushes out up to 275 PS and 365 Nm of torque, while offering up to 90 kilometres of pure EV range and as much as 1,200 kilometres of combined driving range.

The hybrid powertrain operates at 98% mechanical efficiency, ensuring strong responsiveness and greater fuel savings, particularly useful for long-haul drives.

Charging times are identical to the TIGGO 7 PHEV, with DC fast charging topping up the battery from 30% to 80% in just 19 minutes.

AC charging takes about three hours, while a household charger will bring it to full capacity overnight. V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) support adds further practicality, allowing the SUV to power devices externally at 3.3 kW — making it a versatile tool for family trips or outdoor activities.

The Guardian Battery Safety System is also standard, protecting the battery in emergencies with features like high-voltage cut-off, IP68 waterproofing, extreme temperature resistance, and the ability to wade through water up to 500mm.

Chery has also packed in its ADAS 2.0 driver assistance suite, which offers advanced features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.

Design-wise, the TIGGO 8 PHEV aims to deliver a more premium appearance compared to its sibling. Its front grille is paired with an illuminated logo, giving it a distinctive road presence, while the exterior features redesigned bumpers, 19 inch Diamond cut alloy rims, LED lighting, and refined detailing.

Inside, the cabin is headlined by a 15.6-inch infotainment display powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor, complemented by premium comfort features such as ventilated sport leather seats, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting with 64 colours, an immersive 10 speaker Sony sound system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The TIGGO 8 PHEV is offered in Aurora Green, Khaki White, and Carbon Black. Like the TIGGO 7, it comes with a seven-year warranty (150,000 km), along with eight years or 160,000 km of coverage for the battery, power motor, and hybrid control unit.

The same one-to-one battery exchange guarantee applies if health drops below 70% within the period, and buyers also enjoy five years of free labour service. The Tiggo 8 PHEV is priced at RM159,800.

Chery TIGGO 7 PHEV Launched in Malaysia – RM129,800

Chery Malaysia has rolled out the TIGGO 7 PHEV, one of two new plug-in hybrids making their debut in the country, built on the brand’s advanced Chery Super Hybrid platform.

Positioned as a stylish yet practical SUV, the TIGGO 7 PHEV blends sharp design cues with impressive performance and technology, giving Malaysian buyers another option in the fast-growing electrified SUV market.

Visually, the TIGGO 7 PHEV gets a diamond-embedded front grille and a refreshed bumper design, paired with LED headlights and sportier 18 inch wheels.

Inside, it boasts a 24.6-inch integrated dual-screen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android auto , ventilated sport leather seats, ambient lighting with 64 colours, and premium finishes that elevate the cabin’s feel.

Under the skin, the SUV carries Chery’s 1.5-litre ACTECO TGDi hybrid engine, paired with a dedicated hybrid transmission and an 18.3kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. Together, this setup produces up to 275PS and 365Nm of torque.

It can travel up to 90km on pure electric power and cover a combined driving range of up to 1,200km, making it a capable long-distance companion. The system is designed with 98% mechanical efficiency, which translates to smoother acceleration and better fuel economy.

Charging is straightforward: DC fast charging gets the battery from 30% to 80% in just 19 minutes, while AC charging takes around three hours. An overnight top-up with a household charger takes about 8.5 hours. For added practicality, the SUV supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), enabling external devices to be powered directly from the car at 3.3 kW — perfect for road trips or camping.

Safety has been prioritised through Chery’s Guardian Battery Safety System, which includes high-voltage cut-off in emergencies, IP68-rated waterproof and dustproof protection, and the ability to withstand extreme temperatures. The battery system is also resilient enough to handle Malaysia’s flood-prone conditions, with a water wading depth of 500mm. In addition, the SUV comes fitted with a full ADAS 2.0 suite offering adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot detection, and automatic emergency braking.

Available in Phantom Grey, Khaki White, and Blood Stone Red with a Black Roof, the TIGGO 7 PHEV comes with a seven-year warranty (150,000 km) alongside eight years or 160,000 km of coverage for the battery, motor, and hybrid control unit.

Buyers also get a one-to-one battery exchange if health drops below 70% within the warranty period, plus five years of free labour service. The Tiggo 7 PHEV is priced at RM129,800. The Blood Stone Red paint option adds RM2,000 to the bill.

GAC EMKOO Launched in Malaysia – Prices Start from RM123,800

WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA), the official distributor of GAC vehicles in Malaysia, has officially introduced the all-new GAC EMKOO, a model it dubs the “Future Styled SUV”. Available in two trims – Premium and Premium Pro – prices start from RM123,800 and RM133,800, respectively.

To mark the launch, WTCA is rolling out an Exclusive Early Bird Promo for the first 500 customers. Buyers will enjoy a RM4,000 cash rebate alongside an accessory package worth RM10,000, which includes a 2-Channel DVR with 64GB memory card, EMKOO-branded kicking plates, a luggage tray, and sport pedals. On top of that, Premium buyers receive a Vkool Solar Tint and electric power tailgate, while Premium Pro customers get the upgraded Vkool Security Tint.

The EMKOO is powered by a 1.5-litre TGDI engine paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. It achieves 0–100 km/h in 8.8 seconds, with a top speed of 190 km/h, and records a fuel consumption figure of 6.6L/100 km (NEDC). This gives the SUV an appealing mix of punchy acceleration and everyday usability.

Inside, GAC has leaned heavily on a futuristic design theme. The driver-focused cockpit is kitted out with a Head-Up Display (HUD) that projects key information onto the windscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.1-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Practicality is another strong suit, with 638 litres of boot space – among the largest in its segment. Folding the rear seats expands this to 1,586 litres, enough for bulky weekend gear or long-haul luggage.
Safety and convenience tech is also a highlight, with Level 2 ADAS features, Full Automatic Parking Assist (FAPA), and GAC’s Adaptive Vehicle Dynamic Control (AVDC) all included.

The EMKOO marks GAC’s second locally-assembled (CKD) model in Malaysia, following the GS3 EMZOOM. WTCA says the launch reinforces its commitment to local assembly and brand growth, while giving buyers more choice in the competitive SUV market. The EMKOO has been previewed at roadshows nationwide since July, drawing attention with its bold styling and modern features.

Buyers can choose from five exterior colours – Super Star Silver, Graphite Grey, Frost White, Asphalt Black, and the eye-catching new Star Lake Green. All variants come with a black leatherette interior with red accents, combining sportiness with a premium feel.

GAC is backing the EMKOO with a 5-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty and a 7-year/180,000 km engine and powertrain warranty. From October 2025, owners will also benefit from an expanded network of 45 service centres nationwide, making aftersales support more convenient.

The all-new GAC EMKOO is now open for booking and test drives at GAC showrooms across Malaysia. Customer deliveries are starting immediately, giving early adopters the chance to hit the road with one of the boldest-looking SUVs in its class.

BYD Expands Global Reach With Fleet of Eight Car Carriers

BYD has now completed its very own shipping fleet, marking another major step in its global expansion. The eighth and final vessel, the BYD Jinan, officially went into service last week, giving the Shenzhen-based automaker an annual transport capacity of more than one million cars.

What’s remarkable is how quickly the fleet came together. The first ship, BYD Explorer No.1, was only delivered in January 2024. In under two years, the company has built up a full fleet of roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) car carriers, each designed to handle between 7,200 and 9,000 vehicles depending on size.

The line-up now consists of BYD Explorer No.1, Hefei, Changzhou, Shenzhen, Xi’an, Changsha, Zhengzhou and the newly launched Jinan. While Jinan is just starting operations, the other ships are already moving cars across the globe. For instance, BYD Hefei is currently unloading in Europe before heading back to China, Xi’an is due in Barcelona this week, while Shenzhen and Changsha are en route from China to Europe.

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Honda Malaysia Marks 25 Years with “Because of You” Campaign

Honda Malaysia has launched its 25th Anniversary “Because of You” Campaign, running from 1 October to 31 December 2025. The three-month initiative includes a lucky draw with prizes worth up to RM1 million and a range of exclusive programmes offering customers additional rewards.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Narushi Yazaki, said the year marks a significant milestone for the company since its establishment in 2000. He noted that Honda Malaysia’s progress has been defined by both achievements and challenges, with the company guided by its “Challenging Spirit.”

He expressed gratitude to customers for their continued trust, to the government for its support, and to dealers and stakeholders for their role in helping Honda maintain its position as the top non-national passenger vehicle brand for 11 consecutive years. The anniversary campaign, he said, is Honda Malaysia’s way of thanking Malaysians.

As part of the campaign, customers stand a chance to win six Honda models in the lucky draw: the WR-V RS, City RS, City Hatchback RS, Civic RS, the new HR-V V variant, and the CR-V e:HEV RS. Honda Insurance Plus (HiP) rebates are also part of the prize pool.

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Proton e.MAS 5 Bookings to Open on 4 October with Livestream Event

Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd (PRO-NET), a wholly owned subsidiary of Proton, has confirmed that bookings for the new Proton e.MAS 5 will begin on Saturday, 4 October 2025. The launch will take place through a special livestream event running from 8:00pm to 10:30pm.

The session will be hosted by lifestyle influencers Boss James, recognised for his work in the automotive industry, and Malaysian actress Norreen Iman. The programme will include interactive discussions, live product demonstrations, and electric vehicle insights from motoring experts.

A key highlight of the livestream will be the long-awaited announcement of the car’s estimated price. The event will be broadcast on Proton e.MAS’s official social media channels as well as those of the hosts and invited industry experts, ensuring broad reach and opportunities for real-time engagement.

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DBKL Weighs Outsourcing Abandoned Vehicle Disposal

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is considering outsourcing the removal and disposal of abandoned vehicles to licensed scrap metal dealers in a bid to ease overcrowding at its depots and reclaim public parking spaces.

Its three depots — in Taman Connaught, Salak Selatan and Pantai Sentral — have already reached their combined capacity of 3,700 vehicles. According to The Star, cars are now being stacked on top of each other to make room.

DBKL spends millions of ringgit each year towing these vehicles but recovers only about RM300,000 annually through auctions. The financial strain is worsened by legal processes that can take more than six months per case.

By law, DBKL must issue several notices, verify vehicle ownership with the Road Transport Department (JPJ), and wait months before holding its annual auction, which typically clears between 500 and 1,000 vehicles.

Under the proposed outsourcing plan, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok’s aide Alice Lan said discussions were underway to allow scrap metal dealers to manage both towing and legal disposal.

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MG Motor Malaysia Announces New Pricing for MG4, Promotions Across EV and Petrol Line-up

MG Motor Malaysia has introduced new pricing for its all-electric hatchback, the MG4, positioning it as one of the most accessible rear-wheel-drive EVs in its segment. The MG4 Lux is now priced at RM100,888, the MG4 Lux Extended at RM128,888, and the high-performance MG4 XPower at RM138,888. The revised pricing translates into savings of more than RM28,000 for buyers.

The MG4 line-up caters to different types of drivers. The MG4 Lux focuses on everyday practicality, the Lux Extended is aimed at those who want greater driving range, while the MG4 XPower is designed for performance-oriented customers. All variants retain the model’s distinctive design and technology while offering a driving experience rooted in MG’s British heritage.

The revised pricing reflects MG Motor Malaysia’s strategy to make EVs more affordable in the local market. To add further value, each MG4 purchase includes either a complimentary 7kW AC wallbox charger or charging credits. Savings on these ownership perks amount to RM10,000 for the MG4 XPower and Lux Extended, and RM7,000 for the MG4 Lux.

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