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Honda has taken another step toward reviving the iconic Prelude, unveiling its near-production interior for the first time. First introduced as a surprise concept at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, the Prelude captivated enthusiasts with its sleek coupe silhouette. While its cabin remained hidden behind blacked-out windows back then, Honda has now revealed a closer look at what buyers can expect.

The Prelude’s cockpit carries a sense of familiarity, borrowing heavily from the Civic’s design. However, it lacks the latter’s signature continuous vent layout. In many ways, the dashboard bears a closer resemblance to the Acura Integra, another model that shares its mechanical underpinnings. Unlike the Integra and Civic, which use conventional automatic gear levers, the Prelude adopts a button-based gear selector. Notably, Honda has confirmed that a manual transmission will not be offered.

One of the Prelude’s standout features is its S+ mode, which enhances the simulated shifting characteristics of its eight-speed transmission. This system allows drivers to engage paddle shifters, delivering an experience similar to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N’s artificial gearbox, though in this case, there’s a real internal combustion engine at work. Honda explains that the “S+ Shift” mode optimises engine RPM control during acceleration and deceleration, resulting in a sharper and more responsive drive. The driving experience is further enhanced by artificial engine sounds, which are pumped through the speakers.

A recent video from a Japanese YouTuber provided a deeper look at the Prelude’s interior layout. The coupe features two rear seats, but the sharply sloping roofline restricts headroom in the back. However, Honda has compensated for this with a practical approach—the rear seats fold nearly flat, and the Prelude’s hatchback-style trunk opening makes loading bulkier items easier. A cargo cover has also been integrated, which can be folded and stored under the floor.

Additional details highlight Honda’s attention to practicality and refinement. Behind the B-pillar quarter glass, small clothing hooks provide a useful storage option, while the rear seats feature integrated headrests. A compact storage compartment between the rear seats adds to the interior’s versatility. Unlike the Integra, which offers a third seat in the rear, the Prelude maintains a strict two-seat configuration. Aesthetic touches include two-tone upholstery and “Prelude” embroidery on the front headrests and passenger side of the dashboard.

While Honda has yet to release full technical specifications, Japanese reports indicate that the Prelude has a shorter wheelbase than the Civic, but features wider front and rear tracks. It also borrows high-performance components from the Civic Type R, including its adaptive dampers and dual-axis front suspension, designed to enhance handling precision. The driving modes have been expanded to include a GT mode, which complements the standard Comfort and Sport settings.

As anticipation builds, enthusiasts await further details on the Prelude’s final specifications and market launch. Honda’s decision to bring back this legendary nameplate underscores its commitment to blending nostalgia with modern performance innovations.

GWM Malaysia is ushering in the festive season with its “Raya Bersama GWM” campaign, a celebration of unity, joy, and togetherness. More than just a promotional event, the initiative aims to bring Malaysians closer through shared experiences, exclusive rewards, and festive activities.

As part of the celebration, GWM Malaysia has released a special music video, “Kita Ra Raya”, which is now available for viewing. The campaign will also feature a Raya-tastic Open House, running from April 12 to April 27, 2025, at selected dealerships nationwide. Visitors can enjoy festive refreshments and participate in the Book & Win Lucky Draw, with prizes worth up to RM150,000. Additionally, new buyers can take advantage of special Hari Raya promotions designed to enhance their balik kampung journeys.

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Porsche Malaysia, represented by Sime Darby Auto Performance (Auto Performance), has joined forces with the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) to launch a nationwide road safety campaign aimed at educating young Malaysians on responsible driving habits.

The initiative, titled “Students Today. Drivers Tomorrow.”, has already reached more than 1,600 students aged 7 to 17 years old as part of a broader effort to instill critical road safety awareness from an early age. With road accidents in Malaysia exceeding 530,000 cases annually, the campaign seeks to address unsafe driving behaviors that put lives at risk.

Christopher Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of Auto Performance, stated that road safety remains a fundamental aspect of driving beyond the passion and performance of motorsports. He emphasised the importance of shaping responsible future drivers and fostering a safer driving culture by instilling safety values in students, who in turn can influence their families to adopt better driving habits.

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Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled its latest concept car, the INSTEROID, a radical reimagination of its successful INSTER electric sub-compact urban SUV. Revealed in Seoul, INSTEROID pushes the boundaries of automotive design by merging gaming aesthetics with extensive customisation, aimed at engaging a new generation of drivers.

Built as a bold “What if?” design project, INSTEROID takes inspiration from the INSTER, which has gained international acclaim, including being a top-three finalist for the 2025 World Car of the Year award. Unlike its production counterpart, INSTEROID embraces an aggressive, performance-driven design, marked by widened bodywork, aerodynamic enhancements, and motorsport-inspired elements such as track-optimised wheels and a prominent wing spoiler.

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Chery Corporate Malaysia has stepped forward to assist residents affected by the recent Putra Heights fire by providing 50 vehicles to those who lost their transportation in the disaster. Selangor Executive Councillor for Investment, Trade, and Mobility Ng Sze Han confirmed today that the initiative aims to support over a hundred families impacted by the blaze, which was caused by a burst gas pipe belonging to national oil company Petronas.

Ng emphasised the urgency of the situation, highlighting that many residents need transportation to get to work and send their children to school. In response, Chery’s vehicle loan program will begin accepting applications in the coming days, offering temporary mobility solutions for affected families.

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BYD has reported record-breaking electric vehicle (EV) sales for the first quarter of 2025, with nearly one million units sold globally. The Chinese automaker recorded a total of 990,711 passenger vehicle sales in Q1, marking a significant 58.7% increase from the 624,398 units sold in the same period last year.

In March alone, BYD delivered 377,420 vehicles globally, of which 371,419 were passenger cars. This represented a 15% increase compared to February and a 23.1% rise from the previous year. The company also produced 395,091 vehicles in March, a 33% increase from 296,253 units in March 2024. The difference between production and sales stood at 17,671 vehicles.

Export figures reached an all-time monthly high, with 72,723 units sold overseas in March. This marked an 8.5% increase from February and a staggering 90% jump compared to the same month last year. In total, BYD exported 206,084 vehicles in Q1 2025, a sharp 110.5% increase from the first quarter of 2024.

Breaking down the Q1 sales figures, the company sold 416,388 battery electric vehicles (BEVs), reflecting a 39% increase from the 300,114 units sold in Q1 2024. BEVs accounted for 42.2% of total sales, a slight decline from 48.1% in the previous year. Meanwhile, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) saw an even greater surge, with 569,710 units sold, up 76% from 324,284 in Q1 2024. PHEVs accounted for 57.8% of total sales, up from 51.9% last year.

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Porsche has initiated a pilot project aimed at recovering valuable raw materials from high-voltage batteries at the end of their lifecycle. The initiative seeks to explore a closed-loop raw material cycle, emphasising the growing importance of recycled battery components and the responsible handling of high-voltage batteries. In the long term, the company plans to establish a dedicated recycling network in collaboration with external partners.

The pilot project is structured in three phases to test a process suitable for large-scale application. In the first phase, high-voltage batteries from development vehicles undergo mechanical shredding, producing a material known as “black mass.” This granulated mixture contains essential elements such as nickel, cobalt, manganese, and lithium. To date, Porsche has generated approximately 65 tons of black mass through this process.

The second phase involves refining the black mass to extract its valuable raw materials. Porsche places particular emphasis on ensuring the quality and purity of these recycled materials to produce high-performance batteries for its electric vehicles.

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Aston Martin has officially released on-road images of the Valhalla as it nears the final stages of validation ahead of its production launch in the second quarter of 2025. Currently undergoing rigorous testing both on-road in the UK and on-track near Barcelona, the mid-engined hybrid supercar is being fine-tuned to ensure exceptional performance in real-world conditions.

The Valhalla has been seen in two striking liveries—Podium Green with Lime Green accents and Verdant Jade with Valkyrie Gold—while being put through its paces at the IDIADA proving ground in Spain. Aston Martin engineers, alongside three-time Le Mans class winner Darren Turner, are conducting final calibrations on steering precision, active aerodynamics, and the thermal braking system’s performance. In addition to track testing, another Valhalla, finished in Satin Scintilla Silver with Lime Green highlights, is undergoing damper calibration on UK roads to refine its ride quality and handling characteristics.

Simon Newton, Aston Martin’s Director of Vehicle Performance and Attributes, emphasized the unprecedented dynamic capability of the Valhalla, made possible by its hybrid powertrain that produces an astonishing 1,079PS and 1,100Nm of torque. The car is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo flat-plane crank V8, the most powerful V8 ever fitted to an Aston Martin, and is paired with three electric motors, allowing for plug-in hybrid capability and a dedicated EV driving mode. It also features Aston Martin’s all-new 8-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which incorporates an integrated e-Motor and an electronic rear differential for enhanced control and efficiency. The front-axle twin motors contribute to an advanced all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring, elevating the supercar’s handling dynamics.

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Hyundai Motor Group has revealed its next-generation infotainment and operating system, dubbed “Pleos,” featuring a large centre display reminiscent of Tesla’s signature touchscreen interface. Set to debut in the second quarter of 2026, the new system promises faster performance, enhanced vehicle connectivity, and a sleek, modern user experience.

Unlike Tesla’s button-free approach, Hyundai’s Pleos will retain physical controls, ensuring ease of use while maintaining a futuristic aesthetic. The decision to integrate knobs and buttons may appeal to drivers who prefer a more tactile interface, avoiding the common frustrations associated with fully touch-based controls.

Tesla has long been recognized for its highly responsive infotainment system, and Hyundai appears to be taking inspiration while offering an alternative for consumers looking to move away from the brand. If the prototype is any indication, Pleos could provide a similarly intuitive and feature-rich experience while distinguishing itself with added convenience.

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PUSPAKOM Sdn Bhd has announced adjustments to its Mobile Van Services (MVS) and Mobile Truck Services (MTS) charges, set to take effect on April 1, 2025. The revision comes as part of efforts to align service charges with current operational costs, ensuring continued efficiency, reliability, and safety in vehicle inspections.

Chief Executive Officer Mahmood Razak Bahman stated that the adjustments were made following a comprehensive review to maintain the sustainability of PUSPAKOM’s mobile services. He emphasised that the inspection fees at PUSPAKOM branches remain unchanged, meaning only customers using mobile services will be affected.

“The new rates will apply solely to MTS and MVS, while customers bringing their vehicles to PUSPAKOM branches will not experience any changes,” Mahmood explained. “This adjustment reflects the rising operational costs of our Mobile Services, though the vehicle inspection fee itself remains the same,” he added.

Fleet  Distance  Current  

Charge (RM)

Increment 

(RM)

New Charge (RM)  Increment (%)
MTS  

(per day)

1st 

50km 

3,000.00  300.00  3,300.00  10%
MVS  

(per unit)

1st 

50km 

100.00  20.00  120.00  20%

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