Koenigsegg has once again stamped its authority on the high-speed world stage, reclaiming the 0–400–0 km/h record for homologated road cars with its Jesko Absolut at the Örebro airfield in Sweden.
Factory test driver Markus Lundh achieved the remarkable feat in just 25.21 seconds, surpassing the marque’s own record set in June 2024 and eclipsing every other competitor. The time also represents a dramatic improvement over last year’s 27.83-second run, with more than 2.5 seconds shaved off the benchmark.
The achievement came courtesy of refined performance software strategies, collectively named “Absolut Overdrive”, developed for the same Jesko Absolut used in last year’s run. These updates, which will be made available to customer vehicles, enhance drivetrain integration, engine management, and torque control to unprecedented levels.
Christian von Koenigsegg, the company’s founder and chief executive, attributed the success to seamless collaboration between the engineering and development teams, underpinned by in-house drivetrain systems, advanced software architecture and mechanical solutions designed to minimise aerodynamic drag while maximising stability.
The SUV market in Malaysia is fiercely competitive, with many options to choose from. So, is there an SUV that looks premium, has your everyday necessities, will not break your bank account and is good value for money?
Jetour is one of the newer names in the SUV world, launched in 2018 as part of the Chery Holding Group, yes, the same Chinese automotive powerhouse that’s been making waves with models like the Omoda 5 and Tiggo series.
The idea behind Jetour is simple: create stylish, practical, and tech-packed SUVs that won’t cost you a fortune. Think of it as the younger, fashion-forward cousin in the Chery family, aiming at younger buyers and growing families who want a little luxury without luxury-brand prices.
So which model did we test out? Meet the Jetour Dashing, which emerges as a standout, bold, tech-forward, and incredibly well-priced SUV.
Offering generous dimensions, a robust warranty, and feature-rich variants starting at just RM109,800, this C-segment SUV firmly positions itself as a value champion.
After spending quality time with the Jetour Dashing, here’s a look at its design, performance, comfort, technology, practicality, and overall value, along with a few constructive critiques that potential buyers should consider before making a decision.
It’s Called “Dashing” for a Reason
The first time you see the Jetour Dashing, the name suddenly makes sense. This is not a shy, conservative-looking SUV. It’s all sharp lines, muscular curves, and futuristic touches. The front grille blends neatly with slim LED headlights and sports “Mecha-Eyes” split LED DRLs, giving it a concept-car vibe.
The roofline slopes slightly for that coupe-SUV profile, and the seamless door handles add a minimalist, high-end look, the kind of detail you’d expect from something wearing a far pricier badge.
One notable talking point is the concealed, flush-fitting door handles. They blend perfectly into the bodywork for a seamless, upscale appearance and reduce aerodynamic drag, adding a touch of finesse to the SUV’s design.
Now, about those flush, pop-out door handles. They’re sleek. They’re modern. They scream “luxury car.” But they can also be… let’s say, slightly inconvenient.
Case in point: I was shooting the Dashing at my usual lakeside spot in SS12. Out of nowhere, this stray dog comes charging at me. I bolt towards the car, adrenaline pumping, only to realise the handles hadn’t popped out yet. Heart pounding, I fumble for the key, unlock it, and wait for the handles to glide out before diving into safety.
They look great, but in that moment, I’d have traded them for old-fashioned grab handles in a heartbeat. Still, in calmer situations, they do add a touch of finesse to the overall design.
Besides that, the Dashing makes a strong statement on the road, looking far more expensive than its price would suggest. It sits on 19-inch alloys that fill the arches nicely, and the overall stance is confident without being over the top.
In short, it looks like something you would proudly park in front of a cafe on a Saturday afternoon.
Spacious, Comfortable, and Premium for the Price
Step inside, and you’re greeted with a cabin that punches well above its price tag. Soft-touch materials cover much of the dashboard, there’s tasteful stitching on the seats, and the overall layout feels premium.
Storage solutions are thoughtfully provided, with multiple compartments for personal items, cup holders, and a reasonably large glove box.
The centrepiece is the 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, which controls everything from navigation to climate settings. The graphics are clean, and it’s packed with features, but there’s a slight lag when swiping between menus.
While it gets the job done and covers all essential features, the lack of snappiness might frustrate tech-savvy users who are used to faster systems.
Behind the steering wheel sits a 10.25-inch digital driver display. It gives you all the necessary info, such as speed, revs and trip data, but it feels a bit unfinished. Some text isn’t capitalised properly, which makes it seem like the design team didn’t sweat the small stuff. Functionally, it works fine, but visually, it could be more polished.
Jetour hasn’t skimped on equipment. You get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, remote engine start, rain-sensing windshield wipers, CN95 Cabin Air Filter, ambient lighting and a powered front passenger seat!. For an SUV priced significantly lower than many of its rivals, that’s an impressive list.
The 6-speaker audio system is not mind-blowing, but it is pretty decent, and there are multiple USB ports plus a 50W wireless charging pad. Air-con performance is solid, with vents for the rear passengers as well.
However, Jetour explains that during hard acceleration, the car detects it and prioritises sending all its energy to give the engine a boost, to maximise power for a quick getaway. As a result, the power for the air-conditioning’s cooling function temporarily shuts off, meaning you will get a brief blast of warm air for a few seconds. We find this a little weird, inconvenient and unnecessary.
Moving on, there is plenty of space, both front and back. The rear seats are generously sized and recline slightly for comfort, and the boot offers 486 litres of space, enough for a week’s worth of groceries or a family weekend getaway. If more space is needed, fold the rear seats down and you will get 977 litres of space.
Smooth and Capable, with a Hint of Turbo Lag
Powering the Jetour Dashing is a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine that produces 156PS and 230Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission that sends power to the front wheels. On paper, it delivers a healthy output for everyday driving and occasional spirited runs.
On the road, acceleration is smooth and the SUV feels confident at highway speeds, making overtaking manoeuvres straightforward once the turbo spools up.
However, there’s a noticeable pause when accelerating hard from a standstill, particularly when shooting out of junctions. This turbo lag means you need to plan your moves a little more carefully in tight traffic situations. Once the boost kicks in, though, the Dashing picks up speed rapidly and delivers a satisfying surge.
Another interesting thing we noticed is that there are only Eco and Sports drive modes. The steering wheel offers comfort and sports drive modes. We wished that there was a normal or comfort drive mode for the power delivery because in Eco, you do not get the full power, and in Sports mode, you get too much power, so there has to be an in-between.
Ride comfort is tuned for urban and highway use. The suspension (MacPherson Strut for the front and Multilink for the rear) absorbs bumps and potholes well, keeping the cabin composed even on rougher roads. The steering is light and accurate; however, the turning radius could be slightly better.
The Dashing works well as a family car. Door openings are wide, making it easy to get child seats in and out. The ride height offers good visibility, and the reversing camera plus parking sensors make manoeuvring in tight spaces a breeze.
Safety Features for Peace of Mind
Jetour has equipped the Dashing with an impressive array of safety technologies for its price point. These include six airbags, ABS with EBD, traction and stability control, hill-start assist, and a 360-degree camera system for easy parking, cruise control, lane change warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
Safety features may vary depending on the variant. Regardless, the safety package is competitive, offering strong reassurance for family buyers.
A Stylish Newcomer Worth Considering
The Jetour Dashing brings a lot to the table: bold styling, a comfortable and well-equipped cabin, family-friendly practicality, and a price tag that’s hard to argue with. Yes, it has its quirks, the turbo lag, the infotainment’s occasional slowness, and those fancy door handles, but none of them are deal-breakers for most buyers.
If you are willing to live with a few minor imperfections in exchange for standout design and generous features, the Jetour Dashing is one of the most interesting new SUV options in Malaysia right now. It’s a statement car from a brand that is clearly aiming to make waves, and based on this first impression, Jetour is off to a promising start.
Specifications:
Engine: 1.5-litre, turbocharged, inline-4, petrol
Power: 156PS
Torque: 230Nm @ 1750rpm
Transmission: 6-speed dual-clutch
Price (as tested): RM116,800
We like: Design and Spaciousness
We don’t like: Pop-out door handles and the air-conditioning’s power being cut off
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has quietly dropped a bombshell in its latest product catalogue, details of a new Yangwang U9 Track Edition, a hardcore electric supercar that’s about to make even the most exotic EVs sweat.
According to Car News China, this new variant of BYD’s flagship performance machine sticks with the U9’s signature quad-motor setup, one electric motor per wheel, but cranks the numbers up to a staggering 3,019hp. Top speed is officially listed at 350km/h, and if that sounds like overkill, it’s worth noting the current road-going U9 “only” makes 1,287hp and is priced at 1.68 million yuan (around RM1.09 million).
Visually, the Track Edition isn’t a wild departure from the standard model, but the details hint at its more aggressive nature. The example in MIIT’s filing wears deep red paint with a gloss black styling pack, sitting on 20-inch wheels wrapped in 325/35 R20 rubber. Lightweight carbon-fibre is used extensively, including for the roof and the massive fixed rear wing, while the rear diffuser comes with adjustable blades to fine-tune downforce. Optional aero bits will be offered too, including a more extreme carbon-fibre front splitter or an electrically adjustable rear wing.
Proton has entered the second half of 2025 on a high note, recording a marked rebound in sales as the Malaysian car market recovered from a sluggish June. The national automaker registered 13,518 units sold in July, a 22.1 per cent increase over the previous month, bringing its year-to-date total to 85,674 units. This performance has secured Proton second place in the national sales rankings.
The company’s market share for July is estimated at 19.2 per cent, with the year-to-date figure standing at 19.3 per cent – an improvement of 0.6 percentage points compared with the full-year share of 18.7 per cent achieved in 2024, a record-breaking year for the Malaysian automotive industry. The Total Industry Volume for July is projected at 70,545 units, representing a 28.7 per cent rise from June and ranking as the second-highest monthly figure for 2025.
The newly launched Proton X50 was a major driver of last month’s growth. Introduced on 24 July, the B-segment SUV saw 999 units delivered in its first week, contributing to a total of 2,068 units for the month – the third time this year the model has surpassed the 2,000-unit mark.
With an updated exterior, enhanced interior, new intelligent features, and a marketing push aimed at younger buyers, the X50 has quickly gained momentum both online and in showrooms. Production is expected to reach 5,000 units by the end of August, with bookings approaching five figures, setting the stage for another strong month ahead.
The Johor state government has renewed calls for the federal administration to tighten existing laws to enable direct action against owners of foreign-registered vehicles caught purchasing subsidised RON95 petrol.
According to NST, Johor’s Investment, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources executive committee chairman, Lee Ting Han, stated that the proposal had been put forward to the federal government four months ago. He explained that under current regulations, enforcement measures can only be taken against petrol station operators, leaving foreign motorists who breach the rules largely untouched by legal consequences.
Lee stated that the state government intends to persist in lobbying for an amendment that would grant officers from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry the authority to penalise offenders directly. He stressed that such changes are necessary to protect national resources and ensure compliance with Malaysian law.
Honda has announced a collaboration with renowned scale model maker Amalgam to produce a limited run of meticulously hand-built replicas of the RA272 Formula 1 car, commemorating the 60th anniversary of its first Grand Prix victory.
The collection will feature just 30 models at 1:8 scale, each priced at USD 28,995 (approximately RM135,000), alongside 300 units at 1:18 scale costing USD 1,735 (around RM8,000). Built as collector’s items rather than playthings, these precision-crafted pieces are aimed squarely at enthusiasts and serious collectors.
The Japanese manufacturer is marking the landmark of its 1965 Mexico Grand Prix triumph, a race that saw Richie Ginther steer the RA272 to Honda’s first-ever Formula 1 win, and the first for any Japanese car, engine, or team. Remarkably, this achievement came just two years after the company entered the automotive market.
Each model consists of over 1,600 precision-engineered components and will be supplied with a signed certificate of authenticity and a commemorative booklet from Honda Racing Corporation President Koji Watanabe. Amalgam, known for its highly detailed scale replicas of iconic cars, many carrying five-figure price tags, is regarded as a natural partner for the project.
The Ministry of Public Works (KKR) has identified more than 1,000 localities across the country as high-risk areas, or “black spots”, requiring immediate infrastructure and road safety improvements.
According to Harian Metro, Minister Datuk Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi stated that the majority of these areas are located along federal roads and are characterised by sharp bends, insufficient lighting, and damaged road surfaces. He confirmed that the government is prioritising remedial works to address these hazards.
As part of ongoing measures to improve safety in accident-prone zones, 300 solar-powered street lights have recently been installed along the Gerik-Jeli East-West Highway (JRTB).
The minister explained that the installation process is being carried out in phases, beginning with locations that have a high incidence of accidents, particularly at night.
Porsche has unveiled the new 911 Cup, the latest evolution of its one-make racing car, which will compete in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, the various Carrera Cup championships, and other Porsche-sanctioned series from the start of the 2026 season.
Based on the 992.2 generation of the 911, the model introduces a range of refinements aimed at increasing performance, reducing running costs, and simplifying handling for both drivers and teams. The naturally aspirated 4.0-litre six-cylinder boxer engine now delivers 520PS, an increase of 10PS over its predecessor, without affecting the 100-hour service interval before an overhaul is required.
The new naming convention sees the car officially designated as the 911 Cup, as Porsche moves to streamline its motorsport nomenclature. Future models will only carry the ‘GT’ suffix when intended for open-brand racing or specific segments, as with the new 911 GT3 R launched alongside it.
As before, production takes place at Porsche’s Zuffenhausen plant alongside road-going 911 GT models, a strategy that has already seen 1,130 units of the current 911 GT3 Cup produced since 2020, contributing to a total of 5,381 Porsche 911 one-make racing cars built to date.
The car features a more aggressive exterior, with a front end that mirrors the 992.2-generation 911 GT3. The three-piece front spoiler lip allows damaged sections to be replaced individually, reducing spare parts costs, while the removal of daytime running lights helps prevent radiator damage in collisions. Integrated louvre vents in the front wings improve airflow and downforce, complemented by an optimised underbody and turning vanes behind the front arches for better high-speed stability and cornering precision.
GAC Malaysia has appointed award-winning actor and prominent Malaysian personality Datuk Remy Ishak as its newest brand ambassador, marking another milestone in the company’s growing presence in the country. The announcement was made at the GAC & AION Showcase held at 1 Utama Shopping Centre, where Remy was introduced alongside fellow ambassador Jack Lim.
The appointment coincides with a period of rapid expansion for GAC Malaysia, driven by the upcoming launch of the second locally assembled GAC EMKOO C-SUV and the fully imported GAC M8 PHEV MPV.
Remy, who rose to fame through his acclaimed performance in the hit television drama Nurkasih, has become a household name in Malaysia thanks to his versatility on screen and his extensive public engagements. Known for his grounded personality, professionalism and strong rapport with local audiences, he has represented numerous brands over the years. GAC Malaysia views these qualities as an ideal match for its brand identity, which blends refinement with everyday practicality.
Bentley’s in-house bespoke and special projects division, Mulliner, has completed the first example of the Batur Convertible. This one-off creation combines the marque’s most powerful W12 engine with an intricate, highly personalised design. Finished in a striking Opalite exterior with Beluga and Mandarin accents, this debut model reflects the client’s detailed vision and Mulliner’s craftsmanship, resulting in a car that is as unique as it is technically accomplished.
The Batur Convertible’s exterior design accentuates the performance of its 740bhp, 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine. The shimmering silver tone of the Opalite bodywork is bisected by a gloss black racing stripe, flanked by Mandarin pinstripes, which flows from the front grille over the bonnet, through the cockpit ‘airbridge’, and along the rear deck to meet the Bentley wings badge.
This stripe is seamlessly painted into the bodywork, with the design echoed in bespoke embroidery on the rear Tonneau. The distinctive matrix grille is finished in gloss Beluga with Mandarin highlights, complemented by five-spoke alloy wheels in matching tones.
