BHPetrol celebrated the official opening of its new Paroi station today with a special motorcycle fuel filling programme, marking another step in the brand’s ongoing effort to connect with local communities. The Paroi outlet, which began operations in August 2025, becomes the 23rd BHPetrol station in Negeri Sembilan and serves as a key addition to the company’s growing network across the state.
Strategically located to cater to motorists in the Seremban area, the new station offers the full range of BHPetrol Infiniti fuels — Petrol 95, Petrol 97, Diesel B10, and Diesel B7 — ensuring consistent, high-quality supply for all drivers. It also benefits from the government’s BUDI95 subsidy initiative, helping Malaysians continue to enjoy affordable fuel prices at a time when managing living costs remains a national priority.
The Paroi station is designed with customer convenience in mind, featuring a fully stocked BHPetromart, a prayer room, the locally beloved Apacaba Bakery, ePay facilities, and spacious, well-maintained restrooms. Its location makes it an ideal stopover for both daily commuters and long-distance travellers passing through the area.
The Proton X50 is undoubtedly the darling among Malaysians who want a medium sized SUV.
Over 140,000 X50’s have been sold since 2020, cementing its reputation as one of the go-to models for Malaysians.
The X50 has made quite a reputation for itself as a reliable, comfortable and easy to live with machine. An ideal partner for those who want just one car for their daily routine as well as to accommodate the needs of their family.
Building on this, Proton introduced the new X50 just a few months ago. It has several updates that arguably warrant the use of the word “all-new”, something that Proton has been harping on while some media outlets refuse to acknowledge.
The refusal stems from the fact that the underpinnings as well as some of the oily bits have been carried over from the previous X50.
However, I feel that Proton is entirely justified to use that word because the latest X50 is not just a facelift, but it offers an entirely new interior, new design and even a new engine.
So, in this article, I will share everything that the all-new X50 must offers, the good as well as the bad about the car.
Let’s start with the design of the car
One of the major talking points of the X50 during the launch was the design. It left fans and observers divided, some liked it and some don’t.
But that is usually the case with designs, it will never appeal to everyone and is always subjective.
The X50 though is not an original Proton design, it shares some of its styling with the Geely Binyue L, it’s Chinese cousin.
The front is all new and that large gape under the grille is one of the main points that has divided observers. I do have to agree that there’s too much open space there, but there’s nothing a body kit developed in Sunway cannot fix.
The lights too have been updated, new LED headlights replace the old projectors, while the three daytime running lights keeps it within the family as it looks similar to the ones on the S70.
Capping off the front is a uniquely Proton grille with the “ethereal bow” strip that Proton’s design team has been quite proud of, and for good reason. But I must ask the design team – what is up with those fake vents on the redesigned bonnet? It is 2025 already, fake vents belong in 1998.
The side profile is also new, with a seemingly longer A-pillar giving the car a more aggressive look. The side has also been split into two, particularly for the Flagship variant, which is what this review is based on.
For the Flagship model, the upper part of the side profile gets a black roof, while the bottom half offers a more pronounced shoulder line as well as black plastic body panels with what seems to be aerodynamic vents. It is uncertain if those vents play any purpose, but they do look good.
The rear is entirely new as well. I particularly like the taillights with LED light strip across the boot, and the rear also sports the one part that is not fake, the quad tailpipes.
Let’s move to the interior.
Despite its looks, this is the one part that is entirely Proton’s brainchild. I know what the looks suggest because every car that comes out of China seems to have one gigantic infotainment system, a small instrument cluster, and not much else.
So, while the design may not be all that original, but it is in line with Proton’s newer models such as the e.MAS 7 and the upcoming e.MAS 5 (yes, I have driven it and spent time with its interior), keeping it very much in the family.
I must mention though that it is much better than what the looks suggest. Quality feels top notch, ergonomics are spot on, and there are features in here which you will never find in more expensive cars that simply make a lot of sense on Malaysian roads.
This feature is the semi-transparent sun visor that helps keep glare to a minimum, something like the sunshades that pilots use in an aircraft cabin. This has been carried over from the Geely Binyue L, but still a very cool touch.
Back to the business ends of things – the infotainment system measures in at a gargantuan 14.6-inches with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto. While that is nothing new, the Bahasa Melayu voice control system is a nice touch.
Proton says that it took them over 330,000 man hours to develop the voice command system, and just to ensure it works everywhere in Malaysia, it can understand four dialects, including the notoriously difficult Kelantanese dialect.
What I like about the interior is that it offers hard buttons for air-conditioning controls (though the on-screen adjustability is surprisingly easy even when driving), and the centre console has been freed of clutter because the gear selector has been moved to the steering column.
This simple update has allowed the engineers slash designers to incorporate things like cup holders, the aforementioned hard buttons for the a/c, and even twin phone holders with one Qi wireless charger.
Some netizens have remarked that the steering column shifter can be accidentally mistaken for the indicator stalk and thus shifting from Drive to Reverse. I have tried it; it does not work and the most that it goes to is Neutral.
Even then it can very easily shift back to Drive and there is no chance of the gearbox exploding as some have suggested.
But besides that, the interior remains largely the same. I appreciate the massive panoramic roof, the seats are also the same as before, which means a touch of softer padding would have made them more comfortable over long distances.
Spaciousness all around is as decent as before as is the boot space, which despite its generosity, houses a space saver spare wheel.
Let’s talk about the engine.
You could almost feel a collective sigh of relief from fans of the X50 when Proton announced that it was ditching the old three-cylinder engine for a four-cylinder unit.
Not like there was anything wrong with the old engine, it’s just that it sounded like a diesel engine, quivered oddly during start up and shut down, and was not very smooth at times.
The new engine solves all those supposed issues.
The 1.5-litre displacement is the same as before, and it is also turbocharged as well, and slightly more powerful with 181PS and 290Nm of torque. That’s 4PS and 35Nm more than before and allows a 0-100kmh time of 7.6 seconds.
Power is sent to the front wheels through the same seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
What is rather impressive is the fact that despite the engine gaining one extra cylinder, which in theory should make the engine thirstier since there is one extra mouth to feed. But the truth is quite the opposite, in fact fuel consumption is down by 4.7%.
The timing belt has also been swapped with a timing chain, which supposedly makes it more robust over the long term.
So, how does it drive then?
As you could probably imagine, it is a lot smoother than the previous model thanks to that one additional cylinder. I have never been a fan of three-cylinder engines as they always seem to be off balance and make an uninspiring rattle.
But not here, the X50 comes with four driving modes – Eco, Normal, Sport and a new Adaptive mode. The latter learns your driving style and adapts to it accordingly, I just left it in adaptive for most of my drive to Melaka and back.
The suspension is firm yet comfortable while refinement is surprisingly decent, until you hit upwards of 110km/h. After that point, you begin to hear some roar from the Continental tyres and some hints of the wind hitting the screen.
But that’s not a deal breaker, there are not many cars in this segment that remain quiet at that speed.
Once you get used to that, you will notice that the Proton X50 is more than happy to be cruising at about 140km/h and can manage it all day without taking a toll on you.
Adaptive cruise control with stop and go function is a nice touch as well and makes managing traffic a much simpler task.
The final verdict?
I don’t say this very often but the Proton X50 is one of the few cars that justifies a lateral move. If you own a previous generation X50 and want something new, the new X50 feels like a genuine trade up.
The new X50 can even make life difficult for the likes of the Honda HR-V, and with a price tag starting from RM89,800 all the way up to RM113,300, it feels like a true bargain considering everything you are getting.
It even comes with comprehensive list of active and passive safety systems including Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). In fact, I am in awe of the fact that it comes with a feature called Door Opening Warning, you don’t usually get this feature in this price category, and I can only think of the Chery Tiggo Cross Hybrid to have the same system.
This warns you of oncoming obstacles when you want to open the door, so you don’t accidently hit a pedestrian, cyclist or worse, a motorcyclist.
At the current price tags (which is slightly cheaper than before), the new Proton X50 genuinely feels like a bargain.
The Hyundai Santa Fe stands as one of Hyundai’s most iconic models and a cornerstone of the brand’s SUV legacy. First introduced globally in the year 2000, it marked Hyundai’s official entry into the SUV segment, a bold move that set the stage for the company’s transformation into a serious global automotive contender.
Over five generations, the Santa Fe has evolved from a modest family utility vehicle into a sophisticated, technology-laden SUV that competes confidently with premium rivals.
In Malaysia, the Santa Fe has enjoyed a long and steady presence, resonating with buyers who value comfort, reliability, and practicality. It was first introduced locally in the early 2000s, and since then, each generation has brought significant advancements in safety, design, and powertrain options.
The third and fourth generations, in particular, elevated the Santa Fe’s image from a rugged family SUV to a more refined and premium offering. Malaysian buyers were drawn to its combination of powerful diesel engines, generous seven-seat capacity, and impressive safety credentials.
Hyundai Motor Company has taken a major step in its expansion strategy with the establishment of Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMY) and has taken the latest iteration of the Santa Fe even further upmarket—incorporating bold, boxy styling inspired by modern adventure vehicles, a luxurious interior, and cutting-edge hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains that cater to the growing demand for efficiency and sustainability.
Commanding presence on the road
For those who are not aware of the existence of the current generation Santa Fe, you will definitely need to look twice and wonder what this abomination is. The latest iteration of the brand’s D/E-segment SUV makes a commanding entrance with a striking, boxy silhouette and a host of modern enhancements.
The redesigned exterior introduces a more upright and muscular profile. A wide stance, high-set bonnet and flared fenders lend it a rugged appeal, while sophisticated design elements such as the dark chrome-finished grille, a hidden rear wiper, and the signature H-shaped LED lighting give it a futuristic edge.
With the right body colour, this SUV will look menacing in your rearview mirror at night.
Hybrid or Petrol?
Hyundai has tailored the Santa Fe’s powertrain offerings to appeal to a wide spectrum of drivers, launching three distinct variants in the local market. The Prime and Prestige trims feature hybrid powertrains built around a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and driving the front wheels, these variants generate 235PS at 5,500rpm and 367Nm of torque between 1,000 and 4,000 rpm. This setup delivers a balanced blend of efficiency and performance, making it ideal for daily commutes and long-distance travel.
At the top of the range is the Calligraphy variant, which takes performance up a notch with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine. Producing 281PS at 5,800 rpm and 422Nm of torque from 1,700 to 4,000rpm, it offers a more dynamic driving experience. This variant comes equipped with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and features all-wheel drive as standard.
So, which is better? Well, at the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference. The hybrid variants have a calm and collective feel while driving. The power delivery feels seamless and smooth, with less engine noise spilling into the cabin.
However, while driving, we did notice that you will not feel the speed that you are actually driving. For example, on the highway, we thought we were at a steady 80 – 95km/h; however, when we looked at the speedometer, we were at a whopping 130km/h!
This can be dangerous in the wrong hands, as hitting the brakes and bringing the car to a stop at that speed will take time. If you are unable to estimate the stopping distance and the amount of time needed to hit the brakes, you are bound to crash, unless you somehow manage to do some hard braking and manoeuvring. But then again, this is just a user error.
Step into the Calligraphy variant, and you will not notice the difference in the front until you put your foot down on the throttle.
I found this powertrain to be much more suitable for the SUV because it felt at home. I could feel the power when pushing it. The engine sounds roaring through the cabin when flooring it enhanced the whole experience.
This was a whole new world compared to the hybrid variant. Yes, unlike the hybrid variant, there is a little bit more turbo lag when flooring this 2.5-litre from a standstill. However, it feels natural, and I have no complaints about that.
This powertrain will feed your ego while driving it. It makes you feel more commanding and asserts dominance over other cars on the road. During our drive and stay in Desaru, we noticed that there was a blacked-out version of the Calligraphy that belongs to the Managing Director of Hyundai Motor Malaysia. With this powertrain and that blacked-out look, people are bound to stay away from you on the road.
Though it is big and boxy, the stability during corners and high speeds impressed us. The Calligraphy variant felt lighter and more agile during tight corners. There is no need for you to be testing this on public roads but if ever there is a situation where quick manoeuvres are needed, this will definitely do the job.
Safety
For a big car, safety most definitely plays a crucial role, and the Santa Fe is not lacking. It comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems as standard. These include autonomous emergency braking with front cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane centring assist, and blind-spot monitoring with active collision avoidance.
It also features front and rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, a door opening warning, rear seat reminder, and automatic high beam.
Stepping up to the Prestige variant enhances safety further with second-generation AEB that detects oncoming vehicles and provides evasive steering assistance, reverse AEB, dual blind-spot view cameras, and a convenient remote parking feature that can be activated via the Hyundai “H” logo key.
The airbag count has also been increased to ten, now including a driver’s knee airbag, centre airbag, and rear side airbags, while stability control remains a standard feature across the range.
Spacious enough for giants
There are some cars out there that look big from the outside, but step into them and you might feel a little claustrophobic. The Santa Fe, however, is spacious enough for giants to travel.
The expanded body dimensions translate to noticeably greater interior space, especially in the second and third rows. Both legroom and headroom have been improved to better meet customer expectations for comfort.
The third-row seats now recline an additional ten degrees, offering what Hyundai describes as best-in-class spaciousness, while entry remains effortless thanks to a convenient one-touch tilt-and-slide mechanism for the second-row seats.
So it is safe to say that comfort during long-distance travelling will not be an issue.
Final thoughts
Although priced at RM270,000, it is worth buying. I do not mind paying a little bit more for comfort and quality, which most SUVs lack nowadays. People would rather choose cheap options and compromise on quality, and then complain about how bad it is. The Santa Fe offers comfort, quality, luxury and does not compromise on safety and performance.
Specifications:
Calligraphy
Engine: 2.5 litre T-GDi
Power: 281PS
Torque: 422Nm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch
HEV Prestige
Engine: 1.6 litre turbocharged
Power: 235PS
Torque: 367Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission
Price (as tested):
RM270,000 (2.5 T-GDi HTRAC Calligraphy)
RM245,000 (HEV Prestige)
We like: Performance, looks, comfort and quality We don’t like: Not parked in our garage
Mazda has officially taken the wraps off its brand-new logo, following its trademark registration last year. The redesigned emblem made its first public appearance at the Japan Mobility Show and has already been rolled out across Mazda’s official website and digital platforms.
The new design represents Mazda’s latest step in modernising its image for a digital-first world. Mazda says the move aims to enhance brand visibility and consistency, particularly in online environments where clarity and simplicity are key.
While the overall look has been refined, Mazda has kept the core identity intact. The familiar “M” shape that resembles a pair of outstretched wings remains the centrepiece, symbolising the brand’s spirit of flight and forward motion. This motif has been part of Mazda’s identity since 1997 and was last refreshed in 2018. The latest iteration softens the edges and removes the inner shading, creating a flatter, more minimalist aesthetic that feels both timeless and modern.
This update continues a long evolution of Mazda’s logo design over the decades. The company’s first logo, introduced in 1934, was a simple calligraphic wordmark that reflected its Japanese craftsmanship and cultural pride. Two years later, Mazda unveiled a 1936 emblem featuring three overlapping “M” shapes inspired by Hiroshima’s three rivers — an early interpretation of the “wings” motif that still defines its brand today.
TNG Digital Sdn Bhd, the company behind Malaysia’s leading digital financial platform, TNG eWallet, has rolled out a new EV Charging feature that allows electric vehicle owners to find, activate, and pay for charging across multiple networks in Malaysia and Singapore — all within a single app.
This new feature is powered by Voltality, a wholly owned subsidiary of Beep, which connects users to various charge point operators (CPOs) without the need to download multiple apps. Payments are made directly through TNG eWallet, with automatic deductions and instant refunds for any unused balance, ensuring a smooth and transparent charging experience from start to finish.
According to TNG Digital Chief Executive Officer Alan Ni, the new function was designed to simplify the EV ownership experience by eliminating the need for different apps and accounts. The goal, he said, was to unify the entire charging process under one convenient platform.
The rollout begins with key operator partners such as KINETA, EVlution, Zura Charge, CHARGE+, RExharge, Powered By RISE, and JusEV Charging Network, along with major Singaporean operators like SP Mobility, CDG ENGIE, EV Mobility, and MNL Asia. More partners are expected to join soon, further expanding coverage and convenience for users across the region.
GWM Malaysia has pulled the covers off the new TANK 500 HEV Black Edition — a darker, more commanding take on its flagship hybrid SUV. Priced at RM336,800, the new variant carries a modest RM8,000 premium over the standard model but brings with it a host of exclusive blacked-out enhancements that give the already-imposing SUV an even stronger visual presence.
Built on the same foundation of capability, refinement, and advanced hybrid power as the regular TANK 500, the Black Edition adds a new layer of sophistication through a bold monochrome treatment. Almost every chrome detail has been replaced with sleek black finishes, giving the SUV a more aggressive yet premium look.
The list of upgrades includes darkened headlamps, a gloss black front grille, black door handles, and black garnish pieces for the bumpers, fog lamps, and tail lamps. The alloy wheels are now finished in black, as are the window trims, roof rails, and side steps, while a black rear bumper protector and emblem complete the stealthy transformation.
Lexus has shown the inside of its new hybrid sports car, giving a first look at its bold and futuristic design. The car, based on the earlier Lexus Sport Concept, will be a hybrid model focused on performance and driving fun.
The interior is very different from normal cars — there is no big centre screen. Instead, the digital cockpit wraps around the driver, with one main display in the middle and two smaller screens on each side. These show details like battery level (70%), power and charge meters, and gear position. There’s also an “M” for manual mode and readings for tyre pressure and temperature, showing that it’s made for track driving.
Instead of a normal steering wheel, the car uses a yoke-style steering control with buttons and paddle shifters behind it. The left paddle seems to change how strong the regenerative braking is, while the right paddle may control gear changes. Two small control stalks behind the yoke are believed to manage drive modes and gear selection.
Mazda Motor Corporation has taken centre stage at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 with the unveiling of two concept models — the MAZDA VISION X-COUPE and the MAZDA VISION X-COMPACT. Both models represent Mazda’s forward-looking theme for this year’s exhibition: “The Joy of Driving Fuels a Sustainable Tomorrow.”
The MAZDA VISION X-COUPE is a crossover coupe that brings the brand’s KODO – Soul of Motion design language to a new level of sophistication. It’s a striking expression of Mazda’s belief that driving pleasure and sustainability can coexist.
Under its sculpted body lies a plug-in hybrid powertrain that pairs a two-rotor rotary turbo engine with an electric motor and battery, delivering an impressive 510PS. The car can travel up to 160 km in electric-only mode and achieve a total range of around 800 km when the engine and motor work together.
What sets the X-COUPE apart is its innovative approach to environmental performance. It’s designed to run on carbon-neutral fuel produced from microalgae and is equipped with Mazda’s proprietary “Mobile Carbon Capture” system, which absorbs CO₂ from the atmosphere as the car is driven. Mazda says this combination allows the vehicle to contribute to reducing carbon emissions the more it’s used — an ambitious concept that demonstrates the company’s drive toward a sustainable future without abandoning performance.
Proton has officially introduced the e.MAS 5, marking a significant step in the national carmaker’s transition into electric mobility.
The compact EV is closely related to the Geely Xingyuan but carries distinct Proton cues — including the signature tiger emblem on the nose, Proton lettering across the tailgate, and e.MAS 5 badging that identifies it as Malaysia’s own version of the city-focused electric hatchback.
The colour range largely mirrors its Geely counterpart with Moonstone White, Graphite Silver, and Slate Grey, while the Premium variant adds Marble Cream and Quartz Rose to the palette. The latter, a pale lilac hue, was inspired by the updated shades seen on the 2026 Xingyuan facelift.
Visually, the e.MAS 5 retains the soft curves and smooth surfaces of the original design, with slim LED lighting units, a closed-off front fascia, and chrome highlights along the front corners.
The Premium model distinguishes itself with a black roof and mirror caps. Unique to Proton’s version are the C-pillar star motifs and an interior “shooting star” light pattern, replacing the Chinese model’s city skyline theme. These details subtly connect to the Xingyuan’s original “star wish” inspiration.
Inside, the cabin adopts Proton’s current design direction — clean, minimal, and driver-oriented. The dashboard is built around a 14.6-inch infotainment display running Atlas OS, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with the “Hi e.MAS” voice assistant in Bahasa Malaysia.
It also integrates dedicated EV features, such as a real-time charging map showing nearby charging stations.
Below the screen sits a simple storage tray, tactile air-conditioning controls, and a crystal-effect gear selector, with twin cupholders and a small compartment beside it.
Some features found in the Geely model, like wireless charging and powered front seats, are not included even in the Premium trim. Cabin colour schemes differ according to exterior choice: standard versions get Flint Grey, while the Marble Cream and Quartz Rose variants come with Alabaster White interiors.
The base model comes equipped with halogen headlights, 16-inch steel wheels, manual air-conditioning, manual seat adjustment, rear air vents, and faux leather upholstery.
Moving up to the Premium adds full LED headlights, a black contrast roof, D-pad-inspired alloy wheels, a six-speaker sound system, a 360-degree camera, and a powered tailgate.
Power comes from a rear-mounted electric motor, with two configurations available. The Prime variant delivers 79PS and 130 Nm, powered by a 30.12 kWh LFP battery that offers 225 km of WLTP range. The Premiumincreases output to 116PS and 150 Nm, using a 40.16 kWh battery for 325 km of range. Top speeds are limited to 125 km/h and 135 km/h respectively.
Charging performance is competitive for its class. The Premium variant supports DC fast charging up to 71 kW, enabling a 30–80% charge in 21 minutes, while both models accept 6.6 kW AC charging for convenient overnight replenishment using a home wallbox.
The emas.5 is priced at RM59,800 for the Prime variant and RM72,800 for the Premium variant.
A rebate of RM3,000 is given to buyers from now till end of 2025. Also included is a 6-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty and a 8-year or 160,000km high voltage battery and component warranty.
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has taken the wraps off the Honda 0 α (Alpha) prototype at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, introducing the latest addition to its growing range of next-generation electric vehicles. This new model joins the futuristic Honda 0 lineup as a key entry point for customers into the brand’s new electric era.
Set to be displayed throughout the duration of the show, the Honda 0 α is designed as a compact SUV that seamlessly fits into both urban and natural environments. It continues the design and engineering philosophy first seen in the Honda 0 Saloon and Honda 0 SUV, which were unveiled earlier this year at CES 2025. Unlike those flagship models, the 0 α serves as a “gateway model” — more accessible yet still showcasing the same level of sophistication, innovation, and environmental awareness that define the Honda 0 Series.
The 0 α has been developed under the guiding principles of “Thin, Light, and Wise,” the core philosophy of the Honda 0 Series. These principles focus on maximising efficiency through lightweight engineering, clever design, and advanced technology. The result is a vehicle that offers sleek styling, excellent interior space, and refined usability, all while delivering the practicality and confidence expected of an SUV.
