Global News Archives

Piston.my

Global News

Jaecoo J5 EV Launched in Indonesia

Jaecoo has officially introduced the all-electric J5 EV in Indonesia, signalling another major step in the brand’s regional expansion within Southeast Asia’s fast-growing EV market. The SUV is offered in two trims — the Standard, priced at 249.9 million rupiah (around RM63,000), and the Premium, at 299.9 million rupiah (around RM75,000). These launch prices are exclusive to the first 1,000 buyers, making the J5 EV one of the most accessible electric SUVs in the segment.

Both variants share a similar powertrain setup, featuring a front-mounted electric motor that produces 211 PS and 288 Nm of torque, powered by a 60.9 kWh battery pack. With this configuration, the J5 EV can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.7 seconds and offers an impressive driving range of up to 461 km based on the NEDC cycle.

Charging performance is equally noteworthy, with support for DC fast charging at up to 130 kW, enabling a 30% to 80% recharge in 28 minutes. For added practicality, Jaecoo has also included vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, allowing the SUV to supply up to 3.3 kW of power to external devices — a handy feature for camping trips or emergencies.

Inside, the J5 EV’s cabin combines functionality and sophistication, offering a premium feel without breaking the bank. Key features include 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic glass roof with a powered sunshade, a powered tailgate, and ventilated front seats wrapped in synthetic leather.

The dashboard is dominated by a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, complemented by an eight-inch digital instrument cluster, 64-colour ambient lighting, eight speakers, a 50-watt wireless charger, and built-in telematics connectivity.

(more…)

Honda Reaffirms Commitment to Hybrids But Will Continue To Develop EV’s

Honda is one of the most dynamic companies in the market. On one end it builds cars like the Honda CR-V, HR-V, Honda City and City Hatchback for regular people to go about their regular lives.

On the other end it builds cars like the Civic Type R and now the Prelude for those who love the joy of driving and want to have fun.

It also builds electric cars such as the e:N1 and the Prologue, the latter available in the North American market only.

In fact, Honda has been building electric cars since 1997, the year it introduced the EV Plus, an exclusively EV only model powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery. Groundbreaking at that time.

Honda is also a firm believer in hybrid technology and has over 25 years of experience in building hybrid powertrains.

On a completely different spectrum, the company builds some of the best motorcycles in the business, marine engines, airplanes, and as of late, has also started delving into reusable rockets to rival that of Elon Musk’s Space X.

All of that without mentioning the decades of success it has enjoyed in the world of motorsport, particularly Formula 1 and MotoGP.

So, believe me when I say that Honda is one of the most dynamic companies in the business.

So, to be able to sit down for a question-and-answer session with the decision makers of the company is nothing short of impossible.

Except that member of the Malaysian automotive press had that exact opportunity recently at the company’s office in Tokyo.

In attendance was the man himself, Toshihiro Mibe, Director, President and Representative Executive Officer of Honda Motor Company, Ltd.

Mibe-san is not your regular executive. He joined Honda in 1987 and began his career in automobile research and development with a focus on engine development.

On Honda’s official press site, Mibe-san is described as a “true engine expert” and has played a key role in the development of some of Honda’s most iconic engines that have powered most of Honda and Acura models for the past two decades.

He was also the President of Honda’s global research and development and has been the driving force in the advancement of Honda’s electrification effort.

So when Mibe-san talks, we listen.

Also in attendance were press members from other countries who asked questions that were specific to their markets, but there were two key takeaways for global markets.

The first being Honda still acknowledges that battery electric vehicle’s play a big role in environmental impact.

Despite heavily backing hybrid technology as the best way forward, Mibe also reaffirmed Honda’s commitment to BEV’s.

During the interview Mibe said, “it is not true that we are scaling back on our development of full EV’s, but compared to our initial forecast, the volume will have to be lower”.

“As I have said before, when it comes to carbon neutrality for passenger cars, battery EV’s are the optimum solution. That remains unchanged. So, it is not that we are scaling back on EV development, but we are just reviewing and revising our models and their volume, and we will continue to work on that”.

Mibe was also quick to reaffirm Honda’s commitment to hybrids, which the company has been building and refining over many years.

“On the other hand, hybrid vehicles is an area where we have many years of experience, and we have been building hybrids for more than 25 years or so”.

“We have plenty of expertise and know how when it comes to hybrid vehicles, so without spending extraordinary amount on development expenses, we can utilise our expertise, keeping down the investment required and we can develop new models out of those (Honda’s experience). Both EV’s and hybrid will continue to support Honda’s automobile business”.

“We will also increase the volume of our hybrid vehicles, by 2030 we are planning for over two million units of hybrid vehicles. Hybrids will be the main portion of our business (by 2030) and for BEV’s, we will continue with our research and development activities.

As part of the trip to Japan, I also had a chance to test drive Honda’s future hybrid technologies. Besides the usual emphasis on efficiency and environmental factors, Honda’s engineers also placed a big importance on making the hybrid powertrains feel as close to a regular internal combustion engine as possible, thus improving the ‘feel good’ factor of Honda hybrid cars.

Honda’s hybrid powertrains do not have transmission boxes and rely on electric motors to drive the wheels. But the engineers have figured out a way to simulate engine noise as well as the “feel” of a transmission shifting gears. That requires a different article altogether, but I will say that Honda has done a fantastic job with that because it comes with the accompanying power cuts that we feel in between shifts.

The second takeaway is Honda’s commitment to safety for its four- and two-wheels business. Back in 2021, Honda announced its zero fatalities by 2050 target, and during the recent interview Mibe reaffirmed the company’s commitment to that target.

Citing Honda’s SENSING technology (which is Honda lingo for advanced driver aid system) and the progress of artificial intelligence, Honda continues with the target of zero fatalities in just 25 years.

So, you may think that Honda cars are lagging behind its competitors especially those from China, but Honda has survived many challenges, has a clear pathway for its future and judging from what I saw and experienced at Honda’s test facilities, this is a company that dismiss at your own peril.

Mazda Unveils Sleek New Logo for the Digital Era

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.

(more…)

Lexus Teases Interior of Upcoming Hybrid Sports Car

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.

(more…)

Mazda Unveils Vision X-Coupe and Vision X-Compact at Japan Mobility Show 2025

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.

(more…)

Honda 0 α Prototype Makes World Debut at Japan Mobility Show 2025

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.

(more…)

Honda Unveils Super-ONE Prototype — A Compact Electric Car with a Sporty Soul

Honda has taken the wraps off its latest creation, the Super-ONE Prototype, at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 — a compact all-electric vehicle that aims to inject excitement back into everyday driving. On display throughout the duration of the event, the Super-ONE signals Honda’s ambition to redefine what a small EV can be: light, responsive, and genuinely fun to drive.

Developed under the concept “e: Dash BOOSTER,” the Super-ONE is designed to offer more than just clean mobility. It embodies Honda’s philosophy of creating vehicles that stir emotion while remaining practical and efficient. The name itself carries meaning — “Super” represents performance that goes beyond convention, while “ONE” reflects Honda’s goal to craft something distinct and uniquely its own.

The Super-ONE’s development centred on combining the environmental benefits of an electric vehicle with the sense of engagement and joy that Honda has long been known for. The company set out to create an EV that stimulates the driver’s senses — sight, sound, and touch — through its handling, performance, and interior experience.

(more…)

Will Honda Build A Prelude Type R?

The Honda Prelude is a car of many childhood dreams. It captured our imaginations, adorned our walls in the form of posters and then it disappeared into the history books.

So, when Honda announced it was reviving the icon back in 2023, there was a collective cheer all over.

But the original Prelude was a proper sports car, the new Prelude, well, was something entirely different.

It shared its underpinnings with the 11th generation Honda Civic, and though it has the chassis, suspension components and some oily bits from the Type R, it is powered by the same 2.0-litre engine as the Honda Civic e:HEV (hybrid).

And I am sure that we can all agree that 200hp and 315Nm of torque hardly qualified as a sports car.

So, the big question behind every Honda fan has undeniably been – is there going to be a Honda Prelude Type R?

I was recently at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show as a guest of Honda Malaysia. The company graciously organized a short interview with the Large Project Leader of the Honda Prelude, Tomoyuki Yamagami.

He was the perfect answer to answer that question since he is basically one of the few people who worked on the new sixth-generation Prelude from the ground up.

So, I couldn’t resist to ask – “will there ever be a Honda Prelude Type R” ?

His answer? No comment.

Not a yes, not a no, not even a maybe. A straight out no comment. And now, I can’t help but speculate because car makers will usually give you a straight out no we can’t do that if a model is not in their plans.

There have been some reports about the next generation Civic Type R being powered by a hybrid powertrain and with an automatic transmission rather than a manual. Both of which the Prelude already has. In fact, the Yamagami-san explicitly mentioned that a manual transmission is impossible to plonk into the Prelude. The car is just not designed for it, he said.

In fact, and again, according to Yamagami-san himself, the Prelude already shares suspension components with the Type R and has a quicker steering rack.

So, it may not be as fast as the Type R in its current guise, but the underpinnings are already there.

Which begs the question, will we see a Honda Prelude Type R?

Speculative at the moment, but there is a decent chance that we just might.

The Honda Prelude is confirmed for key markets around the world and judging from the fact that Honda Malaysia has offered every high-performance model since its inception (talking about you Civic Type R FD2R), I will bet that the Honda Prelude to be offered in Malaysia as well.

Just don’t expect it to be cheap.

Toyota Shares Its Future Plans for Asia

Toyota recently held an event in Japan called the Toyota Motor Asia Media Day, where it talked about its future plans for Asia. The company wants to focus on mobility for everyone and carbon neutrality, meaning it aims to make travel easier while reducing pollution.

Toyota said it wants to be the “Best in Town”, by building safe and reliable cars that help local communities. Its plan has three parts — improving cars (Mobility 1.0), giving more people access to transport (Mobility 2.0), and linking mobility with energy and city systems (Mobility 3.0).

Chairman Akio Toyoda said the company’s goal is not just to sell cars, but to create solutions that fit each community’s needs. A big part of this is the IMV project, which started in 2002 and made strong, affordable vehicles like the Hilux for developing countries. A new IMV series, including an electric version (IMV BEV), is now being developed.

(more…)

Singapore Warns Foreign Drivers with Unpaid Fines Could Be Denied Entry

Singapore police have issued a strong reminder to foreign motorists — including many Malaysians — that those who repeatedly ignore traffic summonses risk being turned away at the border.

According to NST, the warning follows an enforcement operation earlier this month, during which authorities recovered more than S$619,000 (around RM2.2 million) in unpaid fines from 241 foreign drivers over a three-day period. The crackdown was carried out at both the Woodlands Causeway and the Tuas Second Link, the main entry points for vehicles from Malaysia.

During the operation, officers stopped Malaysian-registered vehicles and other foreign cars found to have outstanding fines for offences such as speeding, illegal parking, or vehicle-related violations. Motorists were required to settle their fines on the spot before being allowed to continue their journey into Singapore.

(more…)