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Honda Malaysia Launches Limited CR-V Dual-Tone Edition to Mark 25 Years

Honda Malaysia has introduced a special CR-V Dual-Tone Edition, celebrating 25 years of the brand’s presence in Malaysia. Only 300 units of this limited edition SUV will be available nationwide, showing Honda’s appreciation to loyal customers who have supported the brand over the years.

The CR-V is Honda Malaysia’s longest-running model and a key part of its success. This new Dual-Tone Edition is the first CR-V to feature a two-tone design, with a black roof, side pillars, and mirrors that add a sportier and more stylish look. It is available for the E and V variants, both powered by a 1.5L VTEC Turbo engine that delivers strong performance and smooth driving.

Customers can choose between two colours — Ignite Red Metallic and Platinum White Pearl. Prices remain the same as before: RM169,900 for the E variant and RM181,900 for the V variant. This release is part of Honda Malaysia’s “Because of You” 25th Anniversary Campaign, which thanks Malaysians for their long-term trust and support.

The CR-V has been an important model for Honda Malaysia since it first became locally assembled in 2003 at the Melaka plant. So far, about 149,000 units have been sold across the country, proving its popularity as a reliable and versatile SUV.

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All the benefits of an EV without the hassle

Exploring Chery’s PHEV models

In a previous article, we explored the benefits of Chery’s HEV technology, stating that it offered benefits such as improved fuel efficiency, performance and even a smoother ride.

You can read the article here.

But we understand that there are some who don’t mind the plugged-in life but need an engine to sometimes go further. Chery has a solution for that too and it is known as the Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV).

Two PHEV models were launched recently, the Tiggo 7 PHEV and the Tiggo 8 PHEV. And both offer gargantuan power with impressive range, up to 1200km to be precise.

So what makes PHEV’s by Chery so efficient?

It is the result of a large battery, powerful tri-motors, self-charging capability and the ability to plug in to an external source for recharging.

Powering Chery PHEV’s is a 18.3kWh LFP battery that is IP68 certified for overall durability.

Interestingly, Chery has been rather keen to showcase its durability. The battery is already known to be dust and water resistant, and it is also well known that it can withstand up to 95 degrees Celsius of heat, but in a display of durability, Chery also submerged the battery in a metre-deep tank of seawater for over 53 hours.

After that, it was removed from the tank, cleaned out and reinstalled into a Tiggo 8 PHEV and voila, it still worked.

But that’s not the only test it has survived, Chery has been overtly keen to show the toughness of its LFP batteries, and it has withstood everything the company has thrown at it, seven-car stack test and 15 foot vertical drop included.

The battery is obviously at the centre of the car’s capabilities

And rightfully so because it provides for an all-electric range of up to 90km, making the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 PHEV models incredibly efficient.

In fact, as mentioned before, both models have a claimed combined range of up to 1200km. So yes, the battery is very much the heart of Chery’s CSH package.

As for recharging, the battery can accept up to 40kW of DC charge and 6.6kW of AC charge. The former will charge up the car from 30-80% state of charge in under 20 minutes, while the latter will take three hours.

This is true for both the Tiggo 7 and the Tiggo 8 PHEV models.

What are some of the other benefits of PHEV models?

Power, a lot of it, is one of the other benefits of a PHEV model. Though efficiency is the keyword here, but power can’t be ignored.

Both the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 PHEV’s are powered by a 1.5-litre, turbocharged engine making 143PS and 215Nm.

This is then combined with an electric motor that makes 204PS and 310Nm by itself. Total system output is rated at 275PS and 365Nm of torque.

The engine mostly works as a range extender and recharge the battery when it is depleted while on the move. But when needed, the engine works concurrently with the motor to provide forward propulsion.

What is rather impressive here is that Chery claims a 98% mechanical efficiency for its Dedicated Hybrid Transmission. If you are wondering what that means, well that simply means that very little power is loss to friction or other “parasitic” losses. So what the engine and motor produce, the wheels get 98% of.

Who will benefit from Chery’s PHEV models?

Just about everyone in fact. If you spend time in traffic during work hours, you will appreciate the all-electric capabilities that the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 PHEV have to offer.

If you travel a lot on highways and don’t want to be stuck to a charger, you will also appreciate the fact that the engine can recharge the batteries, as can the regenerative braking system.

So, after a while of driving on the highway, the battery would have gained some percentage of charge so you don’t always have to look out for a charger to enjoy the benefits of the PHEV powertrain.

There is a lot to appreciate about Chery’s PHEV systems, so if you are keen on a car that is efficient and powerful yet comfortable for the family, then Chery’s HEV and PHEV models make a lot of sense.

BYD Tech Discovery Day Brings the Future of Electric Mobility to Malaysia

BYD Malaysia, together with its luxury EV brand DENZA and official distributor BYD Sime Motors, is set to spark nationwide excitement with the first-ever BYD Tech Discovery Day, taking place from 14 to 16 November 2025 at Carpark 3, Plaza Arkadia, Desa ParkCity. The event promises Malaysians an immersive look into the future of intelligent and sustainable driving.

Carrying the theme “BYD Intelligence. Powering Malaysia Forward”, the showcase is more than just an exhibition of vehicles. It serves as Malaysia’s first-ever electric mobility technology tour, aimed at inspiring motorists, EV fans and tech enthusiasts to explore the next generation of automotive innovation.

As Malaysia’s top-selling battery electric vehicle (BEV) brand, BYD has built a strong reputation for its commitment to safety, accessibility, and cutting-edge engineering. From its groundbreaking Blade Battery and e-Platform 3.0 to intelligent performance systems that redefine comfort, BYD continues to lead the shift toward a cleaner, smarter automotive future.

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Volvo ES90 Spotted in Malaysia — All-Electric Flagship Sedan Expected Soon

Volvo’s all-new ES90, the Swedish automaker’s upcoming flagship electric sedan, has been spotted again in Malaysia under the sheets — strongly hinting at an official local launch in the near future. The sighting suggests that Volvo Car Malaysia is preparing for the introduction of its new model as part of the brand’s continued electrification strategy.

The ES90 will serve as the electric successor to the S90, representing Volvo’s push to offer a fully electric lineup by 2030. Built on the advanced SPA2 platform — the same architecture underpinning the EX90 SUV — the ES90 is expected to combine Scandinavian design, cutting-edge technology, and sustainable luxury.

According to Volvo, the 800V system enables rapid charging of up to 350 kW DC, allowing drivers to gain roughly 300km of range in just 10 minutes. The ES90 will be available in both single-motor, rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor, all-wheel-drive variants, with the latter producing up to 670hp and capable of accelerating from 0–100km/h in about four seconds.

Battery capacity options are expected to range from 92 kWh to 106 kWh, offering a driving range of up to 700km (WLTP) depending on the variant. Charging from 10–80% can take as little as 20 minutes under ideal conditions.

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Volvo Malaysia Introduces Lifetime Parts Warranty for Added Peace of Mind

Volvo Car Malaysia has reintroduced its pioneering aftersales assurance initiative under a new name — the Volvo Genuine Parts Extended Warranty programme. This industry-first scheme offers a lifetime warranty at no extra cost on Volvo Genuine Parts that are installed at authorised Volvo dealerships across the country, setting a new standard in the premium car segment.

The programme is designed especially for customers whose vehicles have exceeded the standard manufacturer’s warranty, giving them continued confidence and long-term protection. It reflects Volvo’s ongoing dedication to product quality, customer care, and reducing overall ownership costs. True to Volvo’s promise of safety and reliability, these parts are guaranteed to be “For Life.”

Unlike the standard new-car warranty, the Volvo Genuine Parts Extended Warranty covers both the cost of parts and labour for all eligible replacements carried out by authorised dealers, with no additional charges beyond the price of the part and its installation. The coverage applies for the lifetime of the part, ensuring customers enjoy complete peace of mind long after the original warranty period has ended.

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You Can Save On Your Car Loan With New Revamp of Rules

Car buyers in Malaysia will soon get fairer car loans after the government decided to remove the old “Rule of 78.” This rule has been used for decades in hire-purchase loans but was often seen as unfair. The change comes with the new Hire-Purchase (Amendment) Bill 2025, passed on October 8, which replaces the old system with a fairer one.

Before this, car buyers had to pay most of their loan interest at the start of their repayment. This meant that if they paid off the loan early, they didn’t save much money. Because of that, many people chose longer loan terms instead of finishing payments sooner.

Now, with the new “reducing-balance” system, interest will be charged only on the remaining loan amount, not the total borrowed. This means buyers who pay early or take shorter loans will save more money. Banks must also clearly show the real interest rate to customers.

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BYD Shark in Malaysia – What To Expect!

BYD is officially bringing its first-ever pickup truck, the Shark, to Malaysia, a move that marks the brand’s entry into one of the most competitive vehicle segments in the market. This follows the Shark’s successful launches in regions like Mexico and Thailand, and Malaysian buyers can expect a showcase of the model soon before its official arrival.

The BYD Shark represents a significant step forward for the Chinese automaker as it expands from electric passenger cars into the pickup market. Unlike traditional diesel-powered rivals, the Shark is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that blends practicality with high performance and efficiency.

Under the hood, the Shark features BYD’s advanced Dual-Mode Off-Road hybrid system. It pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with electric motors to deliver a combined output of around 430PS and 650Nm of torque. This powertrain enables the Shark to accelerate from 0–100km/h in just 5.7 seconds, outpacing most conventional pickups on the road.

Equipped with BYD’s signature Blade LFP battery (29.6 kWh), the Shark offers up to 100km of electric-only range, ideal for daily urban commutes without using fuel. When combined with its petrol engine, the truck can travel up to 840km on a full charge and tank. Charging options include both AC and DC capabilities, along with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, allowing owners to power electrical devices directly from the vehicle.

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Proton e.MAS 7 Maintains EV Leadership as e.MAS 5 Bookings Surge Past 10,000 Units

PRO-NET, the subsidiary of Proton leading the brand’s electric mobility efforts, has reached another major milestone in its e.MAS EV journey. The Proton e.MAS 7 continues to dominate the market as Malaysia’s best-selling electric vehicle, recording a total of 7,413 units sold as of 31 October 2025.

Of this number, 6,954 units were sold locally, while 459 were exported. This marks ten consecutive months at the top for the e.MAS 7, reinforcing Proton’s strong position in the nation’s growing EV sector.

Alongside this success, the newly launched Proton e.MAS 5 — Malaysia’s first truly affordable EV — is making waves of its own. The model has already received more than 10,000 bookings nationwide, signalling a major shift in public interest towards electric mobility.

Interest in the Proton e.MAS 5 is strongest in the Central Region, followed by Southern and Northern Malaysia. Demand in East Malaysia and the East Coast is also climbing, showing that enthusiasm for Malaysia’s first affordable EV extends across the country.

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Loke: Physical Driving Licences Soon Come with a Fee, Digital Version Stays Free

Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport is making a significant leap into digitalisation by moving vehicle licenses and registration documents from traditional physical cards to a fully digital platform. During a podcast with Cilisos, Transport Minister Anthony Loke highlighted that the initiative forms part of a wider plan to modernise public services, enhance efficiency, and substantially reduce government spending.

Currently, printing physical licenses and related documents costs the government over RM100 million annually. By introducing a digital system, the government expects to save this amount while still offering drivers the option to obtain a physical card for a fee of RM10 to RM16. Loke emphasised that not every driver requires a physical license, and moving online will streamline administrative processes, cut costs, and resolve common printing issues.

With around 15 to 16 million active drivers in Malaysia, the transition represents a major logistical effort. The Ministry acknowledges that there may be minor challenges or complaints during the early stages of the rollout, but the long-term benefits—including financial savings and improved service delivery—are expected to outweigh any temporary disruptions.

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Perodua Gears Up to Launch Its First Fully Malaysian Electric Vehicle

Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) is preparing to introduce its first electric vehicle (EV) that meets national standards by the end of this month, marking a significant milestone in Malaysia’s automotive journey.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirmed the upcoming launch during his visit and engagement session with Perodua employees. As both the Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Anwar highlighted that this locally developed EV represents more than just a new product—it reflects Malaysia’s broader ambition to drive forward its National Agenda.

He explained that the upcoming Perodua EV has been designed to align with the country’s economic and environmental objectives. According to him, the car will not only be affordable but will also serve as a model that caters to the needs of Malaysians while strengthening the national economy.