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Mazda Unveils the Arata SUV Concept – EV and PHEV Options

Mazda made a splash at Auto China 2024 in Beijing with the debut of the rear-wheel-drive EZ-6 sedan, stealing the spotlight at their stand. However, another notable premiere was the introduction of the Arata, a sleek electric SUV concept destined for production by the end of the following year.

Developed by Changan Mazda, a joint venture between Changan Automobile and Mazda, the Arata is likely to receive a different name for its production version, possibly an alphanumeric designation echoing Mazda’s other SUVs. The “EZ-60” nameplate has already been trademarked in China and could be a potential choice.

The Arata, meaning “new” or “fresh” in Japanese, offers a glimpse of an attractive electric SUV that may share a platform with an existing model. While the EZ-6 sedan is expected to be based on the Changan Depal SL03, the EZ-60 could derive from the Changan Deepal S7. However, significant design differences suggest that Mazda’s versions will appear more upscale and justify a potentially higher price tag.

As a concept, the Arata is an all-electric vehicle which will also offer a plug-in hybrid variant just like the EZ-6. It features Mazda’s signature Kodo design language, with sleek lines, illuminated grille, and distinct lighting elements front and rear. The concept incorporates cameras in place of traditional mirrors, eliminates door handles, and foregoes a rear wiper for a cleaner aesthetic. A spoiler with a vertical third brake light extends to the roof panel, while the quarter panel design creates the illusion of flying buttresses.

While Mazda has not confirmed plans to sell the sedan and SUV outside of China, where they will be manufactured, the vehicles are sure to generate excitement with their innovative designs and electric powertrains.

Mazda EZ-6 Unveiled For China Market – Rear-Wheel-Drive, 600km EV Range

Mazda has unveiled the EZ-6, marking the return of the mid-size sedan to the Chinese market under a new electric guise. Developed through the Changan Mazda joint venture, this sleek sedan comes in purely electric and plug-in hybrid variants.

While retaining the signature Kodo design language, it introduces new elements such as a partially illuminated grille and pop-out door handles. The taillights and headlights draw comparisons to Jaguar designs, while an unexpected active spoiler adds a touch of sportiness. Measuring 4919mm in length, 1889mm in width, and 1483mm in height, the EZ-6 is slightly larger than its predecessor.

Sporting 19-inch aero wheels, the Mazda EZ-6 features a large panoramic glass roof and frameless doors, enhancing its premium appeal. Reports suggest it shares its platform with the Changan Shenlan SL03 but offers a more upscale interior design. While diverging from Mazda’s global offerings, the cabin boasts an appealing aesthetic, highlighted by a full-length “floating” centre console.

Early specifications reveal that the Mazda EZ-6 boasts a rear-wheel-drive setup for the electric model, achieving a perfect 50:50 weight distribution and employing a multi-link rear suspension. The battery pack, while unspecified, offers an impressive range of 600km per the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC). Meanwhile, the plug-in hybrid variant can cover 1,000km on a combined petrol and electric powertrain.

Scheduled to go on sale in China following its debut at the Beijing Motor Show, this electric/plug-in hybrid mid-size sedan is not expected to be exported to other markets.

All-New Toyota Yaris G Limited: RM99,600 With Only 600 Units Available

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has introduced the Toyota Yaris G Limited, aiming to raise the bar in the non-national B-segment hatchback market. This new addition to the Yaris lineup showcases automotive innovation, offering improved performance upgrades, enhanced handling, and a stylish design.

The Toyota Yaris G Limited will be a limited-run variant, with only 600 units available. Priced at RM99,600.00 (On the road, without insurance), the G Limited comes with a full 5-year unlimited mileage warranty. Additionally, performance parts are covered for 1 year/20,000km warranty, providing extra assurance for your driving experience. It is available in various colours, including the Sporty 2-Tone Exterior package, catering to both lifestyle and performance preferences.

The Yaris G Limited is designed to be the ideal companion for every journey, whether on city streets or weekend getaways. Its performance-tuned suspension system enhances cornering ability and responsiveness, providing a sportier driving experience. The agile chassis with better tyre grip and precise steering ensures accurate handling and control, allowing drivers to feel fully connected to the road.

Equipped with a range of performance enhancements, the Toyota Yaris G Limited delivers a thrilling ride with flexible handling and improved power, providing a fun-to-drive experience for customers. A throttle controller and cold air intake elevate its performance, ensuring swift acceleration and an exhilarating driving experience.

Inspired by Toyota’s extensive history in motorsports, the Yaris G Limited proudly wears its ‘LIMITED’ emblem, symbolising its exclusive status and performance pedigree.

BMW Malaysia Unveils the New iX3 Final Edition – RM300k, 286hp, 461km Range

BMW Malaysia has unveiled the new BMW iX3 Final Edition, enhancing the premium all-electric SAV with additional M Performance equipment alongside the existing M Sport package. This edition builds upon the ‘Impressive’ trim and features new M Performance elements as standard, including the M Performance Carbon Mirror Caps, M Performance Carbon Fibre Door Sill, M Performance Rear Spoiler, and the Adaptive M Suspension lifetime upgrade.

The M Performance Carbon Mirror Caps, made from carbon fibre, add a high-tech touch to the SAV’s design, while the M Performance Carbon Fibre door sill trim enhances the sporty appearance with a carbon insert and coloured M Performance logo. The M Performance rear spoiler, finished in high-gloss black, contributes to the aggressive aesthetic. Additionally, the Adaptive M Suspension with a lifetime upgrade offers the flexibility to switch between comfortable and sportier handling modes.

The iX3 Final Edition retains sophisticated standard equipment, including a panoramic glass roof, automatic three-zone air conditioning, electric sports seats, 20-inch M aerodynamic wheels, Driving Assistant Professional, Parking Assistant Plus, BMW Laserlight, Harman Kardon surround sound system, BMW Head-Up Display, and Acoustic glazing.

Powered by the fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, the rear-wheel-drive iX3 Final Edition features an efficient electric motor generating up to 286hp and 400Nm of torque. With an 80 kWh battery, it offers a range of up to 461km (WLTP) on a full charge.

The iX3 Final Edition comes in six exterior colours and two interior upholstery options. BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia offers flexible financing plans, including the Easy Drive Financing Plan starting from RM4,036.00 per month and the Straight Line Financing Plan starting from RM3,531.00 per month. Customers can also benefit from a RM6,000.00 cash rebate exclusive to registrations under the Easy Drive Financing option.

Owners of the New BMW iX3 Final Edition will enjoy the BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience, including a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service, 8-year/160,000 km battery warranty, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, and BMW Service Online.

The recommended retail pricing for the new BMW iX3 Final Edition is RM299,800.00 (on the road, without insurance), with an additional option for BMW Service & Repair Inclusive at RM19,800.00.

Mini Unveils the All-New Aceman with Two Powertrain Options

Mini has unveiled the all-new Aceman, a fully electric crossover poised to compete in the subcompact SUV segment. As the high-riding counterpart to the Mini Cooper, the Aceman offers a spacious cabin while retaining the urban agility characteristic of the brand.

Distinctive design elements from the Cooper hatchback and Countryman SUV merge into the Aceman’s design, featuring matte black plastic cladding, skid plates, and roof rails for a crossover stance. The iconic Mini design traits, such as the wraparound greenhouse and floating roof, remain intact, with the octagonal grille at the front adding to its character.

The Mini Aceman lineup comprises four trims – Essential, Classic, Favoured, and JCW – each with unique design elements and alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 19 inches. The flagship JCW model stands out with Chili Red accents and exclusive styling cues.

Measuring 4,075mm long, 1,754mm wide, and 1,495mm tall, the Aceman positions itself between the Cooper and Countryman, offering a five-seater cabin with 300 litres of cargo space. The interior resembles the Cooper’s, featuring a 9.44 inch circular OLED touchscreen and Mini Operating System 9 infotainment, including the Intelligent Personal Assistant “Spike.”

The Aceman offers eight selectable Mini Experience Modes, each with distinct graphics and ambient lighting patterns. It comes equipped with advanced driver assistance systems, including twelve ultrasonic sensors and four Surround View cameras.

Power wise, the Aceman offers two electric powertrain options shared with the electric Mini Cooper. The entry-level Aceman E features a 40.7 kWh battery pack and a single electric motor producing 181hp, while the Aceman SE boasts a 54.2 kWh battery pack and a more powerful electric motor delivering 215hp.

The Mini Aceman is set to go on sale in markets such as China and Europe later this year, with production starting in China and expanding to Mini’s Oxford plant in the UK in 2026.

The New BMW i4 and 4 Series Gran Coupe Receive Minor Changes

BMW has introduced facelifted versions of the electric 2025 i4 and the petrol-powered 2025 4-series Gran Coupe, featuring restyled versions of the controversial kidney grille. Notably, the i4’s grille has a closed top half, reflecting its reduced cooling needs compared to the petrol-powered Gran Coupe.

Both models receive updated headlights and taillights, integrating low- and high beams into a single LED module. A special feature is the headlights’ animation upon detecting the key within 10 feet of the car, providing a welcoming gesture to the driver. M Sport package-equipped versions of both models now feature a gloss black-finished rear diffuser. New 19-inch M aerodynamic wheels and 20-inch BMW Individual aerodynamic wheels in double-spoke form provide more individualisation options.

While the mechanical changes are minimal, the Gran Coupe models receive a revised 48-volt hybrid system, newly available on the base turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder. The turbo four in the 430i model maintains its 255hp output, while the more potent M440i gains an additional 11hp from the 48-volt setup, bringing the total to 386hp.

The fully electric BMW i4 is now available in four model variants which are the new BMW i4 xDrive40 with electric all-wheel drive, maximum system output of 401hp and a range of 444 – 548km in the WLTP cycle. Also in the line-up are the range-topping BMW i4 M50 xDrive, the BMW i4 eDrive40 and the BMW i4 eDrive35.

Interior updates include BMW’s updated iDrive 8.5 software, which relocates climate control, heated seat, and heated steering wheel controls to the touchscreen. The cabin materials see enhancements, with new brushed aluminium trim and two open-pore wood options added to the list of available choices.

Standard safety equipment includes Speed Limit Info, Front Collision Warning, Parking Assistant, Reversing Assist Camera and the Reversing Assistant. Driving Assistant Professional with Steering and Lane Control Assistant and Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function and Parking Assistant Plus are available as options.

The i4 introduces a unique plug-and-charge system capable of storing up to five contracts, facilitating direct payment for multiple public charging networks from the car itself.