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Mitsubishi Motors is gearing up to introduce the all-new Eclipse Cross battery electric vehicle (BEV) to Europe before the end of 2025. Production will take place at Renault’s ElectriCity Douai Plant in France, the EV hub of the Renault Group, under the company’s existing OEM agreement.

This latest model follows the ASX compact SUV, Colt hatchback and Grandis SUV, all of which were also developed with Renault. Built on the CMF-EV platform, the new Eclipse Cross has been designed as a pure BEV, combining Mitsubishi’s familiar design identity with the performance and efficiency required by European buyers.

The SUV promises a driving range of around 600km on a single charge, aided by an 87 kWh battery pack. Its electric motor produces up to 214hp and 300Nm of torque, delivering the instant pull EVs are known for. Drivers will also benefit from four selectable levels of regenerative braking via paddle shifters and a one-pedal driving function for effortless city commutes.

Charging options include AC charging up to 22 kW and DC fast charging at 150 kW. A medium-range version, aimed at more cost-conscious buyers, is scheduled to follow in 2026.

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Proton has launched its first electric vehicle, the e.MAS 7, in Singapore, making the brand’s third overseas market for its debut EV. The event also signalled Proton’s return to the city-state after an absence of more than a decade.

The launch brought together senior representatives from Proton and its distributor VINCAR Group, including Proton CEO Dr Li Chunrong, VINCAR CEO Vincent Tan, Proton International Corporation CEO Edmund Lim Meng Thong, PRO-NET CEO Zhang Qiang, and Proton Deputy CEO Ainol Azmil bin Abu Bakar. Officials from the Malaysian High Commission, members of the Singapore media, and VINCAR customers were also present.

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Jetour Malaysia is celebrating Malaysia Day this year by giving back to local customers in a big way. The brand has rolled out petrol rewards worth more than RM1 million, available throughout September, as part of a nationwide initiative to thank Malaysians for their support.

The campaign is straightforward: the first 916 customers will receive an RM2,000 petrol card along with one year of complimentary comprehensive insurance. Civil servants are also being recognised through the Pride of the Nation Programme, which offers them an additional three per cent rebate on top of existing monthly promotions. Jetour says these gestures are designed to deliver meaningful benefits to families while paying tribute to those who serve the community.

The celebrations continue this weekend at KLCC, where Jetour takes on the role of Key Sponsor and Official Car Partner of the Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025. Visitors to the event can explore the brand’s showcase, engage with product specialists, and arrange test drives or assistance with redeeming the September offers.

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Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) has introduced an updated version of the GR Corolla, with orders now available at Toyota dealers in Japan, ahead of sales commencing on November 3.

Structural and Cooling Upgrades

The revised GR Corolla comes with a stiffer body and improved intake cooling. Structural adhesive now extends to 32.7 metres of the chassis—almost 14 metres more than before—mainly around the front, floor, and rear wheel wells. This makes the body more rigid without adding significant weight, helping the car remain composed whether on city streets or race circuits.

To ensure stable performance under heavy load, Toyota has added a high-speed cooling duct to the intake system. By pulling cool air directly from the grille, the duct lowers intake temperatures during sustained hard driving, keeping the 1.6-litre G16E-GTS turbo engine performing consistently at full output.

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For decades, diesel engines have been the backbone of pickups, large SUVs, and vans across key markets. In Australia, the story has been no different, with diesel still powering almost half of Toyota’s local sales. But according to Toyota Australia, the days of diesel dominance could be numbered, with hydrogen waiting in the wings to take its place.

Out of 163,491 vehicles sold by Toyota in Australia during the first eight months of the year, 48.4 per cent were diesel-powered. Heavy-hitters like the Hilux, LandCruiser, Prado, HiAce and Fortuner continue to drive those numbers. The company admits this strong reliance on diesel won’t disappear overnight, but it believes change is inevitable.

Toyota Australia’s vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations, Sean Hanley, explained that diesel still has a role to play throughout this decade, but beyond that, hydrogen could be the game-changer. He pointed out that petrol models already match diesel in many respects, and in some areas outperform them, which raises questions over diesel’s long-term relevance.

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Proton’s electric push continues to gain traction as the Proton e.MAS 7 has once again claimed the title of Malaysia’s number one electric vehicle for August 2025. According to the latest figures, the EV has racked up 5,811 deliveries between January and August this year, with 5,455 units sold locally and a further 356 exported to four international markets.

This milestone means the e.MAS 7 has been the country’s best-selling EV for eight consecutive months, maintaining its lead since the start of the year. Based on JPJ registration data, the car holds a 24% market share, meaning almost one in every four EVs sold in Malaysia is a Proton e.MAS 7.

Local Assembly Begins in Tanjung Malim

August also marked a significant step forward for Proton with the official opening of its first dedicated EV plant in Tanjung Malim. Up until now, the e.MAS 7 had been brought in as a completely built-up (CBU) model from China to keep up with strong early demand. With the new facility now operational, Proton will soon begin local assembly of the model, making the e.MAS 7 the brand’s first CKD EV.

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