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Nissan Launches China-Built Frontier Pro Pickup

Zhengzhou Nissan has launched its all-new Frontier Pro series of pickup trucks, marking the first time a Nissan model has been fully designed, developed and built in China with plans for global distribution. The price for the new Frontier Pro line-up ranges from roughly RM 114,240 to RM 132,480, while the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant is priced between around RM 127,680 and RM 168,000.

The Frontier Pro delivers a striking presence, measuring 5,520 mm long, 1,960 mm wide and 1,950 mm tall, riding on a 3,300 mm wheelbase, which makes it wider and taller than the Nissan Navara. Its cargo bed offers substantial carrying capacity, measuring 1,520 mm in length, 1,600 mm in width and 490 mm in depth. Some variants also offer a convenient electric soft-down tailgate for easier loading and unloading.

Inside the cabin, Nissan has combined modern amenities with rugged practicality. A digital instrument panel sits alongside a large central touchscreen, and a row of traditional buttons remains on the centre console for ease of use. The interior materials aim high, featuring soft-touch surfaces paired with a 12-speaker JLA audio system for a comfortable and refined driving environment.

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Leapmotor Launches B05 EV Hatchback in China – 215hp, 605km of Range

Leapmotor has unveiled its latest compact electric hatchback, the B05 — known in China as the Lafa5 — with five trim levels designed to meet varied budgets and driving needs. The model starts with the 515 Plus at 97,800 yuan (about USD 13,800), while the top-end 605 Max fetches 121,800 yuan. Early buyers benefit from a roughly 5,000 yuan discount across the line-up.

Built on the LEAP 3.5 platform, the B05 measures 4,430 mm in length, 1,880 mm in width and 1,520 mm in height, riding on a 2,735 mm wheelbase, similar in size to the smart #3. Buyers can choose between two battery configurations — a 56.2 kWh pack for a CLTC-rated 515 km range, or a 67.1 kWh pack for 605 km. Both use a rear-mounted electric motor, available in outputs of 177hp or 215hp.

Inside, the B05 offers a modern cabin complete with an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch 2.5K central touchscreen running Leapmotor OS 4.0 Plus on a Snapdragon-based processor. Depending on trim, equipment may include ventilated and heated seats, a panoramic roof, 256-colour ambient lighting, wireless charging built into a cleverly designed “magic expansion island” centre console, and upholstery spanning fabric, faux-suede, or Nappa leather.

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All-New Proton Saga Launched – Prices Start from RM38,990

Proton has officially launched the all-new Saga, marking the start of a new chapter for one of Malaysia’s most recognisable cars. For more than forty years, the Proton Saga has been a familiar presence on Malaysian roads, with over 2.1 million units sold globally since its 1985 debut.

It remains Proton’s most popular and enduring model, a role it continues to build on with this fourth-generation version.

The 2025 Proton Saga arrives with a new powertrain configuration. It is now equipped with a 1.5-litre i-GT engine that produces 120 PS and 150 Nm, paired with a CVT for improved smoothness and refinement. The more affordable variants retain the 4-speed automatic gearbox. Proton says the updates deliver better response and overall efficiency.

The exterior has been completely redesigned. The latest model features a sculpted bonnet, a revised front grille with Proton’s “Sulaman Songket” motif, full LED projector headlamps with DRLs, and a new LED tail light bar inspired by the Proton X50. New 15-inch alloy wheels, offered in both two-tone and single-tone designs, complete the updated look.

Safety has been significantly upgraded. The Saga now includes Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), six airbags, and additional structural reinforcements such as a strengthened front seat cross-member and reinforced centre pillars. Key features include Front Collision Warning, Front Departure Alert, Intelligent High Beam Control and Lane Departure Warning.

The new Saga also becomes Malaysia’s first A-segment model to earn ASEAN NCAP recognition for passing the Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) Motorcyclist Test. It is further supported by Door Opening Warning, Rear Collision Warning, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Inside, the cabin receives a notable uplift in both technology and design. The dashboard now houses a 16-inch dual-screen layout that combines a 9-inch infotainment display with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as standard.

Other design details include a flat-bottom electric power steering wheel, “Congkak”-inspired air vents and wave-pattern elements inspired by Malaysian coastlines. Two new colours—Marine Blue and Space Grey—join the range.

Prices for the 2025 Proton Saga start from RM38,990 for the Standard variant, RM44,990 for the Executive and RM49,990 for the Premium variant.

For the units registered before 31 December 2025, get a special launch rebate of RM1,000.

iCAUR V23 Electric SUV Launched in Malaysia – Prices Start from RM119,800

iCAUR Malaysia has expanded its electric SUV line-up with the launch of the new iCAUR V23, a model designed to strengthen the brand’s presence in the country’s increasingly competitive EV market. It follows the earlier arrival of the iCAUR 03, but this time the company is leaning into nostalgia, shaping its new C-segment SUV with cues from old-school off-roaders while pairing that look with modern performance and safety technology.

Despite its compact footprint, the V23 carries noticeably bold proportions. It measures 4,220 mm in length, 1,915 mm in width, and 1,845 mm in height, with a 2,735 mm wheelbase that gives it the stance of a true adventure-ready SUV, whether navigating the city or heading into rougher terrain.

Two powertrain choices are available. The rear-wheel-drive version uses a single motor producing 136 PS and 180 Nm, paired with a 59.9 kWh LFP battery. The more powerful intelligent all-wheel-drive model adds a front motor for a combined 211 PS and 292 Nm, supported by a larger 81.8 kWh NMC battery. Range remains a strong selling point for both, with the 2WD rated at 401 km on the NEDC cycle and the iWD stretching that to 501 km.

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Porsche Looks to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N as Benchmark for Its Next Electric 718

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has earned a strong reputation as one of the first electric cars designed with enthusiastic drivers in mind. Its capabilities have not gone unnoticed by Porsche, which is now benchmarking its next-generation all-electric 718 sports car against Hyundai’s high-performance EV, according to a report by Drive.

Frank Moser, Porsche’s Vice President for the 718 and 911 model lines, said he was impressed after several drives in the Ioniq 5 N. He described it as a vehicle from which Porsche has “learnt a lot,” calling its development “really, really good.” His praise was echoed internally by Andreas Preuninger, Porsche’s Director of the GT Programme. Moser recalled taking a drive with Preuninger and noted that his colleague reacted with a simple “wow” when experiencing the N Grin Boost mode.

Porsche is now considering adopting some ideas from Hyundai’s approach. Moser acknowledged that the brand is exploring features similar to Hyundai’s ‘N e-shift’, which mimics the sensation of an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and ‘N Active Sound+’, which offers a range of synthesised driving sounds. However, he stressed that Porsche would tailor the system to its own identity if it moves forward with the concept.

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Land Rover Builds Toughest Defender for Dakar Rally

Land Rover has pulled the covers off a hardcore new version of the Defender, engineered specifically to take on the 2026 World Rally-Raid Championship and the famously punishing Dakar Rally. The model, officially named the Defender Dakar D7X-R, will compete in the “Stock” category and will be led by 14-time Dakar champion Stéphane Peterhansel, who takes on driving duties for the team.

Although the D7X-R is based on the already formidable Defender Octa, the rally variant has been pushed even further within the limits allowed by competition regulations. The body structure has been reinforced, cooling has been improved to cope with the extreme desert heat, and additional underbody protection has been fitted to cope with continuous impact and rough terrain.

The exterior leaves no doubt about its purpose. The car wears pronounced fender extensions, heavily cut bumpers and a vented bonnet, along with a larger air intake and twin snorkels designed for deep sand and dust. A full LED light bar on the roof is fitted for night stages, and the usual tailgate-mounted spare wheel has been deleted to shave weight. It also adopts a striking “Geopalette” livery inspired by desert landscapes.

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