Home - Piston.my

Piston.my

Latest News

Proton Opens Malaysia’s First Dedicated EV Assembly Plant at Tanjung Malim

Malaysia marked a major milestone in its automotive history with the launch of the nation’s first assembly plant dedicated exclusively to electric vehicle (EV) production. Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated the opening at Proton’s Tanjung Malim facility, located within the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV). Full-scale production begins this month, just seven months after the groundbreaking ceremony held on 7 February.

The Proton e.MAS 7, introduced in December last year and now regarded as Malaysia’s best-selling EV, will be the first model to be completely knocked down (CKD) and assembled at the plant. It will soon be followed by Proton’s second EV, the e.MAS 5. As part of Proton’s collaboration with Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, the facility will also assemble other premium marques under Geely’s portfolio, including Zeekr.

The event was attended by several key figures, including YAB Dato’ Seri Saarani bin Mohamad, Menteri Besar of Perak, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry YB Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Transport Minister YB Loke Siew Fook, and Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation YB Chang Lih Kang. Also present were Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Group Managing Director of DRB-HICOM and Chairman of Proton, Li Shufu, Chairman of Geely Holding Group, and Proton Chief Executive Officer, Dr Li Chunrong.

(more…)

Audi Concept C: A Glimpse Into the Future of the Four Rings

Audi has unveiled the Concept C, a study that signals a bold step forward in the brand’s design language while drawing on elements of its storied past. The two-seat sports car embodies what Audi calls “athletic minimalism”, a philosophy that relies on clean, precise surfaces intersected by a single defining line to create tension, form and purpose.

At the front, the Concept C introduces a new vertical frame that serves as the structural core of the vehicle. This upright element, inspired by the Auto Union Type C of 1936 and the third-generation Audi A6 of 2004, provides a sense of presence and identity while integrating the Audi rings and advanced lighting technology.

A pronounced shoulder line flows from this feature to define the car’s volume, while the cabin itself is pushed rearward to emphasise the central battery layout that underpins its proportions. For the first time on an Audi roadster, an electrically retractable hardtop is employed, using two roof sections that allow the car to maintain its sculpted monolithic profile with the option of open-top driving. The rear is marked by clean surfacing and horizontal slats that accentuate its sporty stance.

(more…)

New Mazda CX-80 Officially Launched in Malaysia – Prices Start from RM330,000

Bermaz Motor has officially introduced the New Mazda CX-80 to the Malaysian market, marking the arrival of Mazda’s second model from its Large Product Group. Positioned as the brand’s flagship three-row SUV, the CX-80 represents a bold step forward for Mazda in combining luxury, performance and family-friendly versatility.

First revealed in Europe in April 2024 and previewed locally at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show the same year, the CX-80 is built around Mazda’s “Graceful Toughness” design philosophy. It combines Japanese artistry with purposeful engineering, embodying the brand’s Jinba-Ittai ethos – the seamless connection between car and driver – while catering to the modern family with advanced comfort, space and safety.

From the outside, the CX-80 makes a commanding impression. Its elongated proportions, stretched wheelbase and tapered cabin design give it both elegance and presence. A sculpted grille framed by slim adaptive LED headlamps, flowing body lines and carefully placed chrome details highlight Mazda’s mastery of Kodo design, while signature L-shaped lighting at the front and rear reinforces the SUV’s unmistakable identity. Subtle play of light and shadow across its body panels reflects the Takumi craftsmanship that defines Mazda’s premium models.

The cabin extends this sense of refinement, blending minimalism with functionality. Designed with Mazda’s human-centric philosophy, the interior creates a natural sense of connection between driver and machine. Horizontal dashboard lines, intuitively placed controls and premium materials establish an atmosphere of calm sophistication. The six-seat configuration features captain-style chairs in the second row with a full-length centre console, while the third row offers a generous two-seat bench. Ambient lighting, soft-touch finishes and thoughtful conveniences such as wireless charging and discreet storage highlight Mazda’s meticulous approach to interior comfort.

Technology takes centre stage in the CX-80’s cabin. A trio of displays – a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a head-up display – provide clear and intuitive access to vital information. Mazda’s Driver Personalisation System, introduced on its Large Architecture models, recognises individual drivers and automatically adjusts over 250 settings, from seating position to mirrors and head-up display configuration. A 12-speaker Bose audio system adds to the sense of immersion, while smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensures seamless connectivity.

Powering the CX-80 is Mazda’s advanced 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv PHEV system, pairing a Skyactiv-G four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 323hp and 500Nm of torque. Energy is stored in a 17.8 kWh lithium-ion battery, offering up to 65km of zero-emission electric driving. The SUV achieves a top speed of 195km/h and returns a WLTP fuel consumption of 1.6 l/100 km, with CO₂ emissions as low as 36 g/km.

The CX-80 sits on Mazda’s front-engine, rear-focused all-wheel-drive Large Architecture Platform, delivering the brand’s hallmark balance of agility, stability and comfort. Double wishbone front suspension, a multi-link rear setup and i-Activ AWD work together to ensure precise handling and confidence in varied conditions, while Kinematic Posture Control enhances cornering stability. The SUV’s Mi-Drive system offers selectable driving modes, tailoring performance to suit different terrains and driving styles.

Safety has also been given equal priority. The CX-80 secured a five-star rating in Euro NCAP’s 2024 crash tests, reflecting Mazda’s commitment to protecting occupants and vulnerable road users alike. Its suite of i-Activsense safety technologies includes Adaptive LED Headlamps, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear and Front Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist, Smart Brake Support, Driver Attention Alert with monitoring, and Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, among others.

For Malaysia, the New Mazda CX-80 will be offered fully imported (CBU) from Japan, with prices starting from RM330,000. It is available in a refined palette of colours, including Melting Copper, Artisan Red, Rhodium White, Jet Black and Platinum Quartz, each designed to highlight the SUV’s sculpted form.

To provide added assurance, Bermaz Motor includes a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty and a 5-year free maintenance programme covering labour, parts and lubricants (excluding the Mazda BT-50). The high-voltage battery is backed by an 8-year or 160,000 km warranty, ensuring peace of mind for customers investing in Mazda’s flagship SUV.

With the introduction of the CX-80, Mazda has delivered more than just another premium SUV – it has crafted a vehicle that balances Japanese artistry, advanced technology and electrified performance in a package designed for modern families who refuse to compromise.

New Mazda CX-60 Launched in Malaysia – Prices Start from RM198,900

Bermaz Motor has officially introduced the new Mazda CX-60 to Malaysia, marking the debut of the brand’s first model from its Large Product Group. Positioned as Mazda’s latest flagship crossover SUV, the CX-60 ushers in a new chapter for the brand, combining elevated driving pleasure with strong commitments to safety, performance, and environmental responsibility.

The CX-60 represents Mazda’s ambition to move deeper into the premium SUV segment. Conceived under the “Noble Toughness” design concept, the model blends strength and elegance in a way that advances the brand’s distinctive Kodo design philosophy. Drawing inspiration from the Japanese concept of Ma—the beauty of empty space—the CX-60 balances bold proportions with refined surfaces, creating an SUV that is both dynamic and graceful.

The exterior is defined by a commanding stance and refined detailing. Its new front grille adopts a taller profile, complemented by a redesigned signature wing with integrated indicators, enhancing the SUV’s assertive character. The headlamp arrangement, a first for Mazda, introduces vertically stacked lighting with distinctive L-shaped signatures at the front and rear, projecting a cohesive, modern identity.

The cabin sits slightly rearward, lending the vehicle a forward-leaning posture that conveys motion even at rest. A streak of light that flows from the cabin’s rear edge towards the ground recalls the artistic energy of Japanese calligraphy, adding a touch of cultural influence to the overall design. With its sculpted surfaces, short rear silhouette, and muscular body frame, the CX-60 embodies both poise and power.

Inside, Mazda continues its tradition of fusing craftsmanship with functionality. The wide dashboard stretches seamlessly across the cabin, while the bold centre console extends from front to back, highlighting the longitudinal engine layout and reinforcing the SUV’s architectural strength.

Materials are carefully selected to celebrate Japanese artistry, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to create tactile richness and visual harmony. The result is an interior that reflects understated luxury while remaining deeply rooted in Japanese design philosophy.

Technology plays a central role in the cabin experience. The CX-60 features three main displays—a 12.3-inch digital multi-information cluster, an Active Driving Display (head-up display), and a 12.3-inch infotainment system with voice recognition. These systems integrate with the Driver Personalisation System, which can automatically recognise individual drivers and adjust over 250 settings, including seat position, steering wheel, mirrors, and head-up display preferences. Stored profiles ensure a tailored driving environment every time.

The cabin also incorporates a 360° View Monitor with See-Through View, reverse camera with guidelines, and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless charging pad helps maintain a clutter-free interior, while a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system delivers immersive audio for all occupants.

Under the bonnet, the CX-60 is powered by a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated inline four-cylinder engine producing 189hp and 261Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Built on Mazda’s Skyactiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture, the SUV is engineered to accommodate future electrification while enhancing driving dynamics and efficiency.

Mazda’s Jinba-Ittai philosophy—the harmony between car and driver – is at the core of the CX-60’s engineering. The SUV is equipped with Kinematic Posture Control (KPC), which stabilises the vehicle during cornering by managing body posture under high G-forces. Suspension tuning further enhances ride comfort and handling precision, ensuring the SUV remains poised across varied driving conditions.

Safety remains central to the CX-60’s identity. The model achieved a 5-star Euro NCAP rating in 2022, demonstrating high levels of protection for adults, children, and vulnerable road users.

Mazda’s i-Activsense suite equips the SUV with a comprehensive set of advanced driver assistance systems. Key technologies include Adaptive LED Headlamps, Blind Spot Monitoring, Front and Rear Smart Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Monitoring, Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and Cruising & Traffic Support. Together, these systems ensure enhanced awareness, confidence, and safety on every journey.

Fully imported as a CBU model from Mazda’s Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, the new Mazda CX-60 is now open for booking at authorised dealerships nationwide. Prices start from RM198,900.

Customers will enjoy added assurance with a five-year manufacturer’s warranty and a five-year free maintenance programme, covering labour, parts, and lubricants. Both are valid for up to five years or 100,000 km, whichever comes first. The package excludes the Mazda BT-50.

The Mazda CX-60 is available in a selection of colours, including Soul Red Crystal, Rhodium White, Jet Black, Platinum Quartz, and Zircon Sand. Each tone has been carefully developed to accentuate the SUV’s flowing surfaces and strong presence.

With the CX-60, Mazda has created more than just an SUV. It is a statement of Japanese craftsmanship, modern engineering, and the brand’s commitment to delivering vehicles that connect deeply with their drivers.

Smart #2 Teased: A New Chapter for the Iconic City Car

Smart is preparing to bring back one of its most recognisable models with a modern twist. The brand, now jointly owned by Geely and Mercedes-Benz, has confirmed plans to launch the new Smart #2 by the end of 2026 in China, with Europe also identified as a key market.

The upcoming model will be a two-door, two-seat hatchback designed specifically for urban mobility, positioning itself as the long-awaited successor to the legendary Smart ForTwo. Measuring close to the size of its predecessor, the third-generation ForTwo, the #2 is expected to retain compact proportions at around 2,695 mm in length, 1,663 mm in width, 1,555 mm in height, and with a wheelbase of 1,873 mm.

(more…)

Merdeka Spirit Shines Bright at MSPAE’s ‘Fun Drive with Gurpuri Kids’

The run-up to Malaysia’s 68th Independence Day received a spirited and high-octane boost as the Malaysia Singapore Punjabi Automotive Enthusiasts (MSPAE) hosted their charity event, Fun Drive with Gurpuri Kids, at SSU Kelab Aman.

The gathering, held just a week before Hari Merdeka, brought together more than 30 children from the Gurpuri Foundation for a day filled with speed, excitement, and camaraderie. Staying true to its motto of Unity Through Motoring, MSPAE created an atmosphere that mirrored the national theme of unity, showcasing a fleet of cars and bikes that ranged from sleek modern supercars to cherished classics. For the children, many of whom had only dreamt of stepping inside such machines, the experience of being driven in them was nothing short of magical.

Beyond the thrill rides, the event also fulfilled a greater purpose, raising RM5,000 for the Gurpuri Foundation. The funds will go towards the foundation’s mission of providing shelter, education, and care to underprivileged children.

The programme began with a grand arrival and welcoming speeches, before moving into an afternoon of lively activities. The young guests took part in football and netball matches, a Hockey Shoot-Out, and various telematch games that kept the energy levels soaring. Adding to the day’s inspiration were appearances from two distinguished figures. National rally legend and multiple Malaysian Rally Champion, Karamjit Singh – affectionately known as the Flying Sikh – spoke to the children about perseverance and the pursuit of speed, while Dr Ranmeet Jassal, Miss Universe Malaysia Finalist, shared an empowering message that encouraged them to embrace independence and chase their ambitions.

(more…)