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GWM Ora Cat Breaks Cover as Brand’s First New Model Since 2022

After a long, quiet time, Great Wall Motor’s electric sub-brand Ora is back with something new. The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has revealed details of the brand’s latest SUV, the Ora Cat – the first all-new model to wear the Ora badge since 2022.

Ora, established in 2018 under Great Wall Motor, quickly made a name for itself with quirky, affordable EVs. But a string of missteps left the brand struggling. The launch of the Black Cat and White Cat proved unprofitable, while ventures like the Ole Sharing service drained resources. Things didn’t improve in 2022 when Ora introduced the Ballet Cat, styled like a modern Beetle, and the Lightning Cat (also called Ora 07), which borrowed its look from the Porsche Panamera. Both landed in small, niche markets and did little to help sales.

Since then, Ora has been unusually quiet. Between January and August 2025, sales dwindled to just 14,781 units in China, according to China EV DataTracker. The slump pushed Great Wall Motor to rethink its strategy. This summer, the company announced plans to reignite the brand with four new models. The Ora Cat is the first step in that comeback.

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Mercedes-Benz GLC kini Elektrik dengan Teknologi EQ

Mercedes-Benz GLC sentiasa menjadi salah satu SUV paling laris jenama tersebut. Kini, model popular itu melangkah ke era baharu dengan pelancaran versi elektrik sepenuhnya yang dilengkapi teknologi EQ. Buat pertama kalinya, GLC ditawarkan sebagai kenderaan elektrik penuh (EV) di Amerika Syarikat, bersedia untuk bersaing dengan pesaing utamanya seperti Audi Q6, Porsche Macan Electric, dan BMW iX3.

Model elektrik ini dikuasakan bateri 94 kWh dengan output sehingga 483 hp, sedikit lebih tinggi daripada BMW iX3. Ia bukan sahaja berkuasa, malah juga praktikal, dengan keupayaan menarik beban sehingga 2,400 kg apabila dilengkapi dengan cangkuk penunda pilihan.

Dari segi jarak, GLC elektrik mampu bergerak sehingga 713 km (WLTP) dengan sekali cas. Berbekalkan teknologi 800 volt, ia menyokong pengecasan pantas 330 kW, membolehkan penambahan jarak sekitar 303 km hanya dalam 10 minit.

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Mercedes-Benz GLC Goes Electric with EQ Technology

The Mercedes-Benz GLC has long been one of the brand’s best-selling SUVs, a go-to choice for those who want something more polished. Now, it steps into a new chapter with the introduction of the fully electric GLC with EQ Technology.

This latest addition marks the first time the GLC has been offered as a pure EV in the US market, setting it up against serious competition such as the Audi Q6, Porsche Macan Electric, and BMW’s recently revealed iX3.

Powering the new GLC is a 94.0 kWh lithium-ion battery, which in its most powerful form produces up to 483hp—slightly edging past the iX3’s 463hp. It’s not just about straight-line power either; Mercedes has ensured that the SUV delivers practicality, with a towing capacity of 2,400kg when fitted with the optional tow hitch.

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Smart Kembali Hidupkan Semangat Ikonik ForTwo dengan Model Baharu #2 EV

Smart, yang kini diuruskan bersama oleh Geely dan Mercedes-Benz, telah mengesahkan pelancaran model terbaharunya, Smart #2, menjelang hujung tahun 2026. Model dua pintu dengan dua tempat duduk ini bakal menjadi pewaris moden kepada Smart ForTwo, khusus untuk kegunaan bandar.

Dari segi saiz, Smart #2 mengekalkan konsep kompak seperti ForTwo terdahulu dengan panjang sekitar 2.7 meter dan jarak roda di bawah 1.9 meter. Jika dahulu reka bentuk ForTwo terkenal dengan gaya bulat dan ceria, kali ini Smart tampil lebih tegas dengan rekaan berkotak, garis badan lebih tajam, tiang belakang condong, serta tambahan spoiler bumbung. Rekaan keseluruhan akan dihasilkan oleh pasukan reka bentuk Mercedes-Benz bagi memastikan keserasian dengan siri model Smart “#” yang lain.

Walaupun butiran teknikal masih terhad, Smart #2 hampir pasti hadir sebagai kenderaan elektrik sepenuhnya. Model ini dijangka menggunakan pelantar baharu yang berasaskan Global Electric Architecture (GEA) milik Geely, iaitu platform yang telah terbukti melalui beberapa model EV berjaya di pasaran China.

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Lotus Malaysia Perkenal Barisan Terbaharu Eletre Hyper-SUV, Bermula Dari RM499,000

Lotus Cars Malaysia telah mengemas kini rangkaian model elektrik sepenuhnya, Eletre, sekali gus memberikan penawaran yang lebih jelas serta pilihan prestasi yang lebih luas. Harga permulaan kini ditetapkan pada RM499,000, menandakan fasa baharu buat Lotus dalam meneroka pasaran kenderaan elektrik (EV) premium.

Selaras dengan strategi penamaan global terbaharu, model-model tersebut kini dikenali sebagai Eletre 600 dan Eletre 900, merujuk terus kepada kuasa yang ditawarkan. Pendekatan ini memudahkan pelanggan memahami tahap prestasi setiap varian, sama seperti kaedah penamaan pada model baharu Lotus Emeya.

Pelanggan turut boleh memilih pakej yang menekankan aspek pemanduan sporty atau lebih berorientasikan keselesaan dan kemewahan, mengikut cita rasa masing-masing. Dengan cara ini, proses pemilihan menjadi lebih ringkas tetapi masih mengekalkan tahap penyesuaian yang tinggi.

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Lotus Malaysia Introduces Refreshed Eletre Line-up with New Variants and Streamlined Options

Lotus Cars Malaysia, managed by Lotus Karz Sdn. Bhd. under the Karrus Automotive Group, has unveiled the updated Lotus Eletre range, signalling a new chapter for the brand’s first all-electric hyper-SUV. The revised line-up not only introduces simplified model names and equipment packages but also enhances performance benchmarks for the premium EV segment, with pricing now starting from RM499,000.

In line with Lotus’ global naming strategy, the refreshed Eletre range adopts a clearer designation system, with models now identified as the Eletre 600 and Eletre 900, denoting their respective power outputs. The move follows the same philosophy introduced with the Lotus Emeya, ensuring customers can easily distinguish performance levels across the brand’s expanding portfolio.

Each variant of the Eletre is offered with a curated package, giving buyers the freedom to select a sport-oriented specification or a more comfort and technology-focused configuration. This approach simplifies the buying process while retaining the flexibility for personalisation, ensuring customers can tailor their vehicle to match individual preferences and lifestyles.

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smart #5 Dipratonton – SUV Elektrik dengan 636hp!

Smart Malaysia telah mendedahkan model SUV elektrik terbaharu mereka, smart #5, yang dijangka dilancarkan tidak lama lagi di pasaran tempatan. Diletakkan lebih tinggi berbanding model #1 dan #3, SUV baharu ini menawarkan ruang lebih luas, prestasi lebih mantap serta kemampuan jarak pemanduan lebih jauh, sekali gus menjadikannya pesaing utama dalam segmen EV premium.

Model ini akan ditawarkan dalam tiga varian: Pro, Premium dan BRABUS.

Varian Pro

Sebagai varian asas, smart #5 Pro hadir dengan bateri 76 kWh yang dipadankan dengan motor tunggal pacuan belakang berkuasa 335hp dan tork 373Nm. Pecutan 0–100 km/j dicapai dalam 6.9 saat, dengan kelajuan maksimum 200 km/j. Jarak pemanduan pula dianggarkan 465 km (WLTP). Antara kelengkapan termasuk tempat duduk PU leather, pintu but berkuasa, sistem audio 9 pembesar suara, pencahayaan ambien 256 warna serta ruang but 630 liter (boleh ditingkatkan sehingga 1,530 liter).

Varian Premium

Versi Premium dipertingkatkan dengan bateri 100 kWh, membolehkan jarak pemanduan sehingga 590 km. Motor tunggalnya menghasilkan kuasa 358hp dan tork 373Nm, dengan pecutan 0–100 km/j dalam 6.5 saat. Ruang dalaman pula lebih mewah dengan balutan kulit Nappa, sistem audio 20 pembesar suara Sennheiser dengan Dolby Atmos, serta paparan head-up dengan realiti terimbuh (AR). Ciri tambahan lain termasuk pemegang pintu tersembunyi berlampu, pengecas wayarles berkembar, serta pengecasan AC lebih pantas pada kadar 22 kW.

Varian BRABUS

Bagi mereka yang mengutamakan prestasi, edisi BRABUS menawarkan konfigurasi pacuan semua roda dengan dua motor elektrik, menjana 636hp dan 710Nm tork. Hasilnya, ia mampu memecut 0–100 km/j hanya dalam 3.8 saat, dengan kelajuan maksimum 210 km/j. Varian ini turut hadir dengan suspensi sport, rim aloi 21 inci, angkup brek merah serta bunyi enjin simulasi. Menariknya, ia menyokong sistem pengecasan 800V, membolehkan cas 10–80% disiapkan dalam hanya 15 minit menggunakan pengecas DC 400 kW.

Teknologi & Keselamatan

Smart #5 dilengkapi 26 sensor termasuk kamera, radar dan unit ultrasonik yang dipacu cip Nvidia OrinX. Ini menyokong sistem bantuan pemandu L2+, termasuk Smart Pilot Assist, Auto Lane Change Assist serta parkir automatik. Dari segi keselamatan, model ini dibangunkan untuk mencapai piawaian penarafan 5 bintang NCAP Eropah dan China, dengan penggunaan 82% keluli berketahanan tinggi serta kekakuan torsi 42,300 Nm/deg, melebihi standard segmennya.

Rekaan & Ruang Dalaman

Dengan jarak roda panjang 2,900 mm, kabin menawarkan ruang luas serta fleksibiliti. Tempat duduk belakang boleh direbahkan sepenuhnya, menjadikan kabin sesuai untuk mod rehat atau tidur. Ruang simpanan mencecah sehingga 1,530 liter, ditambah dengan ruang hadapan (frunk) berkapasiti 72 liter. Suasana premium ditingkatkan dengan penggunaan kemasan kayu asli, cermin kalis bunyi laminasi, bumbung kaca panorama dengan penutup berkuasa serta kulit Nappa.

Pasaran Malaysia

Apabila dilancarkan, smart #5 bakal bersaing dengan SUV elektrik premium seperti Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7, Zeekr 7X dan Xpeng G6. Bagi varian BRABUS pula, sasaran pembeli adalah mereka yang mempertimbangkan model berprestasi seperti BMW iX3 dan MINI Countryman SE.

Dengan tiga varian yang ditawarkan — daripada praktikal hingga berprestasi tinggi — smart #5 dijangka menjadi antara SUV EV premium paling serba boleh yang akan memasuki pasaran Malaysia.

Premium

BRABUS

smart #5 Previewed in Malaysia – 636hp and 710Nm of Torque!

Smart Malaysia has given a first look at its new flagship electric SUV, the smart #5, ahead of its expected market launch. Positioned above the #1 and #3 models, the new SUV promises more space, stronger performance, and long-range capability, placing it directly in competition with established premium EVs.

The smart #5 will be offered in three versions: Pro, Premium and BRABUS.

The entry-level Pro comes with a 76 kWh battery and a single rear motor producing 335hp and 373Nm. It does the 0–100 km/h sprint in 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 200 km/h, while range is claimed at 465 km (WLTP). Features include PU leather seats, a powered tailgate, 9-speaker audio system and 256-colour ambient lighting. Boot space is 630L, expandable to 1,530L with the rear seats folded.

The Premium raises the bar with a 100 kWh battery for up to 590 km of range. Output is 358hp, 373Nm of torque, and it accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. Inside, there’s Nappa leather upholstery, a 20-speaker Sennheiser system with Dolby Atmos, and an augmented reality head-up display. The variant also gains illuminated concealed door handles, dual wireless chargers and faster 22 kW AC charging.

At the top of the range, the BRABUS edition delivers true performance credentials. Dual motors provide 636hp and 710Nm, cutting the 0–100 km/h time down to 3.8 seconds and pushing top speed to 210 km/h. It also comes with sport suspension, larger 21-inch alloys, red brake callipers and simulated engine sound. The BRABUS uses an 800V charging setup, allowing a 10–80% charge in just 15 minutes with a 400 kW DC charger.

The smart #5 is equipped with 26 sensors, including cameras, radars and ultrasonic units, powered by Nvidia OrinX chips. This supports L2+ advanced driver assistance systems, including Smart Pilot Assist, Auto Lane Change Assist and autonomous parking.

Safety has also been prioritised, with the model designed to meet both European and Chinese 5-star NCAP standards. The body uses 82% high-strength steel and achieves a torsional rigidity of 42,300 Nm/deg, well above segment norms.

A long 2,900 mm wheelbase ensures generous cabin space. The rear seats offer reclining functions and modes that can transform the cabin into nap or bed layouts. Luggage capacity extends up to 1,530L, complemented by a 72L frunk.

Premium materials such as real wood trims, laminated soundproof glass and Nappa leather feature throughout, while a panoramic glass roof with a powered sunshade adds to the sense of space.

In Malaysia, the smart #5 will compete with models such as the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7, Zeekr 7X and Xpeng G6, while the BRABUS edition will target buyers looking at performance EVs like the BMW iX3 and MINI Countryman SE.

With three variants on offer, ranging from practical to high-performance, the smart #5 is shaping up to be one of the most versatile premium EV SUVs entering the Malaysian market.

PREMIUM

BRABUS

Review: Honda e:N1 – Done right!

An SUV, or Sport Utility Vehicle, is basically the all-rounder of the car world. What makes an SUV an SUV comes down to a mix of size, style, powertrain and practicality.

Stating the obvious here, but they sit higher off the ground than regular cars, which not only makes them look tougher but also gives drivers a better view of the road. Which is why SUV’s have become so popular.

Inside, you’ll find more space, whether it’s for passengers, luggage, or that last-minute IKEA run, making them a favourite for families and road-trippers alike.

Another big part of the modern SUV appeal is adaptability. Some come with different drive modes which allow them to handle everything from rainy highways to the occasional dirt trail. Even if most owners stick to city streets, it’s nice knowing the car could take more.

Honda has built a strong reputation worldwide for making cars that are reliable, practical, and efficient, and their SUV lineup is no exception. The brand started out producing small, economical vehicles, but as customer needs shifted toward bigger and more versatile cars, Honda quickly adapted.

Their SUVs are designed to combine everyday usability with comfort and style, while still carrying Honda’s trademark dependability.

Models like the CR-V have become global best-sellers, striking the right balance between size, fuel efficiency, and family-friendly practicality. In markets like Malaysia, the HR-V has also gained a huge following thanks to its compact footprint paired with surprisingly spacious interiors.

But of course, these come with an internal combustion engine. How about an electric powertrain? The first major leap came with the Honda Prologue, introduced in 2024 for North America.

Built on General Motors’ Ultium platform, it provided Honda with a quick and competitive entry into the electric SUV segment.

In Asia, Honda has launched its e:N series, starting with models like the e:NP2, e:NS2, and e:N1. These compact electric SUVs are designed for urban buyers, combining sleek styling with practical range figures up to about 545km in China and 412km (WLTP) for the e:N1.

What is the e:N1?

The Honda e:N1 is Honda’s first all-electric SUV that entered the Malaysian market, marking the brand’s serious step into the EV space. Built on Honda’s global e:N Architecture, the e:N1 blends modern styling with practicality, offering a familiar SUV shape while being powered purely by electricity.

Positioned as an accessible yet premium entry into the EV segment, it delivers a smooth, quiet driving experience with instant torque, all wrapped in a package that feels unmistakably Honda.

The e:N1 is designed not only to appeal to eco-conscious buyers but also to those who want an easy transition from traditional petrol-powered SUVs into the world of electric mobility.

But of course, on paper, any car will look good. So, we put it to the test.

Difference between the e:N1 and HR-V

At first glance, the Honda e:N1 and the current HR-V in Malaysia look very similar, but underneath, they’re built quite differently. The e:N1 sits on Honda’s dedicated e:N Architecture F platform, which is purpose-built for EVs. This setup gives it a lower centre of gravity and better aerodynamics.

Power comes from a front-mounted electric motor pushing out 204PS and 310Nm, allowing it to hit 100 km/h in just 7.7 seconds.

Dimension-wise, both SUVs are nearly identical in size, with the same 2,610 mm wheelbase. But because of its underfloor battery pack, the e:N1 rides much lower with just 142 mm of ground clearance compared to the HR-V’s 196 mm (RS) or 183 mm (non-RS).

This lower stance improves stability but sacrifices some of the HR-V’s SUV-like ride height. The e:N1 also has a slightly wider turning radius at 5.7 m versus the HR-V’s 5.5 m.

Sufficient driving range for short getaways

Range anxiety is something we all fear when buying an electric vehicle (EV). Does it have enough range for my daily routine? Can I balik kampung with this range? Are there enough charging stations on the way? These are questions that run through our heads when considering buying an EV.

To be honest, when we got into the e:N1, we had around 297km of range with 94% of battery. We were heading from Mangala Estate Boutique Resort, Pahang, to Pineyard, Bentong, for a quick bite, then back to Honda Malaysia, Petaling Jaya.

The total travel distance was around 226km, according to the GPS, but we still had to take into consideration our driving style and be prepared for unwanted situations.

But at the same time, we had to put it to the test. So we drove like our fellow Malaysians and tried out the different drive modes (Normal, Eco and Sport). There were three drivers, so three different driving styles.

We went through highways, small town roads and winding back roads. So, were we able to make it back without stopping to juice up? Yes, yes, we did. When we parked at Honda Malaysia in Petaling Jaya, we still had 68km of driving range and 21% of battery! This is with an average speed of 125km/h and 7.6km/kWh.

In Honda we trusted, and it did not let us down. But of course, if you are planning to drive longer distances, you will have to dedicate some time to charging it up. Which is why owning an EV means changing your lifestyle. You will have to properly plan your routes and drive accordingly to the percentage of your battery.

The e:N1 can be fast-charged from 10% to 80% battery in about 45 minutes using a DC CCS2 charger with a 78kW output.

Honda with no LaneWatch and a huge touchscreen?

If you have read our previous reviews on Honda models, you will know that we had a love-hate relationship with Honda’s Lane Watch, but eventually got used to it. So, driving the e:N1 that does not have the LaneWatch felt a little weird. Instead of Lane Watch, Honda has replaced it with a Blind Spot Monitor.

Why do we say it feels weird? Because if you are familiar with the Lane Watch system, you know that it will override your screen, which means you will not be able to see your navigation screen. Of course, you can override it via the signal lever, but that takes some getting used to.

The e:N1, however, has a huge 15.1-inch Advanced Touch Display Audio touchscreen panel! This is brilliantly done because it splits into three different sections. At the top, you have your CarPlay details, which include Spotify and navigation controls. In the middle, you have the information section, which allows you to enter the settings menu, power flow and EV menu.

Finally, at the bottom part of the screen are your air conditioning controls. Which means, you will not have to navigate through menus to get to the controls!

So, we were thinking that Lane Watch would have been perfect for this layout because it would not have to override your navigation screen. But of course, a high-definiton camera compared to the ones in the market now would be a nice touch.

And a note from the editor also pointed out that having Lane Watch on the right of the car instead of only on the left would be welcomed as well.

Honda has always made its tech very accessible and user-friendly, even with the smaller screens that you get in other models. So, take that, add a high-def camera on the left and right of the car and incorporate it into this massive screen, and you have the perfect marriage.

Of course, you still get Honda Sensing, which features Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist, Collision Mitigation Braking, Auto High-Beam, and a Lead Car Departure Notification system.

The powertrain is completely at home

We have driven countless numbers of SUVs; some feel overpowered, some underpowered, and some just feel like they’re missing something. However, when we got behind the wheel of the e:N1, pushed it through corners at low speed and high speed, flying on highways, cruising through towns, we felt like this SUV has the perfect powertrain.

There is power when you need it; 204PS on tap with 310Nm of torque. This is not overpowered because it does not want to break your neck as soon as you floor it, as most electric vehicles nowadays do. It has the perfect launch power to get you out of tricky situations.

Switching it to sport mode when climbing up winding roads never felt more satisfying in an SUV. There were times when we forgot that we were driving an SUV! At high-speed corners, we were leaning a little, but that’s normal as the seats were not specifically designed for that. However, you do not get that weird body roll that can make you carsick.

It feels stable at corners and high speeds because it has a 1,662 kg kerb weight, which balances the power-to-weight ratio, coupled with a perfectly tuned suspension.

Final thoughts

For an EV, it drives differently compared to the Stormtroopers you get from China. The e:N1 speaks to the driver; it tells you everything that is going on. The suspension is so well-tuned that it does not feel like you are in a spaceship. This car has a soul and character, so kudos to Honda for making it feel and drive the way it does.

For everything that this SUV offers, we do not mind paying a premium price of RM149,900 for quality.

Specifications

Motor: Single, front-mounted

Power: 204PS

Torque: 310Nm

0-100km/h: 7.7 seconds

Top speed: 160km/h

Charging: 45 minutes with 78kW DC / 6 hours with 11kW AC

We like: Infotainment layout and driving experience

We don’t like: Not parked in our garage

Toyota Pioneers Battery Recycling with Sweep Energy Storage System at Mazda Plant

As the global shift towards electrification accelerates, one of the most pressing challenges for the automotive industry is deciding what to do with retired electric vehicle batteries. With no single definitive solution, various start-ups and carmakers are developing their own approaches. Toyota’s answer is the Sweep Energy Storage System, a project that has now entered field testing at Mazda’s Hiroshima facility.

The Sweep system takes high-voltage batteries salvaged from electrified vehicles, whether hybrids or fully electric, and integrates them into a large-scale factory energy storage solution. What sets the system apart is its ability to work with batteries of varying chemistries and levels of degradation. An advanced energy management logic developed by Toyota continuously monitors performance, directing power through the strongest units while bypassing weaker ones in real time.

Adding to its cost efficiency, the system also reuses inverters from the donor vehicles, removing the need for expensive power conditioners. Horizon, a science and technology publication, highlights this as a key factor in lowering operational costs and making the system more scalable for wider adoption.