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  2026 BYD Sealion 7 EV in Malaysia - from RM164k

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  Volkswagen Tayron in Malaysia from RM191k

Latest Stories

• Leapmotor B03 – global name for A05 B-segment EV hatch as it nears Chinese launch with 510 km CLTC range

  In Cars, International News, Leapmotor / by Jonathan Lee / 4 August 2026 7:29 pm

  

  Remember the Leapmotor A05 that we showed you last month? Well, scrub your mind of it, because the Chinese EV maker has come up with a completely new model called the B03, a B-segment electric hatchback meant for global markets.

  Okay, you don’t have to scrub all of it. The B03 is simply the international name for the A05, Leapmotor having rethought its naming strategy recently starting with the B03X SUV. This is to prevent people mistaking its B-segment models as being in the A-segment (the C10 is actually a D-segment SUV, while the B10 SUV, B01 sedan and B05 hatch are in the C-segment).

  This comes as Leapmotor opens bookings for the car in its home market ahead of its launch on August 10. Essentially a B03X (known in China as the A10X) without a raised ride height and black plastic wheel arch claddings, it will be offered with the same powertrain variants, both with single-motor front-wheel drive.

  

  The base model musters 95 PS (70 kW) and delivers a range of 405 km, while higher-end variants get boosted to 122 PS (90 kW) and 510 km respectively. Both range figures are on the CLTC cycle – expect to get around 330 km and 420 km on the more stringent WLTP cycle – and are only very slightly further than what the B03X is capable of, so expect the same 39.8 kWh and 53 kWh LFP batteries.

  Leapmotor has also revealed the B03’s interior and – surprise, surprise – it’s all but identical to the B03X’s. There are plenty of pill-shaped elements (including the tubular centre air-con vents), an 8.88-inch instrument display and a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen.

  

  Also carried over is a cutesy robot mascot dotted around the cabin, an accessory attachment on the dash, a front passenger seat that folds flat to act as a table and rear under-seat storage. Level 2 driver assists and park assist are fitted to all but the base model, although only top models gain lidar and highly-autonomous driving functionality.

  With the B03X already pencilled in for Malaysia, the B03 could make its way outside of China sooner rather than later given its similarity to the SUV.

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• Next Mazda MX-5 being prepared with fully electric drive alongside 2.5 litre Skyactiv-Z ICE powertrain – CEO

  In Cars, International News, Mazda / by Mick Chan / 4 August 2026 6:30 pm

  

  While the Mazda MX-5 has been said to head into its fifth generation firmly with a naturally aspirated engine and manual transmission, it now appears that the iconic two-seater sports car is also being prepared for a future with full electrification, reported Car Expert.

  Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro told German publication Auto Motor und Sport that the Japanese manufacturer is preparing for a scenario where the use of an internal combustion engine could be ruled out.

  “The [MX-5] successor must also be ready for a scenario without a combustion engine. The challenge for us is to make the basic structure lighter without using exotic materials like carbon-fibre,” Moro told the publication.

  

  Mazda still aims to make the next-generation MX-5 as light as possible, assures Moro, and the Japanese manufacturer is aiming for the current, ND-generation‘s successor to weight between “just under 1,000 kg and 1,200 kg”, according to the report.

  The fifth-generation MX-5 has been said to make use of Mazda’s Skyactiv-Z family of internal combustion engines, which is set to debut in the third-generation CX-5 by the end of 2027. The new generation of engines is aimed at achieving a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, or Lambda:1, in order to meet Euro 7 regulations and California’s LEV IV standards.

  Aiming to attain Lambda:1 for clean and complete combustion of fuel will see a reduction in engine outputs, which Mazda hopes to counteract by increasing engine displacement to 2.5 litres, chief technical officer Ryuichi Umeshita said last year.

  

  

  The next Mazda MX-5 is expected to retain a naturally aspirated engine and manual transmission; images of 2025 ND MX-5 RF, 2.0L MT

  Meanwhile, general manager of design Masashi Nakayama also said at the time that the company aims to make the fifth-generation car “less than one tonne” and less than four metres in length, which is comparable to the current, ND-generation car that measures 3,915 mm long and weighs 1,010 kg in its lightest guise with a 1.5 litre engine and manual transmission.

  Mazda is developing the fifth-generation MX-5 with an eye on a fully electric direction, however. “If all internal combustion engines were banned, then we would have no choice, and of course, our engineering team is studying both ways – battery EV and ICE [MX-5]. But whatever we do, the ICE one is lighter,” CTO Umeshita said last year.

  GALLERY: 2025 Mazda MX-5 RF 6MT in Malaysia

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• Gov’t considering imposing a levy on new EVs, putting the proceeds into a fund to build public chargers

  In Local News / by Anthony Lim / 4 August 2026 4:53 pm

  

  Continuing on the topic of there not being enough public electric vehicle chargers to accommodate the ever increasing EV volume, investment, trade and industry minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the government is looking into the possibility of including an additional charge on new EVs in order to specifically create a fund to build public chargers, Bernama reports.

  “We may impose a levy on every EV sold and channel the proceeds to a dedicated fund to build public charging stations because we cannot rely solely on vehicle manufacturers or distributors to undertake such investments,” he said in parliament.

  Reiterating what he said during the Proton eMas 7 PHEV CKD line-off ceremony last week, he said the government had granted exemptions on import duty, excise duty and sales tax for completely built-up (CBU) EVs for four years and forgone RM3.3 billion in tax, hoping that would spur automakers to help develop the charging infrastucture.

  

  However, he said the investment in public charging infrastructure fell short of expectations. “After four years, when we looked at the availability of public charging stations, the investment from EV industry players was simply not there,” he said.

  “We exempted them from the taxes because we saw potential for them to build public chargers. However, today we only have slightly more than 1,000 chargers available,” he said. He also repeated the point about asking his counterpart in China on the success of EV usage in the country. “I was told that China spent billions to build chargers. But if we want the government to do that here, we don’t have the money,” he stated.

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• No official decision yet on BYD’s Tg Malim plant – MITI

  In BYD, Cars, Electric Cars in Malaysia, Local News / by Jonathan James Tan / 4 August 2026 4:06 pm

  

  Malaysian investment, trade and industry minister (MITI) Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani has said today in parliament that the ministry has not been formally notified yet if BYD will proceed with its Tanjong Malim plant plans, Bernama reports.

  Senator Tan Sri Low Kian Chuan was seeking an update on BYD’s proposed plant as an EV maker that has met the localisation requirements to qualify for preferential tax treatment under the completely-knocked-down (CKD) scheme.

  “Any decision to proceed with, defer or revise its investment plans is a commercial decision for the company,” Johari replied, adding that the government is already encouraging the local assembly of EVs by offering import duty, excise duty and sales tax exemptions until December 31, 2027.

  

  He said, however, that eligibility for these incentives remain subject to compliance with the Customs Regulations 1988 and other government-imposed conditions.

  “The government will continue to monitor the utilisation of existing production capacity and ensure that every new investment contributes meaningfully to higher domestic value-added, the development of local vendors, technology transfer, the creation of high-skilled jobs and stronger export activities,” Johari said.

  To recap, MITI’s new fully-imported (CBU) EV regulations mean that BYD’s current all-CBU line-up will either be outlawed because they don’t make at least 180 kW (245 PS), or become expensive (Seal and Sealion 7) because the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value needs to be RM200k or more.

  

  The way around this is local assembly (CKD), but because BYD was looking at setting up its own new factory, new regulations mandate a RM100k floor price, 80% of production to be exported and a paint shop, which is a costly element in a car factory and a sign of ‘serious work’ being done there, so to say.

  So how? Deputy MITI minister Sim Tze Tzin revealed a ‘solution’ in May to The Edge: “If (carmakers) want to price EVs between RM100,000 and RM200,000, they can work together with contract manufacturers to manufacture here” – as MG, Xpeng and GWM are doing with EPMB in Melaka, and TQ Wuling with Tan Chong.

  Hardly a week later, BYD VP and GM of the carmaker’s Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division Liu Xueliang visited Sime Motors’ Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah, triggering speculation that BYD could instead partner up with its Malaysian distributor for contract assembly. Is Tanjong Malim off the table for BYD?

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• 2026 Kawasaki KLE 500 in Malaysia, priced at RM32,900

  In Bikes, Kawasaki, Local Bike News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 4 August 2026 3:45 pm

  

  For the dual-purpose motorcycle rider in Malaysia, the 2026 Kawasaki KLE 500 is now officially launched, priced at RM32,900. Pricing does not include road tax, insurance or registration and the first 60 buyers of the KLE 500 are eligible to enter the Kawasaki Megatrail Fun Ride in Gerik, Perak, on September 26 as well as a limited-edition KLE 500 adventure jersey, an exclusive KLE 500 Owner’s Certificate and a limited-edition KLE Adventure saddle bag.

  This two day-one night adventure riding package is part of its digital launch campaign and features 150 km of off-road riding through forest trails, hills, rocky terrain and river crossings. The event includes meals, camping facilities, route guidance, motorcycle recovery support, emergency medical assistance and designated fuel stops and participants will be eligible for lucky draw prizes worth RM40,000, including a new Kawasaki motorcycle.

  The KLE 500 is powered by a parallel-twin, DOHC eight-valve engine displacing 451 cc. Power is claimed to be 44.8 hp at 9,000 rpm with 42.6 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm, going to the rear wheel via a six-speed gearbox and chain final drive.

  

  

  

  

  Wheel sizing for the KLE 500 is 21-inches in front and 17-inches in the rear, wearing 90/90 and 140/70 rubber. Braking is done with a single 300 mm diameter brake disc in front with two-piston calliper while the back is fitted with a single 230 mm disc and two-piston calliper, with switchable two-channel Nissin ABS.

  For suspension, the KLE 500 gets a 43 mm diameter upside-down fork giving 210 mm of suspension travel while the rear is fitted with Kawasaki Uni Trak suspension with preload-adjustable monoshock, with 196 mm of travel. A rally-style, tall windshield is adjustable to three positions – standard height, 27 mm higher, and 55 mm higher with the contour of the screen remaining unchanged, keeping a consistent across across all positions.

  

  Riding information is displayed on a LCD screen with a family re4semblance across Kawasaki motorcycle models, and positioned at an easy-to-read angle, with a multipurpose bar located above the panel to mount ancillary riding equipment such as a roadbook reader.

  With 16-litres of fuel in the tank, the KLE 500 tips the scales at 194 kg, while seat height is set at 870 mm with 185 mm of ground clearance. There is one colour option available – Met. Carbon Gray and Ebony on a Flat Black frame, the KLE 500’s closest market rival is the CFMoto MT450, priced from RM29,000.

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• Get to the 48-Hour Volvo Merdeka Deal this August 15 to 16 – enjoy a RM70k rebate on the Volvo XC90, and more!

  ADVERTORIAL / by Harvinder Sidhu / 4 August 2026 3:42 pm

  

  There are deals, and then there are deals, and the latest promotion from Volvo Car Malaysia is sure to be the latter as it is offering the opportunity for you to own a Volvo XC90 at terms never seen before. Certainly, great offers don’t hang around for long, and this one lasts just 48 hours!

  Taking place at Carfe in Petaling Jaya from 9am to 6pm for the Klang Valley and in Volvo showrooms nationwide for locations outside Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, the 48-Hour Volvo Merdeka Deal is offering a RM70,000 cash rebate on the ever-popular and quintessentially Selamat SUV, the Volvo XC90 of the 2025 model year.

  The Volvo XC90 remains the undisputed Selamat standard of discreet luxury, offering a masterclass in Scandinavian refinement while commanding the road with an effortless presence.

  For the very limited duration of 48 hours, this compelling blend of safety and luxury will be offered at an unprecedented RM70,000 cash rebate, thus demonstrating that the XC90 in Malaysia is now more than just about automotive excellence – it also presents the opportunity to make a prudent financial move ahead of Merdeka this year.

  The Selamat philosophy extends beyond just the XC90, of course, as the Volvo qualities are range-wide, and so the offers are similarly wide-ranging for its premium selection during this period. For this 48-hour offer, the offers include:

  • Volvo EX30 Ultra: RM30,888 immediate rebate
  • Volvo EC40 Single: RM30,000 immediate rebate
  • Volvo XC60 MY26: RM29,900 rebate + VSP Plus 5 worth RM15,800
  • Volvo ES90: RM20,000 rebate + RM7,000 48-Hour Flash Rebate + Free Volvo Wallbox worth RM3,990

  Test drive a Volvo this weekend and you’ll get to enjoy a coffee courtesy of Volvo Car Malaysia. Of course, the real reward is in your decisive action towards a new Volvo; secure your order on the spot during this time to enter an owners-only lucky draw, and you’ll be in the running to win exclusive Volvo merchandise in addition to claiming the most generous rebates!

  The cars are ready, the rebates are live, the gifts are on standby and so is your opportunity to make the most of this deal. Mark your calendars for August 15 and 16 to visit Carfe in Petaling Jaya from 9am to 6pm for the Klang Valley and in Volvo showrooms nationwide for locations outside Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Find out more and register your interest, here.

   

• Zeekr Malaysia celebrates 5,000 deliveries with optional 8-yr warranty, fr RM5k – existing owners buy by Sept 30

  In Cars, Local News, Zeekr / by Jonathan Lee / 4 August 2026 2:57 pm

  

  Zeekr has announced that to date, it has delivered a total of 5,000 vehicles in Malaysia since it entered the market less than two years ago. The achievement, it claims, is reflective of the growing trust and confidence customers place on the brand, as well as its “vision of premium electric mobility.”

  UPDATE: Zeekr Malaysia has clarified that the new extended warranty reported below is a cost option for new owners. The article has been edited to reflect this new information, including pricing for the available plans.

  To celebrate the milestone, the company has introduced an eight-year extended warranty programme that will be offered as an option for new customers, which can be purchased within seven days of vehicle delivery. Existing customers will also be able purchase the extended warranty until September 30.

  Two plans will be offered – a Silver Plan that bumps up the vehicle warranty to the same eight-year/160,000 km standard as the battery warranty, as well as a Gold Plan that increases the mileage cap for both the vehicle and battery by 20,000 km, providing a total of eight years or 180,000 km of coverage. As a refresher, Zeekr models are currently covered by a five-year/150,000 km warranty.

  

  Prices for the warranty packages vary depending on the model and are as follows:

  

  Zeekr Extended Warranty Programme

  Model	Silver Plan (8-year/160,000 km)	Gold Plan (8-year/180,000 km)
  Zeekr X	RM4,999	RM10,888
  Zeekr 7X	RM5,999	RM12,888
  Zeekr 009	RM6,999	RM14,888

  Extended warranty aside, Zeekr is also providing free vehicle inspection at all of its service centres nationwide, also until September 30. This covers several components, including:

  • Power Battery System
  • Electric Powertrain
  • BCM System
  • Undercarriage Inspection
  • Low Voltage Battery

  Last but not least, Zeekr is introducing its own co-branded DC fast charging network called Zeekr Power, created in collaboration with DC Handal. The company is working to bring “high-performance charging infrastructure, strategic partnerships and exclusive owner privileges” to its ecosystem, starting with preferential charging rates at RM1.20 per kWh.

  

  The Zeekr Power branding now appears on six chargers “along key travel corridors” on the North-South Highway, with an eye of eventually opening 30 chargers in three yearsr. They currently dispense up to 400 kW, with the potential of supporting up to 640 kW for selected chargers in the future. These locations are:

  • Amanjaya Mall, Sungai Petani, Kedah
  • Sunway Carnival Mall, Penang
  • MH Hotel, Ipoh, Perak
  • Sunway Pyramid Mall, Petaling Jaya
  • PLUS Plaza Toll Sungkai, Perak (under construction, targeted for Q4 completion)
  • PLUS Plaza Toll Bukit Gambir, Johor (under construction, targeted for Q4 completion)

  

  “The initiatives we’ve introduced as part of our 5,000 milestone celebration is not only our way of appreciating all our owners who’ve placed their trust in Zeekr, but it also represents our shared ambition of a comprehensive EV ecosystem that gives owners greater confidence, convenience and peace of mind.

  “As our community continues to grow, we are committed to invest in delivering more initiatives that will benefit our customers throughout their ownership journey,” said Zeekr Intelligent Technology Malaysia general manager Eddy Lu.

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• Isuzu D-Max took 17.3% share of Malaysian pick-up truck market in 2Q26, Single Cab Auto is a “tremendous hit”

  In Cars, Isuzu, Local News / by Jonathan James Tan / 4 August 2026 2:20 pm

  

  Isuzu Malaysia has announced that the Isuzu D-Max commanded a 17.3% share of the Malaysian pick-up truck market in 2026’s second quarter, which was a three-percentage point quarter-on-quarter rise.

  The Standard 4×4 Auto is the best-selling variant, making up 36% of D-Max sales. Meanwhile, the Single Cab Auto (Malaysia’s first single-cab pick-up truck with an auto gearbox) accounts for 60% of single-cab D-Max sales, and Isuzu Malaysia says the “tremendous hit” is “expected to continue growing in popularity”.

  

  

  

  

  2026 Isuzu D-Max 2.2L 4×4 AT Premium

  “The traditionally-renowned capabilities of the Isuzu D-Max now combines with a new suite of performance benefits that include refined performance and even greater fuel efficiency that offers Malaysian motorists with a superior all-round pick-up truck,” said Isuzu Malaysia CEO Tomoyuki Yamaguchi.

  Launched in March, the 2026 Isuzu D-Max introduced a new 2.2 litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine to replace the decade-old 1.9 litre unit, although the 3.0 litre mill continues to power the range-topping X-Terrain variants. There are 10 variants in all, covering six-speed manual, six-speed auto and eight-speed auto gearboxes, as well as two- and four-wheel drive. More on the 2026 D-Max here.

  2026 Isuzu D-Max 2.2L 4×4 AT Premium in Malaysia

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  2026 Isuzu D-Max 2.2L 4×4 AT Single Cab in Malaysia

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• KTMB extends Southern Shuttle rail service to Paloh fr August 8; 10 trips daily between Paloh and JB Sentral

  In Local News, Public Transport / by Mick Chan / 4 August 2026 12:52 pm

  

  Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) will extend its Southern Shuttle service on the Paloh-JB Sentral-Paloh route from August 8, the rail operator has stated.

  The extension of the rail service will cover seven stations, and these include Paloh, Kluang, Renggam, Layang-Layang, Kulai, Kempas Baru and JB Sentral, with the journey from Paloh to JB Sentral to take around 120 minutes, the rail operator said in its statement.

  This rail service extension is a strategic initiative by the transport ministry to provide a direct rail link between suburban areas and the key economic hubs of Kulai and JB Sentral, said KTMB in its statement.

  “The expansion, implemented less than three months after the initial phase, will traverse the central Johor corridor by utilising part of the Gemas-Johor Bahru Electrified Double-Track Project (PLBEGJB) alignment. This initiative reflects the Government’s and KTMB’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public mobility through wider access to rail services,” it stated.

  

  According to the rail operator, the new service will run 10 trips daily, comprised of five trips from Paloh to JB Sentral and five trips from JB Sentral, with each train accomodating up to 400 passengers.

  The first train of the day on this service from Paloh is scheduled to depart at 3:55am and arrive at JB Sentral at 5:52am, while the last train of the day on the service from JB Sentral will depart at 8:30pm and arrive at Paloh at 10:27pm, said KTMB.

  “The early morning and evening schedules are designed to support the needs of daily commuters, including workers continuing their journey to Singapore via the Johor Bahru border crossing,” it stated.

  Connecting services will be available at the Kempas Baru station, enabling passengers to transfer to the Kempas Baru-Pasir Gudang-Kempas Baru route, and thus aid connectivity between the Paloh-Kluang-Kulai-Johor Bahru corridor and the Pasir Gudang industrial area, KTMB added.

  In terms of fares, the Southern Shuttle service will continue to have the promotional fare of RM7.70 for one-way travel from Paloh to JB Sentral, from the original RM15.30 fare; this will remain until the new electric trains are delivered, said KTMB.

  The MyRailLife Pass will also be extended to cover the Southern Shuttle service from August 8 to 31, with children aged four to six, school-aged students from Standard One to Form Six, and persons with disabilities enjoying free-of-charge travel, subject to terms and conditions.

  The Southern Shuttle service has recorded 3,209 passengers on its two initial routes, and the expansion of the service is expected to support workforce mobility, economic activities and the development of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) while helping to reduce reliance on private vehicles, said KTMB.

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• 2026 Kia Carnival facelift – 7, 8 or 11 seats, 900 km WLTP, diesel subsidy is back; 8-yr free svc, 7-yr wrty till Aug 31

  In Cars, Kia, Local News / by Jonathan James Tan / 4 August 2026 11:48 am

  

  Now that Budi Diesel has reintroduced subsidised diesel at RM2.10 a litre, we can look again at the 2026 Kia Carnival facelift without a second thought. First launched in Malaysia in January, the handsome and versatile MPV is available with seven, eight or 11 seats – let’s go through them one by one.

  The range-topping RM248,888 (all prices nett) seven-seater has a 2-2-3 seating layout. There are plush middle-row captain seats with a one-touch Premium Relaxation recline function, ventilated front seats, genuine leather upholstery, 12 Bose speakers, 19-inch cubic-design alloys, a head-up display and ADAS including AEB, ACC and lane centring.

  

  

  

  

  2026 Kia Carnival seven-seater facelift

  The RM238,888 eight-seater is an interesting one. Here you get a 2-3-3 seating layout with leatherette seats, and the 40:20:40-split middle row is detachable and slidable – the middle seat can face forwards or backwards while the outer seats can be reversed by switching their positions. This variant shares the seven-seater’s Bose sound system, alloys, ADAS and ventilated front seats.

  The RM188,888 11-seater has a 2-3-3-3 seating layout, 18-inch two-tone turbine-style alloys and retains the eight-seater’s leatherette upholstery. All variants have ambient lighting, a 12.3-inch instrument panel seamlessly connected to a 12.3-inch touch-screen, eight airbags, remote engine start, three-zone air-con with third-row vents, second- and third-row side window sunshades, shift paddles, a wireless charger and a 360 camera.

  

  

  

  

  2026 Kia Carnival eight-seater facelift

  The other thing shared by all variants is unquestionably its USP, because the Kia Carnival is one of only two diesel MPVs you can buy in Malaysia. Its 2.2 litre Smartstream D four-cylinder turbodiesel engine sends 199 PS and 440 Nm of torque to the front wheels through an eight-speed auto. This long-serving engine is known for its robustness and dependability, thanks to a strong compacted graphite iron (CGI) block.

  Max torque comes from as low as 1,750 rpm, which would make light work of a full load of passengers and luggage, and high-refinement long-distance drives come courtesy of the smooth-shifting eight-speed auto keeping engine speeds low. A diesel particulate filter keeps diesel odours at bay, and the engine is compatible with up to B30 biodiesel.

  

  

  

  

  2026 Kia Carnival 11-seater facelift

  A 72-litre tank makes possible a claimed WLTP range of 900 km, and the claimed WLTP combined fuel consumption is 6.5 litres per 100 km, so you really won’t be visiting filling stations very often.

  Want to take the plunge? Kia Malaysia’s Unity Rewards is offering up to RM25,000 in exclusive benefits, including a cash rebate, eight years’ free servicing, a seven-year warranty (up from the normal five years) and free first-year’s insurance, if you can get your new Carnival registered by Merdeka Day (August 31).

  

  

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  2026 Kia Carnival seven-seater facelift in Malaysia

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  2026 Kia Carnival eight-seater facelift in Malaysia

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  2026 Kia Carnival 11-seater facelift in Malaysia

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• 2026 smart #1 in China – 333 PS, 535 km CLTC, 800V DC charging, Sennheiser sound system, launching Aug 6

  In Cars, International News, smart / by Jonathan Lee / 4 August 2026 11:26 am

  

  There aren’t many cars that have been as quickly forgotten as the smart #1. The rejuvenated city car brand’s first electric SUV was revealed to great fanfare back in 2022 with funky styling and some impressive specs, but such was the pace of EV development that it soon became outclassed. That was all the more so when the closely-related Volvo EX30 and Zeekr X arrived, offering identical performance and range for less money.

  Well, the Geely-Mercedes-Benz joint venture is fighting back with a significant update for the #1, which will be launched in China later this week on August 6. Not that you’d be able to tell from the outside, because the design has been left pretty much well alone – not a bad thing, as it remains one of the standout features of the current car.

  In fact, the few visible changes are barely worth mentioning. New pull-up door handles mean the #1 is ready for the Middle Kingdom’s impending ban on electric door releases, while Blue Gold and White Gold join the colour palette, paired with a Corona Gold (I guess we can use that name again now) roof and door inserts. The stylish “triple-claw” 19-inch alloy wheels were added to the top model last year.

  

  The interior is also mostly untouched, so you still get the T-shaped flowing dashboard, pill-shaped air-con vents and 9.2-inch instrument display. The big change here (literally) is the much larger infotainment touchscreen that dispenses with the row of capacitive touch buttons on the lower edge, pushing some of them to the roof console.

  Elsewhere, there are now tripod-style interfaces on either side of the dashboard that are all the rage in China. These allow accessories such as phone holders and action cameras to be mounted and are powered at up to 72 watts. Last year saw the branding of the 13 speakers change from Beats to Sennheiser, in line with the partnership signed for the #5.

  But really, the big news is under the skin. The #1 is the first of the smart-Volvo-Zeekr trifecta to gain an 800-volt electrical architecture that enables “6C” DC fast charging. As such, the car can be topped up from 10 to 80% in as little as 12 minutes.

  

  It will also receive Geely’s latest Thunder 16-in-1 electric motors, boosting efficiency to a class-leading 93.8%. According to Autohome, the new #1 will be offered in a single rear-wheel-drive configuration, producing 333 PS (245 kW) – up from the original’s 272 PS (200 kW), but down from last year’s 340 PS (250 kW).

  The 61.52 kWh battery is slightly smaller than the old 66 kWh pack, but it’s likely an LFP unit rather than NMC, and it delivers a reported CLTC range of 535 km (around 440 km WLTP, the same as the outgoing model). The #1 will also gain Geely’s G-Pilot H5 highly-automated city and highway driving functionality, with an expanded sensor set that includes roof-mounted lidar, although don’t expect this to be offered outside China.

  Hopefully, smart will see fit to offer this update globally, as it’s sorely needed amid the influx of new 800-volt rivals with more range and faster charging. Would you get the new #1 if it comes to Malaysia? Let us know in the comments.

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• Malaysian government allocates RM34 million for solar street lights on federal roads nationwide – Nanta

  In Local News / by Mick Chan / 4 August 2026 10:55 am

  

  The Malaysian government has allocated RM34.19 million this year for the installation of solar-powered LED street lights at 362 locations along federal roads nationwide, reported Bernama.

  Solar-powered lights were chosen for installation as they are more suitable in these areas which are far away from the electricity grid such as village and interior roads, and for locations prone to cable theft or vandalism, said works minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

  “The installation of solar-powered streetlights will continue to be assessed in a targeted manner based on technical suitability, cost-effectiveness, maintenance requirements and the benefits of green technology,” he said.

  

  However, replacing damaged conventional LED street lights in areas with existing electricity supply is more economical as the cost of installing solar-powered street lights are higher, with the battery component accounting for around 60% of the total cost, Nanta said.

  In addition to the installation of solar-powered LED street lights, regular street lights would also be installed along a 26 km stretch of road from the area after the Genting Sempah tunnel to the Mempaga interchange through the KL-Karak highway widening project, which will be implemented in stages, according to the report.

  A total of 13 accident-prone locations along the KL-Kara Highway and the East Coast Expressway Phase 1 (LPT 1) had been identified this year for improvement and mitigation measures, which include the installation of crash barriers, pavement rehabilitation and upgrades to road safety infrastructure, said the works minister.

  Initial monitoring found that some upgraded locations had recorded an accident reduction rate of up to 100% compared to the corresponding period last year, Nanta said.

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• JPJ urged to resolve technical issues with MyJPJ app

  In Local News / by Anthony Lim / 4 August 2026 10:49 am

  

  Following widespread complaints of continued technical glitches with the MyJPJ digital application, a former MP has called on the road transport department (JPJ) and the transport ministry to fix the system, The Star reports.

  Former Tenom MP Datuk Raime Unggi said that there had been many complaints about the app, including crashes, sluggish response times and failed online transactions, issues he experienced firsthand when trying to register.

  Adding to the frustration, Raime revealed that hotline officers have been instructing stranded users to resolve their app issues in person. “Why push a digital service if the public is still forced to travel to physical counters?Digitalisation is meant to simplify public services, not create more bureaucracy and inconvenience,” he said in a statement issued on the matter.

  

  He said that the failures happening on the app disproportionately impact rural residents, who have to waste both time and money making the visit to distant JPJ branches. Calling for a full review of the platform, he urged JPJ to ensure the application was stable and also train support staff to fix issues, saying that unresolved technical flaws would undermine public faith in government tech initiatives.

  As of May 1, when MyDigital ID became the sole sign-in route for the mobile app, the department said that around seven million MyJPJ users had registered and logged in using MyDigital ID.

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• Geely Starray EM-R teased for Thailand – debut market for EX5 REEV, Proton eMas 7 REEV coming soon?

  In Cars, Geely, International News / by Jonathan Lee / 3 August 2026 7:54 pm

  

  Chinese-market Geely Galaxy Starship 7 PHEV

  The Geely Starray EM-i, which has already spawned an electric variant in its home market of China, is set to gain range extender version to complement the standard plug-in hybrid. The car has been teased for Thailand wearing the EM-R badge, with the Land of Smiles slated to be the first market to receive it globally, joining the EX2 and EX5 EVs.

  No details have been revealed just yet, but we can expect the car to be almost identical to the Starray EM-i (known to you and me as the Proton eMas 7 PHEV). That model is already an REEV of sorts, as its 218 PS/262 Nm electric motor performs the bulk of the propulsion duties, built into the single-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT).

  The 99 PS/125 Nm 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine instead functions as a generator most of the time, although it can clutch in to drive the car at higher speeds where it is most efficient. Turning this car into an REEV would thus be as simple as removing the aforementioned clutch, severing the mechanical connection to the wheels.

  

  Chinese-market Geely Galaxy Starship 7 PHEV

  As reference, the EM-i is available with a choice of two batteries – an 18.4 kWh CATL LFP unit with a WLTP-rated EV range of 83 km and a total range of 943 km, as well as a 29.8 kWh Aegis short blade pack for 146 km of EV range and 996 km of combined range. The EM-R will likely deliver a shorter total range on account of it not being able to use the petrol mill to power the wheels, but it won’t be far off.

  So, we can expect to get a Proton eMas 7 REEV sooner rather than later then. Not so fast – you see, the EM-R was possibly specially developed to exploit loopholes in Thailand’s EV policy. The country reportedly classifies cars driven purely by electricity as EVs, even if a combustion engine is generating that electricity.

  

  Chinese-market Geely Galaxy Starship 7 PHEV

  As such, vehicles such as REEVs are exacted a 20% import tax rate compared to the 80% for ICE-driven cars – and that includes PHEVs. It’s the same reason why the forthcoming Nissan Elgrand e-Power (a hybrid that uses only an electric motor to drive the car) is expected to cost less than arch rivals Toyota Alphard and Vellfire Hybrid, Autolifethailand explained.

  There’s no such advantage for an REEV in Malaysia, so it’s unlikely that Proton would go through the trouble of creating such a model with no real upsides. That’s especially true given that the Thai-market car will almost certainly be sourced outside Malaysia – even with a locally-assembled engine, electric motor and DHT, the newly CKD eMas 7 PHEV does not have the prerequisite local content to qualify for tax-free ASEAN imports.

  GALLERY: Geely Galaxy Starship 7 PHEV in China

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  GALLERY: Proton eMas 7 PHEV CKD

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• Honda Malaysia August 2026 promo – up to RM15k off; WR-V, HR-V, CR-V, Civic and City Hatchback included

  In Cars, Honda, Sales & Promotions / by Danny Tan / 3 August 2026 7:00 pm

  

  How are we already in August? If 2026 has passed you by so far, it’s not too late to finish the year strong, accompanied by a new ride. Honda Malaysia’s eye-catching rebates might be just what the car doctor ordered.

  The company’s ‘More Rewards, More Celebration’ promo for this month is offering up to RM15,000 in cash rebates. Surprisingly, the e:N1 EV – with its RM34,000 discount – is no longer on the list, so perhaps they’re all accounted for. No more undisclosed ‘One Nation Rewards’ cash rebate and MY2025 cars too.

  So, what’s left are HM’s bread and butter CKD models made in 2026, except for the City. The City Hatchback is here though, and all five variants get RM8,000 off.

  

  Click to enlarge

  If you prefer, and have budget for the Civic, the still-desirable FE comes with an August discount of RM8,000 (e:HEV RS), RM10,000 (E, V) or RM12,000 (RS).

  Kicking off things for Honda’s SUV family is the WR-V, which has an RM9,000 rebate for the RS. The HR-V’s S, E and V with 360 camera variants get RM8,000 off this month, but opt for the V and you’ll pocket back RM12,000. If you want the e:HEV RS, the 360 camera variant gets RM11,000 off while the non camera car gets a whopping RM15,000 discount – that’s the biggest amount this month.

  Finally, CR-V buyers will get either RM9,000 off for the hybrid variants (e:HEV E, e:HEV RS) or RM12,000 off for the pure petrol V spec. These discounts are for vehicles registered from now till August 31. The just-launched RM278k Prelude isn’t in the list, of course.

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• Xpeng G9L revealed – is the global flagship the “large SUV” coming to Malaysia in second half of 2026?

  In Cars, International News, Xpeng / by Jonathan Lee / 3 August 2026 6:07 pm

  

  Xpeng has released the first images of the G9L, the successor to the original G9 unveiled only four short years ago in 2022. The five-seater SUV sits alongside the six-seater GX as flagships of the company’s lineup, and the most important thing is that the car is said to have been designed with global markets in mind.

  This means the car has a high chance of making it to Malaysia, as a rival to the likes of the forthcoming Zeekr 9X. Remember that during the Auto China show in April, local distributor Bermaz confirmed that a large SUV was set to be launched here during the second half of the year. That car was initially thought to be the GX, but this latest reveal makes us believe it’s this model instead.

  From the outside, the G9L is very much inspired by the GX, albeit with a sleeker profile and more dynamic surfacing compared to its sibling’s minimalist, almost Range Rover-like design. Striking full-width light bars at the front and rear continue to dominate, featuring a total of 480 individual LEDs.

  

  The flush glazing and the elimination of the window trim are more elements lifted from Land Rover’s most upscale cars, while pop-out door handles remain despite China banning electric door releases come 2027. Despite coming with one less seating row, the G9L is still a big car, measuring 5,120 mm long, 1,999 mm wide and 1,782 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3,100 mm.

  Other features include voice control that works on the outside of the car, using 16 microphones and two external speakers to operate a bunch of features, including the powered doors. Open the said portals and the side steps deploy in under 0.8 seconds, accompanied by a projected light curtain.

  Specs and technical details have not been released just yet, but Autohome reports that the G9L will come with items such as AI-powered seats with a whopping 91 pressure sensors that can adjust its positioning based on posture changes, as well as a fridge and a 33-speaker sound system.

  

  Like the L03, the G9L will reportedly be offered in both pure electric and PowerX range extender variants. The EV will be available in 367 PS (270 kW) rear-wheel-drive and 585 PS (430 kW) all-wheel-drive forms, fitted with LFP and NMC battery options the provide CLTC range figures between 672 and 805 km (around 550 to 660 km). An 800-volt electrical architecture enables DC fast charging to add as much as 450 km of range in just nine minutes.

  Meanwhile, the PowerX variant gains a 150 PS (110 kW) 1.5 litre turbo four-cylinder and slightly reduced motor outputs of 286 PS (210 kW) for the RWD model and 503 PS (370 kW) with AWD. Pure electric ranges are listed at 325 km and 350 km respectively, both on the WLTP cycle.

  The G9L will also come with Xpeng’s highly-automated driving functionality using its second-generation Visual-Language-Action (VLA 2.0) AI model. This system has been confirmed for global markets over the coming years, including Malaysia. Are you excited for this model potentially coming here? Let us know in the comments.

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• Proton eMas 5 launched in Nepal – available in Prime and Premium variants, priced from RM80k to RM94k

  In Cars, International News, Proton / by Anthony Lim / 3 August 2026 5:20 pm

  

  The Proton eMas 5 has entered its second export market, with the electric vehicle now going on sale in Nepal following its official introduction in Singapore last month. The car, which was launched in Kathmandu by Jagdamba Motors, the brand’s authorised distributor in the country, becomes the second Proton EV model there after the eMas 7, which made its debut in March last year.

  Unlike Singapore, where only one variant of the car is sold, both Prime and Premium variants of the eMas 5 are being offered in Nepal. No difference in specifications, with the Prime offering 79 PS (78 hp, or 58 kW) and 130 Nm of torque through its single rear motor, with a 30.12 kWh CATL LFP battery providing 225 km of WLTP-rated travel range.

  Meanwhile, the Premium has 116 PS (114 hp, or 85 kW) and 150 Nm, with a larger 40.16 kWh battery enabling it to do 325 km on a single charge.

  

  As for pricing, the eMas 5 Prime goes for 3.5 million Nepalese rupees (RM94,300), while the Premium is priced at 4.0 million Nepalese rupees (RM107,770). However, to mark the model’s introduction, Jagdamba Motors has introduced a special introductory campaign for early buyers.

  This reduces the price of the Prime to 3.0 million Nepalese rupees (RM80,820), while the Premium goes for 3.5 million Nepalese rupees (RM94,300). For comparison, the Prime is priced at RM56,800, while the Premium goes for RM69,800 in Malaysia.

  

  

  Proton eMas 5 Nepal special launch price and specification sheet. Click to enlarge.

  “We are delighted to see Nepal become the second overseas market for the Proton eMas 5. The launch of the model in Nepal is another important milestone in our export journey and demonstrates the growing international confidence in the eMas brand,” said Proton International Corporation CEO Edmund Lim Meng Thong.

  “Exports have always been an important pillar of Proton’s business strategy. Every new market we enter strengthens our international footprint while showcasing Malaysia’s capability to produce globally competitive vehicles. Together with our trusted partners, we look forward to making the eMas brand an increasingly recognised name across international markets,” he added.

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• DFSK E5 Plus RHD debut in Indonesia – 25.3 kWh battery, 119 km EV range WLTP; in Malaysia soon?

  In Cars, DFSK Motor, International News, Seres / by Mick Chan / 3 August 2026 5:16 pm

  

  The DFSK E5 Plus has been launched in Indonesia, shown at the 2026 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS 2026), and this marks the debut of the E5 Plus in a right-hand-drive market.

  The E5 Plus measures 4,760 mm long, 1,865 mm wide and 1,710 mm tall with a 2,785 mm wheelbase, featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain packing a 25.7 kWh battery that offers up to 140 km of purely electric driving on the NEDC cycle (closer to 119 km on the WLTP standard), and offers a combined range of up to 1,400 km.

  Teased earlier for Malaysia as the Seres E5 Plus in March this year, the model said to be for this market is a seven-seater version, and this is related to the Aito M7 albeit without Huawei features; Seres collaborates with Huawei for Aito.

  

  Powertrain for the E5 Plus is the Seres Super Hybrid System that is comprised of a 1.5 litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a 218 PS/280 Nm motor, that powers the three-row SUV from 0-50 km/h in 3.6 seconds, according to the DFSK Indonesia website.

  Suspension for the Indonesian-market E5 Plus matches that of the Chinese market model with frequency-selective damping, and MacPherson strut front suspension; the Chinese market E5 Plus was said to use multi-link rear suspension.

  The E5 Plus for the Indonesian market is specified with a six-seater cabin, where the middle row features a pair of captain’s seats ahead of the two-seater third-row bench. Seats in the first and second rows are ventilated, with a glass panoramic sunroof over the first and second rows. Meanwhile, the luggage compartment holds 760 litres with the third-row seats folded, and has an additional 68 litre hidden storage compartment.

  

  

  

  

  Infotainment is by a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, while the second row gets a rear entertainment screen of the same size. Smartphone connectivity supports Apple CarPlay, with voice commands supported in Bahasa Indonesia, Thai, Malay, Vietnamese and Chinese languages, according to DFSK.

  Driving assistance features in the E5 Plus for Indonesia include adaptive cruise control, lane centring control and lane departure warning, enabled by five millimetre-wave radar units, 22 sensors, and a 360-degree view camera suite with “transparent underbody” view.

  In Indonesia, the DFSK E5 Plus is priced from an introductory price of 479 million rupiah (RM109,037) for GIIAS 2026, and pricing thereafter will be 499 million rupiah (RM109,037).

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• 2026 Triumph Tracker 400 and Thruxton 400 now in Malaysia – priced at RM27,900 and RM29,900

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, Triumph / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 3 August 2026 4:43 pm

  

  Now in Malaysia are the 2026 Triumph Tracker 400 and the Thruxton 400, priced at RM27,900 and RM29,900, respectively, with two-year unlimited mileage warranty. The Tracker 400 and the Thruxton 400 joins the Speed 400 (RM27,200) and Scrambler 400 X (RM30,200) in Triumph Malaysia’s local line-up.

  Both models are powered by an updated version of Triumph’s 398cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder DOHC TR-Series engine producing 42 PS at 9,000 rpm, the revised engine delivers a five per cent increase in peak power over the previous version, thanks to a higher rev limit and improved top-end performance. Peak torque remains at 37.5 Nm at 6,500 rpm, paired with a six-speed gearbox, slip-and-assist clutch and ride-by-wire throttle.

  The Tracker 400 is Triumph’s first flat track-inspired motorcycle, combining minimalist styling with an upright, commanding riding position. Wide handlebars, repositioned footpegs and a dedicated chassis setup are designed to provide greater leverage and sharper handling.

  

  

  Styling cues include a seat cowl, number board, boxy fuel tank, flyscreen and newly designed alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli MT60 RS tyres, giving the motorcycle a distinctive flat-track stance. The Tracker 400 tips the scales at 184 kg (wet), has a 13-litre fuel tank and a 790 mm seat height while colour options are Racing Yellow, Phantom Black and Aluminium Silver Gloss.

  Meanwhile, the Thruxton 400 brings Triumph’s cafe racer heritage to its 400cc platform. Coming with clip-on handlebars, rear-set footpegs and a revised suspension setup, it delivers a sportier riding position while maintaining everyday comfort, while colour choices are Phantom Black with Aluminium Silver, Pearl Metallic White with Storm Grey and Metallic Racing Yellow.

  

  Inspired by the legendary Thruxton, the motorcycle features a sculpted fuel tank, colour-matched front fairing, bar-end mirrors and a single-seat cowl to complete its classic café racer silhouette. Like the Tracker, the Thruxton 400 is powered by the updated 398cc engine and comes with a 13-litre fuel tank and 790 mm seat height, while weighing 183 kg (wet).

  Suspension on both models consists of 43 mm upside-down front forks and a preload-adjustable rear monoshock, while braking duties are handled by a 320 mm front disc with a four-piston radial caliper and a 230 mm rear disc, complemented by dual-channel ABS and traction control is fitted as standard and can be switched off when required.

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• Chery’s Super Intelligent Valet Parking (SIVP) summon tech makes world debut in Indonesia, on Jaecoo J7

  In Cars, Chery, International News, Omoda Jaecoo / by Danny Tan / 3 August 2026 3:56 pm

  

  The ‘come to you, park for you’ tagline is far from sleek, but it perfectly describes the Chery Group’s Super Intelligent Valet Parking (SIVP) technology that is making its world debut in Indonesia, on the Jaecoo J7 PHEV at the ongoing Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2026.

  Yes, Indonesia is getting the smart parking and summon technology before it’s rolled out in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar dan Thailand, and its host car – the Jaecoo J7 SHS-P SIVP – is now open for booking in the republic. Jaecoo Indonesia says that from October, the first stage of SIVP implementation will start at 40 locations, and by the end of 2026, there will be 60 locations across Indonesia compatible with the tech.

  SIVP has two functions – smart parking means you can leave the car to find a vacant parking spot on its own, while smart summon gets the car to come to you from its parking spot. The car will drive and park on its own while you get groceries, or as the video below shows, rush to a work meeting. You can monitor the progress on an app.

  

  

  

  

  Just like those robot waiters at your neighbourhood mamak or kopitiam, the driverless car with SIVP can detect pedestrians in the parking lot, and will yield to them, as a car should. SIVP can also detect obstacles such as parked cars and pass them if needed. Just imagine the shock on the faces of those who witness this ‘ghost driver’ car!

  Amazingly, there’s even cross floor navigation, which means that the SIVP-equipped car can drive across levels to park or respond to your summon. We’re not talking about your car parking itself with within your sight, but a car that takes care of itself, so to speak, in a parking lot.

  How does SIVP do its magic? The Jaecoo J7 you see here is equipped with a total of 27 sensors and cameras in all directions, bolstered by a 128-channel Direct Time-of-Flight (dToF) LIDAR and millimetre-wave radar that can detect objects up to 280 metres ahead and 200 metres beside. All the collected data is processed by an Intelligent Driving Domain Controller.

  

  

  All the sensors in the world can’t do this alone, so the car has to communicate to the building in what’s called ‘Car-to-X’ communication, which is why the carpark has to be mapped in advance, by Jaecoo Indonesia in this case. As mentioned, there will be 60 supported locations in Indonesia by end-2026, including shopping malls, public areas and office blocks. SIVP cars will get newly supported locations via OTA updates.

  What do you think of the Jaecoo script being shifted from the J7’s grille to its bonnet? That’s necessary because the centre of the grille is needed for the SIVP hardware.

  In Indonesia, SIVP is debuting with Jaecoo, but this tech is available across the Chery Group and is set to appear in models from Lepas and Freelander, among other brands, depending on market.

  What do you think of SIVP and do you think it can work in Malaysia? Would you trust your car to park and drive itself in a carpark? Watch the video below and share your thoughts.

  GALLERY: Jaecoo J7 SHS-P SIVP at GIIAS 2026

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