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Latest Stories

• Volkswagen ID. Tiguan confirmed – new name, look for ID.4 facelift; up to 600 km WLTP, early October reveal

  In Cars, International News, Volkswagen / by Jonathan Lee / 28 September 2026 7:51 pm

  

  As was reported earlier this year, the Volkswagen ID.4 is dead; long live the ID. Tiguan. Wolfsburg’s midsize electric SUV is being twinned with its extremely popular midsize combustion-engined SUV, even if the new car is simply a heavily-facelifted variant of the original, similar to the ID.3 Neo.

  The ID. Tiguan is still covered in camouflage ahead of its reveal in early October, but we do have a good look at the revised design. Despite the name, the car looks nothing like the big-mouthed third-generation Tiguan (which, by the way, we get in long-wheelbase form as the Tayron). Instead, it takes after its other new electric siblings, the ID. Polo and ID. Cross.

  Just like those cars, you get a visor-like front end with a full-width light bar sitting above the headlights, while boxy air curtain inlets flank a slim centre intake. Meanwhile, the rear end features full-width taillights with quad tumbler-inspired clusters and an illuminated VW badge, as well as a simple rear bumper and diffuser-like valance.

  

  The whole look should make the ID. Tiguan look a lot less bland than its predecessor. Volkswagen also showcased a sportier version with larger air intakes and vertical bumper corner lights that suggests that the ID. lineup could get its first R-Line appearance package.

  The interior has yet to be shown, but expect a comprehensive redesign in line with the ID.3 Neo. That means the ID. Tiguan is likely to get larger 10.25-inch instrument and 12.9-inch infotainment displays and physical steering wheel and air-con controls – the latter being items that ironically the ICE Tiguan, which followed the original ID. models in removing them, still does not have.

  

  Under the skin, Autocar reports that the ID. Tiguan receives the latest-generation APP and AKA motors, although they will still produce the same 190 PS, 286 PS and 299 PS outputs as before. The main benefit is efficiency – despite offering the same 58 kWh usable LFP and 77 kWh NMC batteries, its WLTP range has been usefully boosted to between 450 km and 600 km, up from 438 km to 572 km currently.

  Volkswagen has also confirmed that the coupé-style ID.5 will be discontinued, replaced by the ID. Tiguan as the company looks to cut model lines to stem massive losses.

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• iCaur V27 Long Range Edition – 51.2 kWh battery, 246 km EV range WLTP; China market launch on September 30

  In Cars, iCaur, International News / by Mick Chan / 28 September 2026 6:23 pm

  

  The iCaur V27 Long Range Edition will launch in China at the end of this month on September 30, bringing a variant of the V27 range-extended EV SUV with even longer EV range, reported Car News China.

  Equipped with a 51.2 kWh battery pack from CATL, this is a 49.3% increase in battery capacity over the 34.3 kWh battery version which was one of two variants previewed for the Thailand market last month, and this Long Range Edition offers a claimed 300 km of EV range on the CLTC cycle, or around 246 km on the WLTP standard.

  The report cites Chery as stating that the Long Range Edition supports DC charging that will bring a 30-80% recharge in 17 minutes, and its V2L (vehicle-to-load) capability is increased from 3.3 kW to 6.0 kW.

  

  Powertrain for the Long Range Edition that is to launch in China is unchanged from the 34.3 kWh version, which is a dual-motor AWD configuration that outputs 455 PS and 505 Nm combined. The range extender part of the ensemble is a 1.5 litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that makes 155 PS and 220 Nm.

  The exterior dimensions of the V27 Long Range Edition are unchanged from those of its stablemates, measuring 4,909 mm long (5,055 mm including the tailgate-mounted spare wheel), 1,976 mm wide and 1,894 mm tall with a 2,910 mm wheelbase.

  In terms of off-road-centric figures, approach and departure angles are 24 degrees and 23 degrees respectively, water wading depth is rated at 600 mm, and the body has a torsional rigidity of 31,186 Nm per degree.

  

  

  iCaur V27 4WD in Thailand

  In Thailand, the V27 4WD with the 34.3 kWh battery (150 km NEDC, or around 130 km WLTP) is accompanied by a 2WD powertrain version that gets a 20.4 kWh battery pack rated to give 95 km (NEDC) of EV range, or around 80 km on the WLTP standard.

  While it may wear overt off-roader styling, the V27 is of a unibody construction that is the staple of road-biased SUVs, and suspension is by MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link suspension configuration at the rear. Rolling stock on the dual-motor 4WD version is a set of 21-inch aero-style wheels.

  Inside, the V27 gets a slim 8.8-inch instrument display and a 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 processor, and there are toggle switches on the roof including auxiliary switches for wiring up accessories. Dual smartphone holders include one wireless charger, while the second row gets air-con vents and mounting points on the backs of the front seats for attachments such as a tablet holder.

  

  

  

  

  iCaur V27 4WD in Thailand

  The iCaur V27 is claimed to offer 960 mm of rear seat knee room, while 50 compartments area included throughout the cabin. Its luggage compartment holds 715 litres, increasing to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded.

  Other equipment in the Thai-spec V27 includes dual-zone auto air-con, six-way power-adjustable front seats with ventilation and driver’s side memory, cooled front armrest storage, a 6 kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, a 15-speaker Pioneer sound system and a 360-degree camera system with transparency. Seven airbags (including a centre airbag) and Level 2 driving assistance also features.

  The iCaur V27 has been sighted in Malaysia, too; iCaur Malaysia has previously confirmed that the V27 will be sold in Malaysia, and its launch could coincide with the start of CKD local assembly for this model.

  GALLERY: iCaur V27 REEV in Thailand (images by Autolife Thailand)

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• 2026 Kawasaki Brusky 125 (a.k.a. Modenas Karisma 125) priced at RM5,030 in the Philippines

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Kawasaki, Modenas / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 28 September 2026 5:45 pm

  

  Here’s a Kawasaki scooter built in Malaysia that Malaysians cannot buy, the Kawasaki Brusky 125 manufactured by Modenas in Gurun, Kedah. Under a collaboration with Kawasaki Motors Philippines, the Modenas Karisma 125 is sold in the Philippines as a Kawasaki-badged 125 cc scooter.

  Retail pricing for the Brusky 125 is PHP77,000 (RM5,030) and comes with Kawasaki badging as well as colours. In Malaysia, the Karisma 125 is priced at RM5,647 in 2025, excluding road tax, insurance and registration.

  Identical to the Kasima 125, the Brusky 125 is powered by a 124.8 cc single-cylinder, SOHC, two-valve engine fed by EFI. Power is claimed to be 9.5 hp at 7,500 rpm with 10 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm, going to the rear wheel via belt drive and CVT gearbox.

  

  Weight for the Brusky 125 is listed at 108 kg with 5.1-litres of fuel carried in the tank, while seat height is set at 760 mm. Braking is done with single hydraulic front brake disc with a mechanical drum back in the rear with no ABS, while suspension uses telescopic forks in front and single preload-adjustable monoshock at the back.

  Equipment fit-out includes LED lighting, analogue speedometer with LCD fuel gauge/odometer, USB charging, hazard lights and an electric/kick starter. In 2024, Modenas exported 4,500 Brusky 125s to the Philippines, with the collaboration subsequently expanded to other ASEAN markets.

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• Proton partners with Uniqlo for collection of T-shirts, tote bags – OG Saga, Satria Neo, eMas 7; selected outlets

  In Cars, Local News, Proton / by Gerard Lye / 28 September 2026 5:01 pm

  

  Uniqlo Malaysia has announced a collaboration with Proton to create a collection showcasing the brand’s history. Through UTme!, which is Uniqlo’s custom printing service, the collection includes a range of T-shirts as well as tote bags, drawn by local artist Syaiful, also known as O’matajari.

  The original Saga is one of the cars featured in the collection alongside current models like the X50 and eMas 7. There’s also a nod to Proton’s racing involvement with the Satria Neo, which competed in rallies, and two versions of the S70 – one stock and another modified.

  According to Uniqlo Malaysia, the collection will only be offered at selected outlets in The Exchange TRX, Fahrenheit88, Sunway Pyramid, Mid Valley Megamall (KL) as well as Mid Valley Southkey (Johor).

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• Rapid KL bus accident at Subang Permai this morning – 1 death, 1 injury, full cooperation with authorities

  In Local News, Public Transport / by Danny Tan / 28 September 2026 4:04 pm

  

  There was a fatal accident involving a Rapid KL bus in Subang Permai this morning, and Rapid KL has issued an official statement on the matter.

  According to the public transport operator, a T776 bus from the USJ 7 station heading to Subang Mewah was passing Persiaran Subang Permai at 6.19 am when it collided with a couple of vehicles parked on the road shoulder. A motorcycle that was at the location was also involved in the incident.

  The motorcycle’s rider and pillion suffered injuries. An ambulance arrived at the scene at 7.07 am and a medical officer confirmed that one of the victims had passed away. The other person, who was injured, was brought to Hospital Sungai Buloh for further treatment.

  “Rapid KL sends condolences to the family of the victim that was involved in the incident. Rapid KL is committed to provide full cooperation with the authorities in the investigations. At the same time, Rapid KL will continue to pay attention to the safety of passengers, staff and all road users,” the company said in a statement.

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• Yangwang teases new luxury sedan – BYD’s Rolls-Royce rival to feature suicide doors, solid-state battery

  In Cars, International News, Yangwang / by Jonathan Lee / 28 September 2026 4:03 pm

  

  Not content with building the world’s fastest production car, BYD’s ultra-high-end offshoot Yangwang is taking on Rolls-Royce in its bid for industry domination. The company is hard at work developing a flagship luxury sedan, as seen in these images the company’s general manager Hu Xiaoqing shared on Weibo.

  Not much is known officially, save for its internal codename HU (no relation, surely?). However, the images gives us a glimpse of what the car will look like, even if the camouflage obscures much of the design details.

  As you can see, the car is very long, certainly well north of five metres. The styling carries all the tropes of big-car design – an upright body (not quite as upright as a Rolls-Royce, but still), thick C-pillars and, of course, RR-style suicide doors. The wheels are surprisingly small for such a vehicle, however, at only 21 inches in diameter.

  

  Very much unlike the U7, which lifts its design language from the U9 supercar, this new model (U10?) takes after the U8 SUV instead. The headlights feature a wavy design said to be inspired by a celestial gate and, on this particular model, come with jewel-like projectors and frosted light signatures.

  As yet, it is unclear if the car is fully electric like the U7 and U9, or a range-extended EV like the U8. The long bonnet suggests it hides an engine underneath; however, it’s also been reported by Autohome that it will feature BYD’s first solid-state battery, hinting at a long range without the need of a generator. It should also support the carmaker’s new 1,500 kW Flash Charging technology, allowing it to be topped up from 10 to 70% in just five minutes.

  The news comes as BYD prepares Yangwang for an global rollout, following in the footsteps of Denza. The brand has already launched in the Middle East earlier and is planned to enter Europe and the UK next year, according to Autocar.

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• JAC T9 EV, PHEV, diesel to be CKD via FT Assembly; first EV, PHEV pick-up trucks to be assembled in Malaysia

  In Cars, Electric Cars in Malaysia, JAC, Local News / by Jonathan James Tan / 28 September 2026 3:32 pm

  

  Malaysian JAC distributor Evolvelectric Motors has signed an agreement with Feytech subsidiary FT Assembly to locally-assemble (CKD) the JAC T9 pick-up truck in PHEV, EV and diesel forms. PHEV and EV production are expected to begin in November and January respectively, making them Malaysia’s first CKD PHEV and EV pick-up trucks.

  FT Assembly has invested RM3.6 million to establish the 84,000-square feet JAC assembly facility in Kulim, Kedah, with a potential investment of up to RM8 million in the next three years. The T9 PHEV will start first, followed by the T9 diesel and then the T9 EV. The estimated first-year production capacity is 3,000 units, and up to 30% local content is targeted.

  Evolvelectric Motors said in a release that the facility’s establishment is expected to generate RM230 million in economic value annually while allowing FT Assembly to expand its capabilities and explore opportunities to support more automotive brands in the future.

  

  “While Japanese and American manufacturers have chosen to produce their pick-up trucks in Thailand, JAC Pickup together with Evolvelectric Motors is building a stronger foundation in Malaysia by producing its pick-up trucks locally. JAC is also exploring opportunities to export pick-up trucks from Malaysia, subject to favourable conditions,” said Evolvelectric Motors CEO Lau Yit Mun.

  “The JAC project marks an important milestone in Feytech’s journey from an automotive component manufacturer to a CKD assembly partner.

  “Through FT Assembly, we are expanding our capabilities into light commercial vehicle assembly and establishing a disciplined assembly process that will strengthen our manufacturing capabilities and broaden our participation across the automotive value chain,” said Feytech Holdings CEO and executive director Connie Go.

  

  

  The RM120k T9 diesel and RM200k T9 EV were launched simultaneously in March 2025 – the latter was Malaysia’s first EV pick-up truck available to private buyers, before the Toyota Hilux EV and the Maxus eTerron 9 came along.

  According to Evolvelectric Motors, the T9 PHEV will arrive in the country in early November as a fully-imported (CBU) model first, becoming the nation’s first PHEV pick-up truck.

  We can expect a 2.0 litre turbo petrol engine, two electric motors (making it AWD), a 523 PS/1,000 Nm total output, a 31.2-kWh LFP battery, a 100 km EV range and a 1,000 km combined range. More on the JAC T9 PHEV here.

  Chinese-market JAC T9 PHEV

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  Malaysian-market JAC T9 diesel

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  Malaysian-market JAC T9 EV

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• 2026 Honda Stylo 160 new colours for Indonesia, RM6.7k

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, International Bike News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 28 September 2026 3:00 pm

  

  Honda Indonesia’s 160 cc retro-styled scooter, the 2026 Honda Style 160 now comes in new colours and is priced from Rp29.695 million (RM6,760) for the CBS version. The range also includes the Style 160 ABS variant at Rp32.686 million (RM7,450), while the top-spec ABS Special costs Rp34.286 million (RM7,810), with all prices are on-the-road Jakarta.

  All three Stylo 160 versions are powered by Honda’s 156.9 cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder eSP+ engine, producing 15.4 PS at 8,500 rpm and 13.8 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheel through a V-Matic automatic transmission and belt final drive.

  

  

  Fuel tank capacity is five litres, while under-seat storage is listed at 16.5 litres, with additional front storage compartments. The Stylo 160 rides on a telescopic fork up front and a single rear shock, with 12-inch wheels fitted with 110/90 front and 130/80 rear tyres.

  Braking varies by version. The ABS model gets 220 mm discs at both ends and single-channel ABS, while the CBS version uses a 190 mm front disc, rear drum and Honda’s Combi Brake System.

  Seat height is set at 768 mm while kerb weight is 118 kg for the Style 160 ABS and 115 kg for the CBS. Equipment includes LED lighting throughout, a digital instrument cluster, Honda Smart Key, an alarm system and USB charging and for 2026, Honda has added Glam Grey to the CBS range and Royal Violet to the ABS version, bringing the total number of available colours to nine.

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• Run organisers should establish fixed KL city routes with DBKL, PDRM to reduce traffic disruption – Hannah Yeoh

  In Local News / by Danny Tan / 28 September 2026 1:11 pm

  

  Running event organisers have been urged to established fixed routes on the city centre with DBKL and PDRM to reduce traffic disruption caused by road closures that always change. Minister in the prime minister’s department in charge of Federal Territories Hannah Yeoh suggested a set standard route based on distance.

  “Three km, this route. Five km this route. Organisers can’t choose whichever route they want,” she told reporters on Saturday, reported by Bernama. “Just for this week, one run, 30 roads closed. I can’t accept this. I don’t want the public to not be able to plan their journey into the city. We need to ensure runs are orderly,” she added.

  Yeoh said that the move is not to stop running events, but to ensure that such events can be carried out in an orderly manner without affecting traffic flow in the capital city, considering that over one million vehicles enter KL every day.

  

  She added that organisers who need a different route (than the standardised ones) can consider other less congested areas, aside from making use of existing routes such as the one used by KL Car Free Morning. “KL is a city that needs orderliness. I don’t want the public to waste time waiting for hours for roads to open,” the Segambut MP said.

  Fair points from the minister, who must be referring to the Coway Run that happened yesterday. Starting and ending at Stadium Merdeka, the running route was entirely in the city centre. However, in the days leading up to the event, organisers downgraded the 30 km run to just 10 km, citing health safety and uncertainties about air quality.

  In any case, flag-off times for run events (5am for Coway’s 10K run, longer distances typically start much earlier) are typically in the wee hours of the morning where city roads are empty.

  

  I can think of one exception – the Malaysia Marathon event at the end of August had its flag-off just past Saturday midnight, and with a flag-off point at Pavilion and a finish line at KLCC, the event set-up caused congestion in busy areas. I know, I was caught in the Saturday night jam around KLCC and returned to run the race a couple of hours later.

  That run appeared to be strongly supported by the government though – deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and tourism minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing flagged off a category. Another run by the same organiser, Malaysia Sarong Music Run, flagged off at KLCC on a Saturday evening earlier this month. PM Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was there.

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• Geely to buy 30% stake in Nio’s battery-swapping unit

  In Cars, Geely, International News, Nio / by Gerard Lye / 28 September 2026 1:02 pm

  

  Chinese automakers Geely and Nio have deepened their partnership with a new cross-shareholding agreement as both aim to integrate their charging and battery-swapping infrastructure. This builds on a previous agreement signed over two years ago where both parties said they would co-develop battery swapping standards for private cars and commercial vehicles.

  As reported by Economy Observer, the terms of the agreement include Geely Holding Group acquiring a 30% stake in Nio Power. This investment is comprised of 100% equity of Geely’s battery-swapping division, Yiyi Power, as well as a cash injection of 640 million yuan (about RM389 million).

  As part of the deal, Yiyi Power’s battery-swapping operations for commercial vehicles will be consolidated into Nio Power. Meanwhile, Nio will require a 10% stake in Geely’s charging subsidiary, Haohan Power.

  The goal of the partnership is to move battery swapping beyond single-brand exclusivity toward industry-wide standardisation. Both parties will jointly develop battery-swapping technology and standards that can be applied to new Geely electric vehicles (EVs), with Nio Power providing supporting infrastructure, with a target of 10,000 battery-swapping stations by 2030.

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• Yamaha Tenere 700 gets radical YZ450F flat-track makeover, weighs just 158 kg from the original 205 kg

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Yamaha / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 28 September 2026 12:49 pm

  

  A Yamaha Tenere 700 has been transformed by Taiwan-based builder Rough Crafts into a 158 kg flat tracker inspired by Yamaha’s YZ450F race bike, shedding 47 kg from the standard dual-purpose motorcycle. Dubbed the YenereZ 700 FT, the project started after Rough Crafts principal Winston Yeh spotted an YZ450F flat-track racer from Yamaha Estenson Racing.

  A quick Photoshop mash-up of the YZ450F and Ténéré 700 convinced Yamaha Taiwan to provide a donor bike. The build was carried out with Faber Studio, which had previously worked with Yeh on a Husqvarna 501 Supermoto and Honda CRF300L Street Tracker.

  

  

  

  

  The Ténéré’s steel rear subframe was removed and replaced with an aluminium YZ450F subframe, with custom mounts fabricated for the YZ rear bodywork. JZO Crafts made a one-off aluminium fuel tank around the Ténéré/YZ frame while the fuel tank doubles as a mounting structure for the YZ plastics but holds just 6.8 litres.

  The suspension was then reworked for the flat-track setup. Ohlins supplied custom-tuned RXF48S forks shortened to flat-track dimensions, while the Ténéré rear monoshock was retained and fitted with a custom linkage to lower the rear.

  

  The wheels are Roland Sands Design Traction and Hammer flat-track units, while Beringer supplies the front and rear braking hardware. KOSO provided the GPS speedometer, with the exhaust converted to a dual system, with one pipe routed high and the other low to suit the YZ-style bodywork.

  Other upgrades include a DNA air filter, custom KCT sprocket and RK black-and-gold chain. The Tenere’s 689 cc CP2 parallel-twin engine remains, but the extensive chassis and bodywork changes cut weight from 205 kg to 158 kg fully fuelled and with all fluids.

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• Renault 8 Gordini Concept – one-off, 270 hp rear-wheel-drive electric coupé with café racer design elements

  In Cars, Concept Cars, International News, Renault / by Mick Chan / 28 September 2026 12:36 pm

  

  Renault has brought the Renault 8 Gordini into the present day with its modern interpretation as the Renault 8 Gordini Concept, a 270 hp rear-wheel-drive battery-electric concept car.

  While the original 1964 Renault 8 emerged as a four-door sedan, the Renault 8 Gordini Concept is a two-door coupé albeit one that retains the boxy form of the original, and the new concept measures 4.12 m long, 1.88 m wide and 1.27 m tall.

  Where the Sixties original was nearly symmetrical front to rear when viewed in side profile, the new concept is updated for a more dynamic stance, with wide track widths, more prominent wheelarches housing wheels measuring 19 inches in front and 20 inches at the rear.

  

  

  

  

  Renault claims that the 8 Gordini Concept draws from the café racer aesthetic from the realm of custom motorcycles, with the common thread being the modernisation of a vintage machine by “stripping out non-essential features and maximising the raw beauty of the materials and mechanical parts,” said the brand.

  In front, the 8 Gordini Concept draws upon the original in terms of headlight design, using three pairs of circular headlights such as with the lighting layout of the rally version of the original.

  While the electric powertrain of the new electric concept enables the omission of a front grille, the 8 Gordini Concept continues to draw upon the original with its shell-shaped wing mirrors, and a full-width grille at the base of the windscreen.

  Inspiration continues to be drawn from the 1964 original for the interior of the new concept, where a full-width brushed aluminium strip is the centrepiece of the dashboard upon which the three main dials and three secondary displays are mounted. Its minimalist design aims to reduce distractions for the driver, says Renault.

  

  

  

  The café racer references continue, where plastic materials are replaced by brushed aluminium components, such as for the centre console where air-conditioning and transmission controls are located.

  Renault notes that the carbon-fibre employed in the construction of the bodywork is not visible in the passenger compartment; upholstery for the 8 Gordini Concept features blue corduroy on the centre of the seats and backrests, contrasting with the rest of the black bucket seats.

  Being a one-off example, the Renault 8 Gordini Concept is a pure design exercise and there are no plans for it to become a production model for sale, says Renault chief designer for advanced design Roman Gauvin.

  “The original 8 was a very humble car, a sort of working class hero. We wanted to keep that honesty for this concept. It’s not a two-metre-wide, 1,000 bhp machine; it’s still approachable and makes you smile,” Gauvin told Autocar. “It’s about how we position ourselves against sports car brands: for us, it’s the fun factor,” he said.

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• MAA proposes RM7k-10k personal income tax rebate for xEV buyers in Budget 2027, RM5k for scrapping old cars

  In Cars, Electric Cars in Malaysia, Local News / by Jonathan James Tan / 28 September 2026 12:04 pm

  

  Ahead of Budget 2027‘s October 9 tabling in parliament, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) has proposed personal income tax rebates for the purchase of electrified vehicles (xEV) and voluntary scrapping of old vehicles. xEVs comprise hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEV), battery-electric (EV) and fuel-cell vehicles.

  MAA president Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain told Bernama that the association recently submitted a proposal to the finance ministry suggesting a personal income tax rebate between RM7,000 and RM10,000 to accelerate xEV adoption, especially among middle-income taxpayers keen on xEVs but sensitive to the price.

  “The move can reduce the upfront cost of xEV ownership and improve affordability for xEVs,” he said, adding that there is currently no direct purchase subsidy or tax rebate available for xEV buyers and that existing relief is mainly limited to charging equipment.

  

  MAA proposed that the current RM2,500 individual income tax relief for home charging expenses be extended beyond 2027.

  Shamsor said this would complement existing supply-side incentives by stimulating actual consumer demand rather than relying solely on manufacturers’ incentives, besides supporting Malaysia’s 2030 electrification target by encouraging buyers to bring forward their vehicle replacement decisions.

  “This will create stronger market demand for locally-assembled xEVs, supporting manufacturers’ decisions to introduce additional completely-knocked-down (CKD) or locally-assembled xEV models and invest in local production. It will also improve the utilisation of Malaysia’s growing charging infrastructure, creating a positive cycle between EV adoption and charging-network investment,” he said.

  

  MAA also proposed an end-of-life vehicle programme targeting vehicles aged 20 years and up, under which a RM5,000 personal income tax rebate would be offered per vehicle voluntarily retired and scrapped. This would complement the government’s matching grant programme and encourage owners of old cars to switch to newer, safer, more efficient and eco-friendly vehicles.

  “The programme will also support fleet renewal, improve road safety, reduce emissions and stimulate domestic automotive demand,” Shamsor said, stressing that scrapping must be done by government-approved facilities.

  The association also hopes that the government will consider extending the 100% green investment tax allowance (GITA) to charging point operators’ (CPO) investments and establish an automotive supplier capability development fund.

  

  Suppliers are required by OEMs to invest in tooling, testing, validation, certification and automation before receiving any confirmed or sufficient sourcing volumes, and the initial investment could be hard to justify and finance for smaller suppliers, especially in developing xEV-related components, said the MAA president.

  “This would assist in the transition towards xEVs, where Malaysian suppliers need to develop new capabilities in areas such as electric powertrain components, battery-related components, electronics, thermal management, lightweight materials and other next-generation automotive technologies.

  “Strengthening of Tier 2 and 3 suppliers will help reduce dependence on imported components and build a stronger local automotive supply chain,” he said. What are your thoughts?

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• 57 detained, 43 motorcycles seized in Iskandar Puteri

  In Bikes, Local Bike News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 28 September 2026 11:57 am

  

  Police detained 57 people and seized 43 motorcycles in a major crackdown on illegal racing and reckless street behaviour at the Lima Kedai Toll Plaza on the Second Link Highway in Iskandar Puteri, Johor. The joint operation on September 27 saw 46 motorcycles inspected, with 43 seized by the Johor Road Transport Department (JPJ) under Section 64 of the Road Transport Act 1987.

  Those detained comprised five women and 52 men aged between 15 and 30, said Iskandar Puteri acting OCPD Supt Saifullah Jaya@Yaya. The operation involved the Iskandar Puteri police contingent traffic department, Bukit Aman and Johor JPJ, reports The Star.

  Police issued 112 summonses for various offences, while Johor JPJ issued a further 106 notices. Saifullah said the operation targeted reckless street behaviour that endangered other road users and aimed to ensure strict compliance with traffic laws with operations to continue in the Iskandar Puteri police district to curb illegal racing and protect public safety.

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• Mazda CX-6e launching in Thailand Oct 7 – CBU China, 484 km WLTP range, estimated over RM120,000

  In Cars, International News, Mazda / by Jonathan Lee / 28 September 2026 11:53 am

  

  It’s been six whole months since the Mazda CX-6e made its Thai debut at the Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) in March, but the electric SUV is finally launching in the Land of Smiles next week, October 7. Like its sedan sibling, the 6e, this model will be fully imported from China, according to Autolifethailand.

  Like the 6e, the CX-6e is expected to be priced above 1 million baht (RM120,000), and it’s set to be subjected to the country’s new excise duty calculation for imported EVs that will reportedly be raised to around 30%. A final figure to be announced at the end of the month, although a grace period will help carmakers adjust to the new tax regime, per Reuters.

  Anyway, the CX-6e will be offered in pure electric form only, with just a single powertrain option – a single rear motor producing 190 kW (258 PS) and 290 Nm of torque, juiced by a 78 kWh LFP battery for a claimed WLTP-rated range of 484 km. Performance figures include a zero-to-100 km/h time of 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 185 km/h.

  

  You also get support for up to 195 kW of DC fast charging, topping up the battery from 10 to 80% in 24 minutes. The car also accepts up to 11 kW of AC charging, taking 8.5 hours for a full charge. As per the 6e sedan, the CX-6e was jointly developed with Changan and takes much of its hardware from the Deepal S07, albeit with a bigger battery and faster charging.

  Despite this, the sharp design looks nothing like the CX-6e’s Chinese brethren, being instead reminiscent of the Mazda 3 hatch. Details include slim and sharp upper daytime running lights, illuminated shark nose-like closed-off grille, chiselled flanks, swooping low-slung glasshouse, slim L-shaped taillights and a gloss black floating roof.

  The CX-6e also features no less than nine ducts to channel air through the car, including on the leading edge of the grille and even the “flying buttress” C-pillars. Finishing off the look is the Nightfall Violet hero colour, with range-topping models featuring side-view cameras and fetching 21-inch “petal” alloy wheels that have the effect of reducing range slightly to 468 km.

  

  Inside, the CX-6e shows off its party piece – a massive 26-inch infotainment touchscreen that spans the centre and passenger sides of the dashboard, with the driver instead getting a head-up display. The big screen integrates most vehicular controls such as the air con and features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a “Hey Mazda” voice control system.

  The rest of the minimalist cabin features silvery trim, gloss black touches and Maztex faux leather upholstery – the latter available in black, beige or a two-tone Amethyst and White to compliment the purple exterior option. The illuminated wing-shaped strip forms part of the ambient lighting system with 256 colours.

  Other available features include a 23-speaker, 1,280-watt sound system with front headrest speakers that can be linked to separate driver and passenger Bluetooth devices, along with aerodynamic side-view cameras and a panoramic glass roof. The boot is relatively small at 363 litres but you can fold down the rear seats to boost luggage capacity to 1,434 litres, and there’s also an 80 litre front boot.

  

  

  Safety-wise, the CX-6e comes with a suite of driver assists such as autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring with collision prevention, rear cross traffic alert with auto brake, a door opening warning, speed limit assist and a door opening warning. There’s also a rear seat reminder with camera-based child presence detection.

  While the CX-6e (and the 6e, for that matter) is being rolled out across the region, it’s a different story over in Malaysia. Its potential introduction here has no doubt been hindered by the ministry of investment, trade and industry’s (MITI) new EV policy, which would make the car’s pricing extremely uncompetitive.

  GALLERY: Mazda CX-6e at BIMS 2026

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• ACE 2026 this Oct 31-Nov 1 at SCCC – plenty of fantastic deals on new cars, RM2,500 in vouchers, RM25k in prizes

  ADVERTORIAL / by Anthony Lim / 28 September 2026 11:26 am

  

  Just over a month to go before the paultan.org Auto Car Expo (ACE) takes place, with the 2026 edition – powered by Petronas Primax – happening this October 31 to November 1 at the usual venue, which is the Setia City Convention Centre (SCCC).

  As it was with previous editions, the show is set to feature a host of brands, national and non-national, displaying their latest vehicle models, covering both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) formats.

  Right now, the list of participating brands include Audi, BMW, BMW Motorrad, GWM, Hyundai, iCaur, Jetour, Leapmotor, Lotus, Mazda, MINI, Mitsubishi, Omoda | Jaecoo, Perodua, Proton, Proton eMas, smart, Volkswagen and Zeekr.

  

  Last year, over 800 buyers enjoyed fantastic deals on cars at ACE 2025, and this year’s event will continue that trend with plenty of exceptional offers. On top of event-exclusive deals from participating car brands, buyers also stand to enjoy other promotional items.

  The first 200 confirmed bookings will enjoy RM2,500 worth of vouchers from the organiser. Also, like it has been at previous editions, every confirmed booking will enter you into a lucky draw to win prizes – stand a chance to win five mobile phones worth RM3,000 each or the grand prize, which is a holiday package worth RM10,000.

  More details on the specific promotions you can expect to find at the show will emerge in the coming weeks, and you can keep up to date with it on our microsite, but for now, mark your calendars on October 31 to November 1 for the event at SCCC. See you there!

   

• 2027 BMW 3 Series – all-new G50 debuts September 30; M350 xDrive with 3.0T straight-six, 443 PS, drift mode

  In BMW, Cars, International News / by Gerard Lye / 28 September 2026 10:23 am

  

  Save the date because BMW will finally reveal the eighth-generation (G50) 3 Series on September 30, 2026. This was revealed in a teaser trailer posted by the German carmaker on its official YouTube page where we get to see the brand’s bread and butter nameplate undergo testing.

  Of course, we’ve already seen the latest 3 Series undisguised previously thanks to a Reddit user earlier this month. As expected, the design mimics that of the fully electric NA0 i3 that was revealed to the world earlier in March this year.

  That spied car is said to be the range-topping M350 xDrive, the M Performance variant that replaces the outgoing G20-generation M340i xDrive. BMW has already provided some preliminary details of this variant, which will feature a 3.0 litre turbocharged inline-six petrol engine making 443 PS (437 hp or 326 kW) and 580 Nm of torque. That’s a gain of 56 PS (55 hp or 41 kW) and 80 Nm from the G20 M340i xDrive.

  

  

  The quoted 0-100 km/h sprint time for the M350 xDrive is 4.1 seconds (0.3 seconds faster than our M340i xDrive) and the top speed is 250 km/h. Accompanying the uprated B58 an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system.

  The company also touted Drift Moment, a drift mode that sends all of the engine’s output to the rear wheels, which isn’t unlike full-fat M cars. Adaptive M suspension, an M Sport differential and variable sport steering all come as standard as well. More details will come when the all-new 3 Series is revealed later this week.

  GALLERY: 2027 G50 BMW 3 Series prototype

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• 3,790 luxury vehicles worth RM550m seized by JPJ under Ops Luxury, main culprits are cosmetic entrepreneurs, influencers and businesspeople

  In Cars, Local News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 28 September 2026 10:03 am

  

  The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has seized 3,790 luxury vehicles worth an estimated RM550 million across under Ops Luxury since June 2025, with more than 3,000 vehicles seized so far this year. JPJ Senior Director of Enforcement Datuk Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan said 785 vehicles were seized between June and December 2025, while another 3,005 were seized from January 1 to September 26, 2026, during a media conference in JPJ Kelantan.

  Negeri Sembilan recorded the highest number of seizures at 469 vehicles, followed by Selangor with 410, Kuala Lumpur with 382, Johor with 367 and Penang with 357. The offences detected under Ops Luxury include expired road tax, no insurance coverage, driving without a valid licence, using another vehicle’s registration number, illegal registration plates and mismatched chassis numbers.

  From previous reports, JPJ’s first major nationwide Ops Luxury operation in June 2025 resulted in 101 luxury vehicles being seized, including Porsche, Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Lotus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz models. The operation has continued with targeted enforcement by state JPJ departments.

  

  In Negeri Sembilan 301 luxury vehicles were seized between January and August 2026 while in Penang, JPJ seized another 11 luxury vehicles during an operation on September 3, including a Lamborghini Huracan worth more than RM1 million. The vehicles were found with expired road tax and/or no valid insurance, with the department estimating more than RM20,000 in lost road-tax revenue.

  JPJ has also carried out enforcement on major highways. In January, six luxury cars worth an estimated RM1.5 million were seized during a special operation on the East Coast Expressway Phase 1 near Karak, including one vehicle found using a registration number that did not match its actual records. Kifli said some luxury vehicle owners had claimed they were reluctant to visit JPJ offices to renew their road tax because they had been blacklisted for previous offences.

  

  JPJ investigations also found that an estimated 20% of the luxury vehicle owners were cosmetic entrepreneurs, influencers and businesspeople. Kifli stressed that the price, brand or ownership status of a vehicle does not provide any exemption from enforcement.

  Owners and drivers remain responsible for ensuring that their vehicle and driving documents are valid and that their vehicles comply with legal requirements before being driven on public roads. Ops Luxury will continue nationwide, with targeted enforcement against luxury vehicles found to be in breach of the Road Transport Act 1987 and related regulations, Kifli said.

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• Look for Sika Certified Auto Glass Installers for quality windscreen replacement; RM100 petrol card up for grabs

  ADVERTORIAL / by Harvinder Sidhu / 28 September 2026 10:02 am

  

  While it may not get a lot of attention, the glass windscreen is an integral part of a car that has the tough job of being a barrier between you and the elements. As part of its role, your car’s windscreen will have to deal with the odd stone or object on your daily travels, which can result in damage.

  What starts out as a chip or starburst that can be easily patched could eventually lead to a full replacement being required. There’s certainly no shortage of places that offer windscreen replacement services, but not all can do the job at the standards required.

  What you want are installers that can meet three non-negotiables: original replacement windscreens, trained and competent technicians as well as quality adhesives. The brand that meets all three conditions is Sika, which has been at the forefront of the windscreen bonding industry for over 40 years.

  

  With Sika adhesives being used in one out of every three factory windscreen installations, the Swiss multinational specialty chemical maker knows exactly the standards required for proper windscreen installation.

  To provide Malaysians with a simple, one-stop solution for peace of mind windscreen replacements, Sika has several Certified Auto Glass Installer workshops that can get your car’s windscreen replaced at the required safety standards, all within 60 minutes.

  These workshops exclusively use Sika adhesives that meet the requirements of automotive windscreen safety standard FMVSS 212 and are compatible with all car brands.

  

  The technicians are also well trained and constantly update themselves on the latest techniques to deal with a variety of vehicle makes and models. Each Sika Certified Auto Glass Installer is well equipped with the right tools in addition to Sika adhesives to ensure the new original windscreen bonds perfectly to ensure you don’t have to deal with pesky water and air leaks.

  If your car requires a windscreen replacement, look for a Sika Certified Auto Glass Installer and rest easy knowing your car is going to be taken care of properly. You could also win a petrol card when you snap a photo of the workshop’s signboard and submit it together with a receipt of the replacement work.

  This contest runs for four months now until December 31, 2026, with each month seeing three lucky winners walk away with a petrol card worth RM100 each. Find out more about Sika windscreen replacement and Certified Auto Glass Installer workshops at Sika’s official website, Facebook and Instagram.

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• PLUS Seremban R&R Petron and Shell to close tonight

  In Local News / by Danny Tan / 28 September 2026 9:45 am

  

  Those who ply the North South Highway, take note. PLUS has announced that the slip road to the Petron and Shell stations at the Seremban R&R northbound will be closed from 10pm tonight till 5.30 am tomorrow morning.

  The closure is for road resurfacing works. As such, both petrol stations will be closed to highway users. Motorists can use the facilities at the Seremban R&R as well as the main slip road to the rest area.

  If you’re in the habit of fuelling up at these two stations, take note and refuel elsewhere beforehand. Drive safe and take a break if you’re feeling sleepy behind the wheel.

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