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Dangerous, reckless driving cases up 50% for 2026

In Cars, Local News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 4 July 2026 4:03 pm

Traffic police has expressed concern reckless and dangerous driving cases are up 50% in the first six months of 2026. This reflects a worrying trend which could lead to road rage or road bullying.

This was said by Bukit Aman head of Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department Datuk Seri Muhammed Hasbullah Ali in a Bernama report. Hasbullah clarified 1,278 investigation cases were opened from January 1 to June 28 of this year, as opposed to the 852 cases for the same period in 2025, an increase of 426 cases.

The highest number of cases was recorded for Johor, with 354 cases, followed by Kuala Lumpur with 230 cases. In Selangor, 200 cases were recorded, along with Negeri Sembilan with 119 cases for states having dangerous and reckless driving incidents in the triple digits.

Kelantan, Perak, Terengganu and Sarawak recorded 84, 60, 49 and 44 cases, respectively. Rounding out the list, Melaka had 37 cases for the first half of 2026, with 33 cases for Kedah, 27 for Penang, 24 for Kedah, 15 cases in Sabah and two for Perlis.

The highest increase in dangerous or reckless driving cases fell to Johor, with an additional 175 cases compared to January to June of 2025. Selangor recorded an increase of 117 cases, while Kuala Lumpur had 74, followed by Negeri Sembilan with 56, Terengganu with 26, Perak with 20 and Sarawak with 11 additional cases.

Penang, Sabah, Perlis and Melaka recorded a decline in cases. “The main causes of road bullying include non-compliance with traffic rules and signals, aggressive driving such as dangerous overtaking, cutting in, tail-gating, and failure to give way,” said Hasbullah. He also said contributing factors in such incidents include provocation between road users through excessive horn use, hand gestures or verbal disputes, as well as impatience and a lack of courtesy.

Reckless and dangerous driving is chargeable under Section 42 of the Road Transport Act 1987, with a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and/or a fine of between RM5,000 and RM15,000. Hasbullah added additional action under the Penal Code can be taken against road rage, under Section 323 for causing hurt, Section 324 or 326 for causing hurt using weapons or dangerous means, Section 341 for wrongful restraint, Section 427 for mischief or property damage and Section 506 for criminal intimidation.

Commenting on viral videos showing road rage or dangerous driving, Hasbullah said such videos are considered initial information and each case will be investigated using dash cam and CCTV footage, eyewitness reports and digital forensic evidence. Hasbullah added swift and consistent enforcement acts as a deterrent and public are encouraged to submit dash cam footage or CCTV recordings of reckless of dangerous driving.

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Six detained, seven motorcycles seized by KL police

In Bikes, Local Bike News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 4 July 2026 10:48 am

Continuous enforcement efforts by Kuala Lumpur Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department (JSPT) saw six Malay youth aged between 17 and 21 detained. Additionally, three pillion riders aged 13, 16 and 18 were also detained, while seven motorcycles were seized.

In a late night/pre-dawn operation on the night of July 3 and the morning July 4, JSPT conducted an operation around Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman dan Jalan Raja Laut. The operation involved two senior officers and 16 other ranks who managed to apprehend the six riders for performing wheelies and other dangerous stunts on public roads.

The seven motorcycles were seized under Section 60 of the Road Transport Act 1987 for investigation and further action. JSPT is taking a serious view of road hooligans in Kuala Lumpur with such operations conducted on a daily basis.

Police ask parents and guardians of youth to play a more active role in supervising their children’s activities, especially at night. Road users are also asked to ensure safety on the road remains a priority for all.

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Jaecoo J5 Hybrid to get larger 5.1 kWh battery for more EV range, V2L upgrade; 354 PS 1.5T powertrain?

In Cars, Local News, Omoda Jaecoo / by Mick Chan / 3 July 2026 8:07 pm

2026 Jaecoo J5 Hybrid update; image by Yu Lei Kan Che via Car News China

The Jaecoo J5 Hybrid has been sighted in China sporting a range of upgrades, including a hybrid powertrain with greater pure-electric driving range, and a higher AC rating for its V2L (vehicle-to-load) capability, reported Car News China.

The report cites Chery as stating that the J5 Hybrid will get an upgraded hybrid system, improving upon the existing self-charging hybrid powertrain that is a version of the powertrain in the Chery Tiggo Cross Hybrid that wears the Super Hybrid System – Hybrid (SHS-H) name.

This is the same as the ICE unit in the J7 PHEV, which feeds the 1.82 kWh battery for the 204 PS/310 Nm electric motor, and clutches in to aid in driving the front wheels at higher speeds via the single-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT), thus producing 224 PS.

The wider Chery group has the Kunpeng 2.0 hybrid system that pairs the 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine with electric drive fed by a larger 5.1 kWh battery, combining to output 260 kW (354 PS), surpassing the outputs of the J5 PHEV, which makes 279 PS and 365 Nm. However, it is unclear at present if this is the setup that will go into the J5 Hybrid, according to the publication.

2026 Jaecoo J5 Hybrid in Wuhu, China

Thus equipped, it can be expected to improve upon the performance figures of the existing J5 Hybrid, which does 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 175 km/h. For the current model, Jaecoo claims fuel consumption figures of 18.9 km per litre (5.3 litres per 100 km), and a total range of 980 km from a 51 litre fuel tank.

Other updates found elsewhere on the example depicted here include a roof-mounted lidar unit, suggesting the inclusion of more advanced assisted-driving capabilities, while the front door of this unit also has a vertical section in black that appears to house another camera, or sensor.

Shown earlier this year at the Chery International Business Summit (IBS) in Wuhu while this year’s edition of Auto China was ongoing, the Jaecoo J5 Hybrid gets an interior that continues to get a 13.2-inch portrait-oriented infotainment display, as well as the monochrome driver’s digital information display.

As for Malaysia, Malaysian Omoda & Jaecoo officials have told us that the J5 Hybrid is among a range of products being considered for the Malaysian market, with the others being the J7 Hybrid and the J8 PHEV.

GALLERY: Jaecoo J5 Hybrid
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Proton says its participation in Teksi Madani is aimed at helping modernise the country’s taxi service

In Cars, Local News, Proton / by Anthony Lim / 3 July 2026 7:36 pm

With the introduction of the Teksi Madani national taxi renewal programme today, Proton says its participation in the programme is aimed at helping the country modernise its taxi service through a new generation of vehicles that deliver higher standards of comfort, safety, efficiency and reliability for both operators and passengers.

In a statement, the national automaker said that the initiative, a national programme led by the ministry of transport, reflects the shared commitment of the government and industry to improve the daily travel experience for Malaysians while strengthening confidence in the country’s public transportation network.

Under the programme, eligible operators will be able to acquire a specially-prepared Proton S70 Premium configured for public mobility service. Offered exclusively in Ruby Red (with white floral C-pillar appliqués), the vehicle includes the additional equipment required for licensed public transport operations. This includes LED displays on the windscreen’s top-left and the rear glass, which can display either ‘Teksi’ or ‘E-hailing’ wording to identify the vehicle.

The cabin also gets a screen on the centre console, located below the dashboard, which functions both as a digital taximeter and as an advertisement display, as well as a small receipt printer, which is housed on the lower portion of the centre console. The Teksi Madani vehicles will also wear a red-on-white GET (Gabungan E-hailing dan Teksi, or combined e-hailing and taxi) JPJePlate that is exclusive to them.

The company added that with incentives provided by it and the government, fleet renewal will be more accessible to eligible operators. To encourage the taxi community to migrate to these new machines, prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced at the launch earlier today that a new RM10 million matching grant (up to RM2k from Proton and up to RM2k from the government, equaling up to RM4k in trade-in support) will be available, essentially providing support for around 5,000 vehicles.

There are also easy financing solutions that ensure the ownership stays with the driver. Participation in the programme is limited to operators who satisfy the eligibility criteria established by the land public transport agency (APAD), including the possession of the necessary operating permits. The automaker said that interested applicants may obtain further information at any Proton dealership nationwide.

While Proton did not mention specific pricing for the S70 taxi, it was indicated earlier today that the Teksi Madani examples will be offered without excise and sales tax, priced in the region of RM64,500, on-the-road without insurance. Comparatively, the retail price of the S70 Premium is RM74,800, inclusive of a RM5,000 launch rebate.

“The Teksi Madani programme demonstrates what can be achieved when the government and industry work together with a common purpose. We are honoured that the S70 has been selected to support this effort because it reflects confidence in Malaysian engineering, manufacturing capability and the quality of our products,” said Proton deputy CEO Datuk Abdul Rashid Musa.

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New RM10 million matching grant for taxi drivers – up to RM4k off to upgrade to Proton S70 Teksi Madani

In Cars, Local News, Proton, Public Transport / by Jonathan James Tan / 3 July 2026 7:04 pm

In his speech at today’s launch of the Teksi Madani national renewed taxi programme, Malaysian prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced a new RM10 million matching grant for the trade-in and scrapping of old taxis that’s similar to the one announced in Budget 2026 for private cars.

To jog your memory, in January the transport ministry launched a programme to encourage approximately 5,000 owners of private vehicles aged 20 and up to switch to newer, safer and more efficient vehicles from Proton and Perodua. The carrot? A grant of up to RM2,000 from the carmaker is matched by up to RM2,000 from the government, giving you up to RM4,000 in incentives.

Proton announced shortly after that the Saga and the eMas 5 would be eligible for a trade-in incentive of up to RM1,000 (which the government would match with another RM1,000) and up to RM2,000 (again, plus another RM2,000 from the government) for all its other models.

Today’s announcement encourages owners of old taxis (also around 5,000, Anwar said in his speech) to trade in for the new Proton S70 taxi, with the same RM2,000 + RM2,000 carrot.

We’re told the S70 taxi, free of excise duty and sales tax, will be priced in the region of RM64,500 on-the-road without insurance (compared to RM74,800 for an S70 Premium, including the RM5,000 launch rebate). So theoretically, trade your old taxi in and the new taxi is yours for as low as RM60,500.

Yes, yours. Due to the abolishment of the practice of granting taxi permits only to a select few, the pajak or leasing scheme also comes to an end – the driver will now maintain full ownership of the taxi. Any taxi drivers here? What do you think, and are you compelled to make the switch?

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2027 model year update for BMW Motorrad – M 1000 RR gets new, lighter frame, track package for ‘M’ bikes

In Bikes, BMW Motorrad, International Bike News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 3 July 2026 6:44 pm

A host of updates for its 2027 BMW Motorrad motorcycle lineup, with new equipment packages, revised styling, expanded factory options and technical enhancements across its sport, touring and roadster ranges. The updated models will be available to order from all BMW Motorrad dealerships beginning August 2026.

Most significant change is a chassis revision for the flagship superbike BMW M 1000 RR, fitted with a new third-generation M Motorsport frame as standard. BMW Motorrad says the redesigned frame offers significantly improved flex characteristics while reducing weight by approximately 1.3 kilograms while wall thickness is reduced by 30 percent, with stiffness and flexibility precisely tuned to enhance chassis performance and maximise grip.

The M 1000 RR now comes standard with M Forged Wheels, while M Carbon Wheels are an extra-cost option. The previous M Competition Package is replaced with two new configurations – the M Track Package which combines the M Endurance Chain, Carbon Package, M Billet Package and M Carbon Wheels, while the M Track Package II includes the M Endurance Chain, Carbon Package and M Billet Package.

Similar package revisions also extend to the M 1000 XR and M 1000 R, where the new M Track Package and M Track Package II options replace the outgoing M Competition Package. Both models’ Track Packages include the M Laptrigger along with the Carbon and Billet Packages, while the full package adds M Carbon Wheels.

The BMW S 1000 RR receives a refreshed Style Edition M Sport finished in Blackstorm Metallic with M Motorsport graphics, complemented by a tinted windscreen and M Forged Wheels. The previous Sport/Bluestone Metallic finish has been discontinued while a USB charging port is standard for both the Dynamic Package and Edition M Sport, and the optional M Package now includes M Forged Wheels as standard, with M Carbon Wheels offered as an option.

Elsewhere in its sportbike lineup, BMW Motorrad offers the F 900 XR and F 900 R with revised Comfort Packages featuring the M Endurance Chain. Additionally, the S 1000 R now includes a USB charging port as part of its Comfort Package.

BMW Motorrad has also expanded luggage options across its new boxer-engine roadsters with the R 1300 R equipped with left and right case holders as a factory option along with a new Touring Package that bundles case holders, Central Lock and Central Stand. The R 1300 RS similarly adds factory-fit left and right case holders for the Performance Style variant.

Touring models in the K 1600 family receive updated styling for 2027 with the K 1600 GT, K 1600 GTL, K 1600 Bagger and K 1600 Grand America coming with the new Style Edition II package finished in Imperial Blue Metallic as part of the “K 1600 Edition.” The K 1600 GT’s Style Edition II also adds yellow wheel tape and a black-and-yellow seat, while the GTL version features a new black Option 719 seat and Option 719 Forged Wheels.

Meanwhile, the R 12 G/S receives new Option 719 and Option 719 II finishes in Frozen Brooklyn Grey Metallic, replacing the previous Sandrover Uni matt colour. BMW Motorrad said the updated 2027 model range reflects its ongoing strategy of refining equipment specifications, introducing new factory option packages and enhancing performance across its premium motorcycle portfolio.

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Teksi Madani gets new EV-style JPJePlate – GET series with white plate, red lettering and grey tag

In Local News / by Jonathan Lee / 3 July 2026 4:28 pm

Looking at the new Teksi Madani launched by prime minister Anwar Ibrahim today, you will have noticed a new number plate stuck onto the specially-outfitted Proton S70 Premium units. This is similar to the JPJePlate that was introduced for EVs back in September 2024, albeit with a few details that mark this particular plate out as being for ride-hailing vehicles.

The Teksi Madani plate continues to be an embossed aluminium panel, retaining its European-inspired design with the German FE-Schrift font, reflective white paint and “MAL” tag and flag on the left side. Interestingly, the Jalur Gemilang has finally been corrected with 14 stripes, rather than 13 (missing the bottom white stripe) on the EV version.

However, the black lettering has been substituted for red, and it also loses the “authentic” hot-stamped watermark on the front plate. The aforementioned tag is also now grey instead of green, although the “secure” hologram stripe bordering it remains.

Other security features that have been retained include a unique “digital signature” QR code, a laser-engraved serial number and “front” and “rear” engravings to denote which side the plate should be facing. There’s also the (as yet unused) RFID tag at the front and holes on either end to attach security screws, although these are covered by stickers as is typical for actual real-world applications.

The new plate is joined by a new number series specific for Teksi Madani, with GET standing for Gabungan E-hailing dan Teksi. As the full name suggests, the move is part of a “taxi renewal” scheme that aims to modernise the industry by narrowing the gap between taxis and e-hailing services like Grab.

At present, Malaysian taxis use black-on-white number plates not too dissimilar to the EV plates, albeit still made from acrylic. The same plates are used for rental service cars (kereta sewa), although taxis are differentiated by the H number series.

The government has yet to confirm whether taxi drivers will need to fork out RM98 for the higher-tech plate, as EV drivers do. It also remains to be seen if it has resolved the supply issue that has hampered the issuance of new plates, to the point that many new EV owners have had to fall back to the traditional black acrylic plates – even though the JPJePlate was supposed to be mandatory for these vehicles.

The good news is, the adoption of the JPJePlate by Teksi Madani hopefully means we won’t have to wait (too) long now before the standardised number plate scheme is expanded to all vehicles, as was the stated goal during the launch of the plate.

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2026 Honda CBR650R and CB650R E-Clutch colour update for Malaysia, priced at RM49,999 and RM47,999

In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, Local Bike News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 3 July 2026 4:25 pm

New colours for the 2026 Honda CBR650R and CB650R E-Clutch in Malaysia, with pricing at RM49,999 and RM47,999, respectively. Pricing is unchanged from 2025 and excludes road tax, insurance and registration, and every Honda motorcycle sold in Malaysia comes with a two-year or 20,000 km warranty against manufacturing defects.

The CBR650R adds Matte Gun Powder Black Metallic paintwork for this year, while the previous Grand Prix Red is carried over. Meanwhile, the CB650R now comes in Matte Jeans Blue Metallic, and Candy Energy Orange, while retaining last year’s Matte Gun Powder Black Metallic

No other changes for the CBR650R and CB650R, with power coming from a liquid-cooled, inline-four cylinder, 649 cc power plant putting out 93.8 hp at 12,000 rpm and 64 Nm of torque at 8,500 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox fitted with Honda’s E-Clutch.

The E-Clutch removes the need to use the clutch lever when selecting gears even at a standstill, with manual changing remaining an option for the rider. Riding information is displayed on a 5-inch full-colour TFT-LCD screen featuring Honda Roadsync connectivity to the rider’s smartphone.

Suspension is done with 41 mm diameter Showa Separate Function Front Fork-BigPiston (SFF-BP) in front and rear monoshock with 10-position adjustable preload. Braking uses 310 mm diameter twin discs in front, stopped by dual four-piston callipers, while the rear is fitted with a 240 mm disc and a single-piston calliper, while two-channel ABS is standard.

Riding aids include traction control, emergency stop signal, Honda ignition security system and USB charging port. Weight for the CBR650R is listed at 211 kg while the CB650R tips the scales at 207 kg, with fuel capacity for both identical at 15.4-litres.

Similarly, seat height is seat at 810 mm for the CBR650R and CB650R. Wheel sizing is 17-inches, wearing 120/70 front and 180/55 rear tyres, while stock of the CBR650R and CB650R is expected in Boon Siew Honda dealer showrooms throughout Malaysia beginning July 6.

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JPJ to open on weekends this month for Budi Diesel applications – Fri-Sat for Kelantan, T’ganu, Kedah

In Local News / by Danny Tan / 3 July 2026 4:02 pm

JPJ has announced that it will be operating on weekends this month to cater to those applying for the Budi Diesel subsidy programme. The extension is from July 4 to 26, and it applies to licensing counters in state JPJ HQs, JPJ branches and UTC outposts.

Weekends means Friday and Saturday in Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah, versus Saturday and Sunday everywhere else. Operation hours are from 8am to 5pm.

Budi Diesel, which started on July 1, is expected to benefit approximately 400,000 private diesel vehicle owners in Peninsular Malaysia and another 300,000 in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan, the government says. It’s a significant expansion from the previous Budi Diesel Individu, which involved around 180,000 recipients of monthly cash assistance in Peninsular Malaysia to part cover the cost of purchasing diesel at market prices. The Budi Diesel price is RM2.10 per litre.

Eligible owners of diesel-powered pickup trucks and SUVs can apply for an additional 100 litres per month through the official Budi Madani portal, subject to conditions. There’s also an eligibility transfer for vehicles used by immediate family members – here’s how it works.

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2026 Honda Civic e:HEV in Thailand in July – S+ Shift simulated gearshifts, coming to Malaysia soon?

In Cars, Honda, International News / by Jonathan Lee / 3 July 2026 3:08 pm

Introduced in Japan just last month, the updated 2026 Honda Civic is set to go on sale in Thailand this month, according to Autolifethailand. The revision is expected to introduce the S+ Shift function for the e:HEV hybrid model, simulating a conventional multi-speed transmission.

This feature, first seen on the Prelude coupé, enables drivers to row the “gears” of an eight-speed gearbox, despite the car being directly driven by an electric motor and a single-speed transmission (as before, the petrol engine can clutch in to power the car at higher speeds). The system is a development of the Linear Shift Control already found on regular e:HEV models, which varies the engine speed to match throttle inputs – except now there are actual stepped “shifts”, as well as metal paddle shifters for better control.

Beyond this new feature, there are no changes to the powertrain, which continues to centre around an electric motor producing 184 PS and 315 Nm of torque. This is juiced by a 2.0 litre direct-injected four-cylinder engine with 141 PS at 6,000 rpm and 182 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm, and when clutched in it helps deliver a total system output of 203 PS.

In Japan – where the car is only sold as a hatch – the S+ Shift system is only offered on the new e:HEV RS model, which joins the 1.5 litre VTEC Turbo petrol variant with a six-speed manual gearbox. Both come with bespoke suspension tuning, but only the hybrid gains the Prelude’s flat-bottomed steering wheel with an Alcantara 12 o’clock marker, along with 18-inch Berlina Black twin-spoke alloy wheels from the US-market Si.

We should also point out that the Japanese-market e:HEV also comes with the Prelude’s push-button gear selector, whereas Southeast Asia gets a conventional lever. It remains to be seen if the updated Thai car will get the new shifter and the other RS-specific tweaks.

The S+ Shift system should coincide with wider upgrades coming to the ASEAN Civic lineup, including a blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert to replace the much-maligned LaneWatch camera, as well as a 360-degree camera setup. This would actually be the second update for the C-segment sedan in Thailand in 2026, as the range went full hybrid earlier in the year, ditching the turbo petrol mill entirely.

Closer to home, the updated Civic should be launched in Malaysia later this year, as part of the six new or updated cars Honda Malaysia promised at the start of the year. As per the CR-V, expect a lower-priced e:HEV model to join the expensive RS, but the VTEC Turbo models will almost certainly remain due to their continued popularity.

GALLERY: 2026 Honda Civic e:HEV RS Hatchback in Japan
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MITI’s new CBU EV policy on July 1 is in effect, but existing stock still sold at old prices until it runs out

In Cars, Local News / by Anthony Lim / 3 July 2026 2:53 pm

The new rules concerning imported electric vehicles (EVs) may have quietly come into effect, but it looks like there will be some time before everything becomes clear and concrete on pricing-related matters. Announced in May, the ministry of international trade and industry’s (MITI) revised policy for CBU EVs came into effect on July 1, 2026.

Under the new policy, all CBU EVs are subject to two main conditions, which is to have a minimum declared cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value of RM200,000 as well as a minimum power output of 180 kW (which is equivalent to 245 PS or 241 hp).

While the new regulations define that any CBU EV model coming in after that date has to satisfy the requirements, the rules are not applied to units that have already been imported into the country and have been cleared for sale, as well as stock at local ports or in transit. These are exempted from the workings of the new policy, with these existing stocks allowed to be sold at current prices until they are exhausted.

Given that, you’d expect that there would be a bit of a rush to get something before any potential price hike, and there seems to be. As The Star reports, buyers have been hitting showrooms looking to secure deals. For those who aren’t selective, it should be easy enough.

However, those not planning to take the plunge immediately with whatever there is or forced to wait beyond current stock are finding that there is less clarity on the matter. As noted in the report, consumers’ questions regarding any potential price changes generally remained unanswered, with some noting that front-line staff seemed unclear about the transition or possible changes to pricing.

The short of it is that whatever inventory is available right now will continue to be sold at current prices, and that includes units inbound and cleared to go before the policy took effect. Most car brands should have sufficient stock in hand for the next couple of months at least, so prices should remain as they are for a bit – that’s the general communication we received from most brands doing CBU EVs.

Almost all (some didn’t want to comment) indicated that they had adequate landed stock, wih prices for these not affected yet, but they added that for new shipments, those should be subject to change (Porsche is the exception, but this can be put down to adjustments finally catching up following the end of tax exemptions at the start of the year, and not from revisions from the new policy, similar to the repricing of the Denza D9 with taxes applied in January).

We were also told that there was no official communication on the matter as yet. Most of the players said that they would continue to monitor developments closely, review the implementation details, and evaluate the appropriate strategies moving forward.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) president Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain told The Star that EV sellers remain obligated to disclose pricing and inventory origins at the point of order. “Whenever sellers take an EV order, they must disclose the exact price and whether it is existing or new stock to the buyer. Prospective buyers themselves should be able to gauge if an imported EV is new or old stock by looking at the seller’s quoted price, since new stock will likely always be sold at over RM200,000,” he said.

He added that the new regulations would likely cause a temporary setback for the EV market, with a shortage of certain models expected for a few months. Additionally, with fewer imported models available, he said consumer demand will shift towards remaining CBU stock and transition to incoming locally-assembled completely knocked-down (CKD) units.

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Lepas L6 EV Thai specs – C-segment EV SUV from Chery group to rival Proton eMas 7; under RM100k?

In Cars, International News, Lepas / by Mick Chan / 3 July 2026 2:27 pm

Specifications for the Thailand-market Lepas L6 battery-electric model have been revealed, reported Autolife Thailand, along with pricing which is estimated to be in the region of 7xx,xxx baht, or between RM85,882 and RM98,151 after conversion.

The Lepas L6 will have its market launch in the kingdom later this month, and it will be sold in one variant, with a single 242 PS/275 Nm drive motor on the front axle and a 66.05 kWh battery offering 510 km of range on the NEDC cycle, or around 434 km on the WLTP standard.

This supports up to 120 kW of DC charging, which brings a 30-80% recharge in 20 minutes. Meanwhile, a V2L (vehicle-to-load) function supplies up to 3.3 kW to external electrical devices or appliances.

In terms of exterior size, the Lepas L6 measures 4,570 mm long, 1,852 mm wide and 1,683 mm tall with a 2,700 mm wheelbase. For comparison to its fellow Chery group C-segment SUV stablemate the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, the L6 is 57 mm longer, 10 mm narrower and 13 mm lower, but 30 mm longer of wheelbase.

Luggage capacity in the Lepas L6 is 435 litres with the rear seats in place or up to 1,255 litres with the rear seats folded down, complemented by separate compartment that holds up to 99 litres. Meanwhile, the frunk has a luggage capacity of 38 litres.

According to Autolife Thailand, the Lepas L6 for the market gets a choice of 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, brake calipers in red, smart keyless entry, a panoramic glass roof, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory, seats heating and ventilation, automatic air-conditioning with air quality monitoring and an N95 filtration system.

Infotainment is powered by a Snapdragon 8155 chip, with a 13.2-inch UHD 2K-resolution central touchscreen and an 8.8-inch driver’s display. For mobile devices, there is a 50-watt wireless charger, as well as one USB-A port and three USB-C ports.

Its ADAS suite features an Orin-Y lidar chip, 11 cameras, three radar units and 12 ultrasonic sensors, and the Level 2 ADAS functions include full-speed adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, forward collision warning, AEB, blind spot monitoring, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, emergency lane keeping assist, automatic parking assist and tracing reverse assist.

Visual assistance systems include a 360-degree camera suite, a “transparent chassis” view for obstacles in front of the vehicle, and a Sentry Mode to record video of notable events detected around the vehicle. The Lepas L6 gets seven airbags, as well as ISOFIX child seat mounts in the outer rear seats.

In Thailand, the Lepas L6 will be offered in five exterior colours; orange, purple, white, black and grey. The Lepas L6 will be the brand’s first model to be assembled in Thailand, at the Chery group plant in Nikhom Pattana of the Rayong province. Market launch for the L6 in Thailand is set to be later this month.

In Malaysia, Lepas Malaysia has signed distribution agreements with 20 dealers, and it aims to have 30 dealerships in Malaysia by the end of this year.The L6 is expected to be one of two models to spearhead the brand’s entry into the Malaysian market, the other being the larger L8.

Being a C-segment battery electric SUV priced at the equivalent of RM100k, similar pricing in Malaysia would pit the Lepas L6 against the Proton eMas 7, which in addition to its BEV form, has a PHEV variant as well.

GALLERY: Lepas L6 EV in Thailand

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Toyota Outrun 2026 – road closures in Putrajaya from 8pm Sat to 12pm Sun, Dataran Wawasan race village

In Local News / by Danny Tan / 3 July 2026 12:53 pm

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There will be road closures in Putrajaya to make way for the Toyota Outrun 2026 event, which will happen this Sunday (July 5).

The race village and start/finish line will be at Dataran Wawasan; as such, roads in that area will be closed to traffic for the event set up. Dataran Wawasan (Persiaran Perdana) will be closed from 8pm Saturday night till noon on Sunday.

So, if you’re coming from Lebuh Bestari – Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman – Lebuh Wawasan, make a U-turn at the Lebuh Wawasan – Persiaran Perdana (PMO) traffic lights. Those coming from PMO can head to Jalan Tun Abdul Razak to avoid the main boulevard. Meanwhile, vehicles from Jalan P2t (MOF) can use Jalan Tun Hussein and Lebuh Bestari.

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Note that the running route spans across Putrajaya so drive safe and look out for runners, cones and safety marshals. If your route is blocked, inform the safety personnel before proceeding. Check out the visuals above for the road closures and race routes.

Runners, note that the flag-off times are 4.30 am for the half marathon, 5.30 am for the 10K and 7am for the 5km fun run. Race kit collection happens today and tomorrow at Sunway Nexis in Kota Damansara, 10am to 8pm. Here’s hoping that Toyota Outrun will return to the streets of KL next year. Anyway, good luck and may you PB!

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Proton Saga Cross spied again – AMA02 Perodua Ativa rival tested in Genting, shows lifted hatch look

In Cars, Proton, Spyshots / by Jonathan Lee / 3 July 2026 12:39 pm

Proton’s new entry-level SUV, widely tipped to be called the Saga Cross, has been spotted on the road once again, posted by Threads user Fi Grant. Wearing another trade plate that we know belongs to the national carmaker, the A-segment model was spied being tested on the twisty roads of Genting Highlands.

As we saw in previous images, the car features a very hatch-like body style, being less boxy and rugged than its expected rival, the Perodua Ativa. Proton will be banking on black plastic body cladding and a raised ride height to sell the SUV look, similar to the X50.

Speaking of which, past spyshots have shown a few design cues lifted from its larger sibling, most notably the glazed C-pillars for a “floating roof” look, as well as a window line that kinks upwards towards the rear. The way the raised bonnet intersects with the A-pillars also suggests that the car will be offered with a black roof option, again similar to the X50.

Wraparound headlights help disguise the rather long front overhang (especially when compared with the pert rump), while the large grille is reminiscent of the polarising full-width one on the latest Saga sedan. One can also spot the more modern-looking door mirrors and handles from the S70, compared to the ones the four-door carried over from the previous model. While the wheels look tiny on this prototype, higher-end models are set to feature larger rollers and roof rails, as seen in these images.

The Saga Cross is the second model to be built on Proton’s new Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA) after the Saga, hence the AMA02 codename. Unlike its more budget-friendly sibling, it appears that the Cross will have an all-new body structure, not one that traces its roots back to the 2005 Savvy.

Engines will include the Saga’s new 120 PS/150 Nm 1.5 litre i-GT naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, mated to an Aisin four-speed auto. There’s no Punch CVT option expected here – its place on the range-topping variant is instead set to be taken over by a hybrid powertrain, showcased at the recent Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) as the FutureMotion HEV.

This utilises the Atkinson-cycle four-pot, electric motor and single-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) from the eMas 7 PHEV, albeit without the larger plug-in battery. The powertrain is tagged DHT120 for the AMA02, likely indicating that the motor’s power output is 120 kW (163 PS).

The Saga Cross is set to enter production in the fourth quarter of the year, according to a supplier. Excited? Let us know in the comments.

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Teksi Madani launched – red Proton S70 turbo, no livery, without taxi topper, excise/sales tax exempt

In Cars, Local News, Proton, Public Transport / by Jonathan James Tan / 3 July 2026 12:37 pm

Malaysian prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today launched the Teksi Madani national renewed taxi programme at Merdeka Square in the capital. At the heart of this is the new Proton S70 taxi, which was unveiled at the event.

This S70 (which by the way is the mid-rung Premium variant) doesn’t look like a Malaysian taxi as we know it. For starters, there’s no taxi topper (the little sign on the roof that lights up) – instead, there are LED displays on the windscreen’s top-left and the rear glass that can display either ‘Teksi’ or ‘E-hailing’, pointing towards its dual nature.

Also, it wears a red-on-white GET JPJePlate rather than the usual black-on-white H plate, and that’s Proton’s Ruby Red (from the S70’s MC1 update); not the more taxi-like Passion Red that has been discontinued. There are also white floral C-pillar appliqués, but no white bonnet nor white roof that we’ve become used to.

Like it or not, this is how Malaysian taxis are going to look like moving forward. We’re told the ‘GET’ in the plate stands for ‘Gabungan E-hailing dan Teksi‘ (combined e-hailing and taxi), and this plate will be exclusive to this series of taxis.

Inside, you’ll see a screen below the dashboard that functions both as a digital taximeter and as an advertisement display (another potential income source for the driver). Under the centre console sits a small receipt printer.

Transport minister Anthony Loke said in his speech that the programme represents an important step in transformation efforts towards more modern and competitive taxis, and plays an important role in the national public transport ecosystem.

To encourage the taxi community to migrate to these new machines, Anwar announced a new RM10 million matching grant (up to RM2k from Proton + up to RM2k from the government = up to RM4k trade-in support). There are also easy financing solutions that ensure the ownership stays with the driver, priority will be given to taxis for vehicle inspections, and they can be used for personal purposes.

The cars will be offered without excise and sales tax, and we’ve been told that they will be priced in the region of RM64,500 on-the-road without insurance. By comparison, the retail price of the S70 Premium is RM74,800, inclusive of a RM5,000 launch rebate.

The PM also said that the era of taxi permits being given to a select few (and the associated leasing scheme, or pajak) is over, as we transition towards permits being given directly to taxi operators. Drivers now get to keep ownership of the vehicle too. What do you think of our new Malaysian taxi?

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BYD sold more EVs globally than Tesla in Q2 2026 after losing out in Q1 – 557,090 vs 480,126 deliveries

In BYD, Cars, International News / by Gerard Lye / 3 July 2026 12:21 pm

According to data compiled by Bloomberg, BYD delivered 557,090 electric vehicles (EVs) between April and June this year. This puts the Chinese automaker back on top of the global EV race, as Tesla is reported 480,126 deliveries for the same quarter just yesterday.

As such BYD once again overtook Tesla after falling in Q1 2026 due to a reduction in domestic sales after China scrapped its EV purchase-tax exemption. For the previous quarter, Tesla delivered 358,023 EVs, with reports claiming the company overproduced to the tune of 50,000 units.

BYD already beat Tesla in 2025 when it delivered nearly 2.6 million EVs against the latter’s circa 1.6 million units. For 2026, the company hopes it can offset reduced domestic sales by ramping up exports to Europe, Southeast Asia and Latin America, with the company expecting overseas sales to hit 1.5 million units, which exceeds its original goal of 1.3 million units.

The numbers certainly favour BYD, as the 557,090 figure is purely for its EVs, which is the apples-to-apples comparison when pitted against Tesla that only makes EVs. With the brand’s plug-in hybrids included, the volume of its new energy vehicles (NEVs) is far higher.

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Is Ducati for sale? The answer is no, and yes

In Bikes, Ducati, International Bike News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 3 July 2026 12:15 pm

Recent market news is Volkswagen (VW) is putting up motorcycle brand Ducati, for sale. For those of you only interested in how fast a bike goes and how much to pay monthly, stop reading now and go open TikTok to watch some girl jiggling her chest.

For those of you interested in market machinations, read on. This is an editorial piece based on news reports, industry gossip and a little bit of insider information.

So, first question, is Ducati for sale? From experience, news like this emerging suddenly is not unknown, a way of testing the waters. With a rough market valuation of US$1.5 billion (RM6.09 billion), Ducati is considerably worth more than the sum of its parts.

The brand with its hallowed racing history, cutting edge styling, pinnacle of performance products and fanatical brand loyalty is something many automotive manufacturers envy. Thus, hints are leaked to the media, with indications that expressions of interest are welcomed.

Which begs the next question, who would buy Ducati? In modern times, Ducati was owned by the Castiglioni family, who also owned MV Agusta. Most Malaysians will remember the controversy surrounding the purchase and subsequent sale of MV Agusta by Proton, first to Harley-Davidson, then Mercedes-AMG, before returning to the fold and moving on to Black Ocean and then KTM, before ending up in the hands of the Sardarov family.

Similarly with Ducati, financial woes in the 90s saw investment firm First Texas Pacific having a majority share in Ducati, then Invest Industrial, before the sale to Audi in 2012 under its subsidiary brand Lamborghini. With arguably the best performance motorcycle brand in the world ostensibly for sale, does it make sense to acquire it?

Prime candidates to purchase Ducati would be a conglomerate from India, if the TVS acquisition of Norton Motorcycle is any indication. There could possibly be interest from China, they certainly have enough money, but the likelyhood of them allowing Ducati to continue as its own brand is low as China motorcycle makers are currently forging their own identity, with reference to QJMotor, CFMoto and ZXMoto.

Where does this leave Ducati? Looking at reasons why VW might want to put the gem in its portfolio up for sale, the company, while not cash strapped, is looking to cover shortfalls in liquidity caused by Dieselgate and its push toward electric vehicles. And is typical for halo brands, they are acquired by the parent company when the going is good, and the first to be let go when times are, while not bad per se, looking a little shaky.

One thing is for sure, a sale on the scale of Ducati is not going to happen overnight. Acquisitions like this take years to finalise, along with raising the necessary financing. There are reports certain investment banks are knocking on doors and asking if anyone is interested, but this is unconfirmed.

What does this mean for you as a Ducati rider/owner? Not much really, in the general scheme of things. A name like Ducati is worth more intact than broken up, plus it is a nice little earner for VW at the moment. You can expect the bikes to continue to be sold, new bikes entering the model pipeline, racing efforts to continue.

The danger would be in the new owners wanting a return on investment as quickly as possible. This could mean Ducati cutting out certain non-profitable models in order to chase a new market niche, reducing racing efforts, or down grading quality and/or performance to chase the bottom line.

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Federal government to fund Johor E-ART project: Loke

In Local News, Public Transport / by Mick Chan / 3 July 2026 11:16 am

The Malaysian federal government will provide funding to finance the Elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit (E-ART) project in Johor, transport minister Anthony Loke has said, reported Bernama.

For now, the detailed method of financing, actual financial commitment and the repayment mechanism over the concession period are still in the negotiation stages.

“Basically, the project’s financing at the initial stage will be borne by the appointed consortium. However, current assessment results show that this mega infrastructure project is not viable if it depends entirely on private sector financing. As such, the federal government will provide funding to finance the cost of this project,” Loke said in response to a question on the implementation status of the E-ART project.

According to the transport minister, the agreed terms will be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration and approval before the concession agreement is signed, and the E-ART is expected to to be completed in four years from the issuance of the letter of acceptance.

The transport ministry, with the Johor state government, has drawn up a traffic dispersal plan to strengthen the existing public transport system, Loke added. This includes the BAS.MY programme, which will be expanded to 28 routes involving 254 buses, including electric buses, he said.

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Loke to meet Sultan of Selangor to explain LRT3 facts

In Local News, Public Transport / by Danny Tan / 3 July 2026 10:41 am

Transport minister Anthony Loke will seek to meet the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, to offer further explanation on the LRT3 Shah Alam Line project.

This comes after the Sultan released a statement on Wednesday crediting former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for starting the LRT3 project and current PM Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for carrying it through. The royal also criticised former finance minister Lim Guan Eng and his adviser Tony Pua for their roles in cost-cutting and downsizing the project.

Loke, who is also DAP secretary-general, said that the Sultan’s rebuke is accepted openly and will be used as room to explain the facts and the government’s stand on the project. He said that the government’s aim was not to cancel the LRT3 project, but to rationalise costs and save money.

“Today, there was a joint statement from Lim Guan Eng and Tony Pua about the facts that needs to be brought up. So the rebuke we will accept and I will try to seek an audience with Sultan Selangor to offer an explanation. It’s not a question of is trying to cancel the project, just the rationalisation of costs,” he said in Muar yesterday night, reported by Astro Awani.

The long-awaited LRT3 Shah Alam Line was launched on Sunday and opened to the public on Monday. The RM16.63 billion 37.8-km line runs from Johan Setia in Klang to Bandar Utama in PJ, and there are 20 stations serving large population centres in Klang, Shah Alam and Subang. Construction of five reinstated stations will start later this year to make it 25 stations in total. Free rides till July 31.

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Lotus opens hub for other brands to build cars at its Hethel site amid financial woes – Zenos Cars inks deal

In Cars, International News, Lotus / by Gerard Lye / 3 July 2026 9:55 am

Lotus is going through a rough patch at the moment. Based on published annual reports, the company has been facing net losses over the past few years, with the largest being over USD1 million (about RM4 million) in 2024. In 2025, it was reported that the company laid off hundreds of employees at its headquarters in Hethel, England amounting to 40% of the workforce.

To try and keep the boat afloat, Lotus has signed a head of terms (a type of non-binding agreement) with boutique sports car maker Zenos. Should the deal progress, Zenos could produce its vehicles at the newly opened Lotus Hethel Performance Hub in Norfolk.

The purpose-built hub, which was launched just a few days ago, is aimed at giving other manufacturers access to its designers, engineers, test track and other facilities. Issues with tariffs and other factors have affected Hethel’s output, with reports indicating just 20% of its 10,000-unit capacity was utilised last year.

Aside from factory sharing, Lotus’ Focus 2030 strategy aims to bring the company into the green. Its push to only offer electric vehicles (EVs) hasn’t panned out and has seen the introduction of the Eletre X Hybrid, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of its Eletre EV, as a way to diversify. As announced in May, pure internal combustion (ICE), PHEV and EV models will all have a place in the portfolio, which will welcome a new hybrid supercar codenamed the Type 135.

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