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2026 Bentley Flying Spur – sedan updated with 680 PS ‘S’ variant, Continental GT single-headlamp styling

In Bentley, Cars, International News / by Mick Chan / 4 June 2026 5:06 pm

The Bentley Flying Spur has now been updated to wear front-end styling that is in line with the latest Continental GT two-door, which entered its fourth generation in 2024. This redesign re-introduces the single headlamp layout to a Bentley sedan for the first time since 1962, according to the marque.

Aesthetic updates include the radiator grille that is now integrated with the front bumper, two versions of the single-headlamp layout depending on model variant, and the now-omitted wing vent detail of the outgoing model that is replaced with a smoother front wing surface while badging is located behind the front wheel.

At the rear end, a new boot lid features on the Flying Spur, accompanied by new tail lamps and a number plate surround that is now in body colour. The update also brings new finishes to the 22-inch wheels, which can be specified for both Azure and S versions.

2026 Bentley Flying Spur Azure

For this update, the fourth-generation Flying Spur marks the return of the S variant, receiving the High Performance Hybrid powertrain that outputs 680 PS and 930 Nm combined, drawing on the specification of the two-door Continental GT S that features a 4.0 litre biturbo petrol V8 and a plug-in hybrid electric driveline.

This represents a gain of 130 PS over the previous-generation Flying Spur S, and the latest car does the 0-100 km/h acceleration benchmark in 3.7 seconds – 0.2 s behind the Continental GT S – onwards to a top speed of 305 km/h.

Harnessing this performance is a chassis setup dubbed the Bentley Performance Active Chassis, which incorporates twin-valve dampers, torque splitting between front and rear axles and torque vectoring on each axle, a 48-volt active anti-roll system, new-generation ESC software, and a Flying Spur first, an electronic limited-slip differential. Previously the preserve of Speed and Mulliner versions, the Bentley Performance Active Chassis is also found on the Continental GT S.

2026 Bentley Flying Spur S (above), Azure (below)

Inside, the Flying Spur S can be specified from a choice of five seat styles either fluted or quilted inserts, each requiring 12 hours of craft, says Bentley. For examples specified with the Naim for Mulliner audio system, there is the Virtuoso Collection that is available to spec in three themes – Soprano, Tenor and Bass, to offer interior themes ranging from light to dark.

The Naim for Mulliner audio system that pairs with the Virtuoso Collection pack aims to offer “the ultimate Flying Spur for audiophiles”. Comprising 21 speakers, the units used in the Naim for Mulliner audio system are derived from those of the Focal Grande Utopia floorstanding hi-fi speakers, according to Bentley.

Order books have opened for the updated Bentley Flying Spur, and the deliveries are expected to begin “in most markets” in the fourth quarter of this year.

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Nissan Navara Pro PHEV and Primera EV confirmed for the Philippines – based on China’s Frontier Pro and N7

In Cars, International News, Nissan / by Gerard Lye / 4 June 2026 4:49 pm

Nissan has announced it will launch the new Navara Pro Plug-in Hybrid and Primera EV in the Philippines, with both models currently being showcased at this year’s Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) that runs from June 4-7.

According to the Japanese automaker, the move is part of its ‘From China’ export strategy where China will play a pivotal role as a global hub for innovation and exports. It adds that the introduction of these models in the Philippines “signals start of a broader rollout of models designed and developed in China for select global markets.”

Being a left-hand drive market like China, it’s not surprising that the Philippines gets these new China-developed cars first. As the images clearly show, the Navara Pro Plug-in Hybrid and Primera EV are indeed products from Nissan’s joint venture with Dongfeng,.

The former is a pick-up truck that is known as the Frontier Pro in China, which itself shares a lot in common with Dongfeng’s Z9. Dimensionally larger than the Navara we have in Malaysia, the Navara Pro PHEV is differentiated from the Z9 by its three-slot light signature at the front, which is inspired by the bonnet openings seen on the brand’s D21 Hardbody pick-up truck.

Built on a ladder frame chassis, the Navara Pro PHEV features a 1.5 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine as well as an electric motor integrated into its four-speed DHT transmission. Total system output is 408 PS and 800 Nm of torque, and the electric-only range is as much as 135 km on the NEDC cycle. The pick-up truck also comes with all-wheel drive and an electromechanical rear differential lock.

As for the Primera EV, it is essentially the N7 sold in China but with a name brought back after nearly two decades of dormancy. Sized similar to a Toyota Camry, the Primera EV/N7 is based on Dongfeng’s 007 and features a front electric motor rated at 218 PS (160 kW) and 305 Nm of torque.

In China, the N7 is offered with two lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, including a 58-kWh unit good for up to 510 km of range following the CLTC standard. There’s also a 73-kWh battery for up to 635 km, which also sees peak output get bumped up to 272 PS (200 kW).

Exact specifications of both models for the Philippines market will be revealed later on, with a market launch expected to take place around the fourth quarter of 2026, reports Autoindustriya. It remains to be seen if other ASEAN markets will be part of Nissan’s ‘From China’ export strategy, particular those that are right-hand drive. The N7 has already been earmarked for Japan, so the possibility is there.

GALLERY: Nissan Frontier Pro at Auto Shanghai 2025

GALLERY: Nissan N7 Pro at Japan Mobility Show 2025

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Leapmotor C10 facelift revealed – more modern front design, slicker interior, China launch June 16

In Cars, International News, Leapmotor / by Jonathan Lee / 4 June 2026 4:23 pm

Two years after it was introduced in China, the Leapmotor C10 has come in for its mid-cycle facelift, with the first photos of the refreshed SUV having been released ahead of the car’s home market launch on June 16.

While the current C10 isn’t exactly the most handsome car out there, this latest model has modernised things considerably. The front end gains the split headlight design seen on the smaller B10, with “chequered” LED daytime running lights joined by a light bar and sitting above new vertical headlights. This goes hand-in-hand with the restyled bumper, featuring a greater use of body colour.

The rear end with its full-width light bar has been left well alone, but you do now get new wheel options, including handsome 20-inch double-spoke alloys that replace the previous Maserati-inspired “Trident” rollers. All in all, a pretty successful revamp in our book.

Inside, the old car’s rather featureless dashboard has been replaced by a new layered design that neatly hides the ambient lighting, paired with more ornately-decorated door cards. As with most Chinese cars these days, the centre console now houses twin smartphone holders that integrate a single Qi wireless charger, with the cupholders arranged horizontally behind them.

In terms of tech, the instrument display appears to have been slimmed down a touch, but there’s now a head-up display and a larger infotainment touchscreen. Hopefully, Leapmotor sees fit to add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for global models, as this was a glaring omission on the current car. The front seats also gain built-in ottomans and a one-touch “zero gravity” recline function, while rear occupants now get foldable tray tables and a pair of cupholders hidden in the centre console, according to Autohome.

Technical details have yet to be revealed, but it’s reported that the full electric version gets a slight power bump to 313 PS (230 kW), while an LFP battery of unspecified capacity remains. We should point out that the C10 Plus that was launched in Malaysia earlier this year was already updated with an more powerful 299 PS (220 kW) rear motor, up from 218 PS (160 kW).

The car also gained much larger 81.9 kWh battery that delivers a WLTP range of 510 km – a jump of 86 km – as well as an 800-volt electrical architecture. As a consequence of this, the C10 Plus now supports up to 180 kW of DC fast charging (up from just 84 kW before) and charges from 30 to 80% in 22 minutes.

In China, the C10 is also available with a range extender. The facelifted version is set to retain its 95 PS (70 kW) 1.5 litre petrol engine but gain 41 PS (30 kW) in electric power to 272 PS (200 kW).

Expect the facelifted C10 to arrive in Malaysia sometime next year, but not before the current model enters CKD local assembly at the Stellantis plant in Gurun, Kedah. The project has been massively delayed, as production was due to start at the end of last year, but has finally kicked off recently.

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Leapmotor C10 local assembly already started at Gurun plant, B10 CKD to follow in 2-3 months time

In Cars, Leapmotor, Local News / by Danny Tan / 4 June 2026 4:19 pm

Leapmotor B10

Here’s an update on Leapmotor’s local assembly plans at Stellantis’ Gurun plant in Kedah. CKD work for the C10 EV has already started and the CKD B10 will be ready in two to three months time.

This timeline was provided by Stellantis ASEAN MD Isaac Yeo, who was speaking at the Leapmotor distribution operations signing ceremony between Stellantis Malaysia and Cycle & Carriage today. Yeo, who we interviewed last year, also said that Stellantis – which holds a stake in Leapmotor and markets the carmaker’s products outside of China – has invested over RM25 million in the Gurun plant, a 60,000 unit capacity factory that it fully owns.

“The C10 (CKD assembly) started in April and May this year, and I do expect the B10 to be following in two to three months,” Yeo said, adding that exports from Gurun has “always been in the plans” but cost and quality will first need to be aligned, and deeper localisation needs to happen first.

Stellantis ASEAN MD Isaac Yeo

Yeo previously told paultan.org that aside from the fact that Malaysia currently has no EV and battery ecosystem, there’s also no special tax incentives under AFTA to export EVs to ASEAN neighbours. Despite this, Stellantis plans to eventually use up Gurun’s 60k per annum capacity (not just for Leapmotor) and exports will be beyond ASEAN.

As for pricing, expect the CKD cars to match the RRPs of the tax-free CBU EVs, something that Yeo is proud of – the Gurun-assembled Leapmotors will not be significantly cheaper than the China imports.

For reference, the 2026 Leapmotor C10 Plus was launched in February for RM148,000, before a launch rebate of RM9,000. Launched in December 2025, the B10 is priced from RM99,800 to RM109,800. The next new Leapmotor model that will be launched in Malaysia is the B03X, which is called the A10 in China. Click on the links to read more about/recap the respective models.

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2026 ARIIC Touch 250 and Gobi 250 launched in Malaysia – Touch 250 at RM13,688, Gobi at RM13,988

In Ariic, Bikes, Local Bike News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 4 June 2026 4:00 pm

Two new scooter models for Malaysia, the 2026 ARIIC Touch 250, priced at RM13,688, and the Gobi 250, retailing at RM13,988. Pricing does not include road tax, insurance or registration and a two-year or 20,000 km warranty is offered against manufacturing defects.

Both scooters carry the same engine, a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder mill displacing 249 cc mated to a CVT gearbox and belt final drive, producing 22.4 hp at 8,000 rpm with 23.5 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. Fuel tank size differs, with the Touch 250 getting a 13-litre tank and the Gobi 250 getting a 12.5-litre unit.

The difference is due to the body styling between the Touch and Gobi, the Gobi styled as an adventure scooter while the Touch is slightly more modern in design. As for the price difference, the Gobi 250 comes with upside-down forks as well as 14-inch from and 13-inch rear spoked wheels, while the Touch gets cast alloy wheels with telescopic forks.

Rear suspension is done with twin shock absorbers adjustable for spring preload, a slight difference from the test unit paultan.org rode in China which came with remote reservoir shock absorbers. Braking uses single hydraulic brakes on the front and there, the front coming with a single 240 mm disc and two-piston calliper while the rear wheel is fitted with a single-piston calliper. Two-channel ABS is standard equipment, as is traction control.

Riding information is displayed on a seven-inch TFT-LCD screen, while other riding conveniences include a storage space under the seat large enough for a full-face helmet, storage pockets inside the front cowl and a USB charging port.

A smart key system is provided along with a front mounted DVR camera, and LED lighting is used throughout. Aside form the other differences between the Touch 250 and the Gobi 250, the Touch comes with an electrically adjustable windshield, while the Gobi gets a manually adjustable unit.

2026 ARIIC Touch 250

2026 ARIIC Gobi 250

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Nissan to build Chery group cars in Sunderland, UK

In Cars, Chery, International News, Nissan / by Jonathan James Tan / 4 June 2026 3:27 pm

After announcing the sale of its South African factories to Chery in January, Nissan has now signed a non-binding agreement with the Chinese carmaker to manufacture the latter’s passenger vehicles for the UK at its four-decade old Sunderland plant, which will continue to be fully owned by Nissan, Reuters reports.

The Japanese carmaker aims to start building Chery’s UK passenger vehicles on Sunderland’s Line One in fiscal 2027, while consolidating its own Leaf, Juke and Qashqai onto Line Two.

Currently the UK’s largest car factory, the Sunderland plant employs some 6,000 people (and these jobs are expected to be retained), but it’s running far below its 600,000-unit capacity – last year, just 273,000 cars were produced (-3% year-on-year), according to The Guardian. This move would begin mass-market Chinese car production in the country for the first time.

Chinese carmakers have been trying to establish European manufacturing operations to dodge import duties and improve supply chains. Chery, Jaecoo (the J7 was the UK’s best-selling car in March), Jetour and Omoda products made up 2% of all new cars sold in Europe between January and April this year.

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Lotus Eletre X PHEV more specs revealed as EU sales begin – 550 PS or 952 PS, up to 1,200 km total range

In Cars, International News, Lotus / by Jonathan Lee / 4 June 2026 12:49 pm

Lotus has released more details of its new plug-in hybrid Eletre X as sales begin in continental Europe, with the company wisely choosing not to use the contrived For Me name outside of China. The previously electric-only super-SUV will be made available in full-fat H1000 trim as well as a new, less expensive H550 variant.

The numbers vaguely correspond to the amount of power on tap. Both feature the X-Hybrid powertrain with dual-motor all-wheel drive and a 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that essentially acts as a generator. The latter has a claimed thermal efficiency of 46% and is hooked up to a 204 PS (150 kW) electric starter-generator motor – the most powerful in its class, Lotus says.

Outputs are rated at 550 PS (405 kW) and 935 Nm on the H550, allowing it to get from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 210 km/h. The H1000, on the other hand, pushes out a frankly ridiculous 952 PS (700 kW) – although torque strangely remains the same – and completes the century sprint in just 3.3 seconds, hitting 200 km/h in 11 seconds. Top speed is just north of that at 230 km/h.

As previously reported, the X features a 70 kWh NMC battery that’s larger than on many dedicated EVs, leading to an estimated WLTP range of up to 350 km; we presume this figure is for the H550, with the H1000 obviously being less efficient. With a 52 litre fuel tank and a combined fuel consumption figure of under 7.0 litres per 100 km, the car has a claimed total range of up to 1,200 km.

Charging is another area where the X excels. Built on a 900-volt electrical architecture, it can support up to 436 kW of DC fast charging. On a 350 kW charger, it will be able to be topped up from 20 to 80% (weird benchmark, I know) in just nine minutes; however, it will only accept up to 11 kW of AC charging, taking 7.2 hours for a full charge.

As per the electric Eletre, the X comes with a suite of chassis technologies to retain a modicum of Lotus-like handling ability in spite of the very un-Lotus kerb weights (2,550 kg for the H550, 2,615 kg for the H1000). You get dual-chamber air suspension supported by dual-valve adaptive dampers and 48-volt active roll stabilisation, along with bespoke Pirelli P Zero 5 LTS tyres and Brembo brakes with six-piston front callipers.

And while the X is certainly heavy, Lotus says it has worked to take out weight from body frame, electric drive system and battery base plate. This cancels out the heftier powertrain and leaves the car up to 120 kg lighter than the most powerful electric Eletre, the 900.

Despite the thorough reengineering under the skin, the X retains almost all of the EV’s rakish “porous” design. The only discernible difference is at the front, which sports additional intakes under the leading edge of the front bumper – taking the space of the pass-through inlets that usually direct air over the bonnet. The petal-like active grille shutters down below have also been replaced by larger rectangular ones.

It’s the same story on the inside, with the minimalist horizontal dashboard, slimline 12.6-inch driver and passenger displays, a massive 15.1-inch OLED touchscreen, plush seats, KEF sound system options, and available Alcantara upholstery and carbon fibre trim all carried over from the EV. One casualty from the addition of a combustion engine is of course the 46 litre front boot.

Deliveries of the Eletre X will begin in the fourth quarter of the year, with those in the UK kicking off sometime in the third quarter of 2027. This is subject to right-hand-drive homologation, and we can expect the Malaysian launch to happen not long after that.

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Carro June-July 2026 promo cars – up to RM5k off!

ADVERTORIAL / by Harvinder Sidhu / 4 June 2026 12:48 pm

Carro Certified’s latest Car of the Month deals are here! You can enjoy up to RM5,000 off on a wide range of Carro Certified cars that are As Good As New. This promo is available up to July 31, 2026.

Remember, Carro pricing is all-in and includes no hidden fees! No extra fees if you are a loan buyer, no extra processing fees, no extra inspection fees. Everything is in the listed price, so beware of other car classifieds listings that advertise a cheaper price then hit you with all kinds of surcharges.

Carro Certified benefits:

– 160 point inspection
– 5 day money back guarantee
– 12 month warranty for engine and gearbox
– no mileage tampering
– no major accidents, fire and flood damage

The inventory list below will show in real time the remaining inventory that’s still available for booking.

Click here to view the full inventory list.

EVs hit record 20% of TIV in Australia in May – among SUVs, EVs up 167%, PHEVs up 377%, petrol down 31%

In Cars, International News / by Jonathan James Tan / 4 June 2026 12:47 pm

A record 20% of all new vehicles sold in Australia last month were battery-electric vehicles (EV), Xinhua reports, citing Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (CAI) data. The previous record was 16.4% set just the month before (April).

Including hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles, the CAI said that all electrified vehicles accounted for 46% of the total industry volume (TIV) in May, and that in the SUV segment, EVs grew 167%, PHEVs soared 377% and petrol SUVs contracted 31%, year-on-year (YoY).

Number one in May was Toyota as usual, but its sales have dropped from 100,753 vehicles in the first five months of 2025 to 76,017 in the same period in 2026. Second in May was BYD with 8,211 units (+155% YoY), and together with GWM and Chery, the three Chinese brands have sold 78,168 units in Australia so far this year (+70% YoY).

BYD VP Liu Xueliang was recently reported as saying that the carmaker is open to manufacturing components or potentially complete vehicles in Australia, following prime minister Anthony Albanese’s recent suggestion that technology advances accompanying the global rise of EVs could provide an opportunity for Australia to reboot its automotive manufacturing industry.

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Chery Malaysia 3rd Anniversary Mega Rewards – Tiggo Cross from RM81k, Tiggo 8 PHEV 7-seater fr RM139k

In Chery, Local News / by Mick Chan / 4 June 2026 11:36 am

Chery Malaysia has announced its third anniversary Mega Rewards promotion across its model line-up, with prices starting from RM80,800.

The offers begin with the Tiggo Cross that starts from RM80,800, and the B-segment SUV brings a 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol powertrain packing 147 PS and 210 Nm, paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. Alongside this in the line-up is the Tiggo Cross Hybrid, which combines a 102 PS/125 Nm 1.5 litre NA petrol four-cylinder engine with two integrated motors producing 204 PS and 310 Nm, with five modes of operation.

In the Turbo, ADAS kit include lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, auto high beam, lane departure prevention, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking, while the Hybrid adds door opening warning, rear collision warning, rear cross traffic braking, lane change assist, emergency lane keeping, multi-collision brake and traffic jam assist.

The Chery O5, launched in Malaysia in September last year at RM116,800 is on offer from RM99,800, and this crossover packs a 156 PS/230 Nm 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine carried over from its predecessor, albeit with a six-speed wet clutch DCT, and a multi-link rear suspension arrangement.

Also included are AEB, ACC with stop and go, lane centring assist, blind spot monitoring, speed limit assist, a front departure alert and high beam assist.

Cheyr Tiggo 7 Pro (above); Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV (below)

Next in the range, the Tiggo 7 Pro in this offer starts from RM99,800 (launch price RM119,800), and the step up to the C-segment SUV model brings a 1.6 litre turbo petrol producing 197 hp and 290 Nm, sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.

As with its other stablemates, ADAS features in here, with AEB, ACC with stop and go, lane centring assist, rear collision alert, blind spot monitoring with collision prevention, rear cross traffic alert with auto brake and auto high beam. Inside, the cabin gets a pair of 12.3-inch digital displays for driver instrumentation and infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus eight-speaker Sony audio.

This is joined by the Tiggo 7 PHEV, here on offer at RM109,800 (launch price RM129,800). This packs a 143 PS/215 Nm 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine with a 204 PS/310 Nm e-motor and a single-speed DHT. The ICE serves as a range extender, and combined the powertrain makes 279 PS and 365 Nm. Its 18.3 kWh battery offers up to 90 km of EV range, taking 40 kW DC charging for a 30-80% recharge in 19 minutes.

Like its ICE-powered twin, the Tiggo 7 PHEV gets a dual 12.3-inch display setup, wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with eight-speaker Sony audio, and a suite of driving assistance systems.

Rounding up the range in the brand’s third anniversary Mega Rewards promotion is the Tiggo 8 PHEV, here on offer at RM138,800, reduced from its launch price of RM159,800.

The largest offering here brings seven-seat accommodation with its 1.5 litre turbo petrol hybrid powertrain, where the Miller-cycle four-cylinder engine outputs 143 PS and 215 Nm while a 204 PS/310 Nm electric motor is combined with a stepless dedicated hybrid transmission, bringing a combined 275 PS and 365 Nm.

Like the Tiggo 7 PHEV, the Tiggo 8 PHEV gets an 18.3 kWh LFP battery for up to 90 km of EV range, and similarly takes up to 40 kW DC charging for 30-80% SoC in 19 minutes, or via 6.6 kW AC in three hours. For safety kit, the Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV gets eight airbags and ADAS functions including AEB, ACC, lane change assist, rear cross traffic braking and rear cross traffic alert, plus a driver fatigue monitoring system.

The offer is for a limited time, and valid while stocks last, says Chery Malaysia; terms and conditions apply. Interested? Book a test drive slot through this link.

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Tan Chong exports left-hand drive GAC GS3 Emzoom to Vietnam – CKD New Energy Vehicles coming soon

In Cars, GAC, Local News / by Danny Tan / 4 June 2026 11:20 am

WTC Automotif (WTCA), a Tan Chong Group company involved in distributing and assembling GAC vehicles in Malaysia, has commenced exports of the GAC GS3 Emzoom to Vietnam. The B-segment SUV is locally assembled at Tan Chong’s Segambut plant in KL, and the CKD version was launched locally in August 2024.

“The export of the locally assembled left-hand drive GAC GS3 Emzoom to Vietnam is a proud achievement for WTCA and it underscores the strength of our automotive group’s collaboration with GAC International. It demonstrates the proven experience of Tan Chong Group’s local assembly capabilities as a full CKD plant which includes painting facilities to produce the highest quality of Malaysian-made vehicles. This milestone also highlights our readiness to support GAC’s regional growth strategy,” said James Tan, CEO of Warisan TC Holdings.

“We are grateful and deeply appreciative of the ongoing support and guidance from GAC International, as well as the strategic backing from key government agencies such as MITI, MIDA and MARii. Their collaboration has been instrumental in making this export programme a reality. This achievement reflected the success of Malaysia’s National Automotive Policy in strengthening local manufacturing, vendor localisation programs and further solidifying Malaysia’s position as a key automotive hub in ASEAN,” he added.

WTCA says that the Segambut plant was upgraded to meet export requirements. Specific body jigs were enhanced to accommodate left-hand drive production, ensuring full compliance with GAC International’s standards. It adds that the standards set a strong foundation for the local vendor programmes for the export of a second LHD model from Segambut, in what’s described as a ‘structured and sustainable export operation to Vietnam’.

“WTCA and GAC International are also actively working on New Energy Vehicle (NEV) CKD models for both the domestic market plus expanding exports to other ASEAN markets aligned with the Malaysian government’s vision. Details on further export destinations and additional model line-ups will be announced at the appropriate time as plans progress,” the company said in a statement.

The sharply-styled GS3 Emzoom is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo GDI engine with 177 PS and 270 Nm, paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Updated last month, prices range from RM116,800 for the Exclusive to RM126,800 for the Premium R. GAC’s other models sold in Malaysia are the Emkoo C-segment SUV and the M8 PHEV luxury MPV.

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Honda Malaysia June 2026 promotion – up to RM34k off; HR-V biggest discount at RM13k, Civic at RM12k

In Cars, Honda, Local News / by Gerard Lye / 4 June 2026 11:03 am

For the month of June 2026, Honda Malaysia has introduced its ‘Experience More Hybrid Joy’ campaign as it looks to further build on its electrification push. If you’re looking to get yourself a Honda hybrid this month, you can look forward to rewards as high as RM13,000.

That figure belongs to the HR-V 1.5L e:HEV RS, while the turbocharged E and V variants are RM8,000 and RM10,000 off respectively. The base, naturally-aspirated S variant of the HR-V is being offered with rewards totalling RM8,000.

Meanwhile, the Civic 2.0L e:HEV RS sees the second highest reward total at RM12,000, with the C-segment sedan’s remaining turbocharged E, V and RS variants available at RM10,000 off. The model that gets the third highest reward total is the WR-V at RM11,000, applicable to all four of its variants.

Next up, the hybrid variant (1.5L e:HEV RS) of both the City sedan and hatchback is RM10,000 off. Non-hybrid versions of the City sedan also come with a reward totalling RM10,000, with the exception of the base 1.5L S that is RM8,000 off.

As for the non-hybrid variants of the City Hatchback, they come with a reward amounting to RM8,000. Those that are interested in the CR-V can get the SUV at RM9,000 off, including the range-topping 2.0L e:HEV RS. Should you prefer something fully electric, the e:N1 (2025 stock) is still going for RM34,000 off. This promotion applies to vehicles registered between June 1-30, 2026.

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Federal Auto 66th Anniversary – Volvo XC90, XC60, EC40 up to RM34,700 off, chance to win 3D2N getaway!

ADVERTORIAL / by Harvinder Sidhu / 4 June 2026 11:01 am

The long weekend may at last be over, but here’s something exciting to cure your post-holiday blues, especially if you’re a Volvo fan. Veteran dealer Federal Auto is 66 years old this year, and it’s celebrating with a June 6-July 31 nationwide campaign as well as an event at its Glenmarie showroom this June 6-7 weekend. Read on to find out what’s in store.

If you’re eyeing a brand-new Volvo, you’ll be able to enjoy rebates of up to RM34,700* on the XC90 and up to RM30,000* for the rest of the models, as well as a five-year service package worth RM15,800* on the XC90 and the XC60. But how would you like RM100,000* off? This special deal applies to two 2024 XC90 showroom display units, one of which has only 18 km on the clock and the other, just 23 km. We’d make haste if we were you!

Also, book any Volvo vehicle at any of Federal Auto’s three Volvo showrooms in Malaysia – Glenmarie, Kuala Lumpur or Penang – from now until July 31 and you could win a luxurious 3D2N getaway*! Nine lucky winners will score a fullboard package trip to one of these stunning island resorts: Tanjong Jara Resort, Pangkor Laut Resort, and The Taaras Redang Beach Resort. All nine winners will be announced via social media on August 8.

Free this June 6-7 weekend? Why not drop by the Glenmarie showroom, where you can avail yourself of on-site financing assistance, trade-in options thanks to Carro, light refreshments and test drives. Your kids will also be entertained by various fun activities. Register for the event here, and visit Federal Auto’s website, Facebook and Instagram pages for more information.

*Terms and conditions apply. While stocks last.
BMW displaying suspected fake road tax seized

In Cars, Local News / by Jonathan James Tan / 4 June 2026 11:00 am

The Kelantan road transport department (JPJ) recently seized a BMW 320i suspected of displaying a fake road tax sticker that stated an August 2026 expiry instead of the actual July 2025, Bernama reports.

Kelantan JPJ director Mohd Misuari Abdullah said the car was seized under Section 108 of the Road Transport Act 1987 for allegedly displaying a forged document, and that the 20-year old driver, who did not have a valid driving licence, told authorities he’d bought the car online. Further checks revealed that the car had five outstanding speeding tickets.

Ops Hari Raya Aidiladha, during which the BMW was caught, saw Kelantan JPJ inspect 400 vehicles statewide and take action against 230. It issued 256 saman, 10 vehicle use prohibition notices, 10 vehicle detection notices and three inspection order notices.

Seven cars and three motorbikes were detained; found to have committed various offences under the Road Transport Act 1987. Mohd Misuari said the most common offences were driving without a competent driving licence (CDL, 103 cases), having no insurance (56 cases) and expired road tax.

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2027 Xpeng X9 facelift spied in Malaysia – 537 PS AWD, up to 615 km WLTP, 542 kW DC charging, CKD?

In Cars, Local News, Spyshots, Xpeng / by Jonathan Lee / 4 June 2026 10:06 am

The facelifted Xpeng X9, launched in China and Thailand in March, looks to be finally coming to Malaysia soon. We spotted the refreshed luxury electric MPV on a trailer in Glenmarie – likely on its way to the nearby flagship showroom – so a local launch can’t be too long to go now.

It will likely coincide with the start of Xpeng’s CKD local assembly operations at the EP Manufacturing (EPMB) base in Melaka. Distributor Bermaz previously gave the second quarter of the year as a timeline for things to kick off, so the company is right on time, it seems.

Unlike the most recent update last year, which brought only minor spec changes, this latest facelift brings a significant reworking of the mechanicals. The single front motor has been boosted by 27 PS (20 kW) to 346 PS (255 kW), while torque holds steady at 450 Nm. New for global markets is a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup that produces a sum total of 537 PS (395 kW) and 640 Nm.

Battery sizes have also been increased to 94.8 kWh (up from 84.5 kWh) for the LFP pack and 110 kWh (up from 101.5 kWh) for the NMC unit; the dual-motor all-wheel-drive version is only available with the larger battery. This, together with some aerodynamic improvements, have netted a decent increase in WLTP range – 535 km (up from 500 km) for the smaller battery and 615 km (up from 590 km) with the bigger one, both with the single motor. The dual-motor AWD version obviously has a shorter range, at 580 km.

Charging speeds have also seen a massive jump to a whopping 537 kW for the 94.8 kWh battery and 542 kW for the 110 kWh pack (previously 317 kW max). All models now charge from 10 to 80% in a blistering 12 minutes, down from 20 minutes – deeply impressive for such large batteries.

On the outside, the facelifted X9 is differentiated through a new front fascia – this is lifted straight off the PowerX range extender version, which is expected to join the Malaysian lineup later on. You get a larger centre air intake that replaces the body-coloured hexagonal array, fitted with an active grille shutter working with the also-new corner air curtains to cut drag by 22 points.

Meanwhile, the rear bumper features a body-coloured lower section with a black valance – the inverse of what was offered before, in other words. The new-for-2025 20-inch multi-spoke wheels with Rolls-Royce-style self-righting centre caps have been retained for higher-end models, while the colour palette has been expanded to include two new colours – Polar Violet and Lambent Cyan.

The changes are just as minor on the inside, with a new steering wheel that centralises the Xpeng logo and adds a 360-degree camera shortcut button and a “Mode” switch, plus ayous wood trim and a new cloud rose and brown and white colour scheme.

Beyond that, the car is identical to before, sporting the same metallic ripple-effect air-con vents, a massive 17.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument display, a 21.4-inch roof-mounted rear monitor, a rear fridge and 18-way power-adjustable second-row captain’s chairs with heating, ventilation, massage and one-touch “zero gravity” recline.

It’s good to see that the export X9 also gains features added to last year’s Chinese-market car, such as soft-closing front doors, ISOFIX mounts on both outer second-row seats (previously only on the right side) and the third row, and physical rear side window switches. The latter replaces the old capacitive ones.

Last but not least, the X9 gains the latest Turing AI chip for driver assists, offering up to 2,250 TOPs of power. This enables a second-generation visual-language-action (VLA) model that is said to improve the car’s highly-automated driving features. The company says it is working towards full Level 4 autonomy with the system in “one to three years.”

Normally, this would be a China exclusive, given how much more advanced the country’s regulations are versus other countries. But Xpeng is different – it claims VLA 2.0 does not require local on-road training data to function and has already promised to bring the technology into Malaysia within the next two years. With the Turing AI chip being included in every facelifted X9, it should be ready for the update when it comes.

GALLERY: 2027 Xpeng X9 facelift in Bangkok

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2027 Toyota GR86 revealed for the US – improved shift feel, updated throttle calibration, new Thunder paint

In Cars, International News, Toyota / by Gerard Lye / 4 June 2026 10:03 am

For the 2027 model year, the Toyota GR86 receives a series of updates in the United States meant to further improve driver engagement. Along with aesthetic changes, the updated sports car is expected to arrive at dealerships in the summer of this year.

To no one’s surprise, the GR86 sees no changes to its powertrain, with a 2.4 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder boxer petrol engine continuing to deliver 231 PS (228 hp) and 249 Nm of torque. This is paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission that sends drive to the rear wheels through a Torsen limited-slip differential.

How the torque is delivered has been revised though, with Toyota saying its engineers have refined the car’s throttle calibration for a smoother, more linear response. Additionally, the chamfer of the shifter interlock between fourth and fifth gear has been widened by approximately 0.02 inches (0.5 mm) for improved shift feel.

The GR86 continues to be offered in base and Premium trims in the US, both of which can be optioned with the returning Performance Package. This adds on a Brembo brake package that includes red-painted four-piston front and two-piston rear callipers that clamp down on 325 mm and 315 mm rotors respectively. The package also includes Sachs dampers for better handling.

On the visual front, the 2027 model year sees the addition of a new Thunder exterior colour, which is described as a solid grey that allegedly shifts depending on the light. Inside, there’s a newly available Cockpit Red interior with red touches on the seat side bolsters, floor mats and door cards – a black interior option is also offered.

Premium cars get a cast iron black finish on several interior touchpoints, including the switches, knobs and shifter, while the base trim receives six-way adjustable black GR-embossed fabric seats with side bolsters.

A less enthusiast-oriented change involves the stereo camera system used for the car’s ADAS, which has nearly double the recognition range to improve detection of preceding vehicles when using cruise control. A monocular camera is also added to help detect nearby objects at intersections.

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JPJ eBid: JYY and VRF number plates up for bidding

In Local News / by Danny Tan / 4 June 2026 9:38 am

JPJ has announced that JYY and VRF are the next number plate series to go up for bidding on its online auction platform, JPJ eBid.

Johor’s latest running number series is ‘JYY’, and it opened for tender on June 1. The bidding period on JPJeBid is five days, ending 10pm on June 5. As usual, the results will be out the following day. The whole process is online now, as it has been for some time, and bidders will get the good (or bad) news via email.

Also available on JPJ eBid is the WP Kuala Lumpur series ‘VRF’. The bidding period started on June 3, and will close at 10pm on June 7. Results will be out the day after the auction closes.

New car coming soon and want a nice number plate for the new ride? Why not DIY and skip the reseller’s markup and runner fees? If you have never bid for a number yourself, check out our step-by-step guide on how to navigate JPJ eBid and the techniques needed to get your preferred number at “retail price”.

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Malaysian fuel prices June 4 to 10, 2026 – prices down; RON95 to RM3.72, RON97 to RM4.35, diesel to RM4.67

In Local News, Malaysian Fuel Prices / by Mick Chan / 3 June 2026 8:38 pm

It’s Wednesday, and so it is once again time for the weekly fuel price update from the ministry of finance, for the coming week of June 4 to 10, 2026.

The retail price of diesel – including the B10 blend raised to B15, as announced by Malaysian deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi last month – and B20 blend of diesel, are priced at RM4.67 per litre, which is down 20 sen from the RM4.87 per litre last week. The Euro 5 B7 blend of diesel, which is 20 sen more per litre than B10/B20 blends, will therefore retail at RM4.87 per litre. As before, the retail price of diesel fuels in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan stays unchanged at RM2.15 per litre.

For petrol, subsidised RON 95 under the Budi Madani RON 95 (Budi95) scheme remains at RM1.99 per litre, with Malaysians holding a valid driving licence being eligible for the fuel at a monthly quota that is temporarily adjusted to 200 litres per month.

Meanwhile, unsubsidised RON 95 is reduced to RM3.72 per litre, down 20 sen from RM3.92 per litre last week. Meanwhile, RON 97 is priced at RM4.35 per litre, or 30 sen down from the RM4.65 per litre price of last week.

These prices take effect from midnight tonight until Wednesday, June 10, 2026. This is the 24th edition of the weekly fuel pricing format for 2026, and the 387th in total since the format was introduced at the start of 2019.

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2026 Proton eMas 7 teased – larger 68.39 kWh battery with 450 km WLTP range launching June 11?

In Cars, Electric Cars in Malaysia, Local News, Proton / by Jonathan Lee / 3 June 2026 7:15 pm

It seems that Proton and BYD can’t help but trade blows at every opportunity. Less than a day after the latter revealed a new teaser for the Atto 3 Evo, the national carmaker has usurped it with a shadowy image of its own – this time for an updated eMas 7 of sorts. The reveal is set for eight days from now, which would be June 11, the press day for the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS).

What could this possibly be? Well, one only has to look at the Australian and Thai markets, where the car’s twin, the Geely EX5, has been upgraded with a larger 68.39 kWh Aegis short blade LFP battery, a mild bump from the previous capacity of 60.22 kWh.

This provides a marginal increase in range to 475 km on the WLTP cycle, up from 410 km on the current eMas 7 Premium. We should point out that this figure is with the base 18-inch alloy wheels that is fitted to the Prime; add the Premium’s 19-inch rollers and this figure drops to 450 km – a mere 40 km increase.

Geely EX5 Max+ in Thailand with the bigger battery

With an unchanged front motor continuing to serve up 218 PS (160 kW) and 320 Nm of torque, as well as a 50 kg weight penalty, the larger battery version (called the Premium Plus here to match the eMas 7 PHEV, perhaps?) is slower from zero to 100 km/h, taking 7.4 seconds compared to the current model’s 6.9 seconds.

The car’s DC fast charging power remains at 100 kW, but with such a slight increase in battery capacity, Geely claims it takes the same 20 minutes to be topped up from 30 to 80%. It also still supports up to 11 kW of AC charging, taking seven hours to charge from 10 to 100% (up from 6.1 hours for the other models).

Given the minor increase in range, the new flagship model could gain some kit missing from the existing Premium variant to provide greater differentiation, such as a front centre airbag and a built-in passenger ottoman to match the EX5 globally. The update should also introduce a new Emerald Green paint option, similar to the eMas 7 PHEV.

Geely EX5 Max+ in Thailand with the bigger battery

Of more importance is what this change means for the rest of the lineup. With Geely having phased out the base 49.52 kWh battery in China, it’s possible that the Prime moves to the “middle” 60.22 kWh pack, which would provide a healthy boost of range from 345 km to 430 km (again, with the 18s).

While the larger battery is by far the strongest possibility, there is the outside chance of a curveball, perhaps a special edition or a bodykit option. However, given that the car shown in the teaser looks exactly the same as the current model – it is, in fact, the same official photo released together with the launch of the original car nearly two years ago – this is unlikely to be the case.

In either case, are you excited for this new eMas 7 variant? Let us know in the comments.

GALLERY: Geely EX5 Max+ in Bangkok

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Kia EV4, EV5 and PV5 to be displayed at KLIMS 2026

In Cars, Kia, Local News / by Gerard Lye / 3 June 2026 7:12 pm

Ahead of this year’s Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS), which will be open to the public from June 12-21 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kia Malaysia (KSM) has announced it will showcase three electric vehicles (EVs) at the event.

Thankfully, the company isn’t being coy about what it plans to put on display at KLIMS, as its social media postings indicate we will get up close with the EV4, EV5 and PV5. At present, KSM doesn’t have any EVs in its line-up ever since it began operations at the start of 2026. Prior to this, the company did sell the EV9, although that is now absent from the official website.

So, what are the upcoming KLIMS debutants all about? We start with the EV4, which made its full debut last February in both sedan and hatchback body styles. Both follow the brand’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, with standout cues being the EV Tiger Face’, gently creased surfaces, vertical ‘Star Map’ lighting signature and flush door handles. Of the two, the sedan is the one with funkier styling, although the image posted by KMS suggests we’ll get to see the hatchback instead.

The EV4 is built on the 400-volt version of the E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform) and can be had with either a 58.3- (Base) or 81.4-kWh (Long Range) battery. WLTP-rated range figures are either up to 430 km or 630 km for the sedan, while it is 410 km or 590 km for the hatchback.

Kia EV4 sedan

AC charging peaks at 11 kW, with a 10-100% state of charge (SoC) requiring five hours and 20 minutes (Base) or seven hours and 15 minutes (Long Range). Meanwhile, DC fast charging goes as high as 305 kW, with a 10-80% SoC needing 29 (Base) or 31 (Long Range) minutes. Conversely, vehicle-to-load (V2L) is rated at 3.6 kW, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) is at 10 kW.

Regardless of the battery, the EV4 comes standard with a front electric motor rated at 204 PS (201 hp or 150 kW), which enables a 0-100 km/h time of either 7.4 (Base) or 7.7 seconds (Long Range) – the top speed is 170 km/h for both variants.

Moving on to the EV5, we were first introduced to the compact SUV in August 2023 and it has since gone on sale in Thailand. Another product of the ‘Opposites United’ design approach, the EV5 is also based on the 400-volt E-GMP and gets three powertrain configurations. The base Standard Range features a 64.2-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery for up to 400 km of range (WLTP) and powering a front electric motor serving up 218 PS (215 hp or 160 kW) and 310 Nm of torque.

The step up is the Long Range that keeps the same electric motor but with an 88.1-kWh LFP battery for up to 555 km of range. In its home market, the EV5 received an update last October that saw the switch to an 81.4-kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery for up to 530 km, although this change hasn’t applied to Thailand.

Kia EV5

At the top of the range is the AWD powertrain, which retains the 88.1-kWh LFP battery but adds a rear electric motor rated at 95 PS (94 hp or 70 kW) and 170 Nm for a total system output of 313 PS (308 hp or 230 kW) and 480 Nm – range is down to 500 km. Thailand gets all three configurations.

In terms of charging times, the Standard can support a max AC input of 7 kW, with a 10-100% SoC taking either nine hours and 43 minutes. The Long Range and AWD can handle up to 11 kW that reduces the time to eight hours and 10 minutes. DC fast charging is at 102 kW (Standard) or 141 kW (Long Range and AWD), with a 10-80% SoC requiring either 36 or 38 minutes.

Finally, the PV5 is an electric van that was previewed as a concept in January 2024 before a production-ready version broke cover in February a year later. The PV5 is part of Kia’s purpose-built vehicle (PBV) line-up built on E-GMP.S, a 400-volt skateboard-style EV platform that supports multiple upper body types on a single base.

Kia PV5

As such, it comes in standard and long body styles and can be configured for various purposes, be it passenger or cargo transport. The PV5 is front-wheel drive with an electric motor that is rated at 163 PS (161 hp or 120 kW) and 250 Nm, with NCM batteries that have an energy capacity of 51.5 (296 km WLTP) or 71.2 kWh (416 km WLTP).

An 11-kW onboard AC charger sees a 10-100% SoC achieved in about five or 6.5 hours, while DC fast charging at 150 kW will get the battery from 10-80% SoC in less than 30 minutes. In certain markets, the PV5 can also be configured with a detuned electric motor and smaller LFP battery.

Of the three Kia EVs, which one are you most interested in? Are you hoping for any of them to go on sale here? Given the changes to the policy surrounding fully-imported (CBU) EVs, we’ll find out more about KSM’s plans at KLIMS, so stay tuned.

GALLERY: Kia EV4 sedan and hatchback

GALLERY: Kia EV4 sedan at Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show 2025

GALLERY: Kia EV5 at Bangkok International Motor Show 2024

GALLERY: Kia PV5

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