Mitsubishi to launch 2 new SUVs in 2024 - Ativa and HR-V rivals coming to Malaysia

Mitsubishi eX Concept shown

Though it’s no longer as enthusiast-driven as before, Mitsubishi is actually in better shape now than it once was. Following the success of the Mitsubishi Xpander, it seems that the three diamonds brand is looking to further expand (no pun intended) its SUV line-up from 2023.

According to our colleagues over at AutoFun Indonesia, Mitsubishi’s Indonesian distributor, PT Mitsubishi Motors Krama Yudha Sales Indonesia (MMKSI) is planning to launch a few new models in the archipelago starting from 2023.

Filipino-spec Xpander shown, imported from Indonesia

This follows news that Mitsubishi is committed to turning Indonesia into its main production hub for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. These models will be exported overseas and won’t just be privileged for the Indo market.


Since 2008, Subaru has sold 5 million cars fitted with EyeSight

Subaru Corporation announced that they have cumulatively sold over 5 million vehicles that features their EyeSight technology (Subaru's version of ADAS) since it was first introduced in 2008.
Also read: What is ADAS and why do we need them in our cars?
Subaru was the pioneer in using solely stereo cameras for driving assistance providing features such as adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking that detects not only cars, but also pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists in the vehicle’s path.


LaneWatch is too expensive for Honda, to be removed in future models

Initially conceived as a better alternative to blind spot monitoring, Honda’s ingenious LaneWatch system could be discontinued in the near future.
What is Honda LaneWatch?

Honda LaneWatch, like the name suggests, utilizes a camera mounted on the passenger-side wing mirror that feeds a video stream to your car’s head unit.


2022 Maserati Grecale previewed in Malaysia, Macan competitor with up to 530 PS/620 Nm

Three months after its global debut, Naza Italia unveiled the 2022 Maserati Grecale in Malaysia as the Italian Trident’s second SUV model. Slotting below the Maserati Levante, the Grecale is available here with three engine variants.

Grecale GT shown

The first is the Grecale GT which is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder mild-hybrid engine (MHEV) that produces 300 PS/450 Nm. Top speed for the base Grecale is 240 km/h.

Grecale Modena shown

Next on the line is the Grecale Modena which is also powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged MHEV unit as the GT but power is increased to 330 PS while retaining the same torque figures. Top speed for the Modena is also 240 km/h.


Mitsubishi Xpander has far too many fans than it can handle, 8 months waiting list!

We get it, the most popular car in Malaysia this year is probably the 2020 Proton X50. It had a headline-grabbing six-month waiting list (that Proton is working on rectifying), but it seems the 2020 Mitsubishi Xpander one ups that with an eight-month waiting period.
Yes.
Quartz White Pearl - best Xpander colour?


Honda Malaysia to hit 900,000 cumulative unit sales, giving away nine cars

Honda Malaysia set to hit 900,000 cumulative unit sales in Q3 2019
Road to 900,000th Unit Milestone Campaign - Nine Honda models to be given away as prizes

Established in 2002 as a joint venture between Honda Motor Co., DRB-Hicom, Honda Malaysia, and Oriental Holdings, Honda Malaysia has come a long since it first locally-assembled a CR-V at the company’s plant in Melaka in 2003.
The company is expected to reach a new milestone of achieving 900,000 units in cumulative sales by the third quarter of 2019.
To commemorate the achievement, Honda Malaysia has announced the Road to 900,000th Unit Milestone campaign, which will take place from August until September. The campaign will see Honda Malaysia giving away nine Honda models - Jazz, City, BR-V, HR-V, City, Hybrid, HR-V Hybrid, Civic, CR-V, and Accord – to lucky Malaysians.


Sherp wants to enter Malaysia: 25 reasons why it'll be the most badass vehicle here

Sherp is probably a brand not many Malaysians are aware of, but over the weekend something interesting happened: they put up an advertisement on Instagram, looking for local dealers.

Naturally, when something looks like that, interest will be piqued - so we took a peek at what we could expect to see if Sherp ever makes it here. The answer is simple - it's the most badass thing around.


Why can't you respect your own history like Toyota? Fans are upset with Nissan ripping this pristine R32 Skyline GT-R to turn it into an EV

  The exact car Nissan is going to tear apart to make an R32 EV

When Nissan first announced that it will be converting an R32 Skyline GT-R into a battery EV, it won the brand many praises. Electrification is inevitable and if turning a classic car into an EV is one way to keep it on the road, then so be it.
However, when Nissan followed up its initial post with a video of the donor car, fans were horrified to learn that instead of rebuilding an R32 whose engine is no longer running, Nissan is going to rip apart a pristine, museum-condition road-worthy R32 to turn it into a soulless EV.

  A popular tuner's car, it is extremely rare to find an R32 with an engine bay that is this original, and Nissan is going to throw everything out to put EV hardware inside

Fans flooded the company’s social media channels asking the company to at least sell them the RB26DETT engine, ATTESA transmission, and other mechanical parts that they are going to rip out from the donor car.
Others compared Nissan’s poor effort with Toyota, which recently presented a Toyota AE86 with its original 4AGE engine converted to burn hydrogen.


Here's the suggested balik kampung schedule

The Malaysian National Security Council (MKN) has released the interstate travel itinerary on their official Facebook page. All travelling during the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) will only be allowed starting on 7 May 2020, beginning with those whose original location is in Kuala Lumpur.
Here is the official travel itinerary:

Date
Original Location

7 May 2020
Kuala Lumpur

8 May 2020
Perak, Johor, Kuantan

9 May 2020
Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Melaka, Pahang

10 May 2020
Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Terengganu

Take note that you will only be allowed to travel on the specified dates, this measure is taken to prevent over congestion of the road and to enable the government to continue monitoring the spread of the Covid-19 virus. The interstate travel also only restricted to personal cars only and not for public transport.


Flashback! Toyota Hilux brochures through the generations

While the world over is looking back at the 2010 decade, we decided to do the same. But instead of just looking back in the decade, we’re flipping through some classic car brochures and comparing the differences through the generations.

As you know, the Toyota Hilux succeeded the Toyota Light Stout and the Toyota Briska. The brand hoped that the Hilux will present a luxe pick-up truck option to the segment’s growing demand.


MoF: E-wallets under trial for targeted fuel subsidy

So far in 2022, the government has spent nearly RM 40 billion in fuel subsidies amid the rise of global fuel prices. However, it was revealed that most of the subsidy is enjoyed by those from the wealthier T20 group than the poorer B40 group.

Hence, the government is looking to introduce targeted fuel subsidy. According to Deputy Secretary General of Treasury for Policy at the Ministry of Finance (MoF), Johan Mahmood Merican, one of those methods is e-wallets.


The Mazda Parkway was Mazda’s own vision for a rotary-powered RX-Bus

Though Mazda wasn’t the first car manufacturer to mass-produce a rotary-powered car (that honour belongs to the German NSU, now Audi), the Japanese carmaker certainly produced a number of models featuring the triangular-shaped Wankel engine.

Wankel-powered Mazda models of various shapes and sizes beside the RX-7

While many fans recognise the rotary engine that powered the Mazda RX-7 and RX-8 sports cars, Mazda developed the engine for various models including the Luce saloon, the RX-3 and Cosmo coupes, as well as the REPU pick-up truck.


The Proton Wira was launched 28 years ago, changing Malaysia's automotive landscape

On 21-May 1993, Malaysians ushered in a new hero in the automotive landscape with the launch of the Proton Wira. The Wira was only Proton’s second-ever model but it eventually grew into a recognisable icon.

Even now, the Wira is still seen on the road and Proton even milked introduced more variants to the line-up including the 5-door Aeroback, the infamous C99 with the goalpost wing, as well as the Arena pick-up truck which was more popular overseas than in Malaysia.


Used Kia Picanto (TA) for under RM 25k, common issues and repairs?

Until the introduction of the current Perodua Myvi, the second-generation Kia Picanto (TA) was the only car in its price segment that offered a full complement of 6-airbags, ABS, EBD, vehicle stability control, (4x) seat belt reminders, and rear disc brakes.
Today, with prices under RM 25k, it still represents superb value for money, better safety levels and more power than a new Perodua Axia 1.0E, which sits at a similar price point.


Parliament sitting postponed to May 18, delays new law against drunk and reckless driving

Amidst the current political upheaval facing Malaysia, the new formed government headed new Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yasin has postponed March’s parliamentary sitting by two months, from March 9 to May 18.
The delay also means that the proposed amendments to the Road Transport Act to increase penalties for driving under influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol, as well as reckless driving will be postponed.
Prior to the dissolution of the Pakatan Harapan-led cabinet, ex-Transport Minister Anthony Loke was supposed to table a proposal to review and amend existing laws on DUI at March's parliamentary sitting, which was supposed to be the first parliamentary sitting for 2020.


2021 Lexus RX 300 Luxury Special Edition - RM 12k bodykit?

If you ever thought the 2021 Lexus RX 300 was a little too sedate for Malaysian streets, this should fix it: the RX 300 Luxury Special Edition.

This makes it the fourth RX variant in Malaysia, besides the Premium, Luxury, and F Sport variants. And from RM 421,909.50, it's RM 12k pricier than the Luxury variant.


Video: Next Proton MPV? Geely Jiaji MPV 1.5L Mild-Hybrid Turbo, See What's Good!

Proton’s foreign strategic partner, Geely unveiled its first MPV in 2019 called the Geely Jiaji. It’s a 6/7-seater MPV that appeals to families through its modern features and design.
The Proton Exora has been around for more than a decade now without any replacement in sight. No matter how they spin it, the Exora is starting to show its age and is having a tough time staying competitive in today’s market space.


50% less traffic in KL reported as most Malaysians stay home to observe MCO

A Bernama report has revealed that road traffic in the city has dropped by 50 percent since the start of the Movement Control Order (MCO) 3.0. Traffic is notably smooth on 2 major highways despite Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations that will be happening this weekend.
According to a Plus Expressway Berhad spokesman, traffic on the Jalan Duta toll plaza and Sungai Besi toll plaza has been smooth even on the route heading south.
Also read: Malaysia has the 4th worst traffic jam condition in SEA with second highest CO2 emission levels


Gov removes ceiling price for RON 95 petrol and EU 2M diesel

The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry has revoked the previous government’s fuel price control order that restricts prices of subsidized RON 95 petrol at a ceiling price of RM 2.08 per litre and RM 2.14 per litre for Euro 2M diesel.
The revocation order was approved on 10-April but the order was only announced in a Federal Gazette dated on 3-June.
The previous Pakatan Harapan coalition government had previously introduced the price ceiling to restrict the maximum retail price of RON 95 petrol and Euro 2M diesel regardless of the global crude oil price levels. Prices of RON 97 and Euro 4M/Euro 5 diesel are floated.


Jetson One electric flying vehicle manages 102 km/h but only has 20 minutes of fly time

As Malaysia’s talk about flying vehicles remains stagnant, another company in Europe has put their new flying vehicle on sale. Named the Jetson One, the company hopes that the flying vehicle will become the first choice of transport in a decade.

Costing USD 92,000 (~RM 387,000), the Jetson One is founded by a Swedish-based eVTOL startup Jetson. Since its launch, the founders reportedly received overwhelming responses from buyers and investors.


Is the Maxus Territory China's more opulent rival to the Toyota Fortuner?

SAIC Maxus, the brand more familiar to Malaysians with more affordable alternatives to the Toyota Alphard and Hilux has just unveiled its next affordable Toyota target at the recent Chengdu Auto Show 2022. Called the Maxus Territory, it looks like a more luxurious rival to the Fortuner with a more menacing presence.

Powering the Territory is a 2.0-litre twin-turbodiesel developed by Shanghai Diesel Engine Co., Ltd. The unit makes 217 PS and 500 Nm and is paired with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission that sends power to all 4 wheels.


WapCar Weekly News Round-up

21 – 27 September 2019 Fuel price update: RON 97 UP 14 sen!

  Monday
Mazda CX-30 to be launched in Malaysia in November 2019


No massive grilles here - 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe leaked ahead of debut

Just days before its official debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, a photo of the all-new 2021 BMW 2 Series Coupe has been leaked.

The front fascia appears to be largely similar to the prototype model seen last year. Unlike the larger BMW 4 Series, the front grilles are of normal size.


Beyond PSA Group: Stellantis to setup regional office in Malaysia

The existing Petaling Jaya office for Group PSA’s (PSA Groupe in French) South East Asian region headquarters in Malaysia will soon take on additional roles to cover the wider Stellantis group.

Don't even think about it. Dodge Challenger is not available in right-hand drive.

The expansion is related to the merger between Group PSA and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to form Stellantis.
Since January 2021, Peugeot S.A. (“Group PSA”) and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (“FCA”) have merged into a single entity called Stellantis N.V.


Here's a look at the 2021 Hyundai Custo's interior right before launch

You've read about our coverage of the impending launch of the 2021 Hyundai Custo MPV in the China market. Now, we get a better look at the all Custo's interior courtesy of images teased by Beijing Hyundai's official Weibo account.

From the front, the center console is prominent and well laid out, flanked by the now-familiar four-spoke steering wheel. The picture above also confirms the vertical, potrait-style infotainment display, and the electronically-operated push gear selector.


Vietnam-bound Toyota Yaris Cross trademarked, 2021 launch possible?

2021 could be a busy year for Toyota, as they recently trademarked a number of nameplates and designs in Vietnam, with the Toyota Yaris Cross being one of them.

Judging from the trademark filings, the Toyota Yaris Cross could find its way to Vietnam in the near future, as the model was just introduced in Singapore a week ago.


Honda Civic FK8 Type R Limited Edition on 2020 World Touring Car safety patrol duty

This Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition has been appointed the Official Safety Car of the FIA World Touring Car Championship for the 2020 season.
The limited-edition Type R was unveiled earlier this year at JAS Motorsport HQ in Milan. JAS Motorsport is Honda’s long-term motorsport collaborator and official partner.


Don’t call the Kia EV9 Concept an electric Telluride; it’s way more than that

Kia has been absolutely killing it in the SUV game. Their Telluride is one of the most popular three-row SUVs. That they’ve decided to make an electric three-row SUV is hardly something to write home about but don’t call the EV9 Concept an electric Telluride.

They dropped the concept at the L.A. Auto Show and the proportions are similar to the Telluride but with a healthier integration of its Opposites United design philosophy; basically with all the cues expected of a concept. The EV9 is sharper, more angular and more of everything.


Kia KY set to be introduced this year - soon-to-be competitor to the Perodua Alza?

Kia Carens pictured.

Fans of Kia can expect a new compact 7-seater MPV from the Korean carmaker this year - the Kia KY - according to a leaked document.
Sighted by Indian media, the leaked presentation file shows Kia's plans for 2021. While specification details are still shrouded, the KY is said to be a compact 7-seater MPV - think therabouts the size of the Perodua Alza.

The 2020 Kia Sonet made its world debut in India, and was subsequently launched in Indonesia.

Meanwhile, it's been rumoured that the KY will be based on the upcoming Hyundai Staria MPV that's reportedly going to be produced in Hyundai's Indonesian plant. Indonesian media have also placed the KY to be a possible competitor to the Suzuki Ertiga.
Also, it's been said that the KY could be driven by the Seltos' powertrain. The Malaysian-spec Seltos is powered by a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine that does 123 PS at 6,300 rpm and 151 Nm at 4,850 rpm, mated to 6-speed automatic transmission.


Video: Another incident of police convoy overtaking on a double line, rushing to an emergency?

Just two days ago, a video of a police escort convoy overtaking on a double line along a two-lane trunk road went viral. Now, another video of yet another harrowing incident where a police convoy was travelling in the other direction on a double-line has resurfaced.
Uploaded by TikTok user Meerza Danish on 16-July-2022, the video showed that while his lane along the trunk road he was traversing was clear, the opposite direction was heavily congested.


Thailand-based Aapico Hitech acquires 60 % of Proton's Advance Vehicle Engineering Global manufacturing subsidiary

Proton has inked a deal with one of Thailand's largest automotive parts suppliers, Aapico Hitech for the joint production of body and chassis parts for both Proton and other automotive manufacturers.
The joint venture, worth approximately RM 140 million, will see Aapico Hitech acquiring 60 percent of Advance Vehicle Engineering Global (AVEE Global) - Proton's subsidiary for manufacturing tooling and body parts - while Proton retains a 40 percent share in the company that will be renamed as Aapico Avee S.B.


Five slow cars that are actually fun to drive

Horsepower don’t make or break a car, even on a sports car. In fact, horsepower contributes no more than 20 percent to a car’s character.
Don’t believe it? Google up Koenigsegg test driver’s Robert Serwanski’s and his ‘slow’ Mazda MX-5 harassing cars with 3 times more power on the Nurburgring.
The dynamics of a cars is influenced by many factors, and power is just one of the many factors. Others include steering, weight and weight transfer, and even tyres.


Vietnam’s first EV, VinFast VF e34 delivered to first customers with RM 11k worth of freebies

Vietnam’s very own homegrown car manufacturer (they're not calling themselves a national carmaker), VinFast had just begun deliveries for the country’s first-ever electric vehicle (EV), the VinFast VF e34. Aptly, the handover ceremony was held on Christmas Day but having first dibs on Vietnam’s first EV wasn’t the only gift presented to owners.

For the first 25,000 owners of the VF e34, VinFast is offering an advanced options package worth VND 60 million (~RM 11k) for free. These include advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) suite, navigation features, and geo-restriction settings.


Covid-19: Do you need to fill up a form to travel inter-state? Here's the latest update from PDRM

Hours before Malaysia’s first movement control order came into effect, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador announced that Malaysians wishing to cross inter-state borders during the order are required to fill up a form at their nearest police station.
But one hour after the announcement, PDRM has quickly retracted the order. This was due to the overwhelming amount of people making their way to the nearest police stations to obtain the form triggering what experts are calling “panic-form-filling”.


Daihatsu's rival to the Suzuki Jimny planned for Japanese debut in mid-2023

  Rendering by Best Car Web

Soon the Suzuki Jimny won’t be the only boxy kei 4x4 offered as Daihatsu is planning to introduce its own rival around the middle of 2023 according to sources close to Japanese automotive media.

  Daihatsu Taft shown

Said to be called the Daihatsu Rugger, it would mainly focus on looking tough than any off-roading pedigree according to a scoop by Best Car Web. Daihatsu’s Jimny rival will not be built on a ladder-frame chassis like the lil’ Suzy but instead on a DNGA platform similar to the Daihatsu Taft kei car.

Source

Sources close to Best Car Web said that the Rugger would feature an on-demand four-wheel drive (4WD) system that is also present on the Taft. The Rugger’s looks however would be closer to the Jimny’s toughness with emphasis on the T-word.


Proton sold 14,573 units in March alone, total 40,287 units sold in first 3 months of 2023

Proton has reported a strong start to 2023, recording total sales of 14,573 units in March alone, equating to an 11.9 percent increase over the same period in 2022.
These sales figures have brought Proton's total sales in Q1 of 2023 to 40,287 units, a significant growth of 50.9 percent over the previous year.


10 reasons why the Toyota FJ Cruiser is the bomb

The Toyota FJ Cruiser is honestly the least Toyota-looking model of the past decade. Many Malaysians would recognise the chunky, retro-looking Toyota off-roader with many owners putting a Hummer-like grille on their FJ Cruisers.

That's not a Hummer (Credit: King of Rims Malaysia)

It’s a highly coveted Toyota model even if it was never sold officially in Malaysia. So, what makes the FJ Cruiser a legendary off-roader? We have ten reasons why it’s so well-loved among Toyota fans, especially those in the off-roading community.
1. The FJ Cruiser wasn’t supposed to be made


Review: Geely Jiaji (Proton V70), the MPV that Proton desperately needs

This is the Geely Jiaji, which made its debut back in March 2019. It is safe to say that the Geely Jiaji is set to be Proton's next multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). Depends on who you ask, the Geely Jiaji may or may not replace the Proton Exora. We are more inclined to believe in the latter, as the Geely Jiaji is a more premium product that's unlikely to fit within the current Proton Exora's price range.

But before we get started on this review, we must stress the fact that the China market Geely Jiaji is not a true representation of Proton's next MPV, as Proton will inject its own DNA into the Jiaji when it comes here. Some of the features seen here may not be in the Proton, and there could be some styling updates.


Indonesia exported nearly 295k vehicles to 80 countries in 2021, Daihatsu leads

Vietnam-spec Toyota Raize shown, imported from Indonesia

Indonesia is one of the largest automotive players in Southeast Asia and some of its cars are exported not just to its neighbours in the region but as far as the Middle East and Latin America too. Hence, according to Gaikindo’s data, 294,639 Indo-assembled models have been exported in 2021.

It is a 29.6% increase compared to 2020 which saw 232,175 units exported from the archipelago. Gaikindo has listed 9 manufacturers that contributed these figures and Daihatsu is leading ahead followed by Toyota and Mitsubishi.

Clockwise from top: Brunei-spec Toyota Wigo, South African Toyota Rush, and Saudi Arabia-spec Toyota Raize shown, all imported from Indonesia

Based on the data, Daihatsu exported 122,661 units throughout 2021, an increase of 34.1% compared to 2020 which saw only 91,472 units. As Daihatsu is only available in a small handful of markets, most of the models exported were sold as a Toyota including the Toyota Raize (Daihatsu Rocky/Perodua Ativa), Toyota Rush (Daihatsu Terios/Perodua Aruz), and Toyota Agya/Wigo (Daihatsu Ayla/Perodua Axia).


In tie-up with Geely, Renault is ditching Alliance partner Nissan to re-enter China

Last week, Renault made a surprise announcement, inking a memorandum of understanding with Geely to co-develop hybrid vehicles for Korea and China.

Geely's Lynk & Co will enter Korea via Renault Samsung

The joint statement by Geely and Renault said:
“Following the adoption by Geely Holding’s open-source strategy for its full vehicle architectures, Geely Holding will partner with Renault Group in the Chinese and Korean markets.


US-spec 2023 Honda HR-V teases its rear, unveiling on 4-April

The all-new Honda HR-V has been launched in Indonesia and while Malaysians are waiting for its eventual arrival, those in the States will be getting a completely different HR-V come April 2022.

The upcoming US-spec HR-V will feature a sportier and more Ford-like design based on the sketches that were revealed earlier this year. Now, American Honda Motor Co has released a single teaser image of its rear taillight in anticipation of its 4-April reveal.


PDRM: Driving and overtaking in a zig-zag motion can land you in jail and a RM 15k fine

Driving and overtaking in a zig-zag motion on roads is against the law and punishable as it endangers other road users, the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) reminds road users in its latest edition of #SembangTrafik.
In the post on PDRM’s official Facebook page, the police stated that while it might be fun and exciting to overtake and drive in a zig-zag motion, it will not only put other road users in danger but also endanger your own life as well.


BMW Malaysia revises prices, up to RM 31,000 cheaper.

BMW Malaysia, the distributor of BMW vehicles in Malaysia has released updated prices for its models starting 15 June 2020.
One can expect to save at least RM 7,005 when buying a brand-new BMW, like in the case of the BMW 320i Sport.


All-New 2020 Range Rover Evoque available in Malaysia from June; AI tech, ClearSight

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) has officially launched the all-new second generation 2020 Range Rover Evoque. Sales will start in June, but prices have yet to be announced. The new Evoque is now smarter than ever and features Land Rover’s ground breaking ClearSight technology.
Though the Evoque is still easily recognisable for its hallmark features like the fast roofline and rising waist, the SUV is rebuilt from the ground up to accommodate the new mild-hybrid system. The new chassis is now stiffer than ever to ensure the Evoque maintains its ride comfort and refinement.


Video: RFID users switching lanes to use TnG to avoid jam

Another video of the RFID toll lane before the Penang Bridge is going viral across social media, once again sparking another debate on the decision to phase out Touch ‘n Go (TnG) and Smart Tag lanes along the North-South Highway.
Last week, the Works Ministry announced that they will start phasing out TnG and Smart Tag lanes along the Juru-Skudai stretch of the Plus Highway starting 15-January-2022. This has sparked a hot debate amongst Malaysians on the feasibility of the decision.
Also read: Touch ‘n Go and SmartTag lanes on North-South Highway will be phased out for RFID


3 important predecessors to the Mazda 3 that shape what it is today

While the all-new Honda Civic has been hogging the spotlight in the dwindling sedan market, the popular H badge isn’t the only one to keep an eye out for. With a higher starting price than the previous generation, the Civic FE encroaches into the Mazda 3’s price range.

The fourth-gen Mazda 3 is a favourite here in WapCar and apparently, Malaysians love it too. With 2021 units reportedly sold out, those wanting a brand-new Mazda 3 would have to wait until the 2022 update comes in.


Watch: This classic ad depicted the FJ40 Toyota Land Cruiser as a team of rescue rangers

This week, Toyota has finally unveiled the all-new Land Cruiser 300 Series. While the Super King receives some high-tech gizmos including fingerprint recognition for the start button, the true testament of a Land Cruiser is its off-road capabilities.

The first Land Cruiser, the BJ Series

Initially launched as a military vehicle during the Korean War, the Toyota Land Cruiser eventually became fit for civilian duty in 1953. 7 years later, Toyota launched the FJ40 Land Cruiser which became a legend among off-roaders.
Also read: 10 reasons why the Toyota FJ Cruiser is the bomb


BYD to sign agreement with ex-Nissan Thailand distributor, Dolphin EV to be first model launched

The Ora Good Cat appears to be getting quite a bit of traction among Thai electric vehicle (EV) buyers with its cute and retro looks. Soon, though, it could receive a rival that also hails from China with an equally fauna-tastic name, the BYD Dolphin.

Autolife Thailand has reported that the Chinese EV specialist could be relaunching itself in June 2022 under a new company to be called BYD Automobile Thailand. The new venture is led by Pratarnwong ‘Pok’ Phornprapha, the third-generation heir of Siam Motors Group, the company that introduced and distributed Nissans in the Kingdom from 1962 until 2004.


Bosch: Disruption in supply from Malaysia affecting Nio and Tesla

Our ongoing lockdown is not just affecting the local economy, but also companies located overseas. In this case, the disruption of Bosch’s supplier factory in Muar, Malaysia has affected Nio and Tesla.

This was reported by CarNewsChina, quoting David Xu, the vice president of Bosch China. In a social media post by David, new Covid-19 cases at their supplier's Muar plant has caused sections of the plant to be temporarily closed down by local authorities.


New BMW and MINI 4S centre opening this month in Tebrau

Come 15 July, BMW and MINI customers in and around Johor Bahru can look forward to a new Sales, Services, Spare Parts and Systems (4S) dealership in Tebrau.

Named Auto Bavaria Tebrau, the dealership will manage the BMW, BMW Motorrad, MINI and BMW Premium Selection brands. The mammoth 63,000 square feet dealership is manned by 80 staff and can showcase more than 20 vehicles - ranging from BMW and MINI cars to BMW Motorrad motorcycles.


Suzuki joins the EV race - sets up new EV HQ, to invest RM 37 billion in electrification

Maruti Suzuki Futuro-e concept

Suzuki is ramping up efforts in the electric vehicle (EV) space with the establishment of an all-new EV Business Headquarters, with a sizeable research and development (R&D) budget to boot.

Another radical Suzuki EV concept, the Misano

The newly-announced organisational reform now sees the Vehicle Planning Department parked under said EV Business HQ. Aside from other organisational shuffles, the company has yet to share specific details.
Also read: The Suzuki Misano is a gorgeous four-wheeled motorcycle only for our dreams

A hint at things to come?

Back in February 2021, the company announced that they'll be investing JPY 1 trillion (~RM 37 billion) into electrification within the next 5 years. In similar vein, the company will also "deepen their alliance" with Toyota by co-developing EVs.


Volvo’s 180 km/h limit is so stupid, it’s actually brilliant, but remember Turbo Rolf?

It doesn’t matter how good recent Volvo Cars are because few will pay Mercedes-Benz/BMW money for a Volvo, which until recently, sits just slightly above a Volkswagen.
But within just one week, the Volvo brand is now on every chat group and every publication around the world debated Volvo Car’s 180 km/h speed limit.

Volvo S60

It got everyone talking about Volvo and the best thing was that Volvo didn’t spend a single cent on it and neither did they had to do any real work on their cars (engine management software came pre-loaded).


All-new 2022 Toyota Avanza to share Ativa's engine, debuting in November 2021?

It's not only Malaysia that's dealing with aging MPVs - Indonesia is too, and the ten-year old Toyota Avanza (as well as donor car, the Daihatsu Xenia) are testaments to that.

Indonesian-spec Avanza pictured

Little surprise then that rumours of an all-new Avanza have been rife. There's reports that the next-gen Avanza could appear as early as in November 2021, coming with major changes like a front-wheel drive layout (the current Avanza is rear-wheel drive), as well as possible hybrid variants.

The Xenia - a literal spitting image

This is on top of other reports that peg the upcoming Avanza to use the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform too.


Owner Review:"I really don't how much more time and money I need to spend on repairing it", My 2011 Volkswagen Passat B7

Basic information about my car:
2011/12 Volkswagen Passat B7 (CBU)


2022 Honda HR-V 1.5 S: Corolla Cross fighter undercuts it in price, not value

If you're dead-set on an SUV in Malaysia, the 'lower-end' of the price scale has long breached the RM 100k barrier, at least where foreign makes are concerned. The all-new 2022 Honda HR-V doesn't buck the trend; with its entry 1.5 S variant priced at RM 114,800.

2022 Honda HR-V price in Malaysia

Variant
Price

1.5 S
RM 114,800

1.5 E
RM 129,800

1.5 V
RM 134,800

RS e:HEV
RM 140,800

Prices are OTR without insurance

The previous-generation HR-V 1.5 S was priced at RM 99,800 (back in 2015), and though today's pricing is quite a jump, you are getting a much more complete car for the money or a 'basic' model at that – as we'll show you in this variant highlight.


Customisable Porsche Cayenne is the first CKD model for Malaysia, price from RM 550k

Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), distributors of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia has confirmed that the E3 Porsche Cayenne is the marque's first model chosen for local assembly (CKD) in Kulim, Kedah. The locally-assembled Cayenne will come with an enhanced standard equipment range specified exclusively for the Malaysian market.

Standard equipment for the CKD Cayenne include:


First outside Japan, Nissan begins assembly of e-Power hybrid batteries in Thailand

The assembly of Nissan’s e-Power battery has started at the Nissan Powertrain Thailand (NPT) plant in Samutprakarn province, making it the first e-Power battery assembly line outside of Japan.
Isao Sekiguchi, president of Nissan Thailand added, “Thailand is a key market for Nissan in ASEAN, and under the Nissan NEXT transformation plan, Thailand has become the company’s Southeast Asian production hub. Following our investment in 2020 with the production of the Kicks e-Power for domestic and export markets, including Japan, we have begun the local assembly of the KICKS e-Power battery in Thailand,"


Spied: New Lynk & Co SUV spied testing, SPA platform, Volvo XC90’s twin?

A heavily camouflaged Lynk & Co SUV was spotted on public roads in China. Reports have surfaced that this could be the brand’s flagship luxury SUV.
Lynk & Co, the lifestyle automotive brand under Geely Auto Group, have access to Volvo’s technologies. Hence its range of cars all uses Volvo’s platform and powered by Volvo engines.


Rich man’s EVs are tax free, but common man’s hybrids are not – here’s why

The recently announced Budget 2022 proposes a complete waiver of import and excise tax, as well as road tax exemption for all electric vehicles. Locally-assembled (CKD) BEV models – of which there are none at the moment – will enjoy additional exemption from sales tax.
Specifically, these exemptions apply only to battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Regular hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) don’t get to enjoy the benefit.

Porsche Taycans to be a lot cheaper, new prices to be announced by the end of this year

So for the upcoming Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid and Honda City RS e:HEV, or even the BMW 330e, 530e, and 740 Le xDrive, it’s business as usual.


Top 5 cars to appear in the Fast & Furious franchise

Every car nerd would have at least heard about the Fast & Furious franchise, from the tales of illegal street racing to fighting cyber-enhanced superhumans.

With more than 100 cars listed in the movie, here's what I think are the best looking cars with the most memorable scenes!


New 30 km/h, 50 km/h speed limit coming to certain roads in Kuala Lumpur soon

The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) has confirmed that it is in the final stages of implementing the 30 km/h and 50 km/h speed limit in several parts of the Kuala Lumpur city centre.
MIROS Chairman, Suret Singh, made the announcement in a tweet confirming that the institute is working closely with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to properly implement the new speed limit.

Miros director-general Khairil Anwar Abu Kassim displaying the #Love30 global campaign of lowering the speed limit to 30 km/h

Other than that, DBKL and MIROS are also in talks on the possibility of data and record sharing between the two bodies. This will mean that MIROS will have access to data such as CCTV recordings of traffic offences committed in the capital city.


Perodua: 220k backlog orders remain but will absorb SST for orders made before 30-June 2022

At the recent Perodua media conference, the second Malaysian carmaker revealed that it has 220,000 backlog orders remaining. Around 15,000 of those orders were made during the sales tax (SST) exemption which ended on 30-June 2022.

Perodua CEO Dato' Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad told the media that some of the cars might not be able to meet the registration cutoff time which ends on 31-March 2023. However, the carmaker said it will absorb the SST for those cars that would not be delivered in time for the cutoff date.


CMCO Round 2: PDRM to set up roadblocks around Selangor, KL and Putrajaya

Image credit: New Straits Times

The reinstatement of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) will start tonight, 14 October 2020, at 12.01 am for Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya. Like before, the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) will be setting up roadblocks at several locations in the 3 states as part of enforcing the lockdown.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani told Bernama: “The roadblocks will be mounted in the same way as before (during the MCO in early March). Instructions for the deployment of police officers to the roadblock locations will be arranged by the Kuala Lumpur Police Chief and Selangor Police Chief.”

To assist PDRM with enforcing CMCO, the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) will help with mounting the roadblocks as well. This is similar to when Malaysia went into a full lockdown on 18 March 2020.


Leaked: Perodua Aruz-rivalling ASEAN-bound 2021 Hyundai Alcazar

Hyundai is busy these past couple of weeks. Aside from unveiling the Hyundai Staria MPV, the Korean carmaker has also revealed the first official images of the 2021 Hyundai Alcazar 7-seater premium SUV.

Unlike the Staria, the Alcazar is made for developing markets like India where it is expected to make its world debut soon. However, Hyundai has only revealed design sketches of the interior and the rear of the hotly-anticipated SUV.


From RM 286k, Volvo V60 Recharge T8 Inscription will be launched in Malaysia soon

The Volvo V60 is coming to Malaysia and from the looks of it, the wagon will be launched here very soon. Based on Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM)’s website, the Volvo V60 Recharge T8 Inscription is priced at RM 286,909 (OTR without insurance and SST).

As its nomenclature suggests, the Volvo V60 Recharge T8 Inscription comes with a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-litre 4 cylinder paired with electric motors generating a combined output of 407 PS and 640 Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h sprint is rated at 4.6 seconds.


2019 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo WapCar Ratings results, 166.5/250 score, superb performance

We've examined the 2019 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo in detail from its exterior panel gaps, interior space to fuel consumption in our WapCar Ratings. Here's an overview of all our tests.


Malaysian outfit, Sime Darby Racing Team to take on the world at the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia 2023

Represented by Sime Darby Auto Performance, Porsche Malaysia has introduced the Sime Darby Racing Team that's set to debut at the 2023 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia (PCCA), in partnership with Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM).
22-year-old Nazim Azman will be piloting the 911 GT3 Cup Car, resplendent in its batik-inspired livery. The team will compete in the PCCA PRO category.

  Nazim Azman

The 20th Porsche Carrera Cup Asia season spans the continent once again in 2023, after two seasons of being confined to China. The 2023 race calendar starts in Malaysia, zips through Korea, Japan, Thailand, Singapore before finishing up at Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific’s home base in Shanghai, China.


2020 Proton X70 CKD - Worth topping up RM 3,000 for the sunroof?

The locally-assembled Proton X70 CKD is finally here, and the company has done some streamlining to the model's line-up.
Previously in the Ningbo-built, imported Proton X70 model, a panoramic sunroof was available on the Premium 2WD variant, but that has since changed, now that the Premium 2WD is no longer the top specs variant.


Video: Enough with marketing talk, Mitsubishi Triton proves its worth in SEA's toughest rally, Thai-Indo trio to lead charge

Following Mitsubishi Motors’ announcement that its revived RalliArt brand will be making its comeback debut at November 2022’s Asian Cross Country Rally (AXCR), the company has now announced the drivers and co-drivers line-up for the three Mitsubishi Tritons fielded.
The three Tritons will fly the Team Mitsubishi RalliArt flag, a semi-factory-backed team owned by Thailand’s Tant Sport, with factory support from Mitsubishi Motors. Leading the team will be two-time Dakar Rally champion Hiroshi Masuoka, who will serve as Team Director.


Rendered: 2021 Proton X70 MC1 facelift expected, 1.5 TGDI engine?

Having enjoyed success as one of the most popular SUVs in Malaysia, the Proton X70 might just receive an update sometime this year.
According to our friends at Funtasticko, a facelifted Proton X70, dubbed the Proton X70 MC1, is in the pipeline. Mass production is expected to begin in the second half of 2021.

With the Proton X50 powered by a 1.5-litre TGDI engine and assembled in Malaysia, there is speculation that the 2021 Proton X70 MC1 would use the same engine too.

Render based on Geely Azkarra

If you're having doubts on a 1.5 TGDI engine in the Proton X70, recall the X70 for the Pakistan market that had been tested extensively with the 1.5-litre turbo engine.


CKD 2023 BMW 7 Series launched in Malaysia - 489 PS/700 Nm 3.0-litre PHEV, starts from RM649k

BMW Malaysia has unveiled its flagship 2023 (G70) BMW 7 Series lineup - the BMW 750e xDrive Pure Excellence and 750e xDrive M Sport.
As before, the model is locally assembled (CKD) at Kulim. The new generation 7 Series is priced as follows:

750e xDrive Pure Excellence: RM 649,800
750e xDrive M Sport: RM 700,000 (estimated)


Higher price, no problem - Toyota Veloz records over 6,000 bookings in 4 months

Despite the price disparity between the Toyota Veloz (W151) and 2022 Perodua Alza (D27A), UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has seen "positive acceptance" for their model, with over 6,000 bookings collected in the four months since June 2022.

"Since the all-new Toyota Veloz was made available for bookings in June this year, the order-taking rate shows positive acceptance and we are committed to giving our best effort and going the extra mile to ensure delivery to SST exempted customers before March 2023.


Price up by RM 1k, new 2022 Mazda 3 launched in Malaysia, from RM 139k

Price increase by 0.7%, or RM 1,000 across all variants
Ignite Edition is the new flagship variant
Platinum Quartz is now available on the Mazda 3

Bermaz Motor, the official distributor of Mazda models in Malaysia, has just introduced the updated 2022 Mazda 3. As before, the C-segment sedan and hatchback are imported (CBU) from Japan.


Owner Review: Proton X50's Twin Brother - My Experience With My Geely Binyue

** This article is the personal experience of a 2020 Geely Binyue Chinese owner and does not necessarily reflect the views of WapCar
Liu Junhua

How the Story Begins
I was a penny pincher when I decided to buy my first car due to my limited budget. Moreover, I was afraid I might get a car that I will regret owning in the future. I started browsing the internet doing research and got the idea of getting an SUV because I can make long-distance road trips with a spacious cabin and a large boot volume to carry more cargo. With horrible road conditions in rural China, an SUV will come in handy driving in such terrains. So, I started talking to my friends about the idea. We shortlisted some models to pick from with my budget and the options I had were compact SUVs like the Toyota CH-R, the Honda Vezel (HR-V in Malaysia), and the Geely Binyue.


Malaysians are ignoring SOPs, already desensitised with Covid-19

The number of Covid-19 cases is at an all-time high despite the government’s move implement the Movement Control Order in entire Malaysia except for Sarawak. Experts claim that even with the MCO in place, the numbers won’t be reducing anytime soon as Malaysians are not complying to the standard operating procedures (SOP).
Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Datuk Dr M. Subramaniam told Malay Mail poor compliance is to blame for the spike in cases.

Photo credit: cyber-rt.info

“There were 606 people arrested for breaching SOPs on Thursday, January 21. This is an incredibly small number to report for nationwide enforcement. The reports on the number of people flouting the SOPs have consistently been within this range. I think most would agree that the numbers are way higher.


2021 Kia Sonet 7-seater debuts in Indonesia – Ready to fight the Rush or Raize?

Though the 5-seater Kia Sonet made its world debut in India last year, its larger 7-seater variant (a 5+2 to be more precise), the 2021 Kia Sonet 7 was unveiled to the world in Indonesia.
That makes sense since 7-seater MPVs and SUVs are still wildly popular in the archipelago. The Sonet 7 is fully imported (CBU) from India, just like the regular Sonet.

Dimensions

Model
Kia Sonet
Perodua Ativa

Length
4,120 mm
4,065 mm

Height
1,615 mm
1,635 mm

Width
1,790 mm
1,710 mm

Wheelbase
2,500 mm
2,525 mm

The Sonet 7 maintains the hip design of its 5-seater sibling and that also includes its dimensions. Kia has only added a couple of seats in the third row which are more suitable for kids.


All-new Geely Boyue L enters production in China, inches closer to market launch

The all-new Geely Boyue L made its official debut last month, and now Geely has announced that production of the SUV has officially started. This would mean the SUV will go on sale in China very soon!

Like its predecessor, the Boyue L is also assembled at Geely’s high-tech facility in Ningbo, Zhejiang. The plant first started production in 2011 and was recently updated to match the company’s new Industrial 4.0 era.


We need to talk about Volvo, but not about its safety

Is Volvo a true rival to Mercedes-Benz and BMW? Can Volvo take the spot currently occupied by Audi? From a purely product-focused perspective, the answer is a definite yes. However, activities on the showroom floor paint a different reality.

The problem isn’t because Volvo cars aren’t as good as their German peers, but because it was too good at the same thing for too long. We are talking about safety.


Thai property developer Sansiri to offer EV chargers for its new housing projects

Thailand’s property developer Sansiri Plc is future-proofing its housing projects by offering built-in wallbox chargers for electric vehicles (EVs) into its new housing units.
The company announced that it will be spending 500 million Baht (about RM 62 million) to install 1,500 wall box EV chargers on new housing projects launched between 2021 and 2022.


Ahead of Malaysia, Chery Tiggo 4 Pro makes RHD debut in South Africa - Comes with 1 mil km warranty

Chery, the one-hit-wonder Chinese automaker that produced the surprisingly popular Eastar MPV ten years ago, is making a Malaysian comeback in Q3 2022. However, another right-hand-drive (RHD) market will be seeing the return of Chery first and that lucky nation is South Africa.

Prior to the brand’s return into the Rainbow Nation, Chery was only sold in left-hand-drive (LHD) markets like Latin America, Russia, and the Philippines. The carmaker was previously offered in South Africa between 2008 and 2018 and it is returning to the market with the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro.


3 killed in SUKE construction crane collapse along Alam Damai

Yet another accident has been reported involving the Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Elevated Expressway (SUKE). According to reports a crane fell on top of a car at the construction site at Puncak Banyan, Persiaran Alam Damai.

Three construction workers were killed during the incident, while another two are believed to be seriously injured. The Star reports, at the time of writing, firemen are still in the process of extracting a worker trapped at the site.


Scoop: Next-gen Toyota Alphard to debut in H2 2022 with possible turbo variant

The Toyota Alphard is Malaysia’s most famous (and infamous) breadbox on wheels, serving as the official car for high-ranking businessmen, politicians plotting their next toilet breaks power moves, or simply as a symbol of success.

However, the luxurious breadbox on wheels is ageing with the current third-generation having been introduced in 2015. That being said, Toyota is currently developing the fourth-gen Alphard, codenamed AH40, and it is rumoured to be launched in the second-half of 2022.


Toyota C-HR has a better infotainment screen than the Toyota Corolla Altis

(2020 Toyota C-HR Price & Specs | Gallery)
Toyota models sold through official local distributor UMW Toyota Motor are known to be equipped with aftermarket infotainment systems that are not the nicest to look at nor navigate.
Take the newly launched latest-generation 2020 Toyota Corolla Altis for example, it comes with the DVD-AVX head unit. A 6.8-inch capacitive touchscreen with smartphone MirrorLink, HDMI input, Bluetooth, AUX jack with reverse camera. Five years ago, this DVD-AVX would be the benchmark for infotainment systems.

DVD-AVX on the Toyota Corolla Altis

However, the DVD-AVX interface in today’s age of connectivity is a pain to use and the thick bezels are just an eyesore.


ROI open in Malaysia, Lexus RZ launched in Thailand; price equals to RM 501k

Here's the Lexus RZ, the luxury marque's first bespoke all-electric model. Thailand is the second ASEAN country to launch it (after Singapore) at the 44th Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS 2023).


2023 Proton Saga swaps Hyundai's 4AT for Toyota's Aisin unit

Small product update concerning the 2023 Proton Saga in Malaysia, and it's to do with it getting a new gearbox – gone is the old Hyundai-sourced 4-speed automatic (4AT), and in place is another 4AT from Toyota's affiliate Aisin.
WapCar understands this update started in cars produced since May, though it is unclear if Proton will make an announcement since specs remain the same. Prices have remained unchanged too, likely because it's still a 4AT and this is just a change in supplier.
Also read: Priced from RM 34k, 2022 Proton Saga MC2 facelift launched with keyless entry and more to fight Bezza


More perks for Hyundai Loyalty Card holders for the mid-year service campaign

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) is carrying out its mid-year service campaign for all customers and those who are holders of the Hyundai Loyalty Card are entitled to extra discounts.
If you bring your car to any Hyundai authorized service centre from 1-June till 31-July, there will be a 15 percent discount on selected parts such as gaskets, oil filters and spark plugs and a 10 percent discount on labour charges. Hyundai Loyalty Card holders can enjoy further discounts of 25 percent on selected parts and 15 percent on labour charges.


2- to 8-Dec 2021 Fuel Price Update: RON 97 down 3 sen, RON 95 & diesel unchanged

Welcome December, and fuel prices for the first week of the month (2- to 8-Dec 2021) will be as follows:

RON95 – RM 2.05/litre (RM 0.00)
RON97 – RM 3.02/litre (-RM 0.03)
Diesel Euro 5 B10/B20 – RM 2.15/litre (RM 0.00)
Diesel Euro 5 B7 – RM 2.25/litre (RM 0.00)


Malaysia-spec Mitsubishi Xpander previewed, CKD but not in Segambut

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia has announced that the upcoming Mitsubishi Xpander will be locally-assembled (CKD). The model will be launched in the near future.

While the Mitsubishi ASX and Outlander are contract assembled by Tan Chong Motors Assembly in Segambut, the upcoming Xpander will be assembled in a new production facility in Pekan, Pahang.


Philips Ultinon Pro9000 LED - 250% brighter lights that enhances visibility without dazzling others

Your vehicle’s existing halogen or conventional bulbs are doing a perfectly fine job. But why settle for mediocrity? When HID lighting is being replaced by LED lighting, halogen lights just looks a little ancient.
LEDs used to be exclusive to premium cars such as BMW and Lexus. If only your headlights could project that perfect homogeneous white light, it would look stunning and make you stand out from the crowd.


28-November - 4-December 2020 Fuel Price Update: Petrol, diesel up

This week's fuel prices continue its upward trend, rising 3 sen for petrol and 4 sen for diesel.
The fuel prices for the upcoming week will be as follows:

RON 95 – RM 1.67/liter (+RM 0.03)
RON 97 – RM 1.97/liter (+RM 0.03)
Diesel Euro 2M – RM 1.85 (+RM 0.04)
Diesel Euro 5 – RM 1.99 (+RM 0.04)


Dear Geely, we need a Lynk & Co Antwerp Club-style showroom in Malaysia

To call Lynk & Co’s new Antwerp Club a ‘showroom’ is perhaps an insult. The place is more than just a showroom for people to buy cars, but a whole experience that will immerse visitors into the brand’s modern active lifestyle concept. Maybe calling the Club an Instagram-worthy café is more accurate.
Set-up in an old historical fire station in Antwerp, Belgium, the new outlet is one of three new Lynk & Co Clubs opened around Europe. The first (opened in October 2020) is located in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and the second (opened January 2021) is set in Gothenburg, Sweden.


Compared: New 3 cylinder 1.5T engine in 2022 Proton X70 vs old 1.8T 4 cylinder

Upon the launch of the new 2022 Proton X70 MC, the biggest change is the new, downsized turbocharged 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine. The 1.8-litre turbo is still available, albeit on the range-topping variant.

Codenamed 3G15TD, the new engine is now the default choice in the Standard, Executive, and Premium variants of the 2022 Proton X70.


First accessory you should buy for your brand-new car, Trapo Classic Mark II Mats!

Car mats are one of the first few accessories Malaysians will buy upon collecting their brand-new car.
The most common type of car mats that you find in accessory stores are rubber and coil. While they provide better protection compared to the standard carpet type, rubber and coil mats are not the best option for long term hygiene, safety, and protection.

Not durable as well

Trapo Classic Mark II Mats gives you the ultimate protection with none of the safety risk. Trapo mats are designed and tailored to each specific model along with anchoring clips that match to the car’s original mounting points.


Costs RM 260, our Perodua Ativa gets its 18k km service – Long-term Review #17

From being a dependable support car for our video shoots to helping deliver aid to flood victims, our very own Perodua Ativa has been steadily racking up the miles.
Approaching the 1-year mark, we have recorded a total mileage in excess of 18k km, and it’s now time to give our "Cik Tiva" some TLC.


Next-gen Honda Civic Type R teased ahead of 2022 launch, reveals cute easter egg

Ahead of its global debut next year, Honda has dropped several teasers of its upcoming 2022 Honda Civic Type R.

For now, Honda has yet to release any details surrounding its new performance hatchback, but judging by the photos, the next-gen Civic Type R will carry over a lot of the styling cues of the outgoing FK8 Civic Type R, including the massive rear wing and centrally-mounted triple exhaust set-up.


Road work alert! Works Ministry to spend RM 3b to fix expired federal roads in the country

Senior Works Minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, has announced that the Works Ministry will be carrying out repair works to fix federal roads that have expired service lives. Repairs are expected to be completed within a month and a half or in November.
The ministry has allocated approximately RM 3 billion to carry out the repair work. Considering the high costs involved, the Works Minister told reporters that the ministry is holding negotiations with the concessionaires.


MIROS: Don’t repair vehicles on emergency lanes! Call for assistance instead

Following multiple reports of motorists losing their lives while repairing their cars on highway emergency lanes, the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) has issued a warning urging road users not to repair their broken-down vehicles on emergency lanes but to contact the 999 emergency hotline instead.
MIROS chairman Suret Singh highlighted that it is dangerous to repair vehicles or change tyres in the emergency lane, especially during the night.
“All highway operators have patrol and rescue units, so contact them for assistance. If you don’t have the number on your phone, you can obtain it through a Google search.


2021 VW ID.4 pushes Tesla aside to be Europe's best-selling EV

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 has topped Europe's battery-electric vehicle sales in April with 7,335 units sold, according to numbers from JATO Dynamics.

In fact, it's the first-ever EV SUV to do so. Coming in second place is the VW ID.3 hatchback (5,735 units sold), while the Renault Zoe caps the podium with sales of 4,015 units.


Your Volvo could experience delays but it's not just due to the invasion of Ukraine

While carmakers are struggling with production due to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, Volvo is also having similar difficulties but it isn’t due to the vastly unpopular war. Instead, the Swedish carmaker is experiencing a temporary worsened production situation due to a lack of a specific type of semiconductor.

In a statement released by Volvo Cars on 22-March 2022, the temporary production hiccup is expected to last throughout the second quarter.


2021 Perodua D55L: Purported specs revealed, could get ACC

With its launch set to happen some time next month, the upcoming B-segment Perodua D55L has a lot to live up to.

The Rocky was showcased as an unnamed SUV last year

Thus far, the Perodua D55L’s DNGA platform – a derivative of Toyota’s TNGA platform, but for budget compact cars – is all but confirmed. Ditto for the D55L’s turbocharged 1-litre turbocharged engine, mated to a CVT-type automatic.
According to a recent post by Chinese portal Automachi, these are the purported specifications of the upcoming Perodua D55L.


After BYD, Hozon Auto's Neta could be next to enter EV competition in Malaysia

At the ASEAN Director-General Meeting on Digital Technologies to Enhance Excise Tax Administration and Moving Forward to Carbon Neutrality in Thailand, Bao Zhuangfei, General Manager of Neta Auto (Thailand), said that the company has plans to expand in the ASEAN region.

“By participating in the ASEAN meeting of the Excise Department this time, Neta will be aware of the guidelines and visions of the Excise Department of various countries in the ASEAN region to determine the implementation plan in accordance with government policies in each country. It also supports the carbon neutrality policy among countries in the ASEAN region,” said Bao Zhuangfei.


Honda Malaysia sends warning shots to Toyota Vios – All-New 2020 Honda City is coming

It looks like the all-new 2020 Honda City will be arriving in Malaysia sooner than expected. Fresh after its world debut in Thailand late last year, Honda Malaysia has today posted a teaser image for the all-new Honda City.

Thailand market model shown

With a caption that’s clearly aimed at archrival Toyota Vios. Honda Malaysia’s Facebook post’s caption said:
"The game will no longer be the same. Watch this space.


2020 Mercedes-AMG A45 S launched in Malaysia - RM 459,888, cheaper than BMW M2 Competition

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has launched the 2020 Mercedes-AMG A45 S via online livestream. Yup, this is indeed the new normal. What we have here is the top-of-the-range S model in Edition 1 form, priced at RM 459,888 on-the-road without insurance.

Mercedes AMG A45 Overview
Against its more subdued sibling, the A35, there’s the more aggressive Panamericana front grille with vertical slats, canards on the front bumper, and quad exhaust tips.


Deal breakers: Honda CR-V – love its practicality and fuel economy, not its cabin noise

As a family SUV, the Honda CR-V is hard to beat. Yes it’s not as cheap as the Proton X70, and it doesn’t feel as expensive inside as the Mazda CX-5 but as an overall package, as a car that you will drive daily and maintain for the next 5 years or more, the Honda CR-V still ranks at the top.

The practicality of the Honda CR-V’s cabin trumps everyone else. Shoulder and legroom is class leading. Its hip point and ride height also makes it the easiest to get in and out off.


Video: Trailer carrying Toyota Vellfires ends in a ditch; 'Free accident, never registered'

The moment when a trailer carrying five Toyota Vellfires sliding off the road and ending in a ditch was caught on camera. Social media is now abuzz with jokes about how the recond car listings will sound like.

The incident is believed to have happened in Pagoh, information from the lorry driver revealed that the trailer had a tyre blowout when it hit an object on the road. This caused the driver to lose control of the trailer and thus ending in the ditch.


Breaking: Free tolls for 18- and 19-November 2022 in conjunction with GE15

Along with the announcement that 18- and 19-November 2022 will be a public holiday in conjunction with the 15th General Election (GE15), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has declared that there will be free tolls for both days as well.
The free toll will apply on highways provided by 30 concessionaires. Tolls will stop charging users starting from 12.01 am on 18-November. The free toll will end at 11.59 pm on 19-November 2022.


Works Ministry explains why RFID is chosen over IR-based SmartTag

18 percent of highway users now paying with MyRFID
RFID selected over IR-based SmartTag for MLFF goal due to lower cost
Still no permanent solution to complaints of poor detection of RFID tags

At yesterday’s Dewan Rakyat sitting, Senior Minister at the Works Ministry Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof explained that prior to adopting an RFID-based electronic toll collection system, it had also studied infrared-based (IR) SmartTag-type technology, as well as Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) used by Singapore, but the technology was not adopted due to its higher cost.

“The ministry had also studied barrier-less toll collection like the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) used in Singapore. However due to constraints on cost and implementation of a business model that will be a burden to local users, the system was not implemented in Malaysia.


All-new 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor unveiled - 3.0L twin-turbo V6, 397 PS, 583 Nm

All-new Ranger Raptor finally gets the V6 engine it deserves
2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel to be carried over from outgoing Raptor
Which one will Malaysia get?

If you think the all-new Ford Ranger with its F-150-like looks isn’t American enough for you, perhaps the performance-oriented Ranger Raptor might transform you into a cowboy hat-totting with a Southern fried twang and baseball-lovin’ ‘Murican pie.

Making its global unveiling via a 2-minute video, the all-new 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor promises an all-conquering pick-up truck against desert terrains and steep mountain passages while setting new standards in the high-performance off-road pick-up market.


Continental introduces EV-friendly UltraContact NXT tyre that uses recycled PET bottles, rubber, steel

Continental has introduced its most environmentally friendly series tyre yet, the UltraContact NXT, which is claimed to incorporate 65 percent of renewable, recycled, and mass balance certified materials.
Continental takes pride in being the first company to achieve a high proportion of sustainable materials while maintaining maximum performance and meeting the stringent EU tyre-label requirements.


Road bully waving handcuffs in viral video confirmed to be a police officer

On Monday we reported a case involving a Proton Persona who not only brake checked another car for not letting him pass but also brandished a pair of handcuffs out the window. Now it has been confirmed that the driver of the Persona is indeed a police officer.
The incident happened along the Jalan Tun Razak highway on Saturday (12-February-2022) at around 1 pm.
Also read: Video: Police investigating man seen showing off handcuffs while driving


Renault offers more savings with new Renault Pre-Owned Subscription

TC Euro Cars (TCEC) has had the Renault Subscription in place offering an alternative to traditional car ownership for some time now. But, in light of uncertain times ahead, TCEC is offering more savings by introducing a new Renault Pre-Owned Captur Subscription plan.
Like the standard subscription that TCEC offers, the Pre-Owned Subscription is a 1-year plan that is offered at RM 1,299 per month inclusive of road tax, insurance, regular servicing and annual mileage cap of 20,000 km with a pre-owned Renault Captur.
These pre-owned Capturs provided for the subscription service will be no more than 2 years old and have been subjected to stringent inspection to meet Renault quality and safety standards. TCEC noted that there are limited units available and the subscription is available on first come first serve basis.


2021 Hyundai Elantra launch party set on 10 December 2020! You're invited

In true Movement Control Order (MCO) fashion, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) will launch the all-new 2021 Hyundai Elantra online via their official Hyundai Facebook page on 10 December 2020 at 11 am!
The announcement of the virtual launch was made via a video that plays with the seventh-generation Elantra’s new design language.


A doctor's most trusted partner - check out Thailand's Toyota Hiace ambulance

Last year, the Thailand Road Accidents Data Centre for Road Safety Culture (ThaiRSC) revealed that there were a total of 939,713 road accidents that were reported in the Kingdom, resulting in 14,737 deaths and injuring 924,799 people.
With such staggering figures, it’s no surprise that ambulances play a crucial role in saving lives in Thailand.


2021 Subaru BRZ not hot enough for you? How about some STI performance parts?

The 2021 Subaru BRZ is now in its second generation, with the same mission: to provide affordable rear-wheel drive thrills to the masses. Well, said thrills are about to get more..... thrilling with Subaru's performance arm, Subaru Technica International (STI for you and me) teasing a catalogue of performance parts for the 2021 BRZ.

According to a source, it was in conjunction with Round 2 of Japan's Super GT in Fuji Speedway, that STI took the opportunity to show off a 2021 BRZ kitted out with all the performance bits that would make any enthusiast drool.


Here it comes: 2021 Toyota Vios GR Sport leaked before launch in Malaysia!

Hot on the heels of the 2021 Toyota Vios facelift is this - the Vios GR Sport. Heavily touted to be what's launching in Malaysia tonight, here's your first look at it courtesy of this leaked photo found on Facebook.

Image credit: Kharazzi Roslam on Facebook.

It's a real, printed poster so the car is not something we made up: that's a real Vios wearing a GR Sport badge, folks. First impressions are it looks great - the squared-off front bumper, bespoke bodykit and wheel combo makes it look a bit like the 2021 Toyota GR Yaris.
Much of the info here corroborates with our leaks too, most notably the CVT with 10 virtual ratios and sports-tuned suspension. Not much to expect in the way of engine upgrades but hey, maybe there's a suprise? For that, stay tuned to WapCar.my as we bring you the latest from UMW Toyota Motor's announcement tonight.


5 things you didn’t know about the all-new DN8 generation 2020 Hyundai Sonata

The all-new DN8 generation 2020 Hyundai Sonata has made its return to our shores with a very eye-catching look! We’ve combed through the spec sheet and pit the car against fellow D-segment rivals, but do you know everything about the car? Here are 5 things you didn’t know about the Hyundai Sonata.

First-generation 1985 Hyundai Sonata Y1

Sonata nameplate is 35 years old
The Sonata nameplate can be traced all the way back to 1985. Back then Hyundai was looking to break into the executive sedan market to go up against another Korean model known as the Daewoo Royale.


Perodua collected 24,265 bookings in July 2022, 9,000 for the all-new Perodua Alza

Perodua collected some 24,265 orders in the month of July, which is a healthy sign that demand for its vehicles remain strong notwithstanding the sales tax reinstatement on 1 July 2022.
The compact carmaker also reported higher year-to-date (YTD) sales numbers with a 48.7% jump to 145,689 units sold between January and July 2022 compared with 97,945 units sold in the same period last year.


Not a joke. Porsche is making Pixar's Sally Carrera into a real car

Fans of the Pixar movie Cars, get excited because Porsche and Pixar are teaming up to bring one of the characters to real life! Sally Carrera will be recreated into a modern-day one-off road-legal Porsche and she will be auctioned off to help raise funds for a charity that supports girls.

The collaboration between Porsche and Pixar was announced at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival that is currently in full swing in Texas, USA.


7-seaters under RM100k launching in 2022, Alza, Avanza, BR-V, Xpander

The 7-seater, B-segment marketplace has evolved greatly. From serving up just utilitarian, functional vehicles, now there's style, features, and technology. I'd go as far to say that most won't mind being seen in one.

More SUV than MPV, but called a crossover

If you're looking for a family friendly 7-seater car in 2021 that's below RM 100,000, you're practically spoilt for choice in this segment. However, some models like the Toyota Avanza, Honda BR-V and Perodua Alza are getting a bit long in the tooth. The good news is, there will be new blood.
Let's take a look at some of the incoming all-new models that the 7-seater, B-segment marketplace has to offer.


JPJ and PDRM to start enforcing e-scooter and moped ban on public roads

Minister of Transport, Dr Wee Ka Siong, has issued a reminder that certain micro-mobility vehicles like mopeds and electric scooters are banned from being used on roads.
Note that when the Ministry of Transport said ‘roads’, it meant that public roads where these micro-mobility vehicles will mix with other motor vehicles. Mixing with motor vehicles will put everybody’s safety at risk.


Remember that time when a Honda Civic Hybrid was sold in Malaysia at RM 185.5k?

On Tuesday, Honda Malaysia launched the 2022 Honda Civic e:HEV RS. The locally-assembled, top of the Civic range e:HEV RS hybrid variant is priced at RM 166,500.
Compared to the ‘regular’ 1.5-litre turbocharged 182 PS / 240 Nm Civic RS, the 2.0-litre 184 PS / 315 Nm Civic e:HEV RS hybrid is RM 15,800 more expensive.


Perodua D55L - production to start in Feb 2021, with 3 variants, use Nautica name?

Production of the Perodua D55L – Perodua’s yet to be named compact SUV – will begin at Perodua’s plant in Rawang on February 2021, according to information gathered by our friends at Funtasticko.net.
They also added that there will be variants on offer – entry G, mid-range X, and the range topping AV variant. The usual range of Gear Up accessories package will also be available.


The wobbly wheel of death ends a hero’s shopping cart ride on the road

When we were kids and went shopping with our parents, we all looked forward to riding the shopping cart. Those memorable times also marked the very first moments the young petrolheads first learnt about a racing line.
Ever since, we’ve all secretly harboured hopes of riding a shopping cart on the road.
Nonetheless, everyone who has pushed a cart around knows of its Achilles heel… the dreaded one wobbly wheel.


The majestic Toyota Majesty is the 11-seater RWD Alphard that’s on sale in Thailand

For nearly 20 years, the Toyota Alphard and its (soon to be deceased) twin, the Vellfire have been ferrying VIPs all around Malaysia. But did you know there’s a bigger and more opulent Toyota breadbox on wheels called the Toyota Majesty?

The Majesty, as its name suggests, is a majestic van that can seat up to 11 people and comes with rear-wheel drive (RWD). Tengku Zafrul, the RWD Alphard of your dreams is here, but it’s not sold in Malaysia. The Toyota Majesty is currently available in Thailand but there are no plans by UMW Toyota Motor to launch it here, at least none that we know.


Perodua sold 23,119 cars in November - Axia outsold Myvi!

Despite Covid-19 being a spanner in the works for our automotive industry, Perodua has managed to sell 23,119 cars in November 2020 - including 5,027 units sold on the 30th, the most they've ever registered in a single day.
Perodua's November sales figures are slightly lower from October (26,852 units) and September (25,035 units).


2021 Audi A7L spied in China, and boy it looks good!

The long-wheelbase version of the Audi A7 (called the A7L) has been spied in China, undisguised. More than just a wheelbase extension, the A7L actually differs slightly from the regular A7 in that it is a sedan with a trunk, instead of a fastback.

The A7L is still derived from Audi's MLB platform, and will be manufactured by SAIC-VW in China. Power wise, expect the A7L to use existing engine options from the regular A7, which are the 2.0 and 3.0 TFSI. Topping the range will be a 55TFSI flagship.


2019 MINI John Cooper Works Clubman: Answers to frequently asked questions

When MINI Malaysia launched the facelifted 2019 MINI Clubman, they also launched the John Cooper Works Clubman along with it.
MINI’s John Cooper Works Clubman is one of two revolutionary JCW variant that made a mark in MINI’s 60 year history as under the bonnet holds MINI’s most powerful engine yet!
How much is it?
The 2019 MINI JCW Clubman is priced at RM 358,888. That’s at least RM 60,000 more expensive then the Cooper S variant.


Up close with the 2022 Honda City 1.5 V Sensing, the best-equipped car for under RM 100k?

Previously, if you wanted a GN-series Honda City with all the bells and whistles, the only option is the hybrid-powered City RS. Granted, it’s a great car but at RM 105,950, it’s a huge price that not many are willing to part with especially for a City.

Honda Malaysia realizes that and earlier this month, it launched the updated 2022 Honda City 1.5 V Sensing variant. Priced from RM 90,212 (inclusive of SST, valid until 30-June 2022), it is around RM 4,000 more than the non-Sensing version of the 1.5 V (from RM 86,561).


2021 Nissan X-Trail engine details revealed

Front 3/4 view of the 2021 Nissan X-Trail by Kolesa.ru.


Shop DDPai's range of DVRs at Pavilion Bukit Jalil, from 1- to 3-July

With the number of road incidents on a steady increase, perhaps it’s time for you to invest in a dashcam. DDPai’s range of dashcams are available at the inaugural WapCar Auto Show in Pavilion Bukit Jalil, happening from today till Sunday (3-July).

Showcased at DDPai’s booth are several of their best-selling models, including the DDPai Mini, N3 Pro, and Z40, the latter includes a rear-facing camera lens.


Perodua Nexis and Traz trademarked, D27A Alza replacement model to get either name?

Indonesian-spec Daihatsu Xenia shown

Perodua Nexis and Traz trademarked
Could it be for the D27A Perodua Alza replacement model?
Perodua now has 6 names at their disposal

Perodua has just trademarked not one, but two names that they could potentially use on a new model. The names that Perodua recently trademarked are Nexis and Traz.

Both Nexis and Traz are filed under class 12, which typically covers most aspects of a car.

Next-gen Alza rendered by Theophilus Chin

Could either name be fitted to the new D27A Perodua Alza replacement model? Or maybe even the upcoming D74A Perodua Axia replacement model?


Singapore to be first market in ASEAN to get Polestar; launch of Polestar 2 in November

After successfully penetrating 10 markets globally, Polestar will soon mark its debut in the ASEAN region starting with Singapore.

According to CarBuyer, Polestar has appointed Wearnes Automotive to be the distributor for Volvo’s spin-off, EV-only marque. The Polestar Space showroom will open in November, located on Leng Kee Road.


All-new 2022 Toyota Veloz interior revealed! LED ambient lights throughout the cabin

Feast your eyes on this! UMW Toyota has uploaded an interior photo of the all-new 2022 Toyota Veloz’s cabin, giving us a good look at the new premium cabin.
From what we can see, the Perodua Alza’s sister model will feature mixed leather and fabric seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 9-inch infotainment screen, and blue ambient lighting.


The Thais are at it again - this time with a Nissan Almera 'GT-R!'

Besides the all-new 2020 Honda City and 2020 Proton X50, we also saw the all-new 2020 Nissan Almera hitting our markets. While the Proton X50 is winning the popularity contest, the Almera is fast shaping up to be the modification king.

A bone-stock, Malaysian-spec Nissan Almera. Prices start from RM 79k here.

It's a pretty nice package - it looks sharp and has quite a lot of practical features. But the Thais think it could use a little more pizzazz, so that's what happened here.

2020 Nissan Almera specs summary in Malaysia.

Nissan Almera 'GT-R'

The Almera's HR10DET engine.

As covered before, the all-new Almera's 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged mill (100 PS/152 Nm) uses the same 'Mirror Bore Coating' technology seen in its way sportier, way pricier GT-R cousin.


Toyota Alphard, used units from RM 40k, here’s some tips for buying one

At a glance, the Toyota Alphard (and its Vellfire sibling) may look like breadboxes on wheels, but that’s far from the truth, as these luxury MPVs are popular amongst used and recond car buyers.

After all, a quick check on several car listing sites indicate that there are a huge number of the Alphard and Vellfire for sale.


2022 Volvo XC90 B5 AWD Inscription Plus in Malaysia; RM 387k, mild-hybrid X5 rival

We’re here at Volvo Federal Auto, Glenmarie to bring you a live gallery of the Swedish marque’s latest addition for Malaysia: the 2022 Volvo XC90 B5 AWD Inscription Plus, priced from RM 386,842.12, inclusive sales tax exemption and valid until 30-June 2022.


Your headrest is NOT for resting your head, actually

Image credit

Picture this, you're waiting at the red light in your car, when you get rear-ended by the car behind you. Perhaps it was the adrenalin in that moment, but you felt no worse before the collision and you go on with you life.

Image credit

Few weeks in, you have this niggling, persistent pain in your neck, and an excruciating headache to go with it. A visit to the clinic tells you that you've had a whiplash injury. A what?
Whiplash, what's that?

How a whiplash occurs. Image credit

According to WebMD, whiplash is simply an "injury to the neck." If that doesn't sound quite scary enough, it further states that if whiplash occurs, "the intervertebral joints (located between vertebrae), discs, and ligaments, cervical muscles, and nerve roots may become damaged." Safe to say, not pleasant.

Can you spot the Star Wars reference? Image credit

Causes of whiplash can vary, but it is more prevalent in automobile accidents, most commonly rear-end collisions. WebMD outlines that a person gets whiplash due to "an abrupt backward and/or forward jerking motion of the head." The result is incredibly painful and can range from;


The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max makes its way to Qatari showrooms

Qatar is the first Middle Eastern country to have the upgraded seven-seater Tiggo 8 Pro Max SUV launched there in 3 different variants; Comfort, Luxury and Flagship.
As the flagship of the Tiggo 8 range, the Tiggo 8 Pro Max is powered by a 2.0 TGDI engine packing 254 PS and 390 Nm sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed twin-clutch transmission.


Honda City becomes Vietnam’s best-selling car in April 2022

Vietnam might be trailing behind its ASEAN neighbours when it comes to vehicle sales but their monthly best-sellers have been interesting. 2021 saw the title change hands between 5 cars and it seems 2022 might follow suit with the Honda City becoming the best-selling car in the country in April.

Throughout the first 4 months of 2022, the title of Vietnam’s top-selling car of the month was exchanged between four cars. Prior to the City taking the title in April, it was the Hyundai Accent, Toyota Corolla Cross, and VinFast Fadil in January, February, and March respectively.


This Mitsubishi Triton advertisement harks back to a carefree, pre-MCO Malaysia

You're probably not the only one out there missing the open outdoors - and this latest Mitsubishi Triton advertisement might evoke some rather sweet memories.

It calls back to the carefree times when we could just grab our keys, and get lost in the wilderness - or twisties, if you prefer that - for a while.


The Suzuki Jimny defies logic – used units are priced higher than new ones

Generally speaking, when it comes to used cars, it is a given that the value of most cars depreciates over time. It is also the same reason why we often do comparisons between new cars and used cars, as the latter has depreciated a fair bit, making it a worthwhile option for some.

However, some cars, like the all-new, fourth-generation Suzuki Jimny seems to buck that trend, as prices of used Jimnys have surpassed that of new units. This trend can be observed in markets such as Australia, Indonesia, and Japan.


Looking sleek! New LRT 3 Bandar Utama-Klang train arrives in Perak for fitting

Here’s your first glimpse of what the trains that will be used on the upcoming LRT 3 route will look like! The first set of 3-coach trains that will operate from Johan Setia, Klang, to Bandar Utama has arrived in Malaysia.
The train has now been sent to the CRRC Rolling Stock Centre (Malaysia) facility in Perak to have its interior fitted out.


Boom: Honda WR-V is confirmed for Malaysia, to launch in Q3 2023 - the next big thing

Honda Malaysia has confirmed that it will be launching the Honda WR-V in the third quarter of this year. The A-segment SUV will be positioned below the B-segment Honda HR-V, and will be the first of its kind for Honda Malaysia.
Don’t expect the A-segment WR-V to be priced lower than the B-segment Honda City though. There is already a precedence for this. The A-segment Perodua Ativa starts from RM 62,500, which is higher than the B-segment Perodua Myvi’s RM 46,500.


Toyota GR Corolla to get automatic option from in-development 8AT GR Yaris

At the Australian launch of the Toyota GR Corolla, Chief Engineer Naoyuki Sakamoto told GoAuto that GR models like the GR Corolla and GR Yaris, which are currently available with a manual transmission only, could gain an automatic option.
“It’s possible. We are testing an automatic transmission in the GR Yaris for the Japanese rally team,” said Sakamoto.


Want a drama-free but fun car that you can just get in and drive? Toyota Yaris is your ideal starter car

An easy get-in-and-drive car
Good outward visibility, 7 airbags available at a lower price than Honda City Hatchback
Now equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

Malaysia is a country ruled by B-segment hatchbacks, case in point, the Perodua Myvi is always the first choice when it comes to choosing a car for many. However, if the Myvi is the King, then the role of the Queen should be filled by the 2021 Toyota Yaris.

2021 Toyota Yaris Exterior


Watch a Kia EV6 GT drag race against supercars from Lamborghini, Ferrari, Porsche, McLaren

We've long established that electric cars are the way forward, although there are always naysayers. Well, the naysayers won't like watching this: A Kia EV6 GT electric car going toe to toe with some of the world's fastest supercars.

Watch as Kia's latest and greatest battle it out in a drag race against renowned performance cars like the Lamborghini Urus, Ferrari California T, McLaren 570S, Porsche 911 and Mercedes AMG GT. Fast cars in their own right.


Concerns on year-end snap election weigh heavily on auto sector

It is quite certain that Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin will be calling for an unprecedented snap election. The only question left is when. Considering that our annual national budget is usually tabled sometime around October/November, you can expect the snap election to be held shortly before the year ends.
What does this has to do with the automotive industry? Quite a fair bit.


Nearly 0 new cars are reportedly sold in Malaysia in June 2021

Ever since MCO 3.0 was enforced nationwide on 1-June 2021, it has affected multiple businesses including those in the automotive industry. As such car showrooms, which are deemed non-essential remained closed throughout the month.

Hence, the figures are looking very bleak as it is expected that new vehicle sales in Malaysia will be close to nil according to a report by Berita Harian. The local automotive industry is expected to lose RM 3.44 billion in June alone if the sales figures show an egg-shaped number.


Berjaya Group Could Bring Suzuki Back To Malaysia

The Berjaya Group could be reviving the Suzuki marque in Malaysia, three years after the Japanese brand exited the Malaysian market.
The Berjaya Group’s most successful automotive ventures to date were with Hyundai and Mazda. The former (Hyumal) was sold to Sime Darby Motors in 2005 while the latter (Bermaz) has since been spun off in 2016 under a lucrative management buyout offer.
News of Berjaya’s interest in Suzuki was first uncovered by the New Straits Times, which reported that Berjaya Group’s Vincent Tan will be flying to Japan in August to sign a distributorship agreement with Suzuki Motor Corp.


This Subaru literally flies, but no AWD or Boxer engine here

Best known for their Imprezas grabbing big air in rally stages, do you know Subaru still makes vehicles that actually travels in the air? Case in point: this Subaru Bell EP 412 EPX helicopter, recently delivered to Japan's National Police Agency.

Co-developed by Subaru and American company Bell Textron, it's the latest model in the 412 series. The helicopter will be used by the Iwate Prefectural Police, after pilot and maintenance training have been completed at Subaru’s Aerospace Company’s Utsunomiya Plant.


Perodua Bezza dethrones Myvi as best selling car in Malaysia; brand sold 145k cars in H1 2023

The Perodua Bezza has overtaken the Perodua Myvi – for the first time – as the brand's best seller, helping the Rawang outfit record a total sales volume of 144,690 vehicles in the first half of 2023 (H1 2023). This alone is 13.6% better than the number of registrations in the same period last year (127,343).
The Bezza ranked as Perodua's top seller so far this year with a total of 40,555 units sold between January and June this year, edging the Myvi's 32,319 units and Axia's 28,199 cars. Meaning the Bezza is also Malaysia's best selling car - its nearest rival, the Proton Saga, mustered 33,325 units sold in the same period.


SDAC recognised as best Ford distributor in Asia Pacific for outstanding customer satisfaction

Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the sole distributor of Ford in Malaysia, recently clinched the highly-coveted Henry Ford Excellence Award for ensuring the highest level of overall customer satisfaction, exceptional business performance and the most outstanding customer initiative in 2022.

Additionally, for the fourth consecutive year, the company has also earned the President’s Award for Sales and President’s Award for Service for both the highest level of sales customer satisfaction and the highest level of service customer satisfaction.


More premium than Harrier, Toyota Crown Kluger leaked by Chinese gov

The Toyota Crown is one of Toyota’s longest-running nameplates, having been introduced in 1955. Though the name has been applied to a few body styles all these years, including pick-ups and station wagons, the Crown is more familiar on sedans.

The patent images of the Crown Kluger

With sales of sedans dwindling across the globe, there are rumours that could see the royal emblem continue on as an SUV. Previously, we reported that FAW Toyota has registered the Crown Kluger name in China, and now, we found fully revealing images of what this new flagship SUV looks like.
Also read: Toyota Crown Kluger name registered in China, new flagship SUV?


Mazda and Toyota speculated to jointly develop new ‘RX-9’ with hybrid rotary engine

Based on the Toyota GR GT3 Concept
Similar proportions to Mazda RX-Vision Concept
Deep ties between Mazda and Toyota

Japan’s BestCarWeb speculates that a new rotary-engine sports car by Mazda – assuming the name of ‘RX-9’ – is planned for joint development with Toyota.

Toyota GR GT3 Concept

The Japanese publication drew similarities with the Toyota GR GT3 Concept, which was unveiled earlier this year at the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon, and the Mazda RX-Vision that was revealed in 2015.
It was pointed out that although the designs of the rear and rooflines are different, the overall proportions of the two concept cars are the same.


New 2019 Proton Saga: 10,000 bookings in first month of sales

Bookings for the new Proton Saga, which was launched on 6-August, has surpassed the 10,000 bookings milestone.
Of these, over 1,000 bookings came from Proton’s online booking platform, which allowed customers to book a unit for just RM 9.99. Proton further added that it is extending the closing date for online bookings to 17 September, on the back of strong demand.


Forced to abandon your car in a flood? Do this one thing first

Picture this, your car is trapped, you can neither move ahead or reverse, water levels are rising... fast, and you maybe forced to abandon your car to get to safety or higher ground.
Do this first.

2022 Perodua Myvi Facelift submerged just days after being delivered to customer

Get to your car's toolkit, get out the pliers or small wrench (usually equipped) and disconnect your battery.


2023 BMW i4 M50 showcased in Malaysia, first-ever fully-electric M model

BMW Malaysia has unveiled its first all-electric BMW M model, the 2023 BMW i4 M50, at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023. The i4 M50 was first previewed last year during BMW's 50th-anniversary celebrations for its iconic motorsports division.
The BMW i4 M50 is priced from RM 430,800 and the EV is imported (CBU) from Germany.


New 2023 Hyundai Palisade facelift debuts with looks that makes you question a BMW

The facelifted 2023 Hyundai Palisade looks more like the Grandmaster concept
Now with two USB-C ports, up to 3A fast charging
Powertrain unchanged: 3.8-litre V6 with 295 PS and 355 Nm, mated to 8AT

The new 2023 Hyundai Palisade facelift has made its global debut at the ongoing New York International Auto Show. The facelift arrives roughly 41 months after the large 3-row SUV made its global debut.

For this facelift exercise, Hyundai designers didn’t stray too far off the Hyundai Grandmaster Concept from 2018 – the big and bold front grille and vertical LED daytime running lights (DRLs) are visually similar to the concept from 4 years ago.


All-new Perodua Axia: Codenamed D74A, could launch as early as 2023

Rendered image by Theophilus Chin

After 8 long years of being on sale, Perodua’s most affordable model, the Perodua Axia, will soon be replaced by a new generation model.
Codenamed D74A, our friends over at Funtasticko said that development work is currently ongoing for the new hatchback.
What do we know about the next-gen Axia?


BMW Malaysia joins hands with JomCharge to provide greater charging access to its EV owners

BMW Group Malaysia has joined hands with local electric vehicle (EV) charging provider JomCharge to introduce BMW Charging, a program aimed at increasing accessibility to charging infrastructure for electrified BMW vehicle owners.
Sashi Ambi, Head of Corporate Communications and Sustainability at BMW Group Malaysia said, “An integral part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen the electromobility landscape in Malaysia is our strategic partnerships with industry leaders in the charging infrastructure for EVs such as JomCharge as well as ChargeEV and Tenaga Nasional Berhad in the coming months. With our shared goals and diversified expertise, we are bringing more key infrastructure and access to these charging platforms to our ever-growing community of existing and potential EV owners here.”
Also read: Review: BMW iX xDrive40 Sport - Brilliant to drive, shame about the looks


Worried about your car battery going flat during MCO? Here's how to prevent it

Another round of MCO means we’re not fully free to drive our cars around without having to explain ourselves to police officers. With our cars parked at home most of the time, we can risk draining/depleting the car’s battery without knowing.
The next time you want to drive to the store, your car may not be able to start at all.

Auto assistance is easily available these days, but why spend your money unnecessarily?

So, how do you avoid such an unfortunate situation during this MCO?


Top 8 car stuff you can buy from Lazada, discount code inside!

Photo credit: Kuzig Glanz Detailing

With MCO 2.0 truly underway and upon us, most of us will be spending most of our time at home. That also means our cars won't be driven as often as usual. But that is no excuse to sideline our precious set of wheels. In fact, this could be the perfect time for the DIY project that you never got started with!

WapCar has come together with Lazada to make your car care DIY a cinch this MCO period. Here are some recommended products from online retailers that you can find in Malaysia's leading e-commerce platform. There are also exclusive deals for WapCar readers, read on below.
Meguiar's


Video: All-new 2020 Nissan Almera 1.0L turbo first look, B-seg winner?

The new Nissan Almera 2020 garnered lots of interest when it was first shown to the world in the United States (known as the Nissan Versa).
Thailand was the first market in ASEAN to launch this all-new Almera 2020 and the car presented itself at the 36th Thailand International Motor Expo.


Suzuki to invest RM 5.8 billion in India, to ramp up production of EVs

The Maruti Suzuki Futuro-e Concept

Suzuki Motor Corp plans to invest approximately 104.4 billion rupees (~RM 5.7 billion) in its Indian operations to ramp up production of electric vehicles (EVs) and batteries there, said the company in a recent statement.

 The Suzuki Motor Gujarat Private Limited (SMG) plant

Of the amount, 31 billion rupees (~RM 1.7 billion) will go towards increasing production capacity of BEVs, and 73 billion rupees (~RM 4.1 billion) is to be directed to the construction of a new plant for BEV battery manufacturing.
The remaining 450 million rupees (~RM 24.8 million), will be channeled towards Maruti Suzuki Toyotsu India Private Limited (MSTI) for the building of a vehicle recyling facility.
Also read: Suzuki opens new plant in India, raises annual production capacity to 2.25 million units


Volkswagen teases new compact SUV for America – Tiguan smAllspace?

Volkswagen appears to be doubling-up its SUV strategy in America by releasing a couple of teaser images of its latest compact SUV which will slot below the Tiguan.

The official reveal will take place on 13-October 2020 and some speculate that the model will be based on the Chinese-market Tharu. This will also be shared with the as-yet-to-launch Tarek for the Brazilian and Latin American markets.


2020 Toyota RAV4 launched in Malaysia, 2.0 and 2.5 Dynamic Force engines, priced from RM 196,436

UMW Toyota Motor has just launched the all-new 2020 Toyota RAV4 in Malaysia. Two variants are available – 2.0L and 2.5L. Both variants are imported from Japan.

Prices valid until 31-December 2020

Prices start from RM 196,436 for the RAV4 2.0L, while the RAV4 2.5L is priced from RM 215,664. Both prices are on-the-road, without insurance, and SST-free. With SST in place, the RAV4 is priced from RM 203,880 to RM 223,880.


Mitsubishi Motors' sales advisors in Malaysia won’t nanny you during test drives anymore

The new norm brought about plenty of obstacles and hindrances for regular everyday tasks we took for granted. This included test drives prior to purchasing a new vehicle. Nonetheless, the pandemic put a stop to that for a while in the name of social distancing.
Once things begun to open up again, those activities resumed with plenty of safety practices implemented. However, seeing that the number of Covid-19 cases remains at a steady number, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) is offering unaccompanied test drives for Klang Valley customers.


Already looking better than FK8, 2022 Honda Civic Type R blasts Suzuka Circuit

Sambal with rice and wasabi with sushi are some of the other iconic spicy duos we can name, besides the 2022 Honda Civic Type R and the Suzuka Circuit, of course.
Incidentally that's what set the internet on fire today, as the latest to wear the coveted red R badge has been spotted piling on the miles at the racetrack recently.


2021 Toyota Corolla Cross takes aim at all-new Honda HR-V; set for Japanese launch in Sept

Vietnam-spec Corolla Cross pictured

The 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross stays true to the Corolla ethos by being a truly global model, just like its sedan brethren. This time around, there's reports that it'll gatecrash the all-new 2021 Honda HR-V's party in Japan by the end of the year.

Malaysian-spec Corolla Cross

Sources report that Toyota's Japanese operations will begin production of the model in August this year, ahead of its launch there in September 2021.

Harriers on the production line

The model will be manufacted at Toyota’s Takaoka plant in Aichi, with lofty ambitions of 7,000 units produced per month. Fun fact: it's the same plant that assembles the all-new Toyota Harrier, Toyota RAV4, and some foreign-market Corolla and Prius as well.
Also read: Priced from RM 249k, turbo-less 2021 Toyota Harrier launched in Malaysia, TSS, TNGA