Local News Archives

BYD Seal Officially Launched In Malaysia – AWD and RWD Variants From RM179,800

BYD took the electric vehicle (EV) market in Malaysia by storm when it introduced the Atto 3 back in 2022. Then it introduced the Dolphin, part of BYD’s ‘Ocean Series’, in 2023 and we loved the tail light design.

Enter 2024 and BYD has introduced another model to join the line-up, the BYD Seal. Yes, another member of the ‘Ocean Series.’ The all-electric Seal made its global debut back in 2022 and this was BYD’s answer to the Tesla Model 3. From the looks of it, we think that this is a good answer from BYD.

At first glance, the headlights reminded us of another electric model from a certain German brand. But as we observed it more, the Seal has its own style with a futuristic aesthetic and sophisticated features such as the X-shaped front end. Pop-out door handles, a tall taillamp unit, and a low hood are hallmarks of the external design.

The BYD Seal, with its spacious interior offering 400L of boot space and an additional 50L under the bonnet, presents a bold stance at 4800mm long and 1875mm wide. For reference, the Model 3 measures 4720mm in length and 2089mm in width. The Premium and Performance variant elevates the driving experience with eye-catching 19-inch alloy wheels boasting 235/45 R19 specifications.

This mid-size fastback sedan is built on the e-Platform 3.0 and BYD’s new 800-volt electrical platform. Now as to why this was a good answer from BYD to Tesla’s Model 3 lies within the powertrain. There is a Performance all-wheel-drive model and a Premium rear-wheel drive type for the fully electric BYD Seal.

The BYD SEAL is the first model equipped with innovative CTB (cell-to-body) technology, seamlessly integrating the Blade Battery into the car’s structure, ensuring stability and safety under diverse conditions.

With a single 312hp motor, the Premium rear-wheel version can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in as little as 5.9 seconds. It has an outstanding 570km (WLTP) or as claimed by BYD, 650km (NEDC), of range on an 82kWh battery.

In the Performance all-wheel drive variant, a potent 530hp dual-motor drives all four wheels, reaching a speed of 100km/h in a mere 3.8 seconds. The practicality is somewhat compromised by this additional power, bringing the range down to about 520km (WLTP) or 580km (NEDC).

As for the charging, both variants have a maximum charging power of 150kW, and it only takes 26 minutes to charge up from 30% to 80%.

The interior of the BYD Seal is highlighted by a prominent 15.6-inch touchscreen, adding to the sophisticated and technologically advanced ambiance upon entering the cabin. The Thaumas Black interior, along with the crystal gearshift, further add a touch of luxury, making it a true embodiment of Ocean Aesthetics.

This system comes equipped with standard applications and features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a rotating function that enables viewing the screen in either landscape or portrait mode.

This is complemented by the BYD intelligent cockpit system, which integrates seamlessly with the BYD App, allowing for enhanced connectivity and control. The inclusion of a premium HIFI Dynaudio sound system ensures an immersive auditory experience, while the advanced PM2.5 filtration system promises a clean and healthy in-cabin atmosphere, safeguarding the health and well-being of its occupants.

Additional beneficial features and driver assistance technologies include voice commands, panoramic glass roof, iTAC (intelligence Torque Adaption Control) system, and Lane Change Assist.

Safety is paramount in the Seal, which has been accorded with a five-star safety rating from ANCAP, adhering to the stringent 2023-25 testing criteria. The combination of Blade Battery technology and CTB construction not only enhances the car’s stability but also improves its safety profile. The BYD Seal’s battery sandwich structure, optimised force transmission path, and IP67-rated battery demonstrate a commitment to building a robust and reliable EV. With its enhanced torsional rigidity and passive safety features, including nine airbags, along with active safety measures like the ADAS and a high-resolution 360 camera system, the BYD Seal is engineered to provide peace of mind on every journey.

The BYD Seal is available in RWD Premium and Performance AWD variants, with prices starting from RM179,800 and RM199,800. Colour options include Arctic Blue (exclusive to the Performance variant), Cosmos Black, Atlantis Grey, and Aurora White (available for Premium). The first 800 bookings will enjoy complimentary wallbox chargers and free Gentari or ChargEV charging credits worth RM800. Terms and Conditions apply.

BYD and Sime Darby Motors are thrilled to unveil an exciting development for the much-anticipated BYD Seal electric vehicle. Introducing two all-encompassing service packages: the Standard and Plus packages. These meticulously crafted offerings are designed to ensure peace of mind, exclusively enhanced with the addition of tire alignment, balancing, and rotation in both packages.

These service plans are designed to empower owners with a hassle-free car ownership experience, safeguarding their investment while mitigating potential future price increases, thus ensuring significant cost savings over the long term. Moreover, as a testament to our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and peace of mind, BYD SEAL comes with an extensive warranty package.

This package includes a remarkable 6-year or 150,000km vehicle warranty, an impressive 8-year or 160,000km battery warranty, and an equally robust 8-year or 150,000km drive unit warranty. With these industry-leading warranties, BYD reaffirms its dedication to providing unparalleled after-sales support, ensuring that every BYD owner enjoys the utmost confidence and satisfaction in their ownership experience.

Man Dies After 4×4 Struck by Falling Rock

In a tragic incident in Mansaam, Tenom, earlier today, a man lost his life after his vehicle was struck by a rock that fell from a hillside. The victim, identified as Ho Ka Cheong, aged 66, was pronounced dead at the scene by medical officers from the Ministry of Health (MOH).

According to FMT, Zainal Sinsianm, Chief of the Tenom Fire and Rescue Department stated that the emergency call came in at 12:27 noon, prompting a rapid response from a team of officers dispatched to the location, approximately 55km away.

Zainal explained that the incident involved a 4×4 being hit by a rock dislodged from the hillside, resulting in the victim being trapped inside. Negotiating the challenging terrain, the firefighting team had to adjust their route after covering 45km, proceeding for another 10km via an untarred road known as the timber lorry route to reach the accident site.

(more…)

Selangor to Expand Glow-in-the-Dark Road Markings Initiative

The Selangor government has announced plans to expand the glow-in-the-dark road markings initiative to 15 locations across all nine districts in the state, aimed at enhancing road users’ safety.

According to The Star, Izham Hashim, state infrastructure and agriculture committee chairman, the initiative will be rolled out gradually and is expected to cost approximately RM900,000 in total. These glow-in-the-dark road markings will be applied to roads lacking street lights, covering approximately 15km of roadways in districts such as Sepang, Kuala Langat, and Petaling.

This initiative aligns with the ‘Selangor Bercahaya’ program, which has already installed 600 LED street lamps throughout the state. An additional allocation of RM1.5 million has been earmarked for more LED street lamps this year to further enhance road safety.

(more…)

Proton Sets New Sales Record For Brunei – X50 Accounted for 60% of Total Proton Sales

In 2023, Proton achieved exceptional sales performance both domestically and internationally, with its sales in the Kingdom of Brunei Darussalam reaching a new record. Following a successful year, where the company surpassed 150,000 units in domestic sales, Brunei showed remarkable growth, setting a new sales record for Proton.

After selling 422 units in 2022, Proton’s sales in Brunei increased by 87% in 2023, with 789 units of Proton vehicles sold. This outstanding performance elevated the brand to fifth overall in the sales table, capturing a market share of 5.4%, up one spot and an increase of 2.2% over the previous year. The Total-Industry-Volume (TIV) for Brunei also saw growth, closing at 14,640 units for 2023, up from 13,000 units in 2022.

The Proton X50, which has been the best-selling Proton X-series model since its introduction in October 2020, emerged as the top-selling model in the B-segment SUV category in Brunei. With 476 units sold in 2023, the Proton X50 accounted for approximately 60% of total Proton sales in Brunei and secured the third position in its market segment.

(more…)

The BMW Premium Selection Showcase Returns to Bukit Jalil National Stadium

The BMW Premium Selection (BPS) Showcase by BMW Group Malaysia is set to return to the Bukit Jalil National Stadium from March 1st to 3rd, offering an extensive selection of up to 500 pre-owned premium vehicles alongside new models from across the BMW Group lineup, including the BMW 2 Series, BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series, BMW 7 Series, and the BMW X range. Additionally, a premium lineup of pre-owned Mini and BMW Motorrad vehicles will be available at the fair.

The BMW Premium Selection experience goes beyond just the purchase, service, and maintenance of the vehicle. It encompasses a complete 360-degree suite of privileges and services, creating a life cycle and ownership ecosystem where the vehicle is part of a value chain of ownership. The showcase reflects BMW Group Malaysia’s ongoing commitment to delivering the epitome of Sheer Driving Pleasure, even in the luxury used car market.

(more…)

UMW Toyota Motor Unveils ‘Beyond Zero’ Initiatives

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) has introduced its Beyond Zero initiative in alignment with Toyota’s global goal of achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2050. The event, held at the Technology Park Malaysia from today until 28 February, unveiled transformative initiatives demonstrating the brand’s commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

The event signifies the company’s promise to lead the way toward a sustainable and connected future, going beyond traditional automotive concepts to envision a society where individuals make choices aligned with their values and lifestyles. This approach, termed the multiple pathway approach towards Carbon Neutrality, aims to foster a sustainable environment while promoting individual happiness.

The event showcased UMWT’s dedication to aligning its practices with broader national and global efforts to combat climate change. UMWT demonstrated a multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality, offering multiple electrification solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of customers and regions.

(more…)

Range Rover Evoque Facelift Now Available From RM498,800!

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) is celebrating the Lunar New Year with the launch of the Range Rover Evoque Facelift. This updated model combines state-of-the-art enhancements while retaining the distinctive DNA of Range Rover’s compact luxury.

The exterior design of the Evoque Facelift maintains its iconic silhouette, enhanced by a redesigned grille, sleek Pixel LED headlights, and signature Daytime Running Lights (DRL). The chiselled front and rear signature graphics add to its jewel-like appearance, complementing the iconic floating roof and unbroken waistline. The car’s profile, characterised by its fast roofline and coupe-like silhouette, is accentuated by 21-inch wheels and a refined grille design, exuding robustness and sophistication.

Inside the cabin, modern luxury is exemplified by a new 11.4-inch curved glass touchscreen, seamlessly integrated into the centre console. The latest Pivi Pro infotainment technology, along with features like Wireless Device Charging and a premium Meridian sound system, ensures a seamless and comfortable digital experience. Additionally, the Evoque Facelift offers premium amenities such as an electrically adjustable steering column and satin chrome gear shift paddles.

Under the hood, customers can choose between the P200 and P250 models, each offering a unique set of features. The P200 model is powered by a 200PS 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, delivering swift responses and efficient performance. The P250 model boasts 249PS and 365Nm of torque, achieving 0-100km/h in 7.6 seconds.

Safety remains a top priority, with advanced camera technologies such as the 3D Surround camera, ClearSight Ground View, and ClearSight Interior Rear View available on select variants to enhance driver reassurance and safety.

The Range Rover Evoque Facelift is available in three variants, priced from RM498,800.00 for the 200PS Dynamic SE (MSpec), RM529,800 for 249PS Dynamic SE (H Spec), and RM565,800.00 for Evoque 249PS Dynamic HSE (Lux Spec). The colour palette, inspired by the Year of the Dragon, includes auspicious hues such as Corinthian Bronze, Tribeca Blue, and Arroios Grey, symbolising prosperity and tranquility.

Customers can experience the new Range Rover Evoque Facelift at JLRM’s award-winning dealerships in Ara Damansara and Penang. These dealerships uphold global JLR standards, providing customers with personalised purchasing and ownership experiences, including personalisation studios for configuring exterior colours and interior upholstery choices.