Piston.my

English

In case you didn’t know, cars are categorised into various segments based on their sizes. The list of segments begins with the A-segment which comprises the smallest cars in the market such as the Perodua Axia, Proton Saga, Perodua Bezza, and the Hyundai i10 just to name a few.

Moving up the ladder, we have the B-segment which comprises models like the Honda City, Toyota Vios, and the MG5, followed by the C-segment which the Proton S70 here is a part of, alongside models like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla Altis, and the Mazda3. 

If we keep going, there’s the D-segment with mid-sized executive sedans like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, the E-segment with cars like the Mercedes-Benz E Class, limousines such as the BMW 7-Series, sports cars, MPVs, and SUVs.

While most of these models compete with each other in the same segment, there are a few special models such as the Proton S70 here which also compete with cars in other segments. 

(more…)

When it comes to people movers, there are a number of good choices for Malaysians. Our vibrant automotive market has solid foundations and a good part of that stems from our business-friendly environment that seems to attract new brands on a near monthly basis.

But there are brands that have been entrenched in the Malaysia for decades, and among those brands is Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM). Though it may have been operating in the background for the past couple of years, the Japanese brand has consistently been in the top five of the national sales charts, and that too with a two car portfolio. (more…)

The Proton e.MAS 7 Tour continues to make waves across Malaysia, showcasing Proton’s first electric vehicle, the e.MAS 7. So far, the EV has traversed over 3,200 km, covering various parts of Malaysia in a nationwide journey aimed at familiarising the public with Proton’s latest innovation and undergoing rigorous real-world testing. Recent highlights include:

East Coast Leg

During this leg, the e.MAS 7 travelled 1,147 km through Pahang, Terengganu, and Kelantan. The journey allowed drivers and passengers to enjoy premium features, such as ventilated front seats with reclining capabilities, adjustable rear seats, and a 256-color ambient lighting system. Public engagements in Kuala Terengganu, including at landmarks like the Drawbridge and Pasar Payang, garnered positive responses, with locals expressing pride in Malaysia’s first OEM EV.

(more…)

CATL, the world’s largest EV battery maker, recently launched the Freevoy Super Hybrid Battery, a breakthrough product for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) with a substantial all-electric range of over 400km. This new battery delivers an EV-like experience by offering ultra-fast 4C charging, adding nearly 280km of range in just 10 minutes.

This capability addresses common PHEV limitations such as short-range and slow charging, potentially transforming the hybrid market.

Gao Huan, CTO of CATL’s China E-car Business, highlighted Freevoy’s innovative design, including advanced surface modification for cathode materials and a high-voltage electrolyte formulation with a nano protective layer. These enhancements boost the state-of-charge (SOC) control accuracy by 40%, allowing for improved range and energy efficiency, as well as a 20% increase in hybrid power performance.

(more…)

Stellantis and Factorial Inc. have advanced their partnership by unveiling the next stage in their collaboration to develop and deploy next-generation electric vehicles (EVs) powered by Factorial’s cutting-edge solid-state battery technology. This builds upon Stellantis’ $75 million investment in Factorial in 2021, with the aim of accelerating the commercial viability of solid-state batteries in EVs.

By 2026, Stellantis will launch a demonstration fleet of Dodge Charger Daytona vehicles equipped with Factorial’s proprietary FEST® solid-state battery technology. This fleet will allow Stellantis to validate the performance of Factorial’s batteries in real-world conditions, an essential step in the move toward full-scale commercialization. Factorial’s FEST® technology delivers a specific energy density of over 390 Wh/kg, offering numerous advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries, such as increased energy density, reduced weight, enhanced vehicle performance, and the potential for lower overall costs over time.

(more…)

A transport consultant, Wan Agyl Wan Hassan, has raised concerns about the government’s focus on road infrastructure in Budget 2025, arguing that it provides only short-term relief to traffic congestion. He pointed out projects like expanding the North-South Expressway (PLUS) and constructing the Cameron Highlands bypass as examples of limited long-term planning. Wan Agyl stated that road expansions typically lead to “induced demand,” where more lanes result in more cars and eventually bring back congestion and pollution, as seen in cities like Los Angeles.

According to FMT, he suggested that funds would be better spent on enhancing Malaysia’s public transport system, including expanding the rail network and improving bus services. Wan Agyl highlighted Copenhagen as an example of a city where convenient and accessible public transit successfully reduced car dependence, and he urged Malaysia to follow suit for a lasting solution.

(more…)

SAIC Motor Malaysia has officially opened bookings for the MG Cyberster, the brand’s first all-electric roadster, with an estimated price below RM350,000. The MG Cyberster will make its first public appearance at the Auto Car Expo (ACE) 2024, further solidifying MG’s entry into the electric vehicle (EV) market in Malaysia.

Iconic Electric Roadster Performance

The two-seater MG Cyberster offers impressive performance, featuring a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (4WD) system that delivers 503PS of power and a maximum torque of 725Nm. With a 77 kWh battery, the Cyberster can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.2 seconds and has a WLTP-certified driving range of 446km. Charging is convenient with a 7 kW AC fast charger, which allows a full charge in approximately 10.5 hours. Additionally, it supports 150kW DC rapid charging, capable of charging from 10% to 80% in just 38 minutes.

(more…)

Subaru of America, Inc. has announced the release of the 2025 BRZ Series.Purple, a limited-edition model with a striking new look, enhanced features, and performance upgrades. Limited to just 500 units, the BRZ Series.Purple made its public debut on October 19 at Subiefest Texas, held in Dallas.

Distinctive Design and Accents

The Series.Purple stands out with its exclusive Galaxy Purple Pearl exterior. The special edition also features 18-inch alloy wheels in a new satin silver finish and black badging on the rear decklid, giving the sports car an unmistakable presence. Inside, the cabin is wrapped in black upholstery with distinctive grey stitching on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, door panels, shifter boot, and parking brake boot. The front seats, covered in Ultrasuede with grey leather bolsters, also feature exclusive grey stitching. Additional interior highlights include a red STI starter button, an aluminium shifter knob, and the STI short throw shifter with a Flexible V-Bar, all aimed at enhancing the car’s driving dynamics.

(more…)

The Jaecoo J7 PHEV, set to be officially launched in Malaysia by the end of 2024, shares a similar exterior design to its petrol-powered counterpart. Key differences include its hybrid engine, extended range, DC charging capabilities, and an external output feature that allows users to power electronics like projectors or kettles during outdoor activities.

Available in two variants, the Jaecoo J7 PHEV is estimated to be priced between RM170,000 and RM180,000. The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) variant offers seven driving modes—Economy, Standard, Sport, Sand, Mud, Snow, and Off-Road—while the Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) variant comes with three modes: Standard, Sport, and Economy. The PHEV is equipped with an 18.3kWh battery and a 60-litre fuel tank, producing 525Nm of torque. It also supports fast charging up to 40kW via a DC charger.

(more…)

Mazda has revealed the 2025 Mazda BT-50, showcasing significant design changes, safety upgrades, new accessories, and improved functionality. As Australia remains the leading market for the BT-50 globally, this versatile ute has cemented its reputation as a reliable partner since its debut in 2020.

This latest update, the largest of four since its launch, introduces a tougher and more powerful stance, building on Mazda’s ‘Kodo – soul of motion’ design philosophy. The bold, commanding exterior is most striking at the front, where the BT-50 features unique LED headlamps framed by a redesigned radiator grille and bumper, which includes an aerodynamic ‘air curtain’ to enhance fuel efficiency.

(more…)

Archive

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube