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The Kia EV6 has received a comprehensive update that aligns its styling with its newer siblings while enhancing its range and technological features. This facelift introduces adaptive LED headlights inspired by the larger Kia EV9, as well as the upcoming EV3 and EV5 models. The front grilles have been expanded to give the car a more aggressive look, and the rear end now features a gloss black panel split into three distinct segments with sharper edges, adding a sportier touch.

Inside the vehicle, although the overall layout remains familiar, the EV6 now boasts a different steering wheel and an updated frame for the dual screens. Kia has added a fingerprint authentication system, a 12.0-inch head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror. One notable change is the removal of the glossy piano black finish along the centre console, which had been a point of contention for some users.

Beyond these visible changes, the EV6 has been upgraded with second-row side airbags and thicker B-pillars to enhance body rigidity. The electric motors have been made quieter, and the ride comfort has been improved through tweaks to the shock absorbers. Additional sound insulation material around the rear motor further reduces noise levels. Over-the-air updates now extend beyond just the navigation system, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay have become standard features.

In terms of performance, Kia has replaced the old 77.4-kilowatt-hour battery with a larger 84.0-kilowatt-hour pack. This new battery can charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes at 350 kilowatts. The rear-wheel-drive EV6 Long Range variant now offers an increased range of 494km. The EV6 Long Range all-wheel-drive in Malaysia that was launched back in 2022 has a range of 506km based on the WLTP standard.

Honda Malaysia has finally launched the much anticipated facelifted City Hatchback. The facelifted model was available for bookings at all Honda dealerships nationwide back in April of this year.

Introduced in 2021, the City Hatchback was Honda Malaysia’s second model featuring the e:HEV technology. The e:HEV RS variant, known for its sporty appeal, contributed significantly to the Company’s hybrid sales, accounting for 16% of total hybrid sales. In 2023, the City Hatchback achieved strong sales figures, solidifying its presence in the Non-National hatchback segment.

The new Honda City Hatchback comes in a total of five variants; the S, E, V, Petrol RS and e:HEV RS.

The facelifted City Hatchback has a newly designed Honeycomb Front Grille, Front Lower Grille, LED Front Fog Lights Garnish and Rear Bumper Lower Garnish. New Berlina Black 16-inch Alloy Wheels and a new edgy-looking Side Sill Garnish further elevate the sporty appeal of both RS variants. The Petrol RS and e:HEV RS variants of the New City Hatchback is now longer with refreshed exterior design measuring 4,369mm in length while the S, E and V variants are 4,350 mm in length.

Powered by the 1.5L e:HEV powertrain, the RS variant delivers 109PS and 253Nm, while the 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC petrol version puts out 121PS and 145Nm of torque.

The interior has received some upgrades too. The RS variants now feature a red-painted dashboard panel and sporty Combi Leather seats with red stitching. Both Petrol RS and e:HEV RS are fitted with 8” Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Wireless Connectivity, in addition to 7” TFT Meter Cluster. The New City Hatchback continues to excel in practicality and spaciousness, thanks to the ultra Seat, which comes standard across all variants. 

The New City Hatchback is equipped with Honda SENSING as a standard safety feature for all variants, now including the Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN). The complete list of Honda SENSING features in the New City Hatchback includes Low Speed Follow (LSF) – (new feature applicable for e:HEV RS only), Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN) – new feature for all variants, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Auto High Beam (AHB).

All variants are equipped with safety features such as six airbags and Walk Away Auto Lock. The Multi-Angle Reverse Camera with Hi-Resolution are fitted in all variants except for S variant. Additionally, the V and RS variants are also equipped with Honda LaneWatch to enhance vision for blind spot. The New City Hatchback RS variants are equipped with smartphone application integration named Honda CONNECT for Safety, Security and Convenience. To provide further value, Honda CONNECT is now available as an optional accessory for S, E and V variants.

The on the road pricing without insurance for the new City Hatchback starts at RM85,900 for the S, RM90,900 for the E, RM95,900 for the V, RM100,900 for the Petrol RS and RM112,900 for the top of the line e:HEV RS.

Mercedes-Benz has made the decision to halt the development of a next-generation platform for mid- and full-size electric vehicles as part of its efforts to reduce spending in the EV segment amidst a slowdown in sales.

Initially announced in 2021, the MB.EA platform was a key component of Mercedes’ strategy to transition exclusively to EVs by 2030. However, slower-than-expected EV sales prompted the automaker to reevaluate its plans, leading to the decision to discontinue the development of the next-generation platform.

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The Ford Ranger continues its winning streak with a blend of robustness and innovation, setting the stage for the unveiling of its latest model, the limited edition Ford Ranger. Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the sole distributor of Ford in Malaysia, is gearing up to introduce this exclusive model, poised to resonate with loyal fans and attract a wider audience with its enhanced features and premium design.

Scheduled to be showcased to the public from May 30 to June 2, 2024, at One Utama Luxe, New Wing, the limited edition Ford Ranger promises an elevated outdoor experience. Enthusiasts will have the opportunity to explore the rugged yet refined model up close and personal, with test drives available for not only the limited edition variant but also other Ranger and Everest models, providing a comprehensive overview of Ford’s versatile lineup. Interested customers can pre-register for the event via www.sdacford.com.my.

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The automotive market landscape in Southeast Asia is witnessing significant shifts, with Malaysia emerging as the region’s second-largest auto market, surpassing Thailand and trailing only behind Indonesia. This transformation underscores Malaysia’s growing importance in the automotive sector, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s automotive industry dynamics.

Data compiled by sources reveals that Malaysia’s auto sales figures have consistently outpaced those of Thailand for three consecutive quarters through January-March 2024. The Malaysian Automotive Association reports a 5% increase in auto sales in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching 202,245 vehicles. This growth follows an impressive 11% surge in 2023, setting a record of 799,731 vehicles sold.

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Evo Cartech Sdn. Bhd., an authorised dealer of GAC vehicles in Cyberjaya, officially opens its operations today, unveiling a 4,434-square-foot showroom located in the heart of the city centre. As part of the GAC Motor dealership network in Malaysia, the newly opened showroom will showcase GAC Motor’s latest lineup of automotive products, beginning with the compact SUV GAC GS3 Emzoom. This model will be available for public viewing and test drives starting from the opening day.

Distributed in Malaysia by WTC Automotif (M) Sdn. Bhd., the newly introduced GAC GS3 Emzoom SUV boasts a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 177PS and 270Nm of torque. Its striking design is complemented by advanced technology features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) safety features.

From May 16 to 19, visitors can experience the GAC GS3 Emzoom at the GAC Cyberjaya showroom, open daily from 9 am to 6 pm. For further details, interested individuals can visit facebook.com/GACMotorCyberjaya.

Hyundai Malaysia has issued a statement announcing the compromise of its official Instagram account, @hyundaimy_official. The breach occurred on May 14, 2024, at approximately 6:40 PM. The company has swiftly responded by collaborating with Meta, the parent company of Instagram, to rectify the situation and regain control of the account.

In light of the compromise, Hyundai Malaysia has advised its followers and the wider social media community to exercise caution. They have specifically cautioned against interacting with any posts, messages, or links originating from the compromised account, @hyundaimy_official.

As a precautionary measure, Hyundai Malaysia has opted to communicate official updates and announcements solely through alternative social media channels. These include the official Hyundai Malaysia Facebook account, “Hyundai Malaysia,” and the LinkedIn account of “Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn. Bhd.”

The company reassures its followers that efforts are underway to resolve the issue promptly. Updates regarding the progress of account recovery and any further developments will be communicated in due course.

Florence Lee, who filed a lawsuit after sustaining severe injuries in an LRT train collision near the Kampung Baru station in Kuala Lumpur three years ago, will have to wait until January 2028 for the case to proceed to trial.

According to FMT, at a case management session in the Kuala Lumpur High Court last week, Justice Shahrir Salleh scheduled trial dates from Jan 10 to 13, 2028.

Lee’s lawsuit, initiated in December last year, names Prasarana Malaysia Bhd and Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd, the owner and operator of the LRT system, as defendants. She alleges negligence and breaches of statutory duty by the defendants, seeking to recover RM113,524.08 in special damages, including medical expenses and general damages.

The collision, occurring on May 24, 2021, along the Kelana Jaya line, resulted in physical and mental injuries to Lee, including nervous shock, mental depression, pain, suffering, and loss of amenities, from which she claims she has been unable to fully recover.

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The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDN) conducted raids on four premises in Petaling Jaya and Kepong on May 9th, resulting in the seizure of 153 vehicle windshields suspected to be counterfeit.

Datuk Azman Adam, the Director-General of Enforcement at KPDN, revealed that the raids were prompted by complaints from registered trademark owners and initial investigations. Further scrutiny of the premises uncovered the suspected counterfeit vehicle windshields, allegedly bearing trademarks improperly under the Trademarks Act 2019.

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The BYD Shark has been officially unveiled, marking its arrival in Australia by the end of this year. This introduction also signifies the debut of the first plug-in hybrid pickup truck in Australian showrooms.

Promising a fuel consumption rate of 7.5 litres per 100km in hybrid mode and an electric driving range of up to 100km, the Shark boasts more power and quicker acceleration with a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 5.7 seconds in hybrid mode.

The Shark, larger than a Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux but smaller than a Ford F-150, utilises ladder-frame underpinnings akin to its counterparts, with a braked towing capacity of 2500kg. Distinguishing itself, it incorporates passenger vehicle-like independent rear suspension alongside independent front suspension, which could enhance off-road performance but potentially reduce performance when laden.

Equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and two electric motors, the Shark generates a combined power output of more than 430hp. It boasts a plug-in battery pack that delivers up to 100km of electric driving range or fuel consumption of 7.5L/100km in hybrid mode, offering a total driving range of 840km (NEDC).

Notably, the Shark features “the world’s first longitudinal electric hybrid system,” driving all four wheels with electric motors, while the petrol engine directly powers the front wheels. The hybrid system prioritises electric motor propulsion for up to 80 per cent of total journeys.

With a claimed recharge time of 20 minutes from 30 to 80 per cent, the battery pack supports vehicle-to-load technology, enabling the Shark to power external electrical devices while camping.

Measuring 5457mm long, 1971mm wide, and 1925mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3260mm, the Shark offers a payload of up to 835kg and a braked towing capacity of 2500kg. Its 1450-litre tray volume and high-strength steel construction underscore its practicality and durability.

Interior features include a rotating 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite navigation, and a 10.25-inch instrument display. Advanced safety features include autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.

With its advanced technology, robust construction, and comprehensive features, the 2025 BYD Shark ute is poised to make a significant impact in Australian showrooms upon its arrival later this year.

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