Starting from March 1, 2024, Stellantis Malaysia National Sales Company (Stellantis Malaysia) will inaugurate a comprehensive one-stop call centre dedicated to Peugeot, DS, and Citroen vehicles in Malaysia. This initiative is part of Stellantis’ strategic shift towards consolidating sales distribution and enhancing the ownership experience of its vehicles under Stellantis Malaysia’s management, aimed at providing seamless customer care throughout this transition period.
The newly established call centre will serve as a centralised hub for all customer support services, catering to both sales and after-sales inquiries, as well as addressing any complaints or concerns. Owners of Peugeot, DS, and Citroen vehicles can conveniently reach out to the call centre through the following channels:
Operating hours for the call centre are scheduled from Monday to Sunday, spanning from 8:45 AM to 5:45 PM. Furthermore, to ensure continuous assistance during emergencies, Stellantis Malaysia will extend 24-hour support for accident and breakdown cases, underscoring their commitment to providing prompt and reliable customer service.
Volvo Car Malaysia has introduced the updated model year 2024 version of the C40 Recharge Pure Electric, marking Volvo’s commitment to electrification and sustainability. This crossover SUV, Volvo’s first electric-only model, now offers impressive enhancements, including an extended electric range of up to 550km, faster DC charging capabilities for its larger 82kWh battery pack, and advanced pixel headlight technology.
In Malaysia, Volvo Car Malaysia presents the top-of-the-line variant featuring a twin motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) configuration. This variant showcases a more powerful second-generation permanent magnet rear electric motor, developed in-house by Volvo. With an output of 245hp at the rear axle and a new 156hp asynchronous electric motor at the front axle, the new configuration emphasises rear power delivery, enhancing the driving experience with a maximum power output of 402hp.
Moreover, the upgraded 82kWh battery pack, an improvement from the previous 78kWh capacity, now supports a higher maximum input of 200kW for DC charging. This enhancement enables a remarkable 10 to 80 per cent charge in just 27 minutes, significantly reducing charging times. Coupled with the efficiency improvements in battery cooling and the new twin-motor configuration, the updated Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric boasts a substantially improved range, offering 100km more than its predecessor.
These improvements make the fully electric models even more attractive than they already were and are a big step towards becoming a fully electric car maker by 2030.
Designed from the ground up to be fully electric, the Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric features a distinctive design and cutting-edge safety technology, making it a standout in the compact SUV segment. The 2024 model year upgrades further solidify Volvo’s position as a leader in the e-luxury segment.
Additional enhancements include new pixel headlights with sensor-controlled forward lighting, new 19-inch alloy wheels for improved aerodynamics, and a new exterior colour option, Vapour Grey, joining the existing range of colourways.
Customers can enjoy 5-year complimentary Digital Services, providing access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Play Store, and remote functions through the Volvo Cars app. Despite these significant upgrades, the updated Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric maintains a similar price point to its predecessor at RM288,888, offering flexible financing options and lower interest rates through Volvo Car Financial Services.
To make ownership more accessible, Volvo Car Malaysia is offering an instant rebate of RM10,000 for online orders of the Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric placed before 31 March 2024. Bookings for all Volvo fully electric cars can be conveniently made online at www.volvocars.com/my/cars/c40-electric.
As Proton continues to advance its business expansion efforts, the national automotive brand is diversifying its operations and revenue streams by exploring opportunities both within and beyond the automotive ecosystem. Leading this initiative is Proton Global Services (PGS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Proton Edar, which has rapidly become a significant contributor to Proton’s business network.
Established in 2021 with just one F&B and merchandise outlet, PGS has significantly broadened its scope of operations to now include six key areas: Lifestyle, Engineering, Training, New Energy, Logistics, and R3 Motorsports. Under the leadership of its CEO, Lee Yeet Chuan, revenues have surged from below RM1 million in 2021 to 19 times that amount by the end of 2023.
For Proton buyers and enthusiasts, the most visible areas of PGS’s business are the Lifestyle and R3 Motorsports divisions. The Lifestyle division manages the Proton Café and sells Proton merchandise, while R3 Motorsports focuses on developing performance variants and overseeing Proton’s racing activities.
The Proton Café, launched in 2021, offers customers freshly brewed premium coffee and food items in a relaxed atmosphere. Currently, 16 outlets operate at Proton dealerships, with plans to expand to 25 outlets by 2025. Additionally, Proton branded merchandise, previously available, is now commercially marketed under PGS. Leveraging the demand for Proton and R3 branded items, there are currently 20 Proton merchandise partners nationwide, alongside a virtual shop at protonmerchandise.com for online sales.
R3 Motorsports, perhaps the most recognisable division, celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023 with the launch of the Proton X50 R3 20th Anniversary Edition. This year, the focus is on developing a Proton S70 R3 racing car with the aim of participating in the S1K race, while also boosting sales for their high-performance R3 lubricants.
Beyond retail opportunities, PGS undertakes projects within Proton’s ecosystem, providing additional revenue streams as profits are shared with Proton Edar. Examples include upgrading lighting at Proton’s casting plant for energy efficiency and supplying furniture and commissioning office space for department transfers to Proton Tanjong Malim.
The New Energy division focuses on renewable energy introduction to improve the company’s ESG rating and retails energy-efficient solutions. Initiatives include selling and installing solar PV cells to Proton dealers and vendors and collaborating on mobile EV charging proof of concept projects.
During the recent launch of the BYD Seal at The Exchange TRX, Sime Darby Motors (SDM) and BYD Malaysia celebrated the overwhelming success of the electric vehicle model, which garnered over 1,300 bookings within just 4 days. Responding to the tremendous demand for the electric sedan, SDM is thrilled to extend its early booking campaign until March 3, 2024. Customers who place a booking for the BYD Seal through the official website or at nationwide showrooms before the deadline will receive enticing benefits, including complimentary home chargers and free Gentari or ChargEV charging credits worth RM800, subject to Terms and Conditions.
According to Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director, Southeast Asia, SDM, the BYD Seal has received rave reviews from car enthusiasts. Gan stated, “The new model has been widely recognised for its superior quality and exceptional performance, coupled with a highly competitive pricing strategy.” He emphasised the comprehensive BYD network coverage across all regions, ensuring excellent service for all customers, which underscores the confidence in BYD’s products in Malaysia. This reaffirms SDM’s commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality vehicles and unparalleled customer service.
The BYD Seal is available in RWD Premium and Performance AWD variants, priced from RM179,800 and RM199,800, respectively. It offers a variety of colours such as Arctic Blue (exclusive to the Performance variant), Cosmos Black, Atlantis Grey, and Aurora White (for the Premium model).
SAIC Motor Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. has introduced the specifications and pricing details for its highly anticipated MG models – the all-new MG4 and MG ZS EV. These cutting-edge all-electric vehicles are designed to provide customers with a seamless fusion of technology, affordability, and driving excellence, and are now open for bookings.
The all-new MG ZS EV sets a new standard for electric vehicles, offering unparalleled value with its seamless blend of practicality, innovation, and comfort. Available from an estimated RM129,000, this B-segment SUV delivers exceptional performance and efficiency.
Equipped with a 51.1 kWh Li-Ion battery, the MG ZS EV Lux variant offers an impressive driving range of 320 km based on the WLTP cycle. Its electric motor delivers exhilarating performance, with a maximum output of 176PS power and 280Nm of torque. Accelerating from 0-100km/h in just 8 seconds, the MG ZS EV provides a thrilling driving experience without compromising on efficiency.
The bold and modern design of the MG ZS EV features a grill-less front end exuding urban confidence, complemented by ‘Silverstone’ headlights and ‘Phantom’ LED taillights. The charging port, located at the front, offers easier access with a spring-loaded cover for better sealing.
Inside, the modernised interior boasts a carbon fibre-look finish on the dashboard and a touchscreen control system for seamless connectivity. The all-digital 7″ multi-information display provides essential information, while features like wireless phone charging, rear passenger central armrest, and auto climate control enhance comfort and convenience.
Experience the outdoors like never before with the class-leading panoramic sunroof, while the spacious luggage compartment offers ample storage for all your adventures, with a volume ranging between 448 and 1,187 litres.
Safety is paramount with the MG ZS EV, equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) under the name MG Pilot. Features such as Front Collision Warning (FCW), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) provide peace of mind on every journey.
Like its counterpart, the MG4, the MG ZS EV comes with a comprehensive warranty package, including 7 years or 150,000 km on the vehicle and 8 years or 180,000 km on the battery.
Four vibrant colours will be available: Dynamic Red, Arctic White, Black Pearl, and Monument Silver.
SAIC Motor Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. has introduced the specifications and pricing details for its highly anticipated MG models – the all-new MG4 and MG ZS EV. These cutting-edge all-electric vehicles are designed to provide customers with a seamless fusion of technology, affordability, and driving excellence, and are now open for bookings.
MG4: Live Electric
The MG4 is set to revolutionize the Malaysian automotive landscape with its all-electric hatchback design, offering customers an affordable option for zero-emission driving without compromising on performance. Available in four specifications – MG4 Standard, MG4 Lux, Lux Extended Range, and the high-performance MG4 XPOWER.
Estimated Pricing:
MG4 Standard: RM104,000
MG4 Lux: RM129,000
MG4 Lux Extended Range: RM149,000
MG4 XPOWER: RM159,000
The MG4 is meticulously engineered to maximise battery efficiency, ensuring scalable range and performance across various customer needs. With battery capacities ranging from 51kWh to 77kWh, the MG4 offers an impressive range of 350km to 520km on the WLTP cycle.
The MG4 Standard variant comes with a battery capacity of 51 kWh, providing a driving range of 350 km on the WLTP cycle. It has an estimated charging time of 8 hours from 10% to 100%. The maximum power output is rated at 170PS with a torque of 250Nm. It accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds and utilises a Rear Wheel Drive system with a Single Motor.
Moving up, the MG4 Lux variant offers a larger 64 kWh battery, extending the driving range to 435km on the WLTP cycle. Its estimated charging time from 10% to 100% is 8.5 hours. With a maximum power output of 203PS and a torque of 350Nm, it accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds. The MG4 Lux features an All-Wheel Drive system with a Dual Motor configuration.
For those seeking even more range, the MG4 Lux Extended Range variant is equipped with a 77 kWh battery, providing an impressive driving range of 520km on the WLTP cycle. It has an estimated charging time of 10 hours from 10% to 100%. With a maximum power output of 245PS and no specified torque figure, it accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds.
At the top of the range, the MG4 XPOWER variant offers exhilarating performance with a 64 kWh battery, delivering a driving range of 385 km on the WLTP cycle. Its estimated charging time from 10% to 100% is 8.5 hours. With a powerful maximum power output of 435PS and a torque of 600Nm, it sprints from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds. The MG4 XPOWER features an All-Wheel Drive system with a Dual Motor configuration.
With dimensions of 4,287mm in length, 1,836mm in width, and 1,504mm in height, the MG4 offers a spacious and comfortable cabin while maintaining sleek proportions. The five-door hatchback boasts a wheelbase of 2,705mm for optimal handling and cornering. For comparison, the BYD Dolphin has a length of 4,290mm, width of 1,770mm, height of 1,570mm and a wheelbase of 2700mm.
The MG4 is equipped with advanced driver assistance and safety systems under the MG Pilot suite, including Front Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, and Intelligent High Beam Assist. Higher variants also offer additional features such as Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
MG iSMART – ‘Hello MG’
The MG iSMART system introduces cutting-edge technology, enabling drivers to activate voice commands with a simple “Hello MG.” Features include remote start, mobile-controlled air-conditioning, and real-time vehicle information for added convenience and safety.
MG Care
For peace of mind, the all-electric MG4 comes with a 7-year or 150,000km warranty on the vehicle and an 8-year or 180,000km warranty on the battery.
Available Colours
The MG4 is offered in seven vibrant colours, including Volcano Orange, Holborn Blue, Dynamic Red, Arctic White, Camden Grey, Black Pearl, Monument Silver, and an exclusive matte option of Racing Green for the MG4 XPOWER. Lux and Extended Range variants also offer a two-tone black roof option.
Love them or loathe them, the electric vehicle (EV) revolution is real, and it will be here for a while. Perhaps even permanently and to the point where those who despise them may soon have to embrace them.
Good thing then that Malaysians have a good list of options to choose from, one that seems to be growing on a near weekly basis.
It was a busy year for EV makers last year, and 2024 may be just three months old, but it is already shaping up to be another stellar year for electric cars, and their fans.
BYD first made a splash in the Malaysian market towards the tail end of 2022 when it introduced the Atto 3. These days it is impossible to go anywhere without spotting a couple of them.
The success of the Atto 3 is not surprising though. It offers spaciousness, a range of up to 420km and takes just 45 minutes to charge up to 80% with an 80kW DC charger. With prices ranging from RM149,800 to RM167,800, the Atto 3 makes a lot of sense.
But BYD SD Motors Malaysia (BYD Malaysia), which is part of Sime Darby Motors, is not just about selling cars and forgetting about them. It has a masterplan that involves offering an EV for all budgets and preferences.
So, a couple of months after launching the Atto 3, BYD Malaysia unveiled the Dolphin. Unlike the Atto 3, the Dolphin is small, about the size of the Honda City hatchback, and it is considerably cheap, with prices starting from just RM99,900. It too was an immediate sales success and unlike the other cheap EV, the Neta V, the Dolphin has some serious features to offer.
For starters, the Dolphin has a range of between 310km to 427km depending on the variant. It also has some impressive output figures such as 204PS and 310Nm for the top of the range model while the entry level offers 95PS and 180Nm. As for charging, the Dolphin can take between 60kW to 80kW DC and 7kW AC charging.
For the price, the Dolphin made a lot of sense for those who would usually buy a Honda City or a Toyota Vios and did not spend a lot of time travelling outside of the city.
Now though, BYD Malaysia has started 2024 with a high note with the introduction of the Seal – a sleek, four-door sedan that is already upsetting Tesla fans.
Speaking of Tesla, BYD has been an annoying thorn on the side of the American brand that calls itself an artificial intelligence company rather than a car maker. While Tesla has prided itself with advanced assembly lines and tech that has put some legacy car makers to shame, BYD has chartered its own path and focused on creating batteries that offer the best balance of safety and efficiency.
BYD’s blade battery technology is widely considered to be the best in the business, and a few other carmakers including Tesla as well, which must be quite gratifying for the Chinese car maker since Elon Musk once laughed at the company and the design of its vehicles.
BYD recently outsold Tesla and is now the most popular electric car maker, and it is no surprise considering that its cars check pretty much all the boxes expected of an EV. Take the recently launched BYD Seal for example. It is currently the flagship BYD for the Malaysian market, and costs RM179,800 for the Premium model and RM199,800 for the Performance model.
The direct competitors to the Seal would be the BMW i4 which is priced from RM258,210 and the Tesla Model 3, which is priced from RM189,000 for the standard rear-wheel-drive model.
With such formidable competition, the Seal had better be good, but it is a lot more than just good. Its styling for one is probably its biggest alure. It is designed by former Audi designer Wolfgang Egger, who is responsible for some of the most jaw dropping designs of the modern era, such as the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, Audi R8 and even the Audi e-Tron concept.
But to put it simply, there’s no bad angle to the Seal. The front is sleek and low slung. The C-shaped headlamps look cool, but when the sun sets, the LED headlamps play second fiddle to those ultra-cool LED backlit strips at either end of the front bumper. They are not very obvious during the day, but are stunning at night.
The dramatic light play extends to the back as well where a LED light strip stretches across the length of the boot lid. But that’s nothing new and is quite common in today’s cars. But what is unique here though is the hundreds, if not thousands of little pixels that make the rear lights look organic in nature.
The Seal does not look very big though, its design does a brilliant job at hiding its bulk. But once you delve into the numbers, you will realise that it is actually quite a big car, bigger in fact than the Tesla 3 and the BMW i4.
Though this translates to a spacious interior, its 400-litre boot space is left wanting. It is undeniably deep, but the openings at either side make it quite narrow and it is also shallow as well. But there is a 50 litre “frunk” under the bonnet, which makes it one of the biggest available in any EV in Malaysia.
However, step inside and all is immediately well. The rear passengers will appreciate the flat floor and the recline of the rear seats and the suppleness of the leather clad seats is spot on.
The front though is where the real magic is, and nowhere does the Seal feel more expensive than what it is than from the driver’s seat. From there you are greeted by a mega 10.25-inch LCD instrument cluster. The leather clad steering wheel is thick and feels good in your hands with buttons that feel like they will last some time.
To the left of that is a massive 15.6-inch infotainment system complete with Apple CarPlay (wired) and Android Auto (wireless). Your favourite music is piped into the cabin through a 12-speaker DYNAUDIO system, and especially for Tesla fans, yes – the Seal has over the air updates as well. Though what updates those may be is still unclear as of writing.
And just like every other BYD, that massive centre screen rotates as well for a landspace or portrait style display. That does not serve much purpose other than impressing your passengers, but it does let you “freshen up” the cabin in case you start getting tired of it.
But the one thing you will never get tired of though is that crystal gear shifter. You could argue that a lot of cars have that same crystal feature, but having one at this price range is just unheard of.
Other than that, the interior feels well-built with high quality knobs and buttons. The ventilated seats are also a much-welcomed addition to help manage the blistering Malaysian heat.
The interior is undoubtedly brilliant in every sense of the word, but it is somewhat let down by the fact that the full panoramic roof does not come with a shade. BYD says the double-glazed glass on the roof is also UV resistant, which means it shouldn’t get hot, and the bald head of this writer did not get hot either, but perhaps a lengthier drive is needed rather than just 30 minutes with the car. To be fair though, it was a familiarisation drive.
Now onto the best part, the performance, and we were in the best variant to feel that – the flagship Performance model.
The entry level Premium variant is powered by a single motor that drives the rear wheels. It offers 313PS and 360Nm of torque which allows it to sprint to 100km/h in just 5.9 seconds. It has a range of 570km (WLTP) while charging takes a little over 15 hours from a dead battery to 100% with a 7kW AC charger. A 150kW DC charger will do 10-80% in just 37 minutes.
The Performance variant on the other hand has twin motors, one on each axle, effectively making it an all-wheel-drive model. It has a combined 530PS and 670Nm of torque, and takes 3.8 seconds to reach 100km/h. It will do 520km on the WLTP cycle while charging time is the same as the Premium variant.
The Performance variant offers supercar like performance with acceleration that threatens to rearrange your face every time you floor the accelerator. It is seriously fast and it feels planted too, which is unsurprising since it weighs in at a hefty 2,185kg.
Even the suspension is a good balance between comfort and sports. The one thing that could be better though are the brakes. The brakes could do with a little bit more feel and initial bite to them since the car accelerates so hard, but then again, these brakes don’t just stop the car but are also regenerative and help to recharge the batteries whenever possible. So there needs to be some trade off, and the lack of initial bite and spongy feel is quite normal of such braking systems.
So, should the BYD Seal be your first electric vehicle? Judging by everything it has to offer, and if money is not an issue, then the real question is – why not? Especially when you consider than when compared to the competition, the Seal is the one that offers the most value for your money.
But if you had to choose between the Premium and the Performance though, the latter should be your pick because there simply is no argument against performance levels that were once the territory of legends from Ferrari and Porsche. And with a range of over 500km’s, that is more than what some petrol-powered cars can offer.
And if you are wondering about warranties, the Seal comes with a 5-year or 150,000km warranty on the car, a further 8-year or 160,000km warranty for the battery, and a 8-year or 150,000km warranty on the drive unit. And if that last part sounded confusing, the drive unit (according to BYD’s brochure) is made up of the motor, motor controller, DC assembly, high voltage and the electric control assembly.
Specifications:
Motors: Squirrel cage induction asynchronous motor (Front) Permanent magnet synchronous motor (Rear)
Battery: 82.56kWh BYD Blade
Power: 530PS
Torque: 670Nm
Charging: 7kW AC (15.2 hours) 150kW DC (37 minutes)
Range: 520km
0-100km/h: 3.8 seconds
We like: Styling, features, performance
We don’t like: Brakes take some getting used to
The star of this year’s Geneva Motor Show undoubtedly is the all-new Renault 5, marking the return of the iconic supermini to European roads, albeit with a twist—it’s now entirely electric.
Originally discontinued in 1996, the reimagined Renault 5, now dubbed the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, is poised to navigate the urban landscape with eco-friendliness in mind. Retaining much of the charm of its predecessor, the electric supermini boasts a retro-futuristic design, seamlessly blending nostalgia with modernity.
The exterior design pays homage to its heritage with cute headlights, vertical taillights, and prominent wheel arches reminiscent of its predecessor. Notably, the rear door handles are cleverly integrated into the C-pillars, creating the illusion of a three-door layout reminiscent of the original Renault 5. While past iterations offered both three and five-door variants, the new model opts exclusively for a five-door configuration, albeit with red body accents paying homage to the iconic R5 Turbo. Additionally, enthusiasts can anticipate a hot hatch variant in the form of the Alpine A290 slated for release later in 2024.
Inside, the Renault 5 features vertical stitching on the dashboard and rectangular air vents, evoking memories of the original model. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment display, available in either 7.0 or 10.0 inches, further enhance the retro-modern theme.
Despite its petite stature, the 2024 Renault 5 boasts ample cargo space, measuring 325 litres, and rides on large 18-inch wheels with 195/55 R18 tyres. Utilising the AmpR Small platform (formerly CMF-B EV), it strikes a balance between compact dimensions and practicality.
The Renault 5 packs either a 40.0-kilowatt-hour or 52.0-kWh battery, powering a front-mounted motor delivering between 95 to 150hp, depending on the chosen configuration. Range varies between 300 to 400km, with fast-charging capabilities allowing for quick replenishment.
Unique to its segment, the Renault 5 boasts a multi-link rear independent suspension, along with bidirectional charging, a heat pump, and brake energy recuperation technology for enhanced efficiency. Notably, the oversized 5 logo on the hood doubles as a battery charge indicator light—a clever touch.
With an entry price around €25,000 (RM129,659), the Renault 5 combines affordability with eco-consciousness, signalling a promising future for electric mobility. Produced in France, it sets the stage for the return of other iconic Renault models, including the R4 and the next-generation Twingo, both slated for electric reincarnations in 2025 and 2026, respectively.
The inaugural Off The Grid (OTG) event, held at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park, Serdang (MAEPS) from February 23 to 25, 2024, proved to be a resounding success, drawing over 30,000 outdoor lifestyle enthusiasts. Organised by the Art of Speed team, the event celebrated all things related to outdoor living, attracting a diverse crowd of visitors eager to explore the latest trends and offerings in the outdoor lifestyle scene.
The success of OTG was made possible through the support of various vendors, including well-known names such as Montanic Adventure Store, Anbot Store, CampGuru, Eiger Adventure, Pahlawan Store, and Outside Malaysia, among others. These vendors contributed to the vibrant atmosphere of the event, offering a wide range of products and experiences tailored to outdoor enthusiasts’ interests.
Sime Darby Auto Bavaria Sungai Besi, a stalwart in the automotive industry, is gearing up for a transition as it prepares to relocate to its new 4S dealership in Balakong this March. With a remarkable 27-year tenure from 1997 to 2024, it stands as one of the oldest Auto Bavaria dealerships in Malaysia.
Throughout its illustrious history, this dealership has proudly represented the BMW brand, steadfast in its dedication to delivering automotive excellence and elevating customer satisfaction. Its unwavering commitment to the highest standards has earned it numerous accolades, including the prestigious BMW Excellence Club Award from BMW Group Malaysia.
To commemorate this milestone and celebrate the success of the dealership, former and current managing directors, dealer principals, sales, and administrative personnel from Auto Bavaria will gather at Sungai Besi to bid farewell to a legacy and herald the beginning of a new chapter.
