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2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5: Rugged XRT Trim and Bigger Batteries Lead the Updates

For the 2025 model year, Hyundai has pushed its Ioniq 5 closer to that rally heritage with the introduction of the XRT trim, engineered for dirt roads and light trails. Along with its off-road capabilities, the new model year brings significant updates, including larger batteries and a new production facility.

The XRT is the highlight of the lineup, featuring dual-motor all-wheel drive and a suspension lift of 0.9 inches. This boost improves not only ground clearance but also approach (19.8 degrees) and departure angles (30 degrees). While it’s not built for extreme off-roading, the XRT’s 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tyres enhance its ability on dirt roads. Aesthetic changes include black plastic bumpers with a pixelated camouflage pattern, black trim and badging, and bright red recovery hooks. The interior follows suit with an all-black colour scheme, leatherette seats, and rubber floor mats designed to hide scuffs and scrapes from rough terrain.

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smart Malaysia Brings EV Experience to Penang with Smart Tour Brand Roadshow

smart Malaysia is thrilled to announce the arrival of the smart Tour Brand Roadshow in Penang, continuing its nationwide showcase of the innovative smart #1 and #3 electric vehicles. This roadshow offers electric vehicle enthusiasts the chance to explore these groundbreaking models up close, with live demonstrations highlighting key features such as Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities and the Hello smart app.

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Volkswagen Group Facing Potential Factory Closures Amid Cost-Cutting Efforts

Volkswagen Group is reportedly contemplating significant cost-cutting measures, including the potential closure of two factories in Germany, marking a historic move since the company’s founding in 1937. According to reports, the facilities under review are located in Dresden and Osnabruck.

The Osnabruck plant currently produces the Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman, both of which are set to be phased out soon. However, the facility also manufactures the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet, Europe’s most popular convertible. The Dresden factory, much smaller in scale and opened in 2002, initially produced the Phaeton model and now assembles the VW ID.3 EV.

In addition to the factory closures, Volkswagen’s work safety program, which has prevented layoffs since its implementation in 1994, is also being reviewed. CEO Thomas Schäfer described the situation as “extremely tense” and acknowledged that simple cost-cutting strategies would not suffice to resolve the issues.

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Novitec Unveils Spectacular Widebody N-LARGO Ferrari 296 GTB

Novitec, renowned for its automotive refinement expertise, has introduced the striking N-LARGO widebody version of the Ferrari 296 GTB. Designed by Vittorio Strosek, this exclusive model, limited to just 15 units, stands out with its bold styling, aerodynamic enhancements, and exceptional performance.

The N-LARGO features a high-strength carbon body, extending the front by 6 cm and the rear by an impressive 12 cm, bringing the car’s width to 208 cm. Complementing the widebody design, Novitec collaborated with Vossen to create custom 21-inch front and 22-inch rear wheels that accentuate the car’s wedge shape. These wheels are paired with high-performance tyres (255/30 ZR 21 at the front and 335/25 ZR 22 at the rear).

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Isuzu D-Max Owners Display Patriotic Spirit in Merdeka Convoy

Isuzu D-Max owners proudly showcased their patriotic spirit by participating in the Isuzu Merdeka Convoy to celebrate Malaysia’s 67th Independence Day. The event gathered around 3,300 participants with 900 Isuzu D-Max vehicles at 36 Isuzu outlets nationwide, from Alor Setar to Keningau. Each convoy embarked on journeys to local points of interest, where participants took part in various activities such as durian festivals, white water rafting, glamping, treasure hunts, and picnics.

Building on the success of last year’s Merdeka Convoy 66, which featured around 600 Isuzu D-Max vehicles, this year’s event set a new record as the largest ever simultaneous parade of Isuzu D-Max trucks in Malaysia. The initiative aimed to unite D-Max owners in celebrating this significant day in the country’s history.

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