Nearly three years after Subaru announced that a true STI version of the WRX would never happen, the automaker has surprised fans with a change of heart. At the Tokyo Auto Salon 2025, Subaru revealed the WRX STI S210, a full-fledged Subaru Tecnica International creation that embodies the pinnacle of the STI philosophy. This highly anticipated model builds on the JDM-spec WRX S4 STI Sport R EX and reaffirms Subaru’s commitment to delivering high-performance vehicles that excite enthusiasts.
The S210 is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine that has been re-engineered to produce 296hp and 375Nm of torque. These figures represent a notable improvement over the standard WRX available in Japan, although the S210 falls short of the 341hp and 450Nm torque offered by the S209, which was the last STI model available in the U.S. Subaru’s engineers have incorporated an upgraded exhaust system, revised intake ducts, and a recalibrated ECU to achieve these performance gains.
The engine delivers full power at 5,700 rpm and peak torque at just 2,000 rpm, ensuring a thrilling driving experience. Unlike its predecessor, the S210 features Subaru’s Performance Transmission, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that has been refined to handle the increased output.
Hyundai has once again captured the automotive world’s imagination with its latest creation, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N DK Edition. Building on the success of the Ioniq 5 N, this special edition is tailored specifically for drifting enthusiasts and pays homage to one of the most legendary figures in motorsport, Keiichi Tsuchiya, the “Drift King.”
A Tribute to the Drift King
The DK Edition is named in honour of Keiichi Tsuchiya, a pioneer in drifting and a revered figure in the Japanese racing scene. Tsuchiya’s influence extends beyond the car’s name; he was deeply involved in the development and tuning of the DK Edition, ensuring it meets the high standards of professional drift performance.
It would be cliché to start an article about Peugeot by mentioning its past. Plenty has been written already, and many already know that the brand has been in Malaysia for a while, and if its current form is any indication, Peugeot is here to stay.
We shall not mention anything about its past distributors and dealers either, nor shall we talk about the issues owners have had with spare parts in the past. Plenty has been said about that as well and there are plenty of articles on those topics on google.
Peugeot is now official represented in Malaysia via the Stellantis Group, which is the brand owner, custodian and manufacturer of Peugeot cars, not only in Malaysia but globally as well.
That basically means that Peugeot and its fans have never been in a better place.
Heading the charge for the refreshed Peugeot brand in Malaysia is a trio of variants for the 408 model – the entry-level Allure which is priced at RM146,055, after that is the Premium and that is priced at RM166,055 and then comes the GT, priced at RM196,055.
We have driven the Premium and were already quite impressed by it, and later we drove the GT and because the Premium already ticks all the boxes, we were wondering if the GT truly is worth RM30,000 more.
So that is what we want to explore in this article.
Who are its competitors?
Being a c-segment contender, the 408 goes up against the likes of the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla Altis, Mazda 3 sedan and even the Proton S70, because Proton insists to position the S70 in the same, ultra competitive segment as the brands mentioned above.
The 408GT, which is the topic of this article, is the most expensive in the segment. The top spec variant of the hugely popular Honda Civic for example costs just RM167,900, a full RM28,155 cheaper.
Mazdas are known to be quite expensive in Malaysia as well, but even the most expensive 3 sedan is priced at RM165,000. The top of the line Corolla Altis on the other hand costs RM147,800.
So you really have to love the 408 GT to be able to justify buying it over some of its competitors.
Why pick the GT over the cheaper variants?
It is difficult to justify spending RM30,000 more for a variant that has somewhat the same body style, same engine and largely the same interior. But once you start diving into the details and spending time poking and prodding around the interior of the GT, you will start notice something’s that stand out and hopefully be able to help you justify the price premium to your significant other.
But before we dive inside, let us take a moment to talk about what the exterior has to offer.
The two biggest distinguishing factors from the outside are firstly the 20-inch Monolithe wheels which look fantastic to say the least, but may will set you back a pretty penny when it comes time to replace the tyres. Just for the record, the other variants roll on 18-inch wheels.
And then there is the body work, particularly the grille. The Allure and Premium variants sport chrome grilles, but the GT gets a swanky one that is painted in body colour and gracefully merges into the bodywork of the car.
On top of that, the GT also gets matrix LED headlamps with a 3D LED tail lamp. Talking about the tail, the GT too unfortunately comes with a bulbous rear bumper that is finished in untreated plastic and is quite an eye sore. To this writer’s eyes at least.
And the other problem with untreated plastic besides being unsightly, is that scratches will tend to stick out and are difficult to repair.
Now we move inside
The interior of the 408 was one of its biggest attractions when the car was first launched. Marred only by the weirdly shaped steering feel that feels good in your hands but hinders the view of the instrument cluster ahead.
You could obviously adjust the seat, but you end up sitting too low or too high. Why Peugeot has insisted on continuing with the oblong shaped steering wheel for the past decade when there have been plenty of complaints is beyond us. May they see the light with the next model.
The dash is minimalistic yet high tech, and the software does taking some getting used to but it is not overly complicated. The instrumentation for the GT is almsot the same as its siblings; a 10-inch instrument cluster but the GT gets a 3D quartz version and a 10-inch infotainment screen.
However, the GT also gets configurable i-Toggle controls that is set just under the infotainment screen. This lets you program shortcuts to key controls such as air-conditioning controls, camera setting, seat controls and others. It is a clever method of giving you quick access without having to navigate layers of menu.
The one thing that we particularly like about the 408 are the seats, and that is something that we have raved about in our review of the Premium variant as well. The GT also gets those brilliant seats, but they come wrapped in premium Nappa leather instead. And the GT also benefits from electronic seats for passenger and driver, which also come with memory and massage function. That is what the RM30,000 premium gets you.
Topping off the interior is a fantastic 10-speaker Focal sound system, while the cheaper 408’s make do with a regular six-speaker system.
In terms of spaciousness though, taller passengers will find themselves more comfortable in the front seat than at the back. And that is putting it simply.
So how does it drive?
They say that you must always listen to your elders, and if there is one thing that I have heard my elders tell me repeatedly is that Peugeot’s always drive well. And they still do.
The suspension is brilliant, and we salute how Peugeot has managed to find the perfect balance of comfort and control.
On the highways, the 408 absorbs and isolates the road from the cabin. In the corners, the suspension keeps the car settled with minimal body roll, giving the driver the confidence needed to keep the car steady and centered in its lane, particularly when navigating high speed corners.
The engine is the same across all variants – the PureTech 1.6-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine makes 218PS and 300Nm of torque across the range. All that power is channeled to the front through a smooth-shifting eight-speed transmission.
The powerplant is efficient and yet powerful as well. The turbo lag can be noticeable at times but switching it to Sport mode solves that, so if you are the type that like to carve across corners when the mood arises, you will like how the car handles and delivers its power.
So, is it worth RM30,000 more?
The real question here is, if you can afford it, then why not? The GT has a lot of nice tech and toys that hopefully the next owner of the car will appreciate as well.
This writer loves a good sound system, and an interior wrapped in Nappa, so yes that is one thing good about the interior.
Having electronic seats all around is also a great thing and adds a touch of premiumness to a car positioned to take on the Civic and Corolla Altis.
But RM30,000 is understandably a lot of money, but as we said – why not?
Mazda Motor Europe has officially introduced the Mazda6e, a revolutionary Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), at the Brussels Motor Show 2025. Scheduled for release in June 2025, the Mazda6e represents the brand’s entry into the midsize BEV segment, specifically tailored for European consumers.
The Mazda6e serves as the European iteration of the Mazda EZ-6, which was first showcased at the Beijing Auto Show in April 2024. This innovative BEV is a product of Mazda’s long-standing partnership with Changan Automobile Co., Ltd, a collaboration spanning over two decades. Combining Mazda’s iconic design philosophy and craftsmanship with Changan’s advanced expertise in electrification and intelligent cabin technologies, the Mazda6e sets a new standard for electric mobility in the European market.
Designed under the “Authentic Modern” theme, the Mazda6e boasts a sleek coupe-inspired silhouette with clean, flowing lines that highlight its modernity and electric innovation. Every detail reflects Mazda’s commitment to craftsmanship while incorporating unique EV-specific elements to emphasise its futuristic appeal. The driving dynamics have been meticulously refined to achieve Jinba Ittai, Mazda’s hallmark sense of oneness between driver and car. Precision-tuned braking and responsive handling ensure a deeply engaging and intuitive driving experience.
Peugeot Malaysia is offering an exclusive RM21,500 rebate on the Peugeot 2008, bringing the price down to just RM111,888 (previously RM133,388). This incredible offer makes the sleek compact crossover more accessible to Peugeot enthusiasts. The new price includes a comprehensive 7-year warranty, ensuring peace of mind for every owner.
Optional Service Programme
Customers can enhance their ownership experience with an optional 5-Year Service Inclusive Programme priced at RM10,000. This package covers the cost of parts for 10 services over five years, along with labour costs, offering exceptional value and convenience.
When Porsche first introduced its first all-electric model, the Taycan, it was met with mixed reactions. For some, it was a step into the future for the legendary brand with technology derived from its motorsport exploits, particularly the 24 hours of Le Mans. Afterall, Porsche has had tremendous success at the legendary endurance race for nearly a century.
For others, Porsche had lost the plot with the Taycan.
For some fans, the German sports car maker is known for its boxer engines, and also happens to build some of the best SUV’s in the industry, so it should continue building just that.
For hardcore fans Porsche is the 911, the Boxster, the Cayman, the Cayenne and the Macan. For them, Porsche has no business producing electric vehicles. Hybrids was as far as they should go since that is what the company used in motor racing as well.
But the naysayers had always put down Porsche’s future models. The antagonism was at its height when Porsche wanted to introduce the Boxster. Fans were up in arms against it, but the Boxster ended up saving the company from bankruptcy.
Porsche fans once again had their pitchforks and torches in the air when it introduced the Cayenne. And despite initial scepticism, the success of the Cayenne provided much needed funding for the company to continue racing.
But the most successful Porsche in terms of sales is the Macan. It is the best-selling Porsche model of all time, and yes it too was met with cynicism from the fanbase in its early years.
Then came the Taycan in 2019. Despite all the negativity levelled against it, the Taycan outsold the 911 in 2021. That was not a difficult milestone to achieve though because the 911, Porsche’s halo car, was already outsold first by the Cayenne and later by the Macan.
But for an all-electric model to outsell the car that arguably defines Porsche is quite shocking. But is it really?
China is Porsche’s biggest market by far, and the Chinese market is all about electric powertrains due to government legislations. So, it is quite natural for the Taycan to do well there.
Besides China, the United States too is a big fan of the Taycan as well and in 2022, Porsche sold a near equal number of Taycan’s in China and the United States.
According to Porsche’s own media site and an interview with the former CEO of Porsche China by CarNewsChina.com, Porsche sold 7,315 Taycan’s in China and 7,271 units in the United States.
Canada and Europe are the other big markets for the Taycan.
And then sales plummeted by a staggering 51% by early 2024, forcing Porsche back to the drawing board to rethink its strategies.
In 2022, Porsche set out a rather ambitious goal, the company said that it half of its cars sold in 2025 will either be plug-in hybrids or battery electric vehicles (BEV). And that by 2030, a staggering 80% of Porsche cars sold will be BEV’s.
But with declining, Porsche announced in early 2024 that it will re-strategize its goals and will instead focus on hybrids and internal combustion engines once again since that is what its customers want.
But that does not mean that Porsche has abandoned the Taycan, in fact the company has introduced the latest version of it. Porsche does not like to use the term facelift, but rather calls it an evolution of the original, and we have driven it.
Porsche Malaysia organised a drive to Kuantan for select members of the Malaysian motoring media. The drive, called the Taycan E-xperience, involved putting the long-distance capability of the Taycan to test. The route was from Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan, to Genting Highlands and back to our starting point at Saujana Hotel.
What’s new and why is it a big deal?
The Taycan is a big deal because it is a Porsche and that means status. It is a big deal because there are few other brands that have the heritage and sporting pedigree of a Porsche. It is also a big deal because despite it being a heavy electric vehicle, it is capable of some ferocious performance very much expected of a Porsche.
The new Taycan builds on that and though it looks the same from the outside there are some minor updates, particularly the new front bumper that has lost the black tear that drips from the headlights to the side air vents.
The headlights too have been revised and now come with quad-projector matrix LED’s as an option. Also optional is the Porsche logo in the rear light strip that now features a three-dimensional, glass-look design that can also be illuminated.
Other than that, though, the key updates are under the skin. For example, the new Taycan is now lighter than before thanks to clever weight savings around the car.
But being a Porsche, you can customise your Taycan whichever way you want. And that is what makes Malaysian Taycan’s so unique because it already has an extensive list of standard equipment before any customisation.
The list of standard items for the new Taycan include air suspension, ambient lighting, Porsche Intelligent Range Manager (PIRM), a redesigned cooling system for better battery thermal management, and electrically opening charging ports on the driver and front passenger side.
The list continues with 20-inch wheels offered as standard as well, and ParkAssist with Surround View.
Inside, the new Taycan comes with electrically folding exterior mirrors with mirror surround lighting, a cooled smartphone tray for wireless charging and Drive Mode Select Switch as standard.
Topping that off is the Advanced Climate Control functions, 14-way comfort seats with memory function for both driver and front passenger, and a BOSE surround sound system.
And in case you are wondering, you must pay for these in some markets. The fact that these are offered as standard equipment in Malaysia is impressive.
The real star of the show for the Malaysian Taycan though is the suspension system as it now comes with the latest generation Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system as standard.
The latest version of this system comes with a two-chamber air suspension and two-valve damper technology. This works to ensure that the car always remains glued to the road, providing the driver with remarkable precision by responding to steering input without lag or delay. All of this while maintaining comfort for all passengers.
What about power and performance?
There’s a hike of course. The base Taycan now produces 408PS on overboost and does the sprint to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds, 0.6 seconds faster than its predecessor.
On the other end of the spectrum lays the Taycan Turbo S, and it makes a stunning 952PS while the Taycan Turbo GT makes an almost unbelievable 1034PS. Zero to hundred you ask? A ballistic 2.2 seconds, which makes it one of the quickest cars on the planet when it comes to acceleration.
Other than the trick new suspension, the Taycan sits low and wide. This makes it one of the best-handling EV’s in the industry, with an ability to carve through corners with incredible ease and near zero body roll. The Taycan can make mediocre drivers feel like heroes.
This is ultimately still a Porsche and that means performance. It switches directions on a dime. The sitting position for the driver is perfect, developed from decades of building race cars of course. The electronic steering rack is quick and surprisingly chatty. You feel everything the road throws up to the wheels through your palms. It may have four seats, but this is still a fun Porsche.
What about range and charging?
Improved as well. The Taycan is built on an 800-volt electrical architecture, which means that it can charge at fantastic speeds. DC charging capability has jumped from 270kW to 320kW, and it can sustain high power charging of 300kW for up to five minutes, which is quite significant.
This means that charging from 10% to 80% is now quicker, taking just 18 minutes despite the Taycan having a 12% bigger battery (a jump from 93kWh to 105kWh with the Performance Battery Plus).
Also significant is the improved regenerative braking, now 30% more powerful than before, and pulling 400kW of kinetic energy to provide better energy retardation and quicker battery charge when braking or decelerating.
As for range, the new Taycan has a WLTP range of up to 678 kilometres, which meant that we reached Kuantan with more than enough battery state of charge to spare.
But it can’t be all that great
As a Porsche and an electric sports car, the Taycan is undoubtedly fun to drive. It ticks all the boxes in the sports category, but Porsche also wants us to believe that it is a great family car, one that is good for long distance journeys with fast charging capabilities that makes it more convenient to live with an EV.
Though we agree that the Taycan is fun, fast and is convenient to recharge, but we found that the interior can be overly snug. There is enough space for four adults, but it can be tight. The backrests of the rear seats are too upright for this writer’s liking and there is no space under the front seats to tuck your feet into. Which means you sit almost upright in a knee in chest position, particularly if you are on the tall.
Boot space is just alright as well. Measuring in at just 407 litres, the boot was already packed to the brim with the bags of four adults who packed light for an overnight trip to Kuantan. Not exactly very compelling for a car Porsche wants us to believe is suitable for the family.
That aside, should you buy one?
When the Taycan was first introduced in 2019, it did not have a lot of competition, and it was well accepted. Partly because it is a Porsche, but also because it is very good at what it was built to do – go fast, go far, charge quick.
The automotive landscape has changed quite significantly in the five years since, and there are more competitors now which is partly why sales have slowed quite significantly for Porsche. Some reports say that sales of the Taycan have dropped by 51% in some markets.
Not in Malaysia though. We reached out to Porsche Malaysia to ask how well the Taycan is doing here, and a spokesperson described it as a “bread and butter model”.
That is not all that surprising considering the sheer number of Taycan’s on our roads. It is not surprising either because it is one of the best EV’s you can buy.
There might be others that offer more interior room, bigger boot’s, bigger infotainment screens and more comfort. But they lag far behind in two key areas – sheer driving pleasure and pure performance. And that is the essence of a Porsche, and for that reason alone, the new Taycan is worth every Ringgit.
Specifications (Porsche Taycan RWD)
Motor: Single, Rear-Mounted, Electric Motor
Transmission: Two-speed
Power: 408PS
Torque: 410Nm
Acceleration (0-100kmh): 4.8 seconds
Top speed: 230km/h
Range (WLTP): 678km
Base price (As tested): RM575,000
We like: Power, Handling, Good looks
We don’t like: Feels small for taller drivers
