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Ever since it was first introduced to the Malaysian market in 2024, the GWM Haval H6 has been making waves in the local market. 

Buyer’s love it for its size, comfort, power and even its efficiency. During its launch, GWM Malaysia was keen to highlight the fact that the Haval H6 needed just 5.8 litres of fuel to travel 100km. 

In all respects, that is an astonishing figure. With the current price of Ron95, that would mean you need just RM11.90 to travel a distance of 100km, making it an ideal companion for those who spend a lot of time on the road.

With that in mind, it is undeniable that the Haval H6 is a tempting proposition, especially in time where prices of everything seem to be on the rise. It also carries an official price tag of just RM139,800. Simply said, it is quite brilliant. 

Now besides the fact that it is shockingly efficient, its large size also makes life behind the wheel more convenient especially for families, making it unbelievably comfortable thanks to its plush seats and space for taller passengers. 

But the real star of the show here is the powertrain. You see, when going about your daily business, what good is a car that is big, comfortable and spacious if it chugs fuel quicker than you could read this article? 

That is something that the Haval H6 excels at thanks to its turbo hybrid powertrain. Based on the official figures from GWM Malaysia, the Haval H6 should have a theoretical range of 1,052km with its 61-litre tank. 

But theoretical figures are just that, theories. So, to prove that the Haval H6 is as efficient as they say it is, GWM Malaysia organised a fuel efficiency challenge to see how far its users can go in the real world. 

You may probably want to sit down for this because what you read next might come as a shocker; the person that came in sixth in the challenge achieved a remarkable 1,077km in the real world. And the winner? Well, he achieved an astounding 1,204km. A fantastic figure from a car that is powered by a 1.5-litre, turbocharged engine. 

So how does the Haval H6 achieve this? 

So, it’s 1.5-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine puts out 150PS at 5,500rpm and 230Nm of torque from 1,500rpm. 

Helping it manage the heft of the car is a permanent-magnet synchronous motor that puts out 177PS and 300Nm of torque. The combined system is then mated to a two-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission, while the combined system output is rated at 243PS and 530Nm of torque. 

On the move, it is the electric motor that does most of the heavy lifting. So, when you are driving around town or when you are stuck in traffic, it is the motor that provides propulsion. But when you hit higher speed such as on highways, the engine takes over. 

So, the Haval H6 intelligently swaps between the two system and decides which works best to maximise efficiency by calculating all situations when driving such as the topography of the road and the driver’s power requirements.

And the best thing about this powertrain? There is no need to stop and charge as compared to some of the plug-in hybrid equivalents which also have an eye on efficiency and maximising range. 

 Besides the fact you don’t need to attach a cable to give you better range, the smaller batteries used also maximise interior space. This improves interior packaging and hence allows the designers to improve sitting and storage space. 

So, what else makes the Haval H6 ideal for daily driving? 

Efficiency is undeniably all the rage these days. Buyer’s want something that can go as far as possible for as little money as possible. That seems to be the holy grail. But it has already been well proven and documented that the Haval H6 can do just that. 

So, to seal the deal, the Haval H6 comes with an armada of safety systems designed to ensure you are kept safe in all situations. 

It comes with six strategically placed airbags all around the cabin as well as a complete Level 2 ADAS safety suite. This includes such systems as autonomous emergency braking, front and rear collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keep assist and lane centre keeping. 

There is also a unique system called the Wisdom Dodge System. This system automatically detects and controls the car to keep a fixed distance from large vehicles such as trucks. Not only that, it can also overtake the truck and automatically steer the car back to its original lane after passing. All in the name of ensuring safer overtaking. 

Should you buy one?

If you’re in the market for a large, efficient SUV with acres of interior space for the family as well as good storage space in the boot, then it is more a question of why not? 

At its price, it is a no-brainer because it does everything its rivals can do, only for cheaper and without having to constantly plug in to charge its batteries. 

So, if you like living life unplugged, you might be thrilled to know the Haval H6 also comes with a 10-year or one million kilometre warranty and a eight-year of one million kilometre warranty on the hybrid system, including the transmission, battery, cables as well as the transmission control unit. 

But besides the Haval H6, GWM Malaysia is also making its other models rather tempting with an assortment of promotions for the month of March. This includes:

Five years of free maintenance for all GWM models with parts and labour included, * including the GWM Ora Good Cat, GWM Ora 07, GWM Tank 300, and GWM Haval H6 HEV

Enjoy savings of up to RM25,000, attractive low interest rates, and a complimentary home wall box charger with the GWM Ora Good Cat and GWM Ora 07.*

GWM Ora 07 comes with a 6+2-year full vehicle warranty (excluding wear and tear).*

Drive GWM Tank 300 with confidence with a 6-year unlimited mileage warranty*

Enjoy 10,000 km of free mileage and with the GWM Haval H6 HEV.*

So, if you’re in the market for a new car, the GWM stable of models is looking rather tempting.

Honda Malaysia has unveiled its strategic vision for 2025, targeting sales of 83,000 units and a 10.6% market share. This ambitious goal is supported by the introduction of three new models, including the New Civic launched in January, as well as various brand initiatives to strengthen market engagement.

The company remains optimistic about sustained demand for its existing lineup, reinforcing its market leadership in the Non-National Passenger Vehicle Segment. Honda Malaysia also sees continued relevance in internal combustion engine (ICE) and e:HEV (hybrid) technologies, citing infrastructure readiness, consumer preferences, and technological advancements as key factors. Notably, Honda e:HEV models accounted for nearly 30% of Malaysia’s total hybrid car sales in 2024, reflecting growing acceptance of Honda’s hybrid technology.

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GWM Malaysia proudly announces the milestone delivery of the 500th GWM TANK 300, marking a significant achievement for the brand. As one of China’s top-selling off-road SUVs, the GWM TANK 300 has rapidly gained traction among Malaysian drivers, thanks to its rugged design, cutting-edge technology, and unparalleled performance. This milestone reflects the vehicle’s growing popularity, making it the preferred choice for adventure enthusiasts and urban drivers alike.

The GWM TANK 300 has become a symbol of strength, reliability, and innovation in the Malaysian automotive landscape. Designed to conquer tough terrains while ensuring premium comfort, the SUV has quickly established itself as a market leader among off-road enthusiasts.

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Speculation surrounding Nissan’s leadership has intensified following the automaker’s unsuccessful merger attempt with Honda. According to a Bloomberg report released on Thursday, Nissan’s board of directors is actively considering candidates to replace CEO Makoto Uchida, who has led the company since 2019. The potential shakeup is said to be part of a broader effort to streamline the company’s management structure, with an official announcement expected on March 12.

Despite these reports, Reuters suggests that Uchida may retain his position. His contract is set to expire in 2026, and while he has previously stated his willingness to step down if asked, he has also expressed his intent to stabilize the company before his departure. However, this goal has become increasingly challenging following the collapse of the Honda merger.

Nissan is bracing for a substantial financial setback, anticipating a loss of approximately ¥80 billion (RM2.48 billion) by the end of March. This comes after Uchida’s proposed turnaround plan failed to yield the expected results. Compounding Nissan’s troubles, the company faces significant debt obligations in the coming year.

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Jaecoo has officially launched the J7 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) in Malaysia, presenting it as a significant alternative to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and fully electric models. Designed to cater to the evolving preferences of Malaysian drivers, the J7 PHEV integrates advanced hybrid technology with an emphasis on performance, efficiency, and practicality.

At the heart of the J7 PHEV is a 1.5-litre hybrid-specific engine, which replaces the 1.6-litre turbocharged unit used in the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro. This powertrain produces 143PS and 215Nm of torque, prioritising fuel economy and extended range over outright power. Although it generates slightly less output than its petrol-only counterpart, the J7 PHEV is designed to excel in long-distance travel.

To demonstrate its endurance, the vehicle recently completed a rigorous test run from Singapore to Hat Yai, Thailand, covering an impressive WLTP range of over 1,200 km on a single charge. The feat underscores its ability to handle extensive road trips efficiently, positioning it as a practical solution for drivers who seek both fuel savings and environmental benefits.

Inside, Jaecoo has refined the cabin with a minimalist yet functional design approach. The door panels have been redesigned, eliminating ornate grab handles and traditional physical door mirror switches. The centre console has been restructured, replacing the conventional gear lever with a steering column-mounted stalk, while a row of physical buttons, including dedicated controls for EV and HEV driving modes, ensures a user-friendly layout.

The J7 PHEV features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with updated graphics and a 14.8-inch portrait infotainment touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. Additional technological enhancements include Qi wireless charging, a 360-degree camera system with a transparent mode, a built-in dash cam, and an eight-speaker Sony sound system.

Despite the inclusion of a large battery pack beneath the boot floor, the J7 PHEV retains a 500-litre cargo capacity, which expands to 1,265 litres when the rear seats are folded down. The full-size spare tyre has been replaced with a tyre repair foam canister, optimizing storage space while maintaining practicality.

Jaecoo has also equipped the J7 PHEV with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features. The model includes Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go and curve speed control, Lane Centring Assist, and an Intelligent Evasion System (IES). Additional systems such as Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert with automatic braking, Driver Attention Monitoring, and a Door Opening Warning further enhance occupant safety. The vehicle also comes with eight airbags and standard stability control.

The J7 PHEV will be available in three exterior colour options, which are Khaki White, Moonlight Silver (with a black roof), and Carbon Crystal Black, all complemented by a black interior. The J7 PHEV is priced at RM158,800.

All J7 PHEV SUVs come with a seven-year engine warranty or up to 150,000km mileage and an eight-year warranty or up to 160,000km mileage on its battery, power motor and power motor controller unit. The eight-year warranty provides a 1 to 1 exchange when the state of health (SOH) of the battery falls below 70% during the warranty tenure.

In conjunction with the launch, Jaecoo announced a special early bird package which qualifies all existing J7 PHEV bookings and bookings placed up to 2nd March 2025 for a 10-year warranty or up to 1,000,000km mileage extended engine and high voltage battery warranty. All J7 PHEVs also come with a complimentary Vehicle to Load (V2L) charger.

Kia has introduced the Concept EV2, a groundbreaking B-segment all-electric SUV, at its EV Day event in Barcelona. Designed to redefine urban mobility, the Concept EV2 embodies innovation, adventure, and sustainability while incorporating advanced technology and a versatile interior layout.

The Concept EV2 showcases Kia’s ambition to push the boundaries of electric vehicle (EV) design. The vehicle integrates connected technology, a spacious multi-configurable interior, and innovative rear-hinged back doors. This design not only enhances accessibility but also provides users with an opportunity to experience an active urban lifestyle while seamlessly engaging with city environments.

Kia President and CEO, Ho Sung Song, emphasised that the Concept EV2 represents a major advancement in urban mobility. He stated that the company set out to create a vehicle that surpasses expectations by offering cutting-edge technology and functionality beyond its compact size. The concept serves as a preview of Kia’s future vision, aiming to bring a new level of sophistication and usability to urban drivers while making EVs more accessible to the masses.

A Bold and Dynamic Exterior

The Concept EV2 features a distinctive and confident exterior that aligns with Kia’s evolving EV lineup. The front fascia is framed by vertical daytime running lights (DRLs), contributing to a modern and dynamic aesthetic. Kia’s Star Map signature lighting integrates an open lamp design without cover glass, creating a visually striking effect.

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