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Perodua EMO-1 Prototype Showcased – 55.7kWh Battery, 160hp, 220Nm of Torque

Last year, Perodua provided a glimpse of how its all-electric path might develop in the future by showcasing that vision through its Electric Motion Online (EMO) concept.

This year, building on that, Perodua unveiled its first working electric vehicle (EV) prototype – the Myvi Conversion – and would be the foundation on which the compact car maker builds its electrification technology.

The EV prototype, which consists of three main parts, the power bench, the power converter and overall styling and design was made in Malaysia, with only the power conversion technology development done by an Australian company called EV North.

According to Perodua, this is “Episode 1” of a few episodes toward the end product. Perodua stated that they have more than 60 local vendors to supply the needed equipment. Perodua also noted that they are not collaborating with Toyota or Daihatsu because neither of them has an “affordable EV.”

For this project, Perodua has collaborated with three local universities. They assist Perodua in understanding BEV system architecture with a clear focus on HV components and powertrain. The reason behind this is to boost and build the automotive industry in Malaysia by giving the young minds behind the project more exposure towards the technicality behind building an electric vehicle.

Twelve engineers from Perodua were selected for their backgrounds in electrical, electronics and mechanical engineering and a budget of RM2 million was allocated for this programme.

However, the EV Myvi that you see here will not be the final product. It will have an all-new look. This EMO-1 (EV Myvi) is a fully functioning prototype to carry out test such as a 0-100km/h timing, which resulted in a 7 second benchmark. It runs on a single electric motor producing 160hp and 220Nm of torque and power is sent to the front wheels. The targeted top speed is slightly above 150km/h.

Electric driving range wise, Perodua states that the EMO-1 has a NMC lithium-ion battery with 55.7 kWh and is targeted to do 350km to 400km. Charging wise, it takes around five hours full charge up with an 11kW AC charging 50kW DC takes over an hour to do so.

As for the pricing, Perodua stated that it would be somewhere above RM50k but below RM100k. We are eagerly waiting for the second phase to commence to see this astonishing project develope further.

GWM Tank 300 Officially Open For Bookings – Est. Price of RM250k

Great Wall Motor (GWM) Malaysia has officially opened the order books for the highly anticipated Tank 300 off-road SUV.

The Tank 300, which made a strong impression during its preview in March and subsequent test drive in China, will arrive in Malaysia as a Completely Built-Up (CBU) fully-imported vehicle. It will be available in its non-hybrid form, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine. The estimated pricing has been confirmed, with the SUV expected to be priced around RM250,000, slightly below the earlier indicated price.

At the ongoing Malaysia Autoshow 2024, the Tank 300 is on full display, showcasing both its standard form and a specially-kitted version. The latter features body-coloured flares and distinctive accessories, such as an over-the-top (OTT) bonnet and a stylish aluminium storage box mounted on the rear access panel. However, GWM Malaysia has clarified that this black variant with Chinese-market accessories is intended to demonstrate customisation possibilities and will not be available through official channels.

The Tank 300’s engine produces 217hp and 380Nm of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a dual-speed, electronically-controlled part-time four-wheel drive system. Key technical features include an all-terrain control system with nine driving modes and a maximum wading depth of 700mm.

Inside the Tank 300, the SUV boasts a luxurious interior with modern amenities. Notable features include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interior is adorned with Nappa leather upholstery, and standard equipment includes a nine-speaker Infinity sound system, automatic air-conditioning, and double-layer acoustic glass to enhance in-cabin noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels.

GWM Malaysia’s decision to showcase the Tank 300 at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 underscores their commitment to bringing advanced and appealing off-road vehicles to the local market. As the launch date approaches, potential buyers eagerly await the arrival of this rugged yet refined SUV, which promises to offer a compelling mix of performance, technology, and style.

Expected to hit the Malaysian market in the second quarter of 2024, deliveries are slated to begin in July following its official launch, which is anticipated to occur next month.

Leapmotor C10 Previewed in Malaysia – Launching End of The Year

Stellantis recently announced the start of operations of Leapmotor International, which is a joint-venture strategic partnership with Leapmotor, a leading EV technology powerhouse from China. Leapmotor International’s EV product offering is considered complementary to Stellantis’ current technology and portfolio of iconic brands and will bring more affordable mobility solutions to global customers in the fourth quarter with Malaysia included in the growth plans.

Zhejiang Leapmotor Technology Co., Ltd., trading as Leapmotor, is a Chinese startup automobile manufacturer headquartered in Hangzhou, China, specialising in developing electric vehicles. The company was founded in 2015, and sold its first vehicles in 2019. In 2023, Stellantis acquired 20 percent stake of Leapmotor, and plans to sell Leapmotor vehicles in Europe.

The Leapmotor C10 is Leapmotor’s first global product, built according to global design and safety standards. The C10 is based on Leapmotor’s self-developed LEAP3.0 technology architecture, featuring industry-leading intelligent electric technology such as central integrated electronic and electrical architecture, cell-to-chassis (CTC) technology, and its flagship intelligent cockpit. It is a fully equipped, family-centric D-segment vehicle with best-in-segment premium ride and handling experience, featuring up to 420 km WLTP range, and a 5-star E-NCAP rating.

According to Stellantis Malaysia, the C10 is expected to make it’s official debut here in Malaysia and the end of the year.

smart #1 Pro and Premium Variant Pricing Adjusted – RM20k Drop for Pro Variant

smart Malaysia has just revealed here at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 that the pricing of the smart #1 pricing for the Premium and Pro variants has been adjusted.

This strategic adjustment, combined with a global price realignment from smart Global, reflects their dedication to providing exceptional value and fostering inclusivity within the smart community.

The new On-The-Road Prices (without insurance) of smart #1 Premium and Pro with Sales and Service Tax:

smart #1 Premium: RM209,000
smart #1 Pro: RM169,000

Existing smart #1 Premium and Pro owners are offered a complimentary 4-year service package as a token of appreciation for their loyalty.

Also unveiled was the new smart #3 SUV Coupe and bookings have commenced. The smart #3 has already garnered international acclaim, winning both the iF Design Award and the Red Dot Design Award, standing as a testament to exceptional design quality and innovation curated by the Mercedes-Benz global design team.

smart Malaysia Unveils the All-New smart #3 SUV Coupe and Commenced Bookings – smart #1 Prices Adjusted

smart Malaysia has unveiled the all-new smart #3 SUV Coupe at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 and commenced bookings. Themed ‘Chase the Thrill,’ the event aimed to ignite excitement for the Premium Dynamic Urban Companion, where style and elegance meet personality and performance on the road.

The smart #3 has already garnered international acclaim, winning both the iF Design Award and the Red Dot Design Award, standing as a testament to exceptional design quality and innovation curated by the Mercedes-Benz global design team.

Customers who book early will receive exclusive smart official merchandise worth up to RM1,500. This limited-time offer is reserved for the first 333 pre-booked customers, with a refundable RM1,000 booking fee.

Just like the #1, the #3 also comes in different specs and configurations, including the top-of-the-line Brabus version. The Premium and Pro variant get a single motor driving the rear wheels which puts out 268hp and 343Nm of torque. It can go from 0-100km/h in 5.8 seconds, up to a top speed of 180km/h.

Meanwhile, the Smart #3 Brabus gets a twin motor setup putting out 422hp and 543Nm of torque. 0-100km/h takes just 3.7 seconds, up to a top speed of 180km/h.

The #3 has a front MacPherson and rear five-link suspension structure which translates to controllability and a more precise steering response which gives you a more flexible control of the car. The AWD version uses a thicker front and rear stabiliser bar which effectively reduces body roll and improves on the cornering limit.

The higher-spec variants support 22kW of AC Charging and up to 150kW for DC charging. The base “Pro” model only supports a slower 7kW of AC charging and DC charging up to 130kW. This gives us a 455km driving range for the Premium and 415km for the Brabus. With a 0.27 ultra-low drag coefficient thanks to aerodynamic optimisations, the #3 has a 15km driving range more than the #1.

The optimisations include aerodynamic rims, front and rear wheel wind deflectors, active air intake grille and wind blade air curtains.

On the inside, you get the smart intelligent cockpit. It comes with a multi-fuction leather steering wheel, turbine-style air vents, sporty seats with integrated headrest and ventilation (Brabus and Premium variants only). Also included is a 9.2 inch full LCD high definition instrument cluster, a 10 inch full-colour head-up display and in the middle, a big 12.8 inch central control screen. In the smart #1, the Ai partner was a fox, but in the smart #3, it has been changed to a cheetah. According to smart Malaysia, this cheetah resembles the sportiness and speed of the #3.

For the Brabus and Premium variants, the infotainment system is linked to a 13-Beats speaker sound system. Also available is a 64-colour dual-zone ambient lighting system, wireless charging with four USB ports and a centre console with a chiller.

Pricing Adjustment for smart #1:

smart Malaysia also unveiled a new, more affordable pricing structure for the smart #1 Premium and Pro models. This strategic adjustment, combined with a global price realignment from smart Global, reflects their dedication to providing exceptional value and fostering inclusivity within the smart community.

– New On-The-Road Prices (without insurance) of smart #1 Premium and Pro with Sales and Service Tax:

smart #1 Premium: RM209,000
smart #1 Pro: RM169,000

Existing smart #1 Premium and Pro owners are offered a complimentary 4-year service package as a token of appreciation for their loyalty.

smart Malaysia’s unveiling of the All-New smart #3 SUV Coupe at Malaysia Autoshow 2024 signifies a bold step towards electrification and innovation in the automotive industry. With its range of variants and cutting-edge features, the smart #3 promises to redefine urban mobility while the revised pricing for smart #1 models reflects their commitment to customer satisfaction and inclusivity. Customers are invited to book the smart #3 at authorized smart dealerships or through the Hello smart App and experience the future of driving.

MINI Malaysia Unveils Three New Iconic Models at Malaysia Autoshow 2024

MINI Malaysia has introduced three new iconic models at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024. The new lineup includes the All-Electric MINI Countryman SE ALL4, the MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) Countryman ALL4, and the MINI Cooper S.

The New MINI Countryman

The New MINI Countryman SE ALL4 and the MINI JCW Countryman ALL4 are the highlights of this release, offering increased room, superior comfort, and advanced digital and safety features. Taller and more spacious, these models come with ALL4 All-Wheel Drive capability, making them versatile for urban, rural, and off-road adventures.

Exterior Design and Features:
The new MINI Countryman has grown in size, with an additional six centimetres in height and thirteen centimetres in length. Distinctive features include a new octagonal vehicle grille, LED adaptive headlights with high-beam assistant, and three light signatures in the front and rear LED lights. The New MINI Countryman SE ALL4 and JCW Countryman ALL4 come with unique trims, including roof and mirror caps in Piano Black or Vibrant Silver, and JCW-specific patterns with red accents.

Interior Design and Features:
The interior showcases a spacious, curved dashboard with textile surfaces made of recycled polyester fabric. Features include a MINI head-up display, adjustable rear seats, Harman Kardon 12-speaker surround sound system, and high-quality Vescin vegan leather upholstery. The New MINI Countryman SE ALL4 offers a luggage capacity of 460 litres, expandable to 1,350 litres, while the JCW Countryman ALL4 offers 505 litres, expandable to 1,530 litres.

Performance and Technology:
The New MINI Countryman SE ALL4 delivers 313hp and 494Nm of torque, with a 0 – 100km/h sprint in just 5.6 seconds, and an electric range of up to 432km. The JCW Countryman ALL4 offers 300hp and 400Nm of torque, achieving 0 – 100km/h in 5.4 seconds. Both models feature advanced driver assistance systems like Driving Assistant and Parking Assistant Plus, enhancing safety and convenience.

The New MINI Cooper S

The New MINI Cooper S reinvents the classic MINI design with modern features and advanced technology, emphasising its go-kart-like driving experience.

Exterior Design:
Compact proportions, round headlights, and a distinctive grille characterise the modern exterior. It is equipped with 18-inch Slide Spoke 2-tone light alloy wheels and triangular LED rear lights.

Interior Design:
The minimalist interior features a new steering wheel, round OLED display, and a spacious cockpit with high-quality vegan leather seats. The luggage capacity is 210 litres, expandable to 725 litres.

Performance:
The New MINI Cooper S is powered by a 2.0-litre engine delivering 204hp and 300Nm of torque, enabling a 0 – 100km/h sprint in 6.6 seconds. The suspension and damping system provide the signature MINI go-kart feeling, ensuring exceptional driving dynamics.

Digital Innovations

All new MINI models feature the MINI Interaction Unit, a touch-sensitive high-resolution OLED display with MINI Operating System 9, offering an immersive digital experience. The MINI Connected Package provides access to various apps, and the MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant facilitates voice-controlled navigation and other functions.

Personalisation and Connectivity:
The MINI App offers new functions like Remote 3D View, Remote Engine Start, and MINI Digital Key Plus, enhancing user convenience and vehicle sharing capabilities. Eight MINI Experience Modes allow for personalized interior ambiance with dynamic light patterns and driving sounds.

MINI Malaysia’s unveiling at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 showcases the brand’s commitment to innovation, performance, and sustainability. The new models—All-Electric MINI Countryman SE ALL4, MINI JCW Countryman ALL4, and MINI Cooper S—represent the future of urban mobility, blending advanced technology with classic design. Enthusiasts are invited to experience these exciting new additions, reflecting MINI’s enduring “BIG LOVE” for innovation and adventure.

Estimated retail pricing of the new MINI Countryman SE ALL4, new MINI JCW Countryman ALL4 and new MINI Cooper S with SST (on the road, without insurance) is RM260,000 for the Countryman SE ALL4, RM399,000 for the JCW Countryman ALL4 and RM 280,000 for the Cooper S.