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GAC Honda has officially introduced the P7 in China, an all-electric SUV that represents the brand’s first venture under the newly developed “Architecture W”, a platform purpose-built for battery electric vehicles. With prices ranging from 199,900 to 249,900 yuan (around RM131,000 to RM164,000), the P7 arrives in three distinct variants, each aimed at redefining Honda’s presence in the EV segment.

The P7 makes a bold visual statement with its futuristic design language inspired by mechanical aesthetics. Its broad, low-slung profile is crafted for aerodynamic efficiency, enhanced by a seamless body construction that reduces drag. At the front, a closed-off grille is complemented by a full-width LED light bar, while the lower section features a blacked-out multi-slat bumper that adds visual depth and aggression to the SUV’s appearance. Notably, the P7 is also the first model to carry Honda’s latest brand emblem, signifying a new design direction for the marque.

Dimensionally, the P7 positions itself as a spacious option in its class. It stretches 4,750 mm in length, 1,930 mm in width, and stands at 1,625 mm tall, supported by an extended wheelbase of 2,930 mm. For comparison, this places it larger than the sixth-generation Honda CR-V currently sold in Malaysia, particularly in terms of wheelbase and overall width, which contributes to a notably high space utilisation rate of 85.8%.

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Kia, in partnership with creative agency Innocean Berlin, has unveiled Soundscapes, an ambitious new project that reimagines how passengers experience movement. More than just a technological showcase, the initiative is a sensory-driven exploration of connection and inclusivity, offering a new way to interpret the world through sound.

The heart of the Soundscapes project lies in its innovative use of the Kia EV9’s advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). By capturing the surrounding topography in real-time, the vehicle’s AI system translates the natural landscape into music, transforming a standard road trip into an immersive, auditory journey. Passengers are invited to engage with their environment not through sight, but through a sonic interpretation of their surroundings.

This concept holds particular significance for visually impaired passengers. David Hilbert, Marketing Director at Kia Europe, stated that the project aims to demonstrate how technology can overcome barriers and enrich lives. Kia’s belief that “movement inspires ideas” serves as the foundation of this initiative, with Soundscapes acting as a tangible expression of that ethos.

The technical and creative execution was led by Innocean Berlin in collaboration with Harald Schaack of grotesk.group, who developed the system to map landscape features and feed them into a real-time music generator. Schaack’s algorithm interprets visual data from the ADAS system and translates it into audio signals.

To ensure these soundscapes were both expressive and grounded in emotional resonance, music producer Wonder Bettin of DaHouse GmbH was brought on board. Each natural object encountered by the vehicle was given a unique musical quality, chosen to reflect its perceived size, texture, and movement. Bettin explained that music has the power to awaken the imagination in profound ways, offering new perspectives and making the unseen deeply felt.

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Despite the automotive industry’s ongoing shift towards electrification, digitalisation, and downsizing, Mazda has no intention of abandoning the core characteristics that have made the MX-5 a beloved icon for over three decades. Even after ten years on the market, the current ND-generation Miata remains a favourite among enthusiasts, and the Japanese marque appears committed to preserving its spirit in the forthcoming successor.

Masashi Nakayama, General Manager of Mazda’s Design Division, has confirmed that the next MX-5 will continue the brand’s pursuit of lightweight engineering, as reported by Road & Track. Mazda’s internal goal is to keep the future model’s kerb weight below 1,000kg. This weight target echoes the philosophy of the Japan-only ND 990S, which currently stands as the lightest version of the Miata at just 990kg.

While car buyers often anticipate more interior space with each new model generation, those hoping for a roomier MX-5 cabin may be left disappointed. Mazda’s engineers are determined to keep the vehicle compact, and the new model is expected to retain a length of under four metres. This would align closely with the current ND’s measurement of 154.1 inches, reaffirming the brand’s stance on maintaining the Miata’s signature footprint.

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Audi has expanded its A6 model line with a new business-class sedan that merges elegance with technological sophistication. Set for a global rollout beginning mid-April 2025, the new A6 Sedan embodies the marque’s commitment to design excellence, aerodynamic efficiency, and driving comfort, marking a new chapter in the premium full-size segment.

This latest iteration of the A6 boasts a drag coefficient of just 0.23 — the lowest ever achieved by an Audi production model powered by an internal combustion engine. It exemplifies Audi’s advancement in aerodynamics, combining subtle design refinements with high-performance engineering to enhance both efficiency and performance.

Underpinning the new A6 is a range of modern petrol and diesel powertrains, all integrated with the brand’s MHEV plus mild-hybrid technology. This system supports the combustion engine with electric assistance, allowing smoother acceleration, lower emissions, and greater fuel efficiency. It also enables limited electric-only driving in low-speed urban conditions and while coasting. The line-up includes a 2.0-litre TDI four-cylinder engine producing 204PS, and a 3.0-litre TFSI six-cylinder delivering 367PS. Both benefit from the electrified system’s additional torque of up to 230Nm and a power boost of up to 24PS during overtaking or take-off, while recuperation during deceleration can reach up to 25 kW.

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As BMW opens a new chapter in 2025 with its all-electric Neue Klasse lineup, it is redefining not only the way its vehicles drive but also how they sound and feel. At the heart of this sensory transformation is HypersonX—a groundbreaking soundscape developed by the BMW Group Sound Design Studio, which introduces an emotional layer of interaction between driver and vehicle.

HypersonX isn’t just a collection of futuristic tones—it’s a multi-dimensional, immersive audio experience designed specifically for the Neue Klasse models. It comprises 43 curated sound signals, along with specially developed drive sounds tailored to both Personal Mode and Sport Mode. These modes shift the emotional tone inside the cabin, delivering everything from soothing naturalistic sound cues to adrenaline-pumping acceleration notes that evoke speed and power.

This dynamic sound adaptation is enabled by major technological leaps made possible by the Neue Klasse platform. At the core lies BMW Operating System X and an all-new audio control unit, creating the conditions for richer sound reproduction, expanded dynamic range, and spatial modulation that lets the driver “travel” through layers of sound during different phases of acceleration.

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Honda Malaysia has begun accepting bookings for its first fully electric vehicle, the all-new e:N1, as the company accelerates its entry into the battery electric vehicle (BEV) market. The highly anticipated SUV is scheduled for launch in the second quarter of 2025 and is available for pre-booking via the company’s official website and HondaTouch mobile application.

The introduction of the e:N1 represents a significant step forward in Honda Malaysia’s electrification journey. Developed with a clear focus on the needs of modern Malaysian motorists, the e:N1 blends advanced electric powertrain technology with the brand’s signature approach to driving enjoyment, innovation, and daily usability. According to the company, the model serves as a strong foundation for Honda’s BEV strategy in the country.

Built on Honda’s newly engineered e:N Architecture F platform, the e:N1 is designed with front-wheel-drive configuration to offer smooth acceleration and precise vehicle control under a wide range of road conditions. The platform supports a high-performance electric motor paired with a 68.8kWh lithium-ion battery, capable of producing 201hp of power and 310Nm of torque. With a claimed range of up to 500KM based on the NEDC cycle, the e:N1 aims to offer both efficiency and long-distance usability.

Visually, the e:N1 reflects Honda’s evolving design language with clean, aerodynamic lines and modern aesthetics. Among its most distinctive features are the full LED headlights, a continuous LED taillight design, and 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels unique to this BEV model. A new white “H” logo has been incorporated into key design elements of the car, including the keyless remote, the steering wheel, the centre wheel caps, and the front charging port cover — all of which underscore its identity as part of Honda’s electric vehicle lineup. The rear of the vehicle features a refreshed spread-letter Honda emblem, lending a more refined and upmarket look to the overall design.

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