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In a move poised to redefine the hybrid segment, Hyundai Motor Group has introduced a ground-breaking hybrid powertrain that merges high-performance capability with everyday usability. The Korean automotive giant’s latest development marks a pivotal step in the evolution of electrified vehicles, aiming to deliver the benefits of full electric motoring without the limitations of charging infrastructure.

The newly engineered system centres on a dual-motor setup paired with optimised internal combustion engines. This advanced configuration ensures seamless transitions between petrol and electric power, offering spirited performance alongside notable improvements in fuel economy. Hyundai’s engineers have reduced mechanical complexity in the design, prioritising long-term reliability and ease of maintenance—two areas where conventional hybrids often draw scrutiny.

At the heart of the new system is a 2.5-litre turbocharged hybrid engine, producing an impressive 334 PS and 460 Nm of torque—figures typically associated with performance SUVs. Yet, despite its muscular output, the unit boasts a remarkable 45 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency compared to standard turbocharged engines. This leap in efficiency is attributed to a suite of cutting-edge technologies, including an advanced over-expansion cycle and a high-precision fuel injection system designed to extract maximum energy from every drop of fuel.

However, Hyundai’s vision extends beyond performance statistics. The hybrid powertrain incorporates a suite of intelligent features designed for real-world convenience. Predictive energy management evaluates upcoming driving routes to optimise power distribution between electric and petrol modes. Meanwhile, a newly developed ‘stay mode’ enables drivers to keep the climate control and infotainment systems running while the engine remains off—ideal for school runs, rest stops, or waiting in traffic.

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Kia has officially introduced the 2026 K4 Hatchback at the New York International Auto Show, marking its return to the global stage one year after the successful unveiling of the all-new K4 sedan and the teaser of a vibrant Sparkling Yellow hatchback. Positioned as a dynamic, city-savvy alternative to its saloon counterpart, the new hatchback blends enhanced versatility with the same elevated technology and design language that defined the original K4.

The K4 Hatchback has been developed with urban lifestyles in mind, combining a shorter overall length with expanded cargo space and class-leading passenger comfort. It promises a more agile driving experience while maintaining generous interior dimensions, making it particularly suitable for urban environments and active users.

According to Kia America, the hatchback is not merely an extension of the K4 line, but a purposeful evolution designed to appeal to those who value both functionality and bold styling. The model is set to go on sale in the United States by late 2025 and will be offered in standard and GT-Line variants.

The new hatchback retains the assertive stance and contemporary silhouette of the K4 saloon while introducing distinctive styling elements. It features a floating roofline that integrates seamlessly with the rear hatch, along with a more athletic profile emphasised by hidden rear door handles embedded within the C-pillar. The vehicle also adopts Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy and includes design cues from the EV9, such as vertically stacked LED headlamps and tail-lamps.

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Chinese New Energy Vehicle (NEV) pioneer Leapmotor has embarked on a bold 6,000-kilometre expedition from Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, all the way to Johor, Malaysia, showcasing its latest innovations in electric mobility. The journey, marking Leapmotor’s growing presence in the ASEAN region, highlights the brand’s commitment to intelligent, efficient and long-range electric vehicles.

Led by the company’s latest Range Extender Electric Vehicle (REEV) models, the ASEAN Expedition Drive features three newly developed SUVs: the C10 REEV, the stylish C11 REEV, and the versatile six-seater C16 REEV. These models, combining high efficiency with advanced technology, are set to make a strong impression on Malaysian roads as they pass through key cities from Penang to Johor during the final stretch of the expedition.

One of the standout vehicles of the journey is the Leapmotor C10 REEV, a completely different offering from the all-electric C10 variant already available locally. This REEV version features a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, functioning as a generator to recharge a 28.4kWh battery pack, and paired with a 158kW electric motor. The result is a combined driving range of up to 1,150km (NEDC), making the C10 REEV ideal for long-distance travel without compromising on energy efficiency.

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The Isuzu D-Max continues to solidify its position as one of Malaysia’s top-performing pick-up trucks in 2025, with its reputation for reliability, fuel efficiency, and robust performance driving it to unprecedented heights. In the first quarter of the year, Isuzu Malaysia captured a record 18.3 per cent share of the national pick-up truck segment, a marked increase from the 14.0 per cent achieved during the same period in 2024.

This performance has propelled the D-Max into second place overall in Malaysia’s competitive pick-up market, making it one of the most sought-after choices among both urban and rural buyers. The surge in demand comes despite growing public scepticism towards diesel vehicles, largely triggered by a recent spike in diesel fuel prices across Peninsular Malaysia.

According to Kenkichi Sogo, Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia, the company is witnessing a significant shift in buyer perception. Consumers, he said, are increasingly recognising the D-Max’s versatility, dependability, and affordability, particularly in times of rising living costs. Sogo emphasised that the D-Max offers not just impressive capabilities for both work and leisure, but also extremely low running costs and a road tax of under RM400 annually in Peninsular Malaysia—making it a financially prudent choice.

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Porsche has set a new benchmark at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, with its latest 911 GT3 becoming the fastest production car fitted with a manual transmission to lap the legendary circuit. Behind the wheel of the record-setting vehicle was Porsche brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister, who completed the 20.832km course in a remarkable 6 minutes and 56.294 seconds, eclipsing the previous best by more than nine and a half seconds.

The achievement underscores Porsche’s commitment to driver-focused engineering, particularly at a time when fully automated systems and dual-clutch gearboxes dominate the performance car landscape. This record is especially significant considering the vehicle was equipped with a traditional six-speed manual gearbox rather than the brand’s quicker, seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) transmission.

The 911 GT3, fitted with the Weissach package, delivered a performance that exceeded its predecessor’s PDK-assisted lap by 3.633 seconds, illustrating the substantial improvements made across key performance areas. Among the developments contributing to the enhanced pace were revisions to the suspension setup and chassis, largely influenced by insights gained from the more extreme 911 GT3 RS. The new model also features a revised gear ratio, shortened by eight per cent, which provides improved acceleration characteristics despite maintaining the same power output of 510PS.

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Nizra Group has taken a significant step forward in redefining Malaysia’s mobility landscape with the grand opening of the MG Nizra Damansara 3S Showroom. The launch marks a pivotal milestone in the Group’s expansion into the automotive sector, showcasing its strong commitment to electric mobility, lifestyle integration, and customer-centric experiences.

Held at The Nizra Building, the event was attended by key figures including Nik Iruwan Dato’ Nik Izani, Group CEO of Nizra Group Berhad; Mr. Lee Wen Hsiang, COO of SAIC Malaysia; Mr. Liu Dong, Sales & Marketing Director of SAIC Malaysia; and Encik Hurais bin Dato’ Hanafiah, Director of Nizra Mobility.

A Comprehensive 3S Facility

The new showroom offers a full Sales, Service, and Spare Parts (3S) experience, complete with state-of-the-art service bays, dedicated consultation areas, and a customer-centric lounge designed for comfort and convenience. Demonstrating its alignment with the electric future, the facility is also equipped with DC fast-charging infrastructure, ensuring MG EV owners and prospects have access to rapid and reliable charging on-site.

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