On 21st May 2024, Perodua unveiled its first working electric vehicle (EV) prototype which they have officially named as the Myvi Conversion. Unofficially, it seems that it should be called EMO-1, as we see that plastered on the doors of the concept car which was unveiled and displayed at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 (till the 26th of May). This would be the foundation on which the Malaysian compact car manufacturer intends to base its electrification technology on.
Last week, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) launched the Toyota Yaris G Limited. This latest addition to the Yaris lineup here in Malaysia offers improved performance upgrades, enhanced handling, and a stylish design. HOWEVER, the Toyota Yaris G Limited will be a limited run with only 600 units available and priced at RM99,600.00 (On the road, without insurance), with a full 5-year unlimited mileage warranty for the vehicle. So if you are interested in a sharper handling, slightly more powerful Yaris with factory warranty, be quick about it.
Perodua earlier today launched the previous generation Axia E again. Basically the cheapest new car you can buy in Malaysia, the Axia E is targeted at the lower income group and comes with a price of RM22,000 before insurance. This is definitely the 'menu Rahmah' of the car industry folks. If you're familiar with the term 'Rahmah' here folks. Definitely the RM5 meal equivalent.
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Well, I'm still around folks! Lazier than ever which is why things don't get updated. No, the Malaysian automotive industry is technically doing fine without me and it's just that ever since the recent pandemic and the many Movement Control Orders (Three to be exact) has made me change the priorities in my life. These days, its more about me, me, me and me.
But that isn't new with me actually. It's just that I have enjoyed doing what I like to do the most and since the automotive scene isn't all that great since you are restricted in doing outdoorsy stuff and lotsa masks, protocols, it has been boring. Add the fact that these days I only see cars having their infotainment systems upgraded as the biggest upgrade to a vehicle model ever and that they basically still drive the same as before, car launches can be extremely boring too.
I mean, cars these days all mostly drive well and don't actually want to kill you. Even crappy small cars drive well and a filled with safety features whether you want them or not. Ten years ago you could buy a crappy looking car with tiny tyres and it would handle terribly (I'm lookin' at you, previous gen Nissan Almera - the current one is a good looking B segment car and drives well too), but these days, even the ugliest looking B segment Hatchback on sale today - I'm lookin' at you Honda City Hatchback drives decently well, is extremely well equipped does not have any handling issues to complain or bitch about. Except that it's ugly. Or uglier in real life. Photos actually do it justice. MAYBE its the choen camera angles.
Why oh why, aside from ensuring that maximum profitability to the company will you stop selling the outgoing, nicer looking, as practical, as fast, as well equipped good looking Honda Jazz/Fit for the City Hatchback? Look at the current Japan market Honda City and compare to what we Malaysians are getting. The City Hatchback looks so conservatively bland or like some budget family car from te 1950s rather than something modern and truly savvy from its external styling. In terms of equipment, of course we still get the usual stuff, but looks and style wise.....nope. Look at the Jazz/Fit below...modern chic.
Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has unveiled its latest electric model, the IONIQ 5 Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV), with what they say are innovative and sustainable features that are set to redefine the electric mobility lifestyle in Malaysia. There will be three variants with prices starting at RM199K. The launch seems to say that HSDM is pushing foward with making Hyundai a niche player with unique vehicles that aren't just the norm as well as paving the way for the future.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced that they are now accepting pre-bookings for the all-new Golf R-Line, with the estimated price range between RM155,000 to RM165,000. The C segment hatchback was unveiled at the Sepang International Circuit as part of the official launch of the eighth generation of the Golf in Malaysia. The car was unveiled together with the iconic hot hatch GTI variant as well as a short preview of the upcoming top of the range, high performance Golf R.
The Toyota Yaris compact B segment hatchback is soon to be sold with a slight front end restyle, have added vehicle telemetry system and have additional equipment inside. It is already open for bookings at all authorised Toyota dealerships nationwide and we have the estimated price list attached below for your convenience.
