Kia Sales Malaysia officially launches the new, facelifted 2026 Kia Carnival - 7 Seater at RM188,888 and 11 Seater at RM248,888 before insurance

 

Kia Sales Malaysia (KSM), which is the official Malaysian arm of Kia vehicles, has launched the new 2026 Kia Carnival. The launch marks the company’s first model introduction since the establishment of KSM. Kia’s flagship MPV is now sold in its facelifted form and was first seen at the end of October 2023 for the 2025 model year onwards. For Malaysia, the new Kia Carnival is offered in two locally assembled (CKD) variants from launch, namely, the 2.2D 11-seater and 2.2D 7-seater, providing flexibility for both large families and executive-oriented users.

The 2026 Kia Carnival has a more distinctive exterior styling than its pre-facelifted predecessor. It features Kia's current "Opposites United" design language and gets redesigned headlights and taillights, the deletion of the visible handle for the tailgate release, a revamped interior with an updated centre console and new switchgear, plus some new interior features with updated technology and convenience features. It is locally assembled in Kulim, Kedah and will cost RM188,888 for the 11 seater and RM248,888 for the more premium equipped 7 seater variants before any insurance but with Road Tax.

The newly established Hyundai Motor Malaysia holds a preview of the upcoming models - all-New Hyundai Santa Fe, facelifted Hyundai Tucson SUV and the new Hyundai Staria Prestige 7 Seater MPV

Hyundai Motor Company recently announced the establishment of Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMY), a newly formed local entity following the brand’s direct entry into the market. This move represents Hyundai’s evolution from a distributor-led model under Sime Darby Motors to a principal-led operational approach, which the brand hopes will be rooted in deeper market commitment, enhanced customer engagement, and a renewed focus on innovation and long-term growth.

Earlier today, the brand introduced three of their upcoming vehicles to the Malaysian media - the 2025 all-new Hyundai Santa Fe, (photo:right) the 2025 upgraded Hyundai Tucson (above, left) and the 2025 Hyundai Staria in the Prestige 7 Seater variant. 

Denza, a sub-brand by BYD launches their first model here in Malaysia - the DENZA D9 premium MPV

DENZA, a premium sub brand of BYD, officially entered the Malaysian automotive market earlier today with the launch of its flagship model, the DENZA D9. With the tagline, "Redefining Sophistication," Denza claims that it redefines luxury in modern mobility by combining elegant design, innovative technology, and sustainable performance. Expanding to a new premium segment for BYD, they aim to deliver an exceptional driving experience with Denza, demonstrating the company's commitment to continuous innovation and greener mobility to meet the needs of a diverse market in Malaysia. This is actually quite an important move, as this sits as a competitor to the basically monopoly that the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire MPVs here have when it comes to a premium MPV.

 

UMW Toyota Motor launches the 4th generation Toyota Alphard 2.4T Executive Lounge & Vellfire 2.5 MPVs in Malaysia. All sold out for this year already!

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT), the authorised distributor for Toyota vehicles here has launched the all-new 4^th generation Toyota Alphard and Vellfire in Malaysia. The range toppingToyota Alphard and Vellfire feature cutting-edge equipment and specification tensure that they are still at the forefront of the competitive MPV segment. From state-of-the-art technology integration to versatile and spacious interiors, these models provide a driving experience like no other. (LINK to our video review is HERE)

VIDEO: We preview the 4th generation 2023/2024 Toyota Alphard 2.4T Executive Lounge & Vellfire 2.5 MPV

 

Here is our video preview on the all-new 4th generation Toyota Alphard 2.4T Executive Lounge and Vellfire 2.5 MPVs. 

The All-New Toyota Innova .... Now Innova Zenix, has been launched with 2 variants from RM165,000 - Full details and thoughts about it too

UMW Toyota Motors has just launched the all-new Toyota Innova Zenix. This could be the peak in Innova development as the vehicle marks a change for the better in so many ways that even I am happy to be writing about an Innova. But before that, the new Innova Zenix will be sold in two variants - the Innova Zenix 2.0 V with 8 seats and the 2.0 HEV (Hybrid with 7 seats - where the middle row features captain style individual seats with sliding trays). These will cost RM165,000 and RM202,000 respectively in Peninsula Malaysia without any insurance but on the road pricing.

THE 10-SEATER HYUNDAI STARIA HAS BEEN LAUNCHED IN MALAYSIA - 3 VARIANTS FROM RM179K ONWARDS - LAUNCH IMPRESSIONS INSIDE

Earlier today, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) launched the 10-seater variant of their very modern looking Hyundai Staria MPV at the One Utama shopping mall in Petaling Jaya. There are three variants available, the Staria Lite, Plus, and Max, starting from RM179,888.00 onwards.

Booking is Now Open for the all-new 10-seater Hyundai Staria - Scheduled to be Sold by 4th Quarter of 2022

Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has informed that they will be launching the 10 seater variant for the spaceship inspired Hyundai Staria. While they like to call it a spaceship, I think that it is more akin to the head of a Shinkansen high speed train. But what ever the case, it looks very futuristic and now you can order one with more seats by the fourth quarter of 2022.

The All-New Perodua Alza is now open for booking - Launch Very Soon

Perodua is officially taking orders for the All-New Perodua Alza compact MPV. According to them, the all-new Alza will come with" significant improvements in terms of driving comfort and versatility.: It will be based on the current Daihatsu Xenia/Toyota Veloz, which is already on sale over in Indonesia, rather than based on the Daihatsu Boon Luminas. Tentative pricing for the all-new Alza is between RM62,000 and RM75,000 (in West Malaysia, without insurance and pre-sales tax), 

Hap Seng Star Launches the Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer - A 10 Seater MPV with a Premium Badge

 

Hap Seng Star Sdn Bhd, one of the largest authorised dealer of Mercedes-Benz in Malaysia have announced the availability of the new Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer at all Hap Seng Star dealerships in Malaysia. This is a 10 seater people carrier and the reason why you do not see this at other (non-Hap Seng Star) dealership is that the Vito, unlike the similar V-Class MPV is a vehicle under Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles and not a Mercedes-Benz Passenger Car division vehicle. 

Toyota Avanza Fuel Pump Special Service Campaign (SSC) Expanded For Malaysia - Cars Made Between 2017 to 2019 Kindly Get Your Avanza Looked At by An Authorised Service Centre

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT), distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Malaysia, have announced a Special Service Campaign (SSC) to replace the fuel pump for the Toyota Avanza manufactured from October 2017 and June 2019. According to Toyota, this round of SSC is an expansion of an earlier campaign.

Launch Photos: 2021 Proton Exora Black Edition

The 2021 Proton Exora Black Edition add style and luxury to vehicles that are usually sold on their practicality and comfort. As the name suggests, they are presented in black with gold accents subtly accentuating the bumpers and alloy wheels. 

The New Mitsubishi XPANDER is Now Open for Booking - Full Malaysian Specifications Also Revealed - Thoughts and Ideas on What to Do With It If You Buy it

The new 2020 Mitsubishi XPANDER is finally getting its Malaysian launch soon. The compact MPV, with Crossover looks was initially launched over in Indonesia mid-2017 and it finally sees its debut here. The official distributors of Mitsubishi here, MITSUBISHI MOTORS MALAYSIA (MMM), have stated that bookings are now open at all authorised dealerships and they have also revealed full product specifications of the Xpander. Its official launch is targeted for November2020. It will also be locally assembled over at Pekan, Pahang for Malaysia.

UMW Toyota Announces Availability of the Brand New and Upgraded Toyota Alphard and Velfire MPVs in Malaysia

 

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced that the 2020 Toyota Alphard and Toyota Vellfire premium MPV models are now available for booking. Pre-launch orders will be accepted from now onwards at all authorized Toyota dealerships and UMWT branches nationwide. These new and slightly enhanced models will go on sale with prices starting from RM383,000 for the Vellfire (one variant) and RM465,000 for the Alphard (two variants). So those who want a brand new Alphard or Vellfire brought in through official channels with a more comprehensive warranty, you can go book 'em now.

The W247 2019 Mercedes-Benz B200 is Available in Malaysia - Priced from RM239,888

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has quietly brought in the new B-Class or the W247 Series of B-Class to Malaysia. It is now open for booking and there will only be limited numbers only per year. This was what I heard from a few of my friends who are sales advisors based at local Mercedes-Benz dealerships in and around Kuala Lumpur. Only one variant is being offered here, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz B 200 Progressive Line for RM239,888 before insurance in Peninsular Malaysia.

Toyota Malaysia Announces Upgrades To The 2019 Toyota Hilux, Fortuner & Innova

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT), the distributors for Toyota in Malaysia, has announced that they have made some changes or upgrades to the specifications of the 2019 Toyota Hilux pickup, the 2019 Fortuner SUV and the Innova MPV range of vehicles. All features either feature upgrades or minor enhancements. As for order takings for the new vehicles, it will begin at all authorized Toyota showrooms nationwide from 16 August, 2019.

Video Test Drive - 2019 Proton Exora Premium 1.6T CVT - Find Out What We Think About It By Watching the Video Review!!

A new video is out on our YouTube channel. This time its our experience trying out the slightly refreshed 2019 Proton Exora Premium 1.6 T(Turbo) CVT during the recent media test drive up to Bukit Tinggi, Pahang and back to Shah Alam. It was short, but we did manage to find out some new things about the C Segment 7 Seater MPV.

New 2nd Generation Suzuki Ertiga in Thailand - The One We Won't Get

This, is the newly launched second generation Suzuki Ertiga compact MPV. It has only very recently been launched over in Thailand. I managed to take take a look at it as it was in display in Huahin, where I was holidaying.

Promotion: Buy a New Mitsubishi Outlander or ASX You May Win a Holiday to Either Cherating, Janda Baik, Desaru or Cameron Highlands

Now could be a good time to buy that new Mitsubishi Outlander SUV or ASX Compact SUV. Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) is offering a holiday package to either Cherating, Janda Baik, Desaru or Cameron Highlands to selected customers who buy a new Mitsubishi Outlander or ASX . But hurry, the promotion is valid until 31 March 2019 only with the usual terms and conditions applicable.

TEST DRIVE - First Impressions of the New 2019 Toyota Rush 1.5 S

Sometime during the 4th quarter of 2018 I had a chance to participate in a short media drive of the all-new 2019 Toyota Rush 7 Seater compact SUV. This happened during the recent preview of the car recently. Three of us motoring media folks shared a Rush and we drove from MAEPS in Serdang to Cyberjaya, Putrajaya and back. It was a short couple of hours but if you watched the video on YouTube, we did manage to try it out on the highways, city streets and also some dirt roads around the Cyberjaya/Putrajaya area.