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Latest Stories

• Zeekr 9X coming to Malaysia – China’s RR Cullinan due end-2026/early 2027, price ‘much higher’ than 009

  In Cars, Electric Cars in Malaysia, Local News, Zeekr / by Danny Tan / 2 February 2026 12:09 am

  

  The Zeekr 9X is confirmed for Malaysia, and the brand’s flagship model is slated to arrive as early as end of 2026. This was revealed by Zeekr Malaysia’s GM Eddy Lu at a test drive event for Malaysian media and owners in Harbin, China. Besides the 9X, the carmaker had the 007 GT ‘shooting brake’ and 7X SUV on duty at the winter event.

  “The Zeekr 9X is definitely coming to Malaysia, for sure, it’s just a matter of time,” Lu said, explaining that the timeline depends on right-hand drive (RHD) engineering and homologation. “It depends on the engineering progress of converting from LHD to RHD, and also from Chinese regulations to European regulations (which we’ll get in Malaysia). It will be at the end of this year or early next year,” he added.

  The 9X is a hugely impressive vehicle – both as a luxury product and in its capabilities – and the 5,239 mm-long SUV doesn’t just serve as a flagship model for Zeekr, but also for the wider Geely Group. As such, it will be priced accordingly.

  

  What this means is that the 9X’s RRP will be significantly higher than the costliest 009, which let’s not forget, also enjoyed tax-free EV status until very recently. The range-topping 009 is the Ultra Luxury, which is priced at RM359,800.

  “I think no one will expect that the 9X will be cheaper than that (the top 009). It definitely will be higher than that. The 9X is about half a million RMB (specifically, RMB 465,900 to 599,900 in China), and this is a hybrid. A hybrid CBU will be applied with very high taxes. Keep in mind that this car will be much higher than the price of the highest version of the 009. This is for sure,” Lu explained.

  “Keep that in mind that there’s no way for it to be a low priced product. Maybe later this year when we have the final confirmed launch plan, we’ll share with you a bit more regarding the details,” the Zeekr Malaysia chief reiterated.

  

  

  

  Built on the SEA-S platform allowing for a 900V high-voltage architecture, the 9X debuts the Geely Group’s SEA Super Hybrid system with up to 1,400 PS (1,030 kW) and 1,410 Nm, allowing the behemoth to accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds.

  Confirmed to be a plug-in hybrid and not a range extender EV (REEV), Geely’s 2.0-litre turbo-four with 279 PS can power the wheels directly in certain circumstances. The 9X’s pure EV range is 380 km CLTC and ultra-fast ‘6C’ DC charging (meaning it can charge in kilowatts at six times the battery capacity) from 20–80% can be done in just 8.5 minutes.

  Dubbed by some as ‘China’s Rolls-Royce Cullinan’, the 9X is better equipped than most homes. One item that pops out from the extensive kit list is a Naim sound system with 32 speakers (including headrest speakers for the first and second rows) and an industry-record 3,868 watts of power. The name would be familiar to audiophiles, but for the rest of us, Naim has long been Bentley’s top-shelf audio option, which says it all. A Chinese car priced well over RM500k as a bargain? The 9X is a mind bender.

  GALLERY: Zeekr 9X in Harbin, China

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• Chery Malaysia plans for 2026 – Tiggo 9 flagship in Q2, model facelifts and CSH update by Q4

  In Cars, Chery, Local News / by Jonathan Lee / 30 January 2026 8:24 pm

  

  At its media appreciation night today, Chery Corporate Malaysia has outlined its plans for the coming year. The company announced that four new models will be launched, joining the Tiggo 8 that was introduced earlier this month.

  While the company did not directly name the cars that are on their way, we can already deduce that “redefining flagship luxury” in the second quarter refers to the Tiggo 9. Chery already confirmed that the car would be coming here in the first half of the year.

  In China, where it’s sold as the 9X, the Tiggo 9 is offered with the Tiggo 8 Pro‘s 254 PS/390 Nm 2.0 litre turbo four-cylinder engine, mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It was also previewed at last year’s Bangkok Motor Show with the plug-in Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) powertrain.

  This utilises two electric motors at the front – one with 102 PS and 170 Nm, the other with 122 PS and 220 Nm. This is mixed with a 156 PS/220 Nm 1.5 litre turbo four-pot for a combined 381 PS and 610 Nm, enabling a zero-to-100 km/h time of 8.9 seconds. We expect both versions to be offered in Malaysia, with the PHEV model probably arriving at a later date.

  

  

  

  The identities of the other models are less clear. We do know that a second facelift for the O5 (née Omoda 5) is coming this year, and we may also see the smaller Omoda 4. However, there are rumours that these cars will be hived off to the separate Omoda & Jaecoo brand, joining the Omoda C9.

  That leaves the third-quarter models ripe for speculation. Chery introduced the second-generation Tiggo 8 in China in September, but this will sit uncomfortably close to the practically identical Lepas L8, which is coming to Malaysia.

  Looking elsewhere in the current lineup, the petrol-powered Tiggo 7 Pro is a little long in the tooth. Launched in 2024, it’s a step behind the PHEV model, so we may see an update for it as well. We won’t know for sure until the company releases more information, but we should find out more when Beijing’s Auto China show rolls around in April.

  Last but not least is an update to the CSH lineup in Malaysia. Given that the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 PHEV are still relatively fresh, it’s unlikely that these will be replaced, so it’s likely that it will be a new model instead. Maybe that Tiggo 9 PHEV?

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• Chery Malaysia has 59 dealerships in its network – 54 aftersales, 25 B&P outlets; Gen 4 design in 2026

  In Cars, Chery, Local News / by Gerard Lye / 30 January 2026 7:57 pm

  

  At a media event today, Chery Corporate Malaysia (Chery Malaysia) revealed that it currently has 59 dealerships in its network, encompassing 54 aftersales and 25 body and paint (B&P) outlets.

  With the support of these dealerships, the company said that it has managed to sell 30,073 units since the brand was launched here back in July 2023.

  Last year, Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) models made up 21% of the company’s sales, while the split between the Tiggo and Omoda series was 66% to 34% respectively.

  

  

  

  In 2026, Chery Malaysia will also gradually roll out its new generation showroom, which is being dubbed Gen 4 to replace the current Gen 3 look.

  To further reinforce its position in Malaysia, construction of the Chery Smart Auto Industrial Park in Lembah Beringin, Selangor began in February 2025 and is expected to be completed this year, with an output of 100,000 units per year.

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• Isuzu D-Max continues to be second best-selling pick-up truck in Malaysia in 2025, with 15% market share

  In Isuzu, Local News / by Mick Chan / 30 January 2026 6:54 pm

  

  Isuzu Malaysia has announced its sales performance for 2025, which saw the company achieve its highest-ever market share in Malaysia with 56.1% of the commercial vehicle market with 6,880 units registered, up from its previous high figure of 47.1% achieved in 2023, according to the company.

  In terms of the D-Max, it continues to hold the position of second best-selling pick-up truck in Malaysia, as it did last year, and the model has held 15% market share in the country, against the backdrop of a 7.3% downturn in the pick-up truck market.

  

  At present, the D-Max line-up that is on sale in Malaysia starts from RM92,199 for the Low Ride 1.9L 4×2 MT, ranging up to the X-Terrain 3.0L 4×4 AT at RM161,938; prices are on-the-road without insurance. The 2.2 litre MaxForce diesel engine and the eight-speed Rev Tronic automatic transmission was introduced in 2024, and the company is likely working to have this powertrain available in Malaysia in the near future.

  “Our established roots in providing a product portfolio that completely satisfies customers’ requirements remains a key factor for Isuzu’s continued popularity here in Malaysia. The ability of a well-positioned dealership network that quickly adapted to the changing demands of customers and an after-sales backbone system that is fully focused on keeping our customers constantly moving have all played a part in the brand’s growing popularity,” said Isuzu Malaysia CEO Tomoyuki Yamaguchi.

  GALLERY: 2024 Isuzu D-Max Premium 1.9L 4×4 A/T facelift

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  GALLERY: 2024 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain 3.0L 4×4 A/T facelift

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• Perodua Traz Malaysian review – the good and the bad

  In Car Reviews, Cars, Perodua, Video Reviews, Videos / by Anthony Lim / 30 January 2026 6:25 pm

  

  Launched last month, the Perodua Traz is a B-segment SUV that sits in between the automaker’s compact Ativa and larger Aruz. Measuring in at 4,310 mm long, 1,770 mm wide and 1,655 mm tall, with a 2,620 mm wheelbase, Perodua’s version of the Toyota Yaris Cross is targeted at mid-income family buyers with less than three kids, upgrading from a compact car.

  Two variants are available, the X and H, priced at RM76,100 and RM81,100 (or RM82,000 in two-tone option) respectively, on-the-road excluding insurance. Both are powered by a 2NR-VE 1.5 litre engine, with 106 PS at 6,000 rpm and 138 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm in the way of output. The DOHC, Dual VVT-i naturally-aspirated four-pot, familiar from the Myvi, is paired with a D-CVT (Dual-Mode CVT.

  Kit wise, the X comes with automatic LED headlamps with follow me home and manual levelling, LED DRLs, LED tail lamps and auto retractable side mirrors with LED turn signals. Inside, you’ll find fabric seats with red stitching and a graphic on the top portion, a 9.0-inch head unit with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a four speaker audio system and four USB ports (two in front, two at the back), among other things.

  The H adds on items such as LED front fog lamps, welcome lamps at the side mirrors as well as keyless entry (two front doors), in addition to a leather-wrapped steering and gear knob, auto air con, two extra tweeters to bump up the speaker count to six. The variant also adds on bits such as a 360-degree parking camera, a dashcam and a powered tailgate with kick motion sensor.

  Safety wise, the ASEAN NCAP five-star-rated Traz comes with six airbags, Perodua’s ASA safety suite with pre-collision warning and brake (AEB, for pedestrians too), front departure alert and pedal misoperation control. There’s also lane departure warning/prevention, rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring, but there’s no adaptive cruise control (ACC), or even regular cruise control for that matter.

  As per standard practice, a catalogue of GearUp accessories is available for the Traz, and this can be seen on the H example in the photo gallery. Sleek Bodykit, Elevate Package, Illumination Package and Utility Package bundles are available for the SUV. It’s a neat package, the Perodua Traz, but just how does it shape up? Watch Hafriz Shah’s comprehensive take on it here.

  GALLERY: Perodua Traz X

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  GALLERY: Perodua Traz H with Gear Up accessories kit

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• Several major roads in Kuala Lumpur city centre to be closed on Sunday, February 1 for VM2026 Run

  In Local News / by Anthony Lim / 30 January 2026 6:22 pm

  

  If you’re thinking of driving into Kuala Lumpur city centre this Sunday, take note, as several major roads will be closed and diverted in stages to make way for the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) Run on February 1, as Bernama reports.

  According to Kuala Lumpur traffic investigation and enforcement department (JSPT) chief Zamzuri Isa, the roads involved include Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Ampang, Jalan Pinang, Jalan Kia Peng, Jalan Stonor, Jalan Conlay, Jalan Raja Chulan, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Dang Wangi, Jalan Munshi Abdullah, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Jalan Persiaran Maybank.

  The police has advised the public to plan their journeys and use alternative routes if possible, and comply with instructions from the police officers and traffic personnel on duty.

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• Proton to double local parts purchase to RM8 billion by 2030, including technology transfer to vendors

  In Local News, Proton / by Mick Chan / 30 January 2026 6:06 pm

  

  Proton aims to more than double local procurement value from Malaysian vendors to RM8 billion by 2030, from RM4 billion attained last year, the carmaker has stated. This is aimed at adding economic value, facilitate technology transfer to local vendors as well as to create more opportunities for skilled employment, according to Proton.

  Proton’s sales volume targets will go towards that increase in local procurement, as it has outlined its aim of selling 200,000 units this year, and to become Malaysia’s best-seller by 2029. The top spot is currently held by Perodua, which is placed second in ASEAN.

  

  Proton launched its dedicated EV plant in Tanjong Malim last September, where the eMas 7 is locally assembled and the smaller eMas 5 will follow suit.

  The national carmaker bought RM3.2 billion in parts and components from Malaysian vendors in 2025, then-minister of investment, trade and industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said last November. Proton’s localisation programme has introduced 18 new technologies and forged joint ventures in areas such as fuel pumps, electronic gearshift modules and CVTs, according to a Bernama report at the time.

  Between the national carmakers, Proton has a considerable gap to close to Perodua in terms of localised parts, however, as the second national carmaker has purchased RM11 billion in parts from local vendors last year. This is reflected in vehicle sales for the two brands, as Perodua sold 359,904 units in 2025, with a typical localisation rate of 95%, compared to Proton’s 157,976 units sold last year.

  5 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Xiaomi SU7 Ultra arrives in Gran Turismo 7 in Update 1.67, becomes first Chinese car in series history

  In Cars, International News, Xiaomi / by Jonathan Lee / 30 January 2026 5:05 pm

  

  Announced last June, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra has finally made its in-game debut in Gran Turismo 7, as part of Update 1.67 that was pushed out yesterday. The über electric sedan has made Gran Turismo history as the first Chinese car in the series, beating the Yangwang U9 Xtreme.

  It’s safe to say that series creator Kazunori Yamauchi is a big fan – according to Xiaomi, he has driven the car in Beijing, the Nürburgring Nordschleife and Tsukuba Circuit, as well as engaging with Xiaomi EV’s executives and engineering teams.

  To ensure that the car is faithfully recreated in the virtual world, Xiaomi and developer Polyphony Digital collaborated to create a highly precise digital vehicle model, and Xiaomi’s vehicle dynamics performance team travelled to PD’s headquarters in Fukuoka for a final driving experience validation.

  

  Revealed in China in October 2024, the SU7 Ultra possesses some serious hardware, powered by three motors that make a sum total of 1,548 PS (1,139 kW). This enables the car to sprint from zero to 100 km/h in just 1.98 seconds (with one foot of rollout subtracted, Tesla-style), hitting 200 km/h in a scarcely-believable 5.86 seconds on its way to a top speed of 350 km/h.

  Those energy-hungry motors are juiced by a 93.7 kWh CATL Qilin 2.0 NMC battery, enabling a range of 550 km on China’s lenient CLTC cycle. The 897-volt pack supports 5.2C (or 5.2 times the capacity) charging, so expect DC fast charging speeds of around 490 kW, topping the battery up from 10 to 80% in just 11 minutes.

  Power is nothing without control, so they say – which is why the Ultra comes equipped with two Nürburgring-honed chassis options – dual-chamber air suspension or manually-adjustable Bilstein Evo T1 coilovers. The two rear motors are also capable of real torque vectoring, while Akebono carbon ceramic brakes measure 430 mm at the front, the largest in its class. Pirelli P Zero Elect tyres are fitted all around.

  

  All this made the Ultra the fastest electric car around the Nordschleife, with a lap time of 7 minutes 04.957 seconds – two seconds quicker than the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. Only recently did the car get toppled by the aforementioned U9 Xtreme, although admittedly that car does have a whopping 3,018 PS. The track is available in the game, so players will be able to see how close they can get to the official time.

  The Ultra joins two race cars in the update – the Hyundai Elantra N TCR and the Porsche 911 GT3 R, the latter noteworthy for winning the LMGT3 class in the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans. To celebrate its introduction into GT7, the car is starring in an online time trial at Monza for the next two weeks, until February 4.

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• Welcome a year of Mǎjestic Offers from Mercedes-Benz Malaysia; own a C200 from RM2,488 per month

  ADVERTORIAL / by Harvinder Sidhu / 30 January 2026 5:02 pm

  

  Go forth with the momentum of the new year with progress and prosperity in a new Mercedes-Benz as Mercedes-Benz Malaysia brings a host of tailor-made rewards with the Prosperity Package.

  This offers one year of extended warranty, four Compact Service packages, 0% financing on selected models, an eight-year battery warranty for plug-in hybrid models, guaranteed future value, the MobilityPlus scheme with a guaranteed replacement car should your own Mercedes-Benz require extended after-sales care, and more.

  Models eligible for the Prosperity Package are the C 200, offered from RM2,488 a month, the E 350 e from RM3,388 a month, the GLC 350 e 4MATIC from RM3,288 a month, and the A 250 4MATIC from RM2,388 a month.

  If you are looking for a plug-in hybrid in a C-Class package, you’ll be glad to know that you can purchase the C 350 e at an unbeatable price. Additionally, be one of eight lucky customers to win flight tickets worth RM8,888 when you buy the GLE 450 4MATIC, E 350 e, or GLC 350 e 4MATIC.

  Whether it is a petrol, plug-in hybrid, or fully electric Mercedes-Benz that gets your nod, privileges you’ll enjoy with the Prosperity Package also include Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge access, and private terminal transfers at KLIA Terminal 1.

  Get into these offers early in the year to take advantage of the Prosperity Package from Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, to get the best out of your purchase of a new Mercedes-Benz this year; find out more about the offers, here.

  *Terms and conditions apply. For a limited time only; offer is applicable to selected models.

   

• 2026 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT in Malaysia, RM71,888

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, Yamaha / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 30 January 2026 4:45 pm

  

  Entering Malaysia for the upcoming Lunar New Year is the 2026 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, priced at RM71,888. Pricing does not include road tax, insurance and registration, and there are two colours offered – Ceramic Ice and Tech Black.

  Pricing for the Tracer 9 GT has risen over the 2023 price of RM69,998, but several updates and upgrades are ow standard equipment. These include a full-width TFT-LCD colour screen, replacing the previously segmented LCD unit.

  The 7-inch panel with three selectable themes features Bluetooth connectivity to the rider’s smartphone for control of telephone calls, messaging and music, and also comes with turn-by-turn navigation on screen. This is done with a Garmin navigation module and the Garmin app on the rider’s smartphone.

  

  

  

  

  The 2026 Tracer 9 GT also features Yamaha’s Matrix Headlight system that automatically adjusts individual LEDs – four elements in total – to optimize illumination based on surrounding traffic conditions. Included in the riding electronics package is cruise control and four ride modes, as well as traction control, slide control and wheelie control, with the control modes allowing for three levels of adjustment, manually selected.

  Standard equipment include an electric wind shield, controlled using the toggle switch on the left handlebar pod. The windshield is redesigned in the wind tunnel to provide better wind protection and rider comfort.

  

  Kayaba supplies the electronic suspension on the Tracer 9 GT, with 41 mm diameter upside-down front fork and rear monoshock. Power comes from Yamaha’s Crossplane inline three-cylinder, producing 119 PS at 10,000 rpm with 93 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm.

  Seat comfort on the Tracer 9 GT has been increased with a 50 mm longer rear sub-frame, giving more room to both rider and passenger, while seat pads are now flatter with thicker padding. Standard equipment includes two-position height adjustable seat, heated grips and an up-and-down quickshifter.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• Next-gen Toyota Corolla rendered by Theophilus Chin

  In Cars, International News, Toyota / by Gerard Lye / 30 January 2026 3:50 pm

  

  Last October at the Japan Mobility Show, Toyota revealed the Corolla Concept that serves to preview the next generation of its well-known nameplate. A striking thing to look at, the concept was one of the main attractions at the event with its sharp angles, exaggerated lines and radical surfacing that signify a new design direction for what is typically an inoffensive “people’s car.”

  However, the transition from concept to production car will inevitably see some of these (complex and expensive) design cues be omitted or revised, so how might a 13th-generation Corolla look like? Well, rendering wiz Theophilus Chin has done to work to create a digital imagining of an all-new Corolla.

  

  The end result is a car that faithfully retains the concept’s pointed “hammerhead face” and light signature, the latter featuring boomerang-shaped elements bridged by a full-width light bar and accompanied by a segmented lower portion.

  At the rear, you’ll find a simpler take on the full-width taillights that ditches the trapezoidal-shaped centre portion just above the ‘Corolla’ script. Also toned down is the boot lid, which has been shortened and integrates a ducktail. As with the concept, the number plate sits in a deep recess in the lower apron.

  

  

  Elsewhere, the overfenders at the front have also been removed on the “production version,” and there are normal door handles instead of flush pop-out ones – ditto the side mirrors. The concept’s distinctive side crease survives the transition but not the two-tone roof.

  So, what do you think of Theo’s take on a 13th-generation Corolla? Is it attractive to you or has too much of the “good stuff” been removed? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

  GALLERY: 2025 Toyota Corolla Concept

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  
  

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• FH special number plates out – bid on JPJeBid Feb 1-5

  In Local News / by Jonathan James Tan / 30 January 2026 2:46 pm

  

  Another special number plate series has been launched, and it’s FH, Bernama reports. Bid for it (FH 1-9999) on JPJeBid between Sunday, February 1 and 10pm on Thursday, February 5. Results will be announced the next day.

  Bids start at RM20,000 for prime numbers, RM5,000 for premium numbers, RM2,500 for attractive numbers, RM500 for popular numbers and RM300 for running numbers.

  “The introduction of the FH series is significant as a symbolic commemoration of the establishment of the Federal Territory of Putrajaya, while recognising the role and contributions of Kuala Lumpur and Labuan in national development,” JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said.

  5 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Hyundai Motor Malaysia signs up new dealer, working on Hyundai Protection Plan with insurance partners

  In Cars, Hyundai, Local News / by Jonathan James Tan / 30 January 2026 2:09 pm

  

  Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMY) has signed a letter of intent with new dealer-partner HZN Inspiration to explore establishing new dealership facilities in the Klang Valley, with the first outlet targeted to be ready in the second quarter of 2026.

  “At Hyundai Motor Malaysia, we are guided by our theme ‘Sentiasa di sisi anda‘. This means we are committed to our customers and our partners for the long-term. HZN has had a strong presence in the automotive industry since 2011, and we believe that their experience will be a key support for our expansion goals to connect better with our customers,” said HMY president Eric Lee.

  “Hyundai is here to stay. To deliver on this promise, we must continue expanding our reach and building a network that supports customers wherever they are. HZN’s strong presence and experience in the Malaysian market give us great confidence as we expand our network and continue growing the Hyundai brand. This partnership will open more opportunities for us to bring our brand closer to customers and serve them better,” said HMY MD Jahabarnisa Haja Mohideen.

  HMY also formalised partnerships with Allianz, Berjaya Sompo, Tokio Marine, Etiqa and Takaful Ikhlas to develop the upcoming Hyundai Protection Plan, which will provide benefits such as up to 15 years’ agreed value coverage in case of accident or theft, up to RM30,000 desktop claims approval within 24 hours, unlimited towing, round-the-clock roadside assistance and zero-gap coverage based on invoice price.

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• Transport ministry to review discount on summonses for foreign-registered vehicles – Anthony Loke

  In Local News / by Mick Chan / 30 January 2026 12:53 pm

  

  Traffic summonses issued to foreign-registered vehicles, including vehicles from Thailand, will be reviewed to ensure that the enforcement approach remains effective, reported The Star.

  Discounts offered for the summonses, such as for offences including not having an International Circulation Permit (ICP), were given at the discretion of the road transport department (JPJ) in order to encourage settlement of the summonses within a specified period, said transport minister Anthony Loke.

  Foreign vehicle drivers who commit offences, and who settle their summonses within the stipulated timeframe are eligible for discounts of up to 50%, Loke said. “However, if this approach is found to be not as effective as expected, the ministry will review the mechanism specifically for foreign vehicles. We will hold further discussions with JPJ to assess the appropriate improvement measures,” he said.

  This week, Thailand-registered vans were caught by JPJ for illegally running cross-border services, by getting passengers to cross the border on foot before picking them up again on the Malaysian side.

  The department inspected 67 Thai vans from January 16 to 23, with action taken against 42 of these vans for offences including operating without an ICP, failing to display the permit, and technical violations such as tinted windows. Last year, the department acted against 277 Thai vehicles during the same operation in Kelantan, collecting RM99,100 in fines.

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• All current Proton models to offer up to RM4,000 incentives under govt’s ‘matching grant’ programme

  In Cars, Local News, Proton / by Jonathan James Tan / 30 January 2026 12:25 pm

  

  Following the transport ministry‘s recent launch of the matching grant programme to scrap vehicles aged 20 and up, Proton has announced that it will give Saga and eMas 5 buyers a trade-in incentive of up to RM1,000 (plus another RM1,000 from the government), and RM2,000 (plus another RM2,000 from the government) for all other current models including the X50, X70 and eMas 7.

  “Proton is proud to be able to offer our customers even more value by being a partner in the Malaysian government’s Matching Grant Programme for the Replacement of Old Vehicles. This initiative will encourage the responsible replacement of old, unroadworthy vehicles and improve road safety while supporting the transition towards cleaner and more efficient mobility.

  “The incentive offered by Proton is an extension of the Proton Xchange Programme launched in May 2025. Offering up to RM2,000 in over-trade for customers who scrapped their old vehicles for a new Proton model, 4,344 transactions were made resulting in approximately RM8.68 million being given out towards the purchase of a new car by the end of 2025,” said Proton CEO Dr Li Chunrong. Perodua has yet to announce details for its side.

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