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Geely EX5 joins EV price war in Thailand with RM13k discount – eMas 7 twin now from RM104k, long range
While other EV models (BYD Atto 3, Chery Omoda E5 and Aion Y Plus) are scrambling to price match the Proton eMas 7 in Malaysia, it is the Geely EX5 that is being heavily discounted amid the fierce EV price war over in Thailand.
The eMas twin just received a major price cut of 100,000 baht (RM13k), now starting from 799,000 baht (RM104.5k) in hope of it being more competitive in the crowded market. That’s rather significant considering it was just launched a few months ago.
In Thailand, the electric SUV market is dominated by the BYD Atto 3, with plenty of newcomers looking to get a slice of the relatively large pie. Joining the Geely in the chasing pack are the Deepal S05 and MG S5, both freshly launched at the ongoing Bangkok motor show.
With the price cut, the starting price of the Geely EX5 in Thailand is now slightly cheaper than the Proton eMas 7 is in Malaysia (from RM105,800 with the early bird discount), although that isn’t a like-for-like comparison. The base Thai-market EX5 already comes with the larger 60 kWh battery pack instead of the 49 kWh unit in the entry eMas 7, giving it a range of 410 km instead of just 345 km (both WLTP).
To be fair, the top EX5 model, which is a closer match to our eMas 7 Premium, is still priced slightly higher – 929,000 Baht (RM121.3k) vs RM119,800 – as it received a smaller discount of 60,000 Baht (RM7.8k). Bear in mind too that the EX5 Max has a few extra features that are missing in the Proton, such as massaging seats and a “zero gravity” passenger seat with built-in ottoman, though it rides on smaller 18-inch alloys.
As for actual sales numbers, the EX5 isn’t doing all that well with just over 1,000 units booked by March of this year. The eMas 7 on the other hand has passed 5,000 units, and that’s despite the EV market in Malaysia being far smaller than Thailand’s. Perhaps that explains the heavy discounting early on in the Geely’s life then.
Thai-market Geely EX5
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Jetour Dashing SUV – first shipment of CBU units arrives in Malaysia; CKD local assembly from late-May
Jetour Auto Malaysia has announced that the first shipment of the Dashing SUV has arrived in Port Klang, Selangor, ahead of the model’s official Malaysian market launch next month, following its initial preview at the brand’s Malaysian debut in May 2024.
Deliveries of the Dashing SUV will take place after the official launch event that will be on April 9, and this initial batch of customer units will be imported. CKD local assembly of the Dashing is scheduled to begin in late-May this year, the company has stated.
The Jetour Dashing is a C-segment, five-seater SUV that measures 4,590 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, 1,685 mm tall with a 2,720 mm wheelbase, thus sized between the Honda CR-V that is 4,691 mm long, and the Toyota Corolla Cross that is 4,460 mm long.
Propulsion for the Dashing is by a 1.5 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine that produces 156 PS at 5,500 rpm and 230 Nm of torque from 1,750 rpm to 4,000 rpm, with the outputs sent to the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. As revealed at its preview last year, two variants are offered – Prime, and Signature.
Standard kit on the Prime includes LED headlamps, DRLs, and taillights, a powered tailgate, keyless entry and start, remote engine start, leather seat upholstery, a six-way powered driver’s seat, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, a 50W wireless charging pad, four speakers and automatic air-conditioning with rear vents, and CN95 filter.
The Signature variant then adds a panoramic sunroof, a four-way powered front passenger seat, ambient lighting, lane change assist, blind spot monitoring, lane change warning, rear cross traffic alert and a 360-degree around view monitor.
For safety and assistance features, the Dashing gets passive cruise control, a reverse camera, ABS, EBD, brake assist, ESC, traction control, six airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system, ISOFIX child seat anchors, overspeed warning and four reverse sensors.
In terms of after-sales support in Malaysia, more than 20 service centres nationwide have been established, with more than 10 3S and 4S centres scheduled for opening this year, according to Jetour Auto Malaysia.
GALLERY: Jetour Dashing preview in Malaysia
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Anwar says 90% of Malaysians won’t be affected by targeted RON95 subsidy, only foreigners, the wealthy
Prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has said the rationalisation of the RON 95 fuel subsidy won’t affect the majority of the population, reports NST.
“I don’t believe ordinary citizens need to worry or be impacted, regardless of the methods introduced in the RON 95 rationalisation issue. Do not pay attention to rumours; even during the fasting month, when concerns arise about increases in electricity tariffs, I want to reassure everyone that such increases will only affect the wealthy,” said Anwar.
“The same applies to RON95. In fact, our study shows that it is not 85%, but 90% of the population who will remain unaffected. Those who will be impacted are foreigners and the extremely wealthy. If someone earns RM50,000 a month, they should be expected to contribute a little more,” he added.
Yesterday, second finance minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan revealed that more than 85% of the people will benefit from subsidised RON 95 petrol. He added that subsidy mechanism will be based on a two-tier pricing system, with the MyKad being used to determine the amount that users will pay at pumps.
The restructuring of RON 95 petrol subsidy from a blanket to targeted approach was announced during the tabling of Budget 2025 by Anwar, who said the change will take place in mid-2025. At the time, he said the subsidy bill was RM20 billion a year to keep the price of RON 95 at RM2.05 per litre, and moving to targeted subsidies would incur savings of RM8 billion.
“I need to remind everyone that it is better for this RM8 billion to be channeled into education facilities, healthcare and public transport,” Anwar, who is also the finance minister, told reporters today after performing Friday prayers in Shah Alam.
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Bangkok 2025: JY Air EV sedan from Chinese airline JuneYao – up to 216 PS, 520 km range, from RM98k
The JY Air was launched in Thailand in December, but the ongoing Bangkok Motor Show gave us our first look at this intriguing one-box electric liftback. You see, the car is the product not of a traditional carmaker but of JuneYao Airlines, and the company is leaning hard on its mile-high background by claiming that the Air was inspired by “the experience of a transoceanic flight.”
To wit, JuneYao says the car’s C-shaped headlights, which feature up to 240 LEDs, are akin to lights at the ends of a jetliner’s wings, while the sweeping roofline apparently brings to mind “the skyline seen during night flights.” At the back, the Air sports full-width OLED taillights, neatly integrated below the rear windscreen. It certainly looks aerodynamic thanks to its streamlined form, borne out by a drag coefficient of just 0.23.
Inside, the Air is far less distinctive, with a typically minimalist interior that rather reminiscent of the Xpeng G6. This is particularly visible through the two-spoke oblong steering wheel and the tall centre console with the twin phone holders (one of which houses a 50-watt Qi wireless charger), cupholders and armrest lid button all in exactly the same positions.
Dominating proceedings is a 15.6-inch freestanding infotainment touchscreen, which can be rotated in 15 steps to face the driver or passenger, runs on a Crystal OS and the ubiquitous Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, and will greet occupants with the phrase “welcome on board.”
JuneYao claims that over 75% of the Air’s cabin is wrapped in soft-touch materials, including the available faux leather upholstery on the seats. There’s also a large panoramic glass roof with an area of two square metres, which should help make the interior – likely already plenty roomy enough thanks to the generous 2,800 mm wheelbase – feel even more, um, Air-y.
Two variants will be offered, these being the Standard and Plus. The former utilises a single front motor making 204 PS (150 kW) and 250 Nm of torque, getting the Air from zero to 100 km/h in under 7.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 170 km/h.
Also fitted is a 51 kWh CATL lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that provides a range of up to 430 km on the somewhat lenient NEDC cycle. Stepping up to the Plus, meanwhile, nets you a slightly more powerful motor that pushes out 216 PS (159 kW), as well as a larger 64 kWh battery that enables the Air to travel up to 520 km on a single charge.
The range-topper also supports up to 138 kW of DC fast charging power (only 70 kW for the Standard), saving ten minutes when topping up the battery from 30 to 80% (20 instead of 30 minutes). Both variants accept up to 11 kW of AC charging, so charging the Air from 10 to 100% takes 5.3 hours for the Standard and 6.5 hours for the Plus.
Aside from the technical specs, the Plus is differentiated by a black roof, 19-inch alloy wheels and the aforementioned wireless charger and panoramic glass roof. It also benefits from having seven airbags (including a front centre airbag) compared to just two for the Standard.
Both models come with a full complement of driver assists such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane centring assist and speed limit assist, with the Plus adding blind spot monitoring, rear collision warning, rear cross traffic alert with auto brake, a driver attention monitor and a door opening warning.
Competing against entry-level electric sedans such as the GAC Aion ES, the Air is priced starting from 759,000 baht (RM99,300) for the Standard, rising up to 869,000 baht (RM113,600) for the Plus. Those figures were supposed to go up to 899,000 baht (RM116,600) and 1,018,000 baht (RM132,100) respectively after December 30, but a perusal of JuneYao Auto’s website shows that the promo pricing still applies.
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Tesla Model Y Juniper gets new Cat A COE-friendly variant in Singapore – just 150 PS/110 kW; fr RM342k
Following the introduction of the updated Tesla Model Y in Singapore in January this year, the American brand has now added a new Category A COE-friend variant of the Juniper facelift called the Rear-Wheel Drive 110.
According to Tesla Singapore’s official website, the Rear-Wheel Drive 110 is priced at SGD103,476 (about RM342k) before certificate of entitlement (COE). By comparison, the mid-spec Rear-Wheel Drive is listed at SGD106,502 (RM352k), which is SGD3,026 (RM10k) more.
While the difference in pricing is relatively minor, the Rear-Wheel Drive 110 offers buyers a chance to save in other areas. Referring to the results of the second round of COE bidding for the month of March 2025, the difference between Category A and B is about SGD22,388 (RM74k), with the latter being applicable to the Rear-Wheel Drive.
Click to enlarge For electric vehicles (EVs) to qualify for a Category A COE, they must have a maximum output of up to 150 PS (148 hp or 110 kW). As its name suggests, the Rear-Wheel Drive 110 meets this requirement while the Rear-Wheel Drive with 347 PS (342 hp or 255 kW) does not, which means it goes into Category B. BYD did something similar when it revealed the Seal Dynamic 100kW in July last year.
In addition to paying less for a COE, the Rear-Wheel Drive 110’s lower output also results in cheaper road tax. Instead of paying SGD3,478 (RM11k) a year with the Rear-Wheel Drive, the road tax for the Rear-Wheel Drive 110 costs a lot less at SGD1,562 (RM5.2k).
Beyond the money stuff, the Rear-Wheel Drive 110 is identical to the Rear-Wheel Drive and uses the same 62.5-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery for up to 466 km of range following the WLTP standard. Less power means the Category A COE-friendly variant, which serves up 350 Nm of torque, will take longer to complete the 0-100 km/h sprint at 9.6 seconds instead of 5.9 seconds with the Rear-Wheel Drive (450 Nm).
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BMW Motorrad launches R12 G/S dual-purpose
A throwback to the days of the first “real” dual-purpose adventure-touring motorcycle is the BMW Motorrad R12 G/S. Following on the road oriented BMW Motorrad R12 (priced at RM123,000 in Malaysia), the R12 G/S carries the Gelände/Straße (Off-road/Street) moniker first used on the legendary R80 G/S from the 1980s, not the ‘GS’ appellation currently used on the Munich firm’s adventure-touring machines.
Indicating the true dual-purpose intentions of the R12 G/S, two variants are offered, the Standard and the Enduro Pro package. The Standard is fitted with 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel while the Enduro gets an 18-inch rear wheel.
Riding modes are “Rain”, “Road” and “Enduro” while opting for the Enduro Pro gives an additional “Enduro Pro” riding mode. Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and engine drag torque (MSR) control is standard I the electronic riding suite, with DTC switchable for off-road duty.
Selecting the Enduro package also gives the enduro footrest system with three rows of spikes for maximum boot grip in off-road riding conditions. The package also includes a 20 mm handlebar riser while there are three seat options – standard at 860 mm and the Enduro Pro with 18-inch rear wheel raises that to 875 mm, while the Rally seat option raises that by another 20 mm.
Power for the R12 G/S comes from BMW Motorrad’s classic boxer-twin, displacing 1,170 cc. Power is rated at 109 hp at 7,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 115 Nm at 6,500 rpm with the left-hand exhaust system with high-mounted rear silencers in the classic enduro style.
Suspension is done with fully adjustable upside-down telescopic forks at the front and Paralever swingarm with angled, also fully adjustable rear shock absorber featuring long suspension travel for riding off-road. For braking, twin 310 mm diameter discs are paired with two axial-mount two-piston floating calipers while a two-piston floating caliper and 265 mm diameter disc is used on the rear wheel, and BMW Motorrad ABS Pro is standard.
In keeping with the R12 G/S’ looks, a compact LED round headlight with a diameter of five-and-three-quarter inches and LED DRL in the shape of an “X” is fitted. Complementing the headlight, a classic round instrument panel and 12 Volt power socket is fitted and a digital display is available as optional equipment.
Other riding conveniences include keyless start while adaptive headlight, part of the Headlight Pro package, is San option. There are three colour options for the R12 G/S – Night black matt paint with black seat, Light white with red seat and Sandrover matt paint/Racing red matt paint/Mineral grey metallic matt with matching seat.
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Bangkok 2025: Deepal S05 – full EV or range extender EV, fr RM104k, Proton eMas 7 rival coming to Malaysia
The ongoing 2025 Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) feels like an appetiser for Auto Shanghai 2025 next month. Toyota and Honda had bodykitted current models on stage while the Chinese contingent keeps on growing. With no homegrown carmaker to shield, and no minimum selling price for CBU imports, it’s a free-for-all here, where one million baht can buy you two proper EVs!
A China free-for-all would also mean that cars look the same after awhile, but Deepal’s offerings stand out somewhat, design-wise. Cool mad ‘SUV coupe truck’ aside, the stuff from Deepal (Changan’s brand for overseas markets) tend to have sharper lines and as interior gimmicks go, the angle-adjustable screens are pretty cool.
We’ve seen the S07 (in Malaysia, previewed by Bermaz) and its L07 sedan sister (donor car for the Mazda 6e), now here’s something smaller and even more affordable, the new S05.
The S05 enters a packed electric SUV class (think BYD Atto 3, Geely EX5/Proton eMas 7) with a large body. At 4,620 mm long and 1,900 mm wide, it’s 165 mm longer and 25 mm wider than BYD’s sales leader. That’s around the size of the Geely/Proton (S05 +5 mm -10 mm), but no one would have guessed it – the Deepal has sleek and sporty proportions for a car of its type.
Whip out the calculator and you’ll see that the S05’s 2,880 mm wheelbase is a hefty 130 mm longer than the eMas 7, while being 70 mm lower overall. Good width + long wheelbase + low roofline = Porsche Macan style. The previous-gen Macan of course; the latest EV version – which was across the Impact aisle – looks round and bloated. Clean and handsome then, if not very distinctive. Oh, it has frameless windows too.
What’s unique about the S05 is that it can be had as a full EV or a range extender EV (REEV). The EV is powered by a 238 hp/320 Nm rear motor (RWD), which takes juice from a 56 kWh LFP battery from CATL. The 0-100 km/h sprint is done in 7.3 seconds and top speed is 180 km/h. Range is 470 km, but this is in NEDC. The max charging rate is 7 kW AC and 152 kW DC, with the latter allowing 30-80% SoC top-ups in 15 minutes. V2L power supply at 6.6 kW is possible.
The REEV’s rear motor has 218 hp/320 Nm, and the EV battery is smaller at 27 kWh (LFP from CATL). The novelty here is the 1.5-litre four-pot engine with 98 hp acting as a generator. So, the REEV has two flaps – one for petrol (45L tank) and one for charging. 0-100 km/h is 7.9 seconds and top speed is 175 km/h.
The REEV lets you enjoy the EV life (170 km NEDC range) but with the ICE and 45 litres of petrol, total range with everything filled to the brim is 1,000 km. It’s quite a compelling package, like two cars in one – what do you think?
As expected, the S05’s equipment list is very long. Goodies include a panoramic glass roof, leather, eight-way powered front seats (memory for driver), ventilated seats, ‘zero gravity’ reclining seats, three-zone air con with PM2.5 filtration, the above-mention swivelling screen, head-up display.
Also available are a wireless charger, 14-speaker sound system, power boot, 360-degree cameras (with underfloor display) the a full ADAS pack. Remote parking, too.
The Deepal S05 is available in five safe colours but Thai buyers can choose an orange cabin theme aside from black. Prices range from 799,000 baht (RM104,366) to 899,000 baht (RM117,428) for the EV and 949,000 baht (RM123,959) to 999,000 baht (RM130,482) for the REEV.
Like what you see? This is relevant because Bermaz is the Malaysian distributor for Deepal, and the S05 has been earmarked as a model for our market. Funny name, though.
GALLERY: Deepal S05 at BIMS 2025
GALLERY: Deepal S05 official images
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Grab signs MoU with BYD Sime Motors and Yinson GreenTech to drive BYD M6 EV ride-hailing cars
Grab Malaysia has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with BYD Sime Motors, Yinson GreenTech (YGT) and Power-Up Tech for increased adoption of electric vehicles among Grab ride-hailing drivers.
In this partnership, Grab aims to expedite the electrification of the transportation sector by offering vehicle fleet partners and ride-hailing drivers access to electric vehicles at competitive rates, alongside establishing accessible vehicle charging infrastructure and facilities, said Grab in a statement.
In this partnership, Yinson GreenTech will provide Grab with comprehensive leasing packages for EVs, with a suite of electrification solutions. This will begin with the delivery of 10 units of the BYD M6, and the firm will offer competitive leasing rates, preferential charging rates, and vehicle maintenance for these EVs, YGT said in its statement.
2024 BYD M6 in Malaysia Yinson GreenTech will also provide fleet management tools, share insights on EV performance, and explore further possibilities of installing EV charging stations at key locations, it continued.
“We are excited to partner with Grab Malaysia in making EV adoption more accessible. As the official distributor of BYD cars in Malaysia, we are committed to providing exclusive car pricing and specialized training sessions to equip driver-partners with the knowledge and tools to transition seamlessly to EVs,” said Sime Motors Southeast Asia managing director Jeffrey Gan.
“Our proven track record in electrifying the logistics sector has paved the way for us to now embark into the e-hailing market. We are committed to helping businesses achieve greater efficiency and cost optimisation through electrification. Ultimately, our goal is to contribute to Malaysia’s transportation electrification journey, driving a positive impact on the environment and the economy,” said YGT chief executive Lim Chern Yuan.
“Through this collaboration, we are not only supporting Malaysia’s sustainability agenda but also empowering our driver-partners with access to greener alternatives. By working with key industry players, we aim to accelerate EV adoption and drive long-term benefits for our communities and the environment,” said Grab Malaysia director of country operations and mobility Rashid Shukor.
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Bangkok 2025: Porsche 911 Carrera GTS facelift – 3.6L T-Hybrid, 541 PS/610 Nm; RM2.3 million in Thailand
Ten months on from its global debut as part of the 992-generation Porsche 911 facelift range, the 911 Carrera GTS is on sale in Thailand, where the first production hybrid 911 road car is priced at 17.4 million baht (RM2.3 million).
The most apparent styling revisions to the 911 GTS include the use of a front fascia that employs five active, vertical cooling air flaps on each side, which are complemented by adaptive diffusers in the front underbody; these open and close depending on the airflow required.
Compared to its pre-facelift iteration, the 992.2 Carrera GTS gets electrification and a bump in engine displacement from 3.0 litres to 3.6 litres from increases in both bore and stroke, to 97 mm and 81 mm, along with VarioCam camshaft adjustment and a valve control using roller rocker arms.
Dubbed T-Hybrid, the electrified components in the 992.2 Carrera GTS powertrain are in its turbocharging as well as on its driveline. The former is a single turbocharger setup replacing the twin turbos of the pre-facelift GTS, and and electric motor located between the compressor and turbine wheels of the turbocharger works to improve throttle response and performance by developing boost when required.
An electrically driven turbocharger means that the GTS now no longer requires a wastegate, says Porsche, and the electric motor in the turbo doubles as a generator, developing up to 11 kW using the exhaust gas stream, similar in a way to the MGU-H system in a modern Formula 1 engine.
Joining the electric turbo is a second, 54 PS/150 Nm electric motor that is integrated into the driveline, within the eight-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission. Both motors draw from a 400V, 1.9 kWh (gross capacity) battery located in the front of the car in the previous location of the 12-volt battery, which is now a lightweight lithium-ion unit situated behind the rear parcel shelf.
The electric components to the powertrain bring a 50 kg weight penalty, though in return it contributes to a combined output of 540 PS and 610 Nm, or 61 PS and 40 Nm more than the purely combustion-based pre-facelift 3.0L GTS. This enables a 0-100 km/h time of three seconds – 0.3 second quicker than the pre-facelift GTS – and a top speed of 312 km/h.
In terms of chassis, the 992.2 Carrera GTS gets rear wheel steering as standard, with its PDCC anti-roll stabilisation system integrated into high-voltage systems for improved flexibility and precision. Its variable damper-equipped sports suspension brings a 10 mm-lower ride height. Here, the show car is fitted with 20- and 21-inch alloy wheels of a Carrera GTS-specific design.
Inside, the 992-generation 911 goes to fully digital driver instrumentation with the facelift, now using a 12.6-inch curved display offering seven view layouts, including a Classic one that evokes the traditional five-tube design with a central tachometer.
While most regular versions of the 911 have typically offered rear seats, the 992-generation facelift is now a two-seater by default, though the 2+2 layout is an option at no added charge. As before, a range of equipment and upholstery options will be available to the buyer; the GTS as seen here gets the electrically adjustable sports seats, with Race-Tex upholstery featuring across the cabin.
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Bangkok 2025: GAC Aion V – BYD Atto 3 rival, 602 km NEDC range, RM135k; coming soon to Malaysia?
Launched in Thailand in November, the GAC Aion V is a look at what we can expect from local distributor Warisan Tan Chong Automotif (WTCA) in the coming year, following on from the recently-teased Hyptec HT. The electric SUV is available in the Land of Smiles in a single 602 Luxury trim, priced at 1,029,900 baht (RM134,700) – undercutting the 1,049,900 baht (RM137,300) BYD Atto 3 Extended Range.
Designed as the first global model from Aion, this new V is actually the second-generation version, replacing the sleek, futuristic original. It sports a far boxier and more rugged design, equipped with squarish headlights, chunky front and rear fender bulges, a kinked window line and vertical C-shaped taillights.
Inside, the Aion V sports all the hallmarks of Chinese electric vehicle interior design, with a two-spoke steering wheel, a simple horizontal dashboard design, a massive 14.6-inch “floating” infotainment touchscreen, a comparatively tiny 8.9-inch digital instrument display and a wide centre console with twin phone holders (one of which houses a Qi wireless charger).
Highlights include a one-touch lie-flat feature for the power-adjustable front seats (with heating, ventilation, massage and driver’s side memory), a folding rear tray behind the front passenger, a large panoramic glass roof, up to 137 degrees of rear seat backrest adjustment and a 6.6 litre fridge underneath the front arm rest.
Standard kit includes 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera system with a transparency function, nine speakers and a powered tailgate. The Aion V is also offered with six airbags and a full complement of driver assists. The latter include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane centring assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, rear collision warning and a door opening warning.
Measuring 4,605 mm long, 1,876 mm wide and 1,686 mm tall, the Aion V is 150 mm longer, a scant one millimetre wider and 71 mm taller than the aforementioned Atto 3, while its 2,775 mm wheelbase is 55 mm longer. Open the hands-free powered tailgate and you’ll find a 427 litre boot (13 litres smaller than the BYD’s), expandable to 987 litres with the rear seats folded.
The Aion V is powered by a single front motor producing 204 PS (150 kW) and 240 Nm of torque, getting it from zero to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 160 km/h. A 75.2 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) GAC Magazine Battery provides an impressive range of 602 km on the NEDC cycle. Expect the figure to be closer to 500 km on the more realistic WLTP cycle, which is still not to be sniffed at.
Also impressive is support for 180 kW of DC fast charging power, topping up the battery from 30 to 80% in 16 minutes and providing 330 km of additional range in just 15 minutes. However, AC charging is limited to 7 kW, although you do get a 3.3 kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) function. One area where the Aion V is lacking next to the Atto 3 is in the suspension – it uses a rear torsion beam instead of a multilink setup.
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Bangkok 2025: MG5 Pro on display – same 114 PS 1.5L NA with CVT, styling tweaks; from RM77k in Thailand
The updated MG5 is currently on display at the ongoing Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS). This is still the second-generation model we got in October 2024 but with a new face that was introduced in Thailand in March of the same year – it resembles the MG5 Scorpio that debuted in 2022.
In terms of visual changes, the MG5 gets a redesigned front fascia featuring a new grille (and accompanying insert) and sleeker headlamps. The front bumper has been changed too, now with a lower portion that mimics that of the MG4 EV and prominent fog lamp enclosures.
At the rear, you’ll find a revised signature for the reshaped taillights and a diffuser-like element accompanied by quad exhaust outlets. The interior remains largely the same, with small changes being the trim on the dashboard that has a “3D diamond” design.
We should point out that the MG5 sold in Thailand differs from the latest version in China. The latter, which made its debut in August 2024, got a proper facelift that includes a front end inspired by the latest MG3, different exterior lighting design and an overhauled interior.
In Thailand, the MG5 is available in two variants, namely the Pro D that is priced at 589,900 baht (about RM77k) and Pro X at 669,900 baht (RM88k). The pre-facelift model is also available as the MG5 10th Special Edition, priced at 589,900 baht (RM77k).
Retained is the 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol engine making 114 PS (113 hp or 84 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 150 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a CVT with eight virtual speeds.
In terms of kit for the MG5 Pro, the Pro D and Pro X share 17-inch alloy wheels (215/50 profile tyres), automatic LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights, red-painted brake calipers, synthetic leather upholstery, a powered driver’s seat, keyless entry and start, automatic AC (with rear vents and PM2.5 air filter) and a 7-inch multi-info instrument cluster display. There’s also a 10-inch touchscreen head unit with support for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well as a six-speaker audio system.
On safety and driver assistance, the MG5 in Thailand comes standard with an electronic parking brake (with auto hold), ABS, brake assist, EBD, traction control, XDS (electronic differential system), hill start assist, passive cruise control, four airbags and a 360-degree camera.
Paying the premium for the Pro X adds on things like a sunroof, rear spoiler, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, curtain airbags (for a total of six), The connected system also gains telematics functions, built-in music streaming and digital key support. Six colours are offered for both Pro variants, including Mineral Green, Scarlet Red, Nuclear Yellow, Metal Ash Grey, Arctic White and Black Knight.
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Bangkok 2025: Isuzu Dragon Max concept debuts as TFR-based restomod with 220 PS 2.2L Ddi MaxForce
This is the Isuzu Dragon Max, a new concept vehicle that has made its debut at this year’s Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS). According to the Japanese automaker, the Dragon Max is a restomod based on the third-generation TFR pick-up truck that was introduced in 1988, specifically the space cab variant.
For those familiar with Chinese zodiacs, 1988 was the Year of the Dragon, hence the first portion of the name. The TFR went by many names in other markets and was apparently nicknamed ‘Dragon’ in Thailand, kind of like how certain generations of the Honda Civic were dubbed ‘Dolphin’, ‘Mayat’ and ‘Ketam in Malaysia. The TFR would eventually be replaced with the D-Max in 2002.
As for ‘Max’, it refers to the brand’s latest MaxForce turbodiesel engine. In the current-day D-Max, the RZ4F-TC 2.2 litre inline-four serves up 163 PS and 400 Nm of torque, but the one in the concept has been fiddled with to make 220 PS and 550 Nm. The added grunt is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The restomod process painting the TFR in grey and lowering the ride height to give it a drag truck look. Elsewhere, the old headlamps and taillights are replaced with more LED units, accompanied by LED daytime running lights, black 17-inch alloy wheels (with 225/50 profile Yokohama Advan Fleva tyres) and a tailgate spoiler.
Inside, the angular dashboard gets modernised with a digital instrument cluster, portrait-style infotainment touchscreen and USB power outlets. We even spot controls for traction control, engine start-stop and push start, although the concept retain the original truck’s buttons near the gauge cluster for the wipers and lights. Other features include Alcantara trim, faux carbon-fibre accents, contrast stitching as well as new seats and a steering wheel wrapped in leather and suede.
Thailand loves pick-up trucks, and Isuzu refers to the TFR/Dragon as a legend worth reimagining for the modern world. Accompanying the Dragon Max’s debut is a promotional video aimed at invoking nostalgia, which you can check out below.
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Police identify 14 accident blackspots, 61 high traffic flow hotspots around Kuala Lumpur for Hari Raya
Malaysia police have identified 14 accident-prone stretches of road, or blackspots and 61 areas of high traffic flow in Kuala Lumpur during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri season, through the running of Op Lancar from March 2 which ends on April 6, reported Bernama.
According to Kuala Lumpur deputy police chief Datuk Azry Akmar Ayob, the 14 accident blackspots are:
- Jalan Tun Razak
- Jalan Kuching
- Jalan Ipoh
- Jalan Kepong
- Jalan Loke Yew
- Jalan Syed Putra
- Jalan Cheras
- Duta-Ulu Klang Expressway (DUKE)
- Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2)
- Kuala Lumpur-Seremban Highway
- Besraya Highway
- Maju Expressway (MEX)
- Western Kuala Lumpur Traffic Dispersal Scheme (SPRINT)
- Sungai Besi-Ulu Klang Expressway (SUKE)
The 61 hotspots identified with high traffic flow include the Segambut roundabout, Batu Caves roundabout, kepong roundabout and the Sungai Besi roundabout.
For safety and smooth traffic flow, 17 senior officers and 320 personnel from the Kuala Lumpur traffic investigation and enforcement department (JSPT) will be on duty throughout Op Selamat 24, Azry Akmar said, reminding the public to be careful and adhere to traffic rules during the festive period for the safety of all road users.
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JPJ eBid: JXX and QM-S number plates up for bidding
JPJ has announced that JXX and QM-S are the next number plate series to go up for bidding on its online auction platform, JPJ eBid.
Johor’s latest running number series is ‘JXX’, and it will open for tender on April 5. The bidding period on JPJeBid is five days, ending 10pm on April 9. As usual, the results will be out the following day. The whole process is online now, as it has been for some time, and bidders will get the good (or bad) news via email.
Also available on JPJ eBid is the Sarawak series ‘QM-S’. The bidding period started on March 25 and will close at 10pm on March 29. Results will be out the day after the auction closes.
New car coming soon and want a nice number plate for the new ride? Why not DIY and skip the reseller’s markup and runner fees? If you have never bid for a number yourself, check out our step-by-step guide on how to navigate JPJ eBid and the techniques needed to get your preferred number at “retail price”.
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Bangkok 2025: Volvo XC90 facelift in T8 PHEV trim, priced at RM613k – launching in Malaysia April 10
Making its Thai debut at the ongoing Bangkok International Motor Expo (BIMS), the 2025 Volvo XC90 is of particular interest to us Malaysians. The redesigned flagship seven-seater SUV is set to be launched here on April 10 alongside its all-new, all-electric sibling, the EX90, Volvo Car Malaysia confirmed through its social media pages.
We can at least expect the car to be considerably cheaper than it is in Thailand, where it is priced at 4,690,000 baht for the sole plug-in hybrid T8 AWD Ultra variant – that’s a whopping RM613,000! Thankfully, estimated pricing for the car in Malaysia is nearly RM200,000 less, at around RM450,000. Thai units are almost certainly imported from Malaysia, where the car is CKD locally assembled in Shah Alam as before.
As such, we can expect equipment to be identical to what we’ll be getting. Standard kit includes matrix LED headlights, 20-inch five-split-spoke alloy wheels, grey ash wood trim, an Orrefors crystal gearlever, power-adjustable seats with heating, ventilation and driver’s side memory, Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, four-zone climate control with third-row vents, a head-up display, adaptive air suspension, a 19-speaker, 1,410-watt Bowers & Wilkins sound system and a hands-free powered tailgate.
This being a Volvo, the XC90 is jam-packed with safety features such as eight airbags (including driver’s knee and centre airbags) and a full suite of driver assists. These include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane centring assist, blind spot monitoring with collision prevention, rear cross traffic alert with auto brake, park assist and adaptive high beam.
Power continues to come from a 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, mated to a 145 PS/309 Nm electric motor and an eight-speed automatic gearbox. However, the four-pot mill has actually been detuned slightly, producing 310 PS at 6,000 rpm and 400 Nm of torque from 3,000 to 4,800 rpm.
As such, total system output has also been reduced to 455 PS – still enough to get this 2.3-tonne behemoth from zero to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. Battery capacity is unfortunately unchanged at 18.8 kWh (introduced in 2022, up from 11.6 kWh in the 2019 facelift and just 10.4 kWh in the original T8 Twin Engine), resulting in a subpar pure electric range of between 63 and 71 km – far below what the BMW X5 xDrive50e offers (up to 110 km). A full charge using a 6.4 kW AC charger takes three hours.
The new XC90 is technically a second facelift of the second-generation model introduced back in 2014, but there has been a significant reworking of the car’s design. The front of the car is where almost all of the changes have been made, bearing plenty of similarities with the electric EX90 and EX30 – even though it’s not quite as fashion forward as those cars.
The said grille may be the most controversial part of the redesign, maintaining the Iron Mark logo and diagonal chrome bar but adding a new criss-cross slat pattern similar to the latest BMW 1 Series and X3. The bumper has also been re-profiled with a wider central air intake and slimmer vertical corner inlets for a sleeker yet no less imposing look.
Unfortunately, that’s pretty much all the sheetmetal tweaks you’ll find on the XC90. Even the vertical taillights have been carried over, albeit with what appear to be smoked internals that do give the car a cleaner look.
The changes go quite a bit further on the inside. The dashboard is all new – although it doesn’t look it, given that you still have vertical air vents, a chunky physical volume knob under the touchscreen and a tall and wide centre console. Instead, it’s the little things that have been added, mostly for the sake of practicality – incorporating feedback from customers.
You now get a smaller third cupholder in the centre console and the repositioning of the Qi wireless charger to the front – separate from the main storage area – for added convenience. The decorative trim is also now textured and made from recycled materials, while the ambient lighting has been updated for a classier look.
Of course, one cannot overlook the biggest change of them all – the much larger 11.2-inch portrait infotainment touchscreen, now standing proud of the dash. This not only has a 21% higher pixel density but also receive the latest user interface from the EX90 and EX30, now with Google Maps front and centre and phone and media controls permanently down below – meaning you won’t have to leave the navigation system to, say, skip songs.
Underneath all that is a contextual shortcut bar that changes depending on the situation, on top of showing your most recent apps. It also includes an icon for the drive modes, which used to be controlled via a physical roller dial before disappearing into the menus. A 12.3-inch digital instrument display continues to be offered, as is Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a Qi wireless charger.
The 2025 XC90 joins the EX90 in Volvo’s Thai stable. Launched in November last year, the pure electric model is a little cheaper, but at 4,290,000 baht (RM560,400) it’s still much more expensive than what the car will eventually cost over here.
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