Latest Featured Stories

• 

  Mitsubishi Xforce in M'sia - fr. RM110k, RM5k rebate

• 

  Tesla Model Y L in Malaysia - RM260k

• 

  Toyota bZ4X Malaysia – 525 km, RM220k

• 

  Toyota Urban Cruiser EV in M'sia - 426 km, RM198k

• 

  Toyota Hilux EV Malaysia – Travo, 257 km, RM226k

• 

  Omoda C9 PHEV in Malaysia, 537 PS; RM209k

Latest Stories

• Michelin Primacy 5 energy and Pilot Sport 5 energy tyres now available in Malaysia – RRP from RM614

  In Local News / by Danny Tan / 29 April 2026 3:28 pm

  

  The Michelin Primacy 5 energy and Michelin Pilot Sport 5 energy tyres are now available in Malaysia. The former is touted as a triple-A tyre with the longest life in its segment, while the PS5 energy is a double-A tyre inspired by motorsport heritage and engineered for a new era of energy-efficient performance.

  “These new tyre ranges deliver energy efficiency across all applications while maintaining sustainable performance from the first to the last mile, reinforcing Michelin’s commitment to safer, more efficient, and more sustainable mobility,” said Florentin Odenwald, MD of Michelin Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.

  “The Malaysian automotive landscape is changing rapidly, with EV adoption accelerating, SUVs dominating the roads, and drivers expecting more from every component of their vehicle. The tyre ranges from Michelin are our direct response to that shift. With the Michelin Primacy 5 energy and Michelin Pilot Sport 5 energy, we are ensuring that as the market evolves, Malaysian drivers are not left behind,” he added.

  

  

  

  

  The tyremaker says that the Primacy 5 energy achieves the highest European A-label rating for external noise, wet grip and rolling resistance. It also delivers with ‘exceptional longevity that translates into more mileage for both fuel and electric vehicles’.

  The quietness and comfortable ride comes from Michelin’s Silent Rib Gen-3 and Piano Acoustic Tuning tech, which also promises to minimise noise on worn tyres. MaxTouch maximises contact with the road and evenly distributes the forces of acceleration, braking and cornering to extend tread life, without compromising safety.

  Meanwhile, Slim Belt features thinner top belts with less raw materials (at equivalent strength) that improves fuel consumption or battery range for EVs. This is combined with the high-performance Energy Passive 2.0 compound that for tyre longevity. Available in 19 sizes for 18- to 21-inch wheels, the Michelin Primacy 5 energy is priced from RM614 to RM1,624.

  

  The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 energy is the company’s first sport tyre with double European A-label rating for wet grip and rolling resistance. It claims to deliver dynamic handling and enhanced driving pleasure while reducing energy consumption, ‘redefining what responsible performance means for modern vehicles’.

  Michelin Dynamic Response ensures optimum transmission of steering control onto the road, while Piano Acoustic minimises noise and MaxTouch that maximises contact with the road evenly. This model also has Slim Belt. Michelin Bi-Compound features Grip Adaptive compound in the centre for superior grip, and Energy Passive compound on tread shoulders to reduce energy consumption.

  Available on both tyres is the 360-degree application of the Michelin Premium Touch technology, covering the entire sidewall circumference to create an ‘exceptionally luxurious’ visual effect. Thanks to the French company’s patented tech, a velvet-effect microtexture reveals a refined matte black finish, ‘perfectly harmonising with the elegance of the vehicles on which the tyres are fitted’.

  The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 energy is available in 17 sizes for 18- to 21-inch wheels, with retail prices ranging from RM930 to RM2,006.

  GALLERY: Michelin Primacy 5 energy

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  GALLERY: Michelin Pilot Sport 5 energy

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  0 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Man charged for possessing 3,000 litres of diesel in KL

  In Cars, Local News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 29 April 2026 12:29 pm

  

  An unemployed man was charged in the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court for possessing 3,000 litres of diesel without a valid licence. M Saravanan, age 24, was charged with possessing controlled goods in the form of 3,000 litres of diesel under suspicious circumstances.

  The incident occurred in a lorry by the roadside near a school in Ayer Jerneh Road in Setapak, KL. Saravanan was charged under Regulation 3(1) under the Control of Supplies Regulation 1974, for dealing in controlled goods wholesale, or retail without a licence under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies 1961, both punishable under Section 22(1) of the same Act, reports Bernama.

  

  If convicted, Saravanan faces a fine of RM1 million, or three year in prison, or both. For second and subsequent offences, the penalty is a maximum fine of RM3 million, or five years in prison, or both.

  Prosecuting officer for the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN), M Selvaraju, proposed a bail of RM30,000 in one surety while Saravanan, who is unrepresented, asked for a reduced bail on the grounds that he is unemployed. Judge Mazuliana Abdul Rashid imposed bail of RM30,000 in one surety and set case mention for June 2.

  0 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Continental CrossContact A/T2 tyre now in Malaysia

  In Local News / by Danny Tan / 29 April 2026 11:24 am

  

  Continental Tyres has launched the CrossContact A/T2 tyre in Malaysia. The company says that its latest all-terrain tyre for SUVs and 4x4s is engineered with ‘immense traction and endurance’ to combat rough, wild landscapes, without compromising on-road comfort and performance.

  “Every tyre we build starts with a deep understanding of our customers’ needs. As a key APAC market, Malaysia’s drivers, road conditions and weather play a vital role in the development process. By focusing on customer-centric solutions, the all‑new CrossContact A/T2 is built on these real‑world insights for drivers who depend on their utility and 4×4 vehicles. It’s designed to deliver confidence where it matters most,” said Andrea Somorova, MD of Malaysia and head of ASEAN.

  The CrossContact A/T2 has enhanced traction for ‘high-stress manoeuvres’ thanks to a combination of increased tread depth, high void volume and self-cleaning shoulders. These provide greater handling precision, better vehicle stability and stronger grip on loose, uneven or slippery terrain, Continental says.

  

  Click to enlarge

  An AT tyre needs to be tough, and in this area, rigid tread patterns with reinforced sidewall thickness help withstand high-impact surfaces while reducing the risk of punctures, abrasion tears and rough trail damage. As for grip, Continental’s proprietary BlackPaw Compound is claimed to provide grip with adaptive capabilities to complement weather and road conditions in all forms.

  The CrossContact A/T2 is now available at Continental-branded outlets as well as official Continental online stores on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok and TnG eWallet. The company says that it offers one of the widest size ranges in Malaysia with 42 sizes, covering 15- to 22-inch wheels for SUVs, 4X4 and light trucks. The CrossContact A/T2 offer up to load range E capability, which means it’s worksite ready.

  0 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Ministers setting an EV example? Public chargers nationwide essential for adoption – MITI’s Johari

  In Local News / by Danny Tan / 29 April 2026 10:18 am

  

  The price of oil is high, so should the government and cabinet ministers set an example in cost-­cutting and use electric vehicles as their official cars? This question was posed to Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani at the Concorde Club dialogue session at Wisma Bernama yesterday.

  The MITI minister said that he and his colleagues can do so, but such a move must be supported by widespread public charging infrastructure nationwide, citing the example of petrol stations.

  “We need the public infrastructure. Where are you getting the public chargers? They must be available throughout the country, just like petrol stations. Only then will people feel comfortable using EVs,” he said, reported by The Star.

  

  “But if you do not provide the infrastructure, it will fail, even if you give a low price. It may be construed that everything is already taken care of by the government, and when they experience some problems, they will come back to the government and ask why the government allowed this. My stand on this issue actually is – let’s build the infrastructure together,” he added.

  Johari lamented that charging infrastructure isn’t widespread in rural areas. “From 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, those who brought in CBU EV cars enjoyed zero import duty, zero excise duty, and zero sales tax. That is how the government created a window for four years.

  “Unfortunately, within those four years, we have not seen widely available infrastructure deve­lopment, especially in rural areas, kampung areas and so on. Within this period, we have forgone about RM3.3 billion in tax revenue,” he said, adding that Malaysia is now focusing on strengthening its EV ecosystem, including encouraging CKD local assembly operations.

  0 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Chery Himla pick-up earmarked for Malaysia, due here in Q2/Q3 2027 – will it be the KP11 or newer KP31?

  In Cars, Chery, Local News / by Anthony Lim / 29 April 2026 8:45 am

  

  Let’s get the simple part out of the way first, and that is with the news that Chery has plans to introduce its Himla pick-up in Malaysia, with a Q2 or Q3 2027 introduction having been indicated for it. Of course, given that any new pick-up with a fresh nameplate coming our way has to be locally-assembled, it will, not surprisingly, be a CKD offering.

  Now comes the tougher bit, which is establishing the brand name it will wear here, as well as the form it will come in. For the first, things were straightforward up to a few months ago. When it was launched at Auto Shanghai last year, the sub-brand appeared as Himla, a moniker said to be inspired by the Himalayas, also doubling as an acronym for ‘high performance’, ‘innovation’, ‘multifunction’, ‘longevity’ and ‘all-terrain’.

  That name is meant for global markets, because in China the brand is called Rely. Which is fine, because you’d imagine that the vehicle, codenamed KP11, would be known as the Himla everywhere else, including Malaysia, but this might not be the case, depending on how things pan out elsewhere. Let’s explain why.

  It has all to do with the appearance of a new Chery concept truck that was revealed in Sydney in February. Unlike the Himla KP11, this one, called the KP31, wears not just a different face (hello, Ford Bronco) but is also that more buff on the whole. Its 5,610 mm length also makes it longer than the regulation KP11 (5,330 mm), but that is likely the result of it incorporating a long bed by default. A reskin then? Maybe.

  

  

  The production version of the model – which will be a global offering – is set to land in Australia sometime in the fourth quarter of this year, and because it remains unnamed, it could wear a completely different name. It will definitely be known by another when the Omoda | Jaecoo version eventually takes flight.

  Of course, the new one could well end up being a Himla from a Chery perspective, as indicated by a trio of KP31s shown during one of the field activities held as part of the automaker’s 2026 International Business Summit in Wuhu, China, which concluded today.

  The truck with Chery badging and a China-specific P3X model designation seen in the photos here is clearly the concept unveiled in Australia. The part that provides the stump is the Himla plate identifiers pasted on the two other kitted up versions on display, which despite the dress up exterior work are unmistakably KP31s.

  

  Chery Himla KP11 pick-up

  Still following? There’s a reason for attempting to address the name, because it is almost certain that the KP31 will be the version of the pick-up coming our way, not the Himla KP11, as indicated by the powertrain the company has planned for our market, which is a petrol PHEV. The KP31 was announced with a diesel plug-in hybrid system, which is a world’s first, but oil burners, no matter how efficient they are with the assistance of electrification, are presently not the flavour of the moment, or foreseeable future.

  A petrol PHEV is, but it was mentioned that it’s about a year away from appearing, which fits nicely with the timeframe for the truck’s planned arrival in Malaysia. As for why it also isn’t the Himla KP11, the only fossil fuel engines available for it are a 2.3 litre turbodiesel and a 2.4 litre petrol.

  As it is expected to provide decent volume, the pick-up should be built at Chery’s new Smart Auto Industrial Park assembly plant, as word is that the company’s existing Shah Alam facility will be retained to assemble lower volume products, while higher volume models will be produced in Lembah Beringin. Still too early to tell, and so expect more on the pick-up when it gets closer to market reality.

  GALLERY: Chery Himla KP31 and Himla KP11 pick-ups in Wuhu, China

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  
  

  GALLERY: Chery KP31 concept pick-up

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  1 comment | Leave a comment?

   

• Lepas L4 EV, L6 EV, L6 PHEV revealed in Beijing – would you like to see these NEVs in Malaysia?

  In Cars, International News, Lepas / by Jonathan Lee / 28 April 2026 7:52 pm

  

  Lepas L4 EV

  Completing the list of Auto China debuts for the Chery International group is Lepas, which showcased the L4 EV, L6 EV and L6 PHEV in Beijing this week. These new energy vehicle (NEV) variants expand the fledgling lineup from the existing petrol-powered L4, L6 and L8, providing customers with a range of powertrain options built on the parent company’s dedicated LEX “intelligent” new energy platform.

  We’ve actually seen the L4 and L6 EVs before – the former at the Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) earlier this year, the latter at the recent Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS). Both feature grille-less EV-specific front ends with jutting noses, aggressive air intakes and slim headlights with L-shaped daytime running lights, ditching the petrol cars‘ “leopard eye” graphics.

  Lepas has not released much in the way of details, but it has confirmed that the L4 EV will have a range of 500 km (likely on the NEDC cycle, so expect around 420 km of WLTP range). The rest of the powertrain should be shared with the Jaecoo J5 EV, including a single front motor making 211 PS (155 kW) and 288 Nm of torque, a 61.1 kWh LFP battery and up to 80 kW of DC fast charging support.

  

  Lepas L6 EV

  As for the L6 EV, initial specs reported by Thai portal Autoinfo include outputs of 242 PS (178 kW) and 275 Nm, a zero to 100 km/h time of 7.9 seconds and a 67.08 kWh LFP battery delivering an NEDC range of 510 km (circa 430 km WLTP). Also included is up to 120 kW of DC fast charging – topping up the battery from 30 to 80% in 20 minutes – as well as up to 7 kW of AC charging.

  Making its world premiere in Beijing is the L6 PHEV, utilising the newly-named Lepas Super Hybrid (LSH) system. This is almost certainly identical to the Super Hybrid System (SHS) used in the Jaecoo J7 PHEV and the Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) in the Chery Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 PHEV.

  Such a combination includes 1.5 litre turbo four-cylinder, an electric motor and a single-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT), producing a combined output of 275 PS and 365 Nm of torque. Lepas claims a pure EV range of 107 km and a total range of 1,200 km in the larger L8.

  

  Lepas L6 PHEV

  Aside from the dual ports for fuel and charging, the L6 PHEV is practically indistinguishable from the petrol version, with a large rectangular grille and split headlights with the aforementioned leopard-inspired DRLs. The car you see here – a prototype that was driven from Beijing to Wuhu for the Chery International Business Summit – wears handsome 19-inch turbine-style alloy wheels.

  Inside, the L6 PHEV continues to feature a minimalist interior with the J7’s three-spoke steering wheel and a waterfall centre console housing a large portrait infotainment touchscreen. You also get “floating” Sony speakers on the doors that integrate the ambient lighting.

  Lepas Malaysia has not confirmed if the NEV models will be offered on our shores, only saying that they are being considered for our market. If they do, expect them to arrive sometime after the ICE models are launched – those are slated to debut in the first half of the year, possibly at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) in June.

  GALLERY: Lepas L4 EV

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: Lepas L6 EV

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: Lepas L6 PHEV

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: Lepas L4 EV official photos

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: Lepas L6 EV official photos

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: Lepas L6 PHEV official photos

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  7 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• 2026 BYD Atto 3 shown in Beijing – up to 326 PS, RWD; second-gen Blade battery, up to 517 km WLTP

  In BYD, Cars, International News / by Mick Chan / 28 April 2026 6:03 pm

  

  The new, 2026 BYD Atto 3 that was unveiled last month has been shown as the Yuan Plus at Auto China 2026 in Beijing, and the latest model is physically larger than the model it succeeds.

  This measures 4,665 mm long, 1,895 mm wide and 1,675 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,770 mm, making its 210 mm longer, 20 mm wider and 60 mm taller than the current Atto 3; kerb weight is claimed to be 1,690 kg. Two wheel designs are offered for the 2026 Atto 3, and these measure 18 to 19 inches in diameter.

  The enlarged exterior dimensions bring more luggage space; according to Drive, luggage capacity for the Yuan Plus/Atto 3 is 750 litres, with an additional 180 litres of space in the frunk.

  

  

  

  

  The 2026 Atto 3 takes after the Atto 3 Evo for Europe in terms of powertrain layout, in making the switch to a rear-wheel-drive configuration. In China, the 2026 Atto 3 gets a rear-mounted motor that outputs 200 kW (272 PS) or 240 kW (326 PS).

  The 272 PS powertrain draws from a 57.54 kWh LFP battery that offers up to 540 km of range on the CLTC cycle (443 km WLTP) while the 326 PS powertrain is powered by a 68.55 kWh battery with up to 630 km of CLTC range (517 km WLTP).

  Both powertrain variants draw from the BYD Blade 2.0 battery. The new-generation battery pack gets flash charging technology that enables a claimed 10-70% recharge in five minutes, or 10-97% in nine minutes.

  

  

  

  

  For comparison, the Atto 3 Evo for Europe gets a 74.8 kWh battery pack yielding 510 km of range (WLTP) for the 313 PS/380 Nm RWD variant, and 470 km (WLTP) for the 449 PS/560 Nm dual-motor AWD variant.

  The 2026 Atto 3 get a powered tailgate, a 16-speaker audio system, a built-in refrigerator, floating infotainment touchscreen and driver’s instrument display, two-spoke steering wheel, a head-up display, and wireless phone charging at up to 50 watts.

  Pricing in China for the 2026 BYD Atto 3 has yet to be confirmed, though orders for the new model was previously reported to open around the middle of this year.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  7 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• 2026 Yamaha R25 new colours for Malaysia, retail price unchanged at RM23,098

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, Yamaha / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 28 April 2026 5:22 pm

  

  New colours for the 2026 Yamaha YZF-R25 in Malaysia, with recommended retail pricing now RM23,098, unchanged from 2025. Pricing does not include road tax, insurance or registration and the new colours are Icon Blue and Mint Green.

  Stocks of the R25 in new colour will be in authorised Hong Long Yamaha Motor dealer show rooms immediately. No changes otherwise for the R25 in Malaysia, with specifications unchanged form the previous year.

  Power is delivered by a liquid-cooled, DOHC, eight-valve, parallel-twin mill displacing 249 cc. Power output is rated at 35.4 hp at 12,000 rpm with a maximum 22.6 Nm of torque at 10,000 rpm.

  

  An assist and slipper clutch equipped six-speed gearbox and chain final drive sends power to the rear wheel. Tyre sizing is 110/70 front and 140/70 rear rubber with seat height set at 758 mm and with 14.3-litres in the tank, the R25 weighs 160 kg.

  Braking is done with single hydraulic discs front and rear, with two-channel ABS as standard equipment. For suspension, also no changes, with non-adjustable upside-down forks in front and a preload-adjustable mono shock at the back.

  LED lighting is used throughout, with headlight styling mimicking the design of the YZF-R1 superbike. Riding information is displayed on a monochrome LCD screen with Y-Connect to the rider’s smartphone.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  2 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• 2026 Harley-Davidson line-up for Malaysia, pricing starts from RM112,000 up to RM213,000

  In Bikes, Harley-Davidson, Local Bike News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 28 April 2026 3:59 pm

  

  MY26 Web 360. FLTRXL Road Glide Limited

  Pricing the Harley-Davidson’s 2026 motorcycles in Malaysia has been unveiled, with pricing starting from RM112,000. On the day of the launch, on display was the 2026 Road Glide Limited with pricing starting from RM213,000, featuring a frame mounted fairing.

  Alongside the Road Glide Limited, the Street Glide Limited with handlebar mounted fairing was also on display, retailing at RM207,000. Stepping down from the Limited editions, the 2026 Road Glide is tagged at RM193,000 while the Street Glide retails at RM178,000.

  All four Glides come with a Milwaukee-Eight V-twin engine with variable valve technology, displacing 1,977 cc and producing 107 hp. With 22.7-litres of fuel on-board, the Glides range in weight from 417 kg to 368 kg.

  

  Meanwhile the Low Rider S can be purchased at a price of RM126,000 while the Low Rider ST, with wider front fairing, has a price tag of RM139,000, both with 114 hp from a Milwaukee-Eight High Output V-twin displacing 1,923 cc. For the rider who prefers a more traditional look, the 2026 Heritage Classic retails at RM134,000, with a 91 hp Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-twin displacing 1,923 cc.

  Meanwhile the 2026 Breakout is priced at RM134,000, with 103 hp from its Milwaukee-Eight 117 Custom V-twin, tipping the scales at 309 kg and a low 665 mm seat height, while the 2026 Fat Boy, with identical engine, weighs 315 kg and comes with a 675 mm seat height, retailing at RM137,000. The 2026 Street Bob, with its RM112,000 retail price, carries a Milwaukee-Eight Classic V-twin producing 91 hp, and price tagged at RM112,000.

  

  

  

  MY26 Web 360. FLHXL Street Glide Limited

  

  

  
  

  

  

  MY26 Web 360. FLHXL Street Glide Limited

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  MY26 Web 360. FLTRXL Road Glide Limited

  

  

  
  

  

  

  MY26 Web 360. FLTRXL Road Glide Limited

  

  

  FLTRXL Road Glide Limited

  

  FLTRXL Road Glide Limited

  
  

  0 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Leapmotor B05 confirmed for UK, Australia – will ASEAN get the Golf-class Lafa 5 EV hatch after B03X?

  In Cars, Leapmotor, Local News / by Danny Tan / 28 April 2026 2:49 pm

  

  SUVs are inevitable, but if you’re still one of those car guys who are ‘keeping it true’ to your favourite format (some like them long and sleek, some like ‘no tail’), here’s a breath of fresh air from Auto China 2026. Unlike everything else in Beijing, the Leapmotor Lafa 5 is a Euro-style five-door C-segment hatchback for the electric age.

  Think Volkswagen ID.3, but with ICE-car looks, like a traditional Golf. Something like this might not have been a big deal a decade ago, but it’s increasingly niche now, more so in China, where hatchbacks aren’t a thing. The front end reminds me of VW’s Scirocco – remember that sporty two-door?

  By the way, Lafa stands for Lifestyle, Attitude, Freedom and Art but the car will be marketed as the B05 outside of China, and we’ll call it that from now.

  

  The B05 is 4,490 mm long and 1,880 mm wide, with a long wheelbase of 2,735 mm. The regular car you see here is 1,520 mm tall, 10 mm higher than the sportier Ultra version that debut in Beijing last week. For context, a VW Golf MK8 is 4,284 mm long, 1,789 mm wide and 1,456 mm tall. Boot volume is 435 litres, expandable to 1,400 litres with the rear seats folded.

  Like its B10 SUV sister, the B05 sits on the Leap 3.5 EV platform, which means it’s rear-wheel drive and has 50:50 weight distribution. The hatchback sits on independent suspension (rear multi-links) and 19-inch wheels, wrapped with 225/45 Linglong Sport Master e tyres, which we also find on the B10.

  In China, the entry-level Lafa 5 has a 179 PS/220 Nm motor, while the other four variants get 218 PS/240 Nm. A range of LFP batteries (everything is designed and packed in-house by Leapmotor, with only the battery cells supplied) deliver CLTC range of 515 km or 605 km, which should translate to around 420 km and 500 km on the more realistic WLTP scale. The 0-100 km/h sprint is achieved in 7.9 to 8.9 seconds and top speed is up to 160 km/h.

  

  Leapmotor claims energy consumption of between 11.9 to 12.5 kWh per 100 km and DC fast charging top ups from 30% to 80% SoC in around 18 minutes.

  Inside, the B05’s dashboard is per the B10 SUV, and one gets an 8.8-inch digital meter panel paired to a 14.6-inch central screen. It’s standard Chinese EV fare in here, but the holes on the passenger side of the dash are quite interesting – Leapmotor sells accessories that owners can plug-in according to their needs, such as a foldable table and a phone holder. The Beijing showcar you see here has a cat tapau hook.

  Unlike the exterior, the B05’s basic dashboard design isn’t at all sporty, but they did throw in some racy touches such as suede-like surfaces, a full-black cabin and frameless windows.

  

  

  The car’s cockpit chip is the Snapdragon 8155, but there’s a more powerful Snapdragon 8295/8650 available. Also optional is LiDAR, marked by roof-mounted sensors and blue lights at both ends of the car. Since this more advanced ‘hands-free’ form of ADAS isn’t applicable in most overseas markets, they’re likely to be omitted for export B05s.

  In China, the Lafa 5 is priced from 97,800 yuan for the base 515 Plus to 121,800 yuan for the top 605 Max (RM56,569 to RM70,451). The B05 is confirmed for UK and Australia and exports are scheduled for later this year, which means that right-hand-drive production is just around the corner.

  So, how about ASEAN? Leapmotor’s next model for our region is the A10 a.k.a. B03X compact SUV and we understand that there are no plans for the B05, for now. It’s a shame because this EV is truly a breath of fresh air thanks to its unique bodystyle and subtle-sporty design, but what makes it special is also what makes it a weak business case next to an SUV. What do you think of the B05 and the hotter Ultra version?

  GALLERY: Leapmotor Lafa 5 a.k.a. B05 at Auto China 2026

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  0 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Chery group has sold 55,800 vehicles in Malaysia since 2023 – company prepares for further growth

  In Cars, Chery, Local News / by Anthony Lim / 28 April 2026 1:49 pm

  

  In 2023, following its mid-year relaunch that year, Chery was the 14th largest car group in Malaysia. By 2025, the group was placed fifth by sales volume, with a 4% market share and having sold 31,646 vehicles that year. As of now, the automaker, which now has four brands (Chery, Omoda | Jaecoo, iCaur and Lepas) here, has 55,800 vehicles on Malaysian roads.

  The company is hoping to make significant progress on numbers in the coming years, with the Chery Smart Auto Industrial Park helping to accelerate that growth. Located in Lembah Beringin, Selangor, the industrial project, part of the Beringin High-Tech Auto Valley development, was announced last year, signalling the brand’s commitment to Malaysia.

  At the heart of the development – which will eventually span 1,280 acres in total – is an assembly plant that is slated to have an initial production capacity of 100,000 vehicles a year, with room to upscale to 300,000 vehicles annually, but the development will also incorporate offices, supply chain and technical innovation facilities, hostels as well as a flagship gallery, integrating what is essentially a right-hand drive hub with R&D facilities in one location.

  

  Besides vehicles, the Chery Smart Auto Industrial Park is also set to be involved in the brand’s AiMOGA robotics programme, with the local project undertaking aspects of robot assembly.

  Development on the project, which has seen RM1.4 billion in investment through 2024, with a further RM2.2 billion being allocated in 2025, is being accomplished in phases. Construction began in September last year and is moving fast, according to Chery Corporate Malaysia executive VP Men Lin Bo, with the first phase set to be completed later this year.

  Speaking at an event during the automaker’s ongoing 2026 International Business Summit being held in Wuhu, China, Men said a total of 1,260 employees make up the company’s workforce at present, stating proudly that 99% of them were Malaysian, covering every level, from senior managers to engineers and technicians, within the organisation.

  

  During his speech, Men also indicated that the powertrain aspect is evolving quickly within the Malaysian car market, with the move to new energy vehicles (NEVs) growing in significant fashion. He said that in 2024, 93.3% of cars sold were ICE, but by 2025, that dropped to 89.8%, which indicated that a shift was taking place.

  Sales of battery electric vehicles doubled from 21,532 to 43,986 units, while that for PHEVs grew by 112%. And for the first time, REEVs started making headway, with 1,215 units sold in year one. With NEVs making up 10.2% of market sales in 2025, up from 6.7% the year previously, Men expects there to be further significant growth in this area in the near future.

  10 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Jetour T1 teased ahead of Malaysian reveal this week

  In Cars, Jetour, Local News / by Mick Chan / 28 April 2026 12:23 pm

  

  The Jetour T1 is two days away from its Malaysian unveiling, it would appear from the teaser by Jetour Auto Malaysia that illustrates the side profile of the brand’s SUV.

  The T1 has previously been sighted in camouflage around Petaling Jaya last December, and in Bandar Baru Bangi before that in the preceding month, and now the SUV is set to be shown at the Penang Autoshow 2026 in two days time, according to Jetour Auto Malaysia.

  

  

  

  

  Jetour T1, Auto Shanghai 2025

  In China, the Jetour T1 is sold with either a 184 PS/290 Nm 1.5 litre engine or a 184 PS/290 Nm 2.0 litre engine, and both are turbocharged, four-cylinder petrol units. The 1.5 litre engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic while the 2.0 litre engine gets an eight-speed automatic, and the latter is the specification named in the ASEAN NCAP test in which the T1 scored five stars.

  For exterior dimensions, the T1 measures 4,706 mm long, 1,967 mm wide and 1,845 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,810 mm, and as its naming convention suggests, the T1 is smaller than the T2 that is 4,785 mm long, 2,006 mm wide and 1,880 mm tall.

  In China, the Jetour T1 is priced from 124,900 yuan to 154,900 yuan (RM72,269 to RM89,627). As this will be positioned below the T2, how much cheaper do you think the T1 will be compared to its larger sibling?

  Jetour T1 at Auto Shanghai 2025

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  
  

  Jetour T1 previewed in China

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  5 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• RTS Link successfully runs multi-train high-speed trial

  In Local News, Public Transport / by Mick Chan / 28 April 2026 10:07 am

  

  Image by RTS Operations Facebook page

  The Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link project has successfully conducted a high-speed, multi-train trial last Friday, RTS Operations has stated.

  “We successfully and safely ran multiple trains together at higher speeds while validating key systems such as regenerative braking, all under strict safety protocols. It’s part of a broader testing journey, with more phases ahead as we continue strengthening system safety and performance towards system readiness,” RTS Operations stated.

  In February, a report citing Sin Chew Daily reported that fares for the Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link are expected to be announced in the second half of this year, and could be in the region of S$5-7 (RM15.37-RM21.53) per trip.

  As of January, the RTS Link project was reported to be on track for completion in December, for operations to commence in January 2027. The four-km long rail link connects JB’s Bukit Chagar to Singapore’s Woodlands North, and its driverless train sets have a maximum capacity of 10,000 passengers per hour per way.

  The Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link will eventually replace the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) Shuttle Tebrau service, although Malaysian transport minister Anthony Loke has said that Malaysia hopes the service can be maintained temporarily.

  3 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Budi95: subsidised RON95 petrol quota maintained at 200 litres for now – finance ministry political secretary

  In Local News / by Mick Chan / 28 April 2026 9:19 am

  

  The Malaysian government will maintain the Budi Madani RON 95 (Budi95) quota at its present amount of 200 litres per month – which the finance ministry said was temporarily adjusted down from its original 300 litre monthly quota – amid the global supply crisis, said the finance ministry political secretary Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, reported Bernama.

  All decisions on the matter will be discussed at weekly meetings of the national economic action council, basd on current needs and the nation’s economic capacity, he said.

  “We have to look at the broader situation, including oil supply. So far, conditions remain under control and the government is monitoring developments. We have also diversified our oil sources and are not solely dependent on supplies from Middle Eastern countries,” Muhammad Kamil said.

  

  The Budi95 quota was adjusted from 300 litres to 200 litres on March 26 this year as the price of subsidised RON 95 petrol in Malaysia remained at RM1.99 per litre, and prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also finance minister said that 90% of RON 95 petrol users will not be affected by the reduced quota.

  The Malaysian government is continuing its efforts to sustain fuel subsidies at the current price, despite a suggestion from the World Bank to revise the price of subsidised RON 95 petrol from its current RM1.99 per litre to RM2.05 per litre, Muhammad Kamil said.

  As of April 23, unsubsidised RON 95 petrol is priced at RM3.87, while RON 97 petrol is priced at RM4.85 per litre. As for the retail prices of diesel fuels, Euro 5 B10 and B20 grades are priced at RM5.12 per litre, while the Euro 5 B7 grade is priced at RM5.32 per litre, while the retail price of diesel fuels in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan stays unchanged at RM2.15 per litre.

  5 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Chery says main brand equivalent to Toyota, Lepas to Mazda, Omoda & Jaecoo to BYD, iCaur to Jeep

  In Cars, Chery, Exeed, iCaur, International News, Lepas, Omoda Jaecoo / by Jonathan Lee / 28 April 2026 9:05 am

  

  Aside from presenting the product plan for Omoda & Jaecoo, Chery International president Zhang Guibing also clarified the positioning of his company’s various brands, including not just the main marque and O&J but also Lepas and iCaur. The executive moved to answer criticism that the firm had too many brands that lacked clear differentiation.

  Specifically, Zhang compared his nameplates to those of other established carmakers. No prizes for guessing what Chery was supposedly equivalent to – the mainstream brand was likened to Toyota, Hyundai, Volkswagen and MG. Meanwhile, the more premium Omoda & Jaecoo was said to be comparable to Kia and, oddly enough, BYD; then again, according to the latest product plan, Jaecoo is set to pivot further towards ruggedness, so this diagram might need to be updated later on.

  Perhaps the most notable is Lepas, which Zhang compared to Mazda. The fledgling brand has struggled to establish itself, having hitherto offered products which are very similar to Chery’s own models – and in fact, the L4 and L8 do actually wear the Chery badge in China. Perhaps a new range of sportier models, which were previewed privately to dealers and members of the media during the Chery International Business Summit in Wuhu, will address this.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  More straightforward is iCaur, which is said to be analogous to Jeep. The brand has openly cited inspiration from classic off-roaders for its cars (and the V23 in particular), including the Toyota Land Cruiser, Mercedes-Benz G-Class and the original Land Rover Defender.

  While the brand’s vehicles aren’t quite as capable off the beaten track as those cars, they have been rather successful thanks to their retro designs, and the forthcoming V27 range-extended EV should further reinforce their strong positioning. Last but not least is Exeed, a premium brand that is limited to selected countries in places like the Middle East and Latin America and has been likened to Lexus.

  Zhang paid tribute to those international and Chinese brands, saying that they provided the seeds for Chery to grow each “tree”. He added that he hoped these “trees” will continue to grow into a forest, suggesting that even more brands – including the newly-launched Freelander – are set to follow.

  24 comments | Leave a comment?

   

Latest Fuel Prices