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Latest Stories

• 2026 Toyota GR Yaris in Malaysia – new steering wheel, revised EPS and dampers; still from RM316k

  In Cars, Local News, Toyota / by Mick Chan / 14 April 2026 6:41 pm

  

  One month on from the debut of the updated, 2026 model-year Toyota GR Yaris, the updated high-performance all-wheel-drive hatchback has officially gone on sale in Malaysia.

  Firstly, pricing; the updated model continues to be priced from RM315,600 for the six-speed manual, to RM325,600 for the eight-speed automatic; prices are for Peninsular Malaysia, on-the-road without insurance.

  The major change in this 2026 update is in the cabin, where the new steering wheel is found. The new steering wheel now has grip shapes that fit comfortably in both palms, according to the manufacturer, and the new switches which are further away from the wheel spokes and closer to the airbag housing, are “positioned independently for enhanced operability” says Toyota, and these are illuminated.

  The new-design steering wheel accompanies an electric power steering setup with updated settings, which Toyota says has been revised to ensure reliable operation when especially high-grip tyres are used, or during high-load cornering with a high level of braking force.

  

  

  

  Suspension on the 2026 GR Yaris features dampers which also get revised calibration, as part of a layout that continues to be MacPherson struts in front and double wishbones at the rear.

  Wheels are 18-inch forged aluminium units by BBS, and these are shod in Bridgestone Potenza Race tyres measuring 225/40R18. Braking is by ventilated and slotted discs with four-piston monoblock calipers in front, and two-piston monoblock units at the rear.

  Powertrain hardware for the 2026 GR Yaris is carried over from the previous model year, these being the G16E-GTS 1.6 litre turbocharged inline-three cylinder engine that outputs 300 PS at 6,500 rpm and 400 Nm from 3,250 rpm to 4,600 rpm, sent to the front and rear axles is by the GR-Four electronically controlled multi-plate clutch system, with the front and rear differentials being Torsen LSD units.

  The G16E-GTS gets an intercooler spray system and a cold-air intake duct, as before. Torque split choices via the AWD mode selector are Normal (60:40), Gravel (50:50), and Track, which varies between 60:40 and 30:70 front to rear. The automaic version additionally gets launch control and an ATF cooler. For both manual auto versions, 0-100 km/h is elapsed in 5.2 seconds, and top speed is electronically limited to 230 km/h.

  

  

  

  2026 Toyota GR Yaris for Malaysia; specifications and Peninsular Malaysia price list

  Exterior kit for the 2026 GR Yaris includes LED headlamps, DRLs and tail lamps, a CFRP roof, dual-exit exhaust, and automatic rain-sensing wipers. Both manual and automatic transmission versions of the GR Yaris get the Toyota Safety Sense ADAS suite, consisting of pre-collision control, lane departure alert, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, blind spot monitoring and automatic high beam.

  Also on is dynamic radar cruise control, which operates over the full speed range in the 8AT version, and only at high speeds in the 6MT. In Malaysia, the 2026 GR Yaris is sold with Toyota Premium Security and Solar window film and an immobiliser, while the vehicle telematics system is a RM2,000 option.

  Colour options for the 2026 GR Yaris in this market consist of Platinum White Pearl Mica, Emotional Red 2, Precious Black and Precious Metal; all are no-cost choices, as with the 2025 iteration. In Malaysia, the 2026 Toyota GR Yaris is sold with a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty.

  GALLERY: 2026 Toyota GR Yaris, Japan market

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• Budi Diesel cash assistance increased to RM400 for April, now adds 87.5L of ‘subsidised’ fuel for recipients

  In Local News / by Anthony Lim / 14 April 2026 5:57 pm

  

  In a move to improve assistance to diesel users, the government has increased the monthly cash assistance for both eligible Budi Agri-Community and Budi Diesel Individu recipients. Earlier this evening, the ministry of finance announced that the monthly cash assistance for both programmes had been increased from RM300 to RM400 for April 2026, with the additional RM100 set to be be disbursed on April 21.

  This is the second time that the cash assistance has been increased since the Middle East conflict began – it was increased from RM200 to RM300 last month.

  Compared to the 200 litres of RM1.99 per litre RON 95 users currently get, the cash assistance effectively helps ‘subsidise’ the first 87.5 litres of diesel for Peninsular users (at the current RM6.72 per litre this week) in relation to the subsidised RM2.15 per litre rate that remains in effect in Sabah and Sarawak. Up to the first 87.5 litres of fill, Peninsular users would pay RM588, while the equivalent amount for East Malaysia is RM188.10, a difference of RM400, which the cash assistance covers.

  Or, in other words, without taking the subsidised price into the equation, you get the first 59.5 litres “free,” and then pay full market price beyond that. As it was when introduced, the diesel cash assistance is only for diesel vehicle owners with an annual income of below RM100k, whereas for petrol it is blanket under Budi Madani RON 95 (Budi95) to all eligible Malaysians.

  

  The ministry said that the cash assistance is expected to benefit a sizable number of diesel users, in this case more than 200,000 farmers and smallholders under Budi Agri-Commodity, with additional funds of around RM20 million per month for them.

  Meanwhile, the Budi Diesel Individu cash assistance is expected to benefit around 150,000 individual diesel vehicle owners in Peninsular Malaysia, with additional funds of around RM15 million per month being allocated for this.

  The ministry said these improvements have been made in light of the ongoing pressures on the global energy market, particularly international petroleum supply disruptions, which have caused the price of refined diesel to increase significantly to US$250 per barrel, which is almost three times what it was before the Middle East conflict.

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• UMW Toyota Motor sold 5,814 units in March 2026

  In Local News, Toyota / by Mick Chan / 14 April 2026 4:37 pm

  

  UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced that it has sold 5,184 vehicles in the month of March 2026, surpassing its sales volume of February which itself exceeded its sales volume in January this year. The company’s year-to-date sales now stands at 15,370 units.

  As with the preceding month’s sales figure, UMWT has not disclosed a sales volume breakdown by model, except to say it “continues to maintain its position as the leading non-national automotive brand, anchored by a product line-up that balances everyday usability, efficiency, and long-term ownership value”.

  

  

  

  For reference, vehicle registration data from the road transport department (JPJ) revealed that 8,617 Toyota vehicles were registered last month, and a total of 22,208 Toyota vehicles were registered from January to March this year. From these, it is presumed that 2,803 units in March, and 6,838 units in the year-to-date were not sold through official UMWT channels.

  New to the UMWT line-up this month are the battery-electric trio that is comprised of the Hilux EV, bZ4X facelift and the Urban Cruiser, which followed the Harrier HEV and Vellfire HEV.

  “Our responsibility is to ensure that progress consistently delivers real value in practice. We will steadily introduce electrification solutions at the right pace, in a way that is practical for Malaysian conditions,” said UMWT president Datuk Ravindran Kurusamy.

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• KTMB to offer 30% discount on ETS and ERT tickets from April 15, says transport minister Anthony Loke

  In Local News, Public Transport / by Gerard Lye / 14 April 2026 4:13 pm

  

  Train commuters will get to enjoy a 30% on Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) tickets when travelling on weekdays starting from this Wednesday (April 15, 2026), reports The Star. According to transport minister Anthony Loke, the discount applies to all Electric Train Service (ETS) sectors as well as the Ekspres Rakyat Timuran (ERT) service along the Johor Baru Sentral (JB Sentral) to Tumpat route.

  “This initiative is offered for journeys from Mondays to Thursdays. It is part of the Madani government’s ongoing efforts through the ministry and KTMB to encourage the use of public transport by providing a more comfortable, safe and efficient railway service,” Loke said.

  “This will help reduce travel costs, increase public mobility and support the nation’s agenda for a more sustainable and inclusive public transport system,” he added. The 30% discount will not be applicable during school holidays and public holidays to ensure efficient management of train capacity during peak periods.

  Loke also clarified that the discount does not apply to ETS business class tickets, ERT first class and sleeper class tickets as well as existing concession ticket holders. “We advise the public to plan their journeys early to secure their seats and take advantage of these savings,” he said.

  

  Those looking to utilise the discount must purchase their tickets using a promo code that will be announced by KTMB. The promotional booking period runs from April 15 to April 30 this year, and is valid for travel dates between April 15 and Oct 14.

  On a separate matter, Loke remains committed to continue the My50 unlimited monthly travel pass for Prasarana rail and bus services. This is priced at RM50, which is 67% less than its actual value of RM150, with 40% of commuters currently utilising the pass.

  “This initiative greatly benefits daily and regular commuters by ensuring continuous access to workplaces without additional financial burden, while helping them plan their monthly expenses better following the rise in fuel costs,” said Loke. Prasarana also offers the Rapid Kota pass, priced at RM10 for one day and RM25 for three days, for non-regular users.

  Families can enjoy the Rapid Keluarga pass at RM30 for unlimited one-day group travel for up to four people on weekends and public holidays. “This pass is designed to support the family institution by providing a more economical public transport option, allowing Malaysians to carry out family activities at a more affordable cost in the Klang Valley,” Loke added.

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• MForce appointed distributor for ZXMoto in Malaysia

  In Bikes, Local Bike News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 14 April 2026 3:27 pm

  

  Another motorcycle brand in the stable for MForce Bike Holdings with its appointment as official distributor for ZXMoto. The official Malaysian launch of the ZXMoto brand will take place during the the Malaysia Bike Show 2026 on 29 May.

  Collaboration between ZXMoto and MForce began in October 2025, with a visit by ZXMoto’s founder Zhang Xue, to Mforce’s motorcycle assembly facility located in Penang. Three ZXMoto models are currently in Malaysia, undergoing durability testing since January 2026.

  ZXMoto is fresh off its success of a double victory in the Portugal round of the Superbike World Championship SSP class, held in March 2026. Visitors to the Malaysia Bike Show can view the race winning ZXMoto, as well as the chance to meet Zhang Xue who is expected to grace the event.

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• Buy a Honda hybrid, chance to drive All-New Prelude for a week*, existing owners can win 1-yr free service*!

  ADVERTORIAL / by Harvinder Sidhu / 14 April 2026 3:25 pm

  

  Amidst all the fuel-related uncertainties going on, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to deem hybrids a prudent choice. If, for you, a full-blown EV is a lifestyle change too far, this is the middle ground; the best of both worlds. You’ll be using less petrol while not having to spend time looking for chargers – why not?

  Honda hybrids have been in Malaysia for more than two decades, and the technology has developed and grown throughout to suit Malaysians’ ever-evolving needs and wants. It’s tough to put a price on trust, since it’s hard to earn, easy to lose and difficult to re-establish, and Honda’s latest e:HEV range builds upon that trust with the best the company has to offer in terms of smoothness, seamlessness, efficiency and versatility.

  Register an e:HEV-powered Civic, City, City Hatchback, HR-V or CR-V between April 1 and 30, and you’ll enjoy rewards up to RM12,000* and two years of free service*. Plus, you may be the lucky one to get a chance to try out the soon-to-be-launched All-New Prelude for a week* if you buy a Honda hybrid! You read that right – not for a day or two, but one week. You’ll be the envy of the town – how many family members and friends will you show it off to?

  So make haste, there’s no time to waste. Visit a Honda Authorised Showroom today and/or learn more about the campaign here and here. You can also visit Honda Malaysia’s website, Facebook and Instagram pages for more information.

  

  

  Already own a Honda hybrid? Would you like to win free service for one year/10,000 km*? Join the Hybrid Done Right contest, which runs April 1 to June 30! It’s a one-full-tank efficiency challenge – first, ensure your tank is full. Then zero your trip meter and take a photo encompassing the petrol gauge, fuel consumption and trip meter.

  Proceed to drive as efficiently as you can until the ‘Please Refill Petrol’ icon pops up. Now, take a photo again encompassing the petrol gauge, fuel consumption and trip meter. Then, post both photos on social media with the hashtag #HybridDoneRightContest, ensuring your post remains Public for one month.

  For contest registration, participants will be required to complete a Google Form with their personal information, the photo showing the full tank, the photo showing fuel consumption after one tank, and a screenshot of the social media post.

  Five winners will be selected every two weeks from April 1 to June 30 (therefore 30 winners in total), based on the best fuel consumption performance. All the best!

  *Terms and conditions apply.

   

• 2027 Nissan Juke is out – UK-built EV based on Leaf

  In Cars, International News, Nissan, Videos / by Jonathan James Tan / 14 April 2026 3:14 pm

  

  You’re looking at the third-gen Nissan Juke and not a piece of crumpled paper. This Sunderland, UK-built EV, based on the CMF-EV platform, is earmarked for a spring 2027 launch.

  Unveiled at Nissan’s Vision Event at the company’s global HQ in Japan, the new Juke will share much of its underpinnings with the third-gen Leaf (including the latter’s vehicle-to-grid tech), and is part of an expanded European EV line-up that includes the Leaf, the new Micra (also an EV now), the Ariya and the Townstar LCV, “as well as a new A-segment EV to come.”

  

  Crucially, Nissan says the Juke HEV “will remain an important part of the line-up”, indicating that the second-gen hybrid will soldier on alongside the third-gen EV. Let’s look at the Leaf for an idea of its powertrains – one-motor FWD, 177/218 PS, 345/355 Nm of torque, 52/75 kWh battery, 436/604 km WLTP, 150 kW DC, 10-80% in 35 minutes.

  The Juke has always been a shocker in terms of design (the second gen, perhaps less so, at least to these eyes) but Nissan says some 1.5 million examples have found homes on the Continent since its 2010 birth, making it second only to the Qashqai in Nissan’s European sales books. Once upon a time there was a Juke with a 600 hp GT-R Nismo engine, but we guess those days are well and truly over.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• 2028 Nissan Skyline teased – still a Japan-only sedan but with retro styling; R36 GT-R to be based on this?

  In Cars, International News, Nissan / by Jonathan Lee / 14 April 2026 2:21 pm

  

  Adding to the list of announcements from Nissan today is the revelation that a new Skyline will be sold in Japan. Contrary to previous reports, the 14th-generation model will not take the form of an electric crossover, but instead remain a rear-wheel-drive performance sedan.

  What’s more, unlike the past three generations, the new model will not be a direct rebadge of the Infiniti G or Q50, gaining some bespoke retro design touches. Most notable of these is at the back, where the Skyline makes a welcome return to the trademark quad round taillights that it used to share with the GT-R variants.

  Along the side, the new car gains a high shoulder line that sweeps downwards and back at the rear, reminiscent of the iconic C10 (or Hakosuka) second generation – as is the cursive Skyline badge on the rear fender. The front end, meanwhile, regains the interlocking S badge and the slim grille found on the R30 Skyline onwards, here flanked by slim and sharp headlights with dual vertical daytime running light bars.

  Details have yet to be announced, but Japanese portal Best Car suggests that the new Skyline will be based on the outgoing V37, utilising the same 405 PS/475 Nm VR30DDTT 3.0 litre twin-turbo V6 that currently sees service in the 400R and Nismo models. This, it reasoned, is due to the fact that the engine was added to the preceding model rather late in its life – five years into the car’s 12-year lifespan.

  

  The addition of round taillights, previously reserved for the R35 GT-R, also hints at the possibility of the top-dog Godzilla being twinned with the Skyline once again. That may be music to the ears to some enthusiasts, but it could be a moot point because the future of the hallowed moniker remains as cloudy as ever.

  The R36 model was once mooted to be a high-performance EV with a solid-state battery, but the lack of demand for electric sports cars has seen even Porsche retreat from this space, and the next generation could wind up utilising some form of combustion power.

  The new Skyline is part of Nissan’s new product strategy that will segment models into Heartbeat, Core and Growth classifications. The car is being deemed as a Heartbeat model for Japan, characterised as embodying “Nissan’s identity, emotional value, and innovation.”

  This differentiates it from Core models like the new X-Trail that sustain the carmaker’s global operations (and presumably rake in the cash), as well as Growth models that target emerging market segments. Although Nissan has yet to provide a timeline for the Skyline’s return, Best Car says that the car could be launched next year to celebrate the nameplate’s 70th anniversary.

  GALLERY: Nissan Skyline 400R Limited at Japan Mobility Show 2025

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• Tyre price hike likely, crude oil directly impacts costs: Malaysian Retreaded Tyre Manufacturers Association

  In Local News / by Mick Chan / 14 April 2026 1:36 pm

  

  Tyre prices may increase slightly as tyre manufacturers face rising costs in fuel and petrochemicals, according to industry experts, reported The Star. The tyre industry is facing clear upward pressure on production costs, said Malaysian Retreaded Tyre Manufacturers Association (TRMAM) president Wong Jin How.

  “From a retread tyre manufacturer’s perspective, there is a clear upward pressure on prices. Our key materials, synthetic rubber and carbon black, are petroleum-based and largely imported, meaning that increases in crude oil and petrochemical prices directly impact our cost structure,” Wong said.

  More than 50% of raw material costs are linked to crude oil derivatives, while recent supplier quotations indicate that prices have increased by more than 20%, he said.

  “The impact is substantial and immediate. Any movement in crude oil prices directly translates into higher production costs. Additional petroleum-linked expenses such as solvents, plastics used in packaging, logistics and energy-intensive heating and curing processes have further added to cost pressures,” he continued.

  Price adjustments are likely within the next two to three weeks, depending on how long the escalation of raw material cost and supply tightness persist, and the commercial vehicle segment, including lorries, buses and logistics fleets, is expected to be the most affected due to their high usage and reliance on retreaded tyres, Wong said.

  

  Any increase in tyre costs will influence the wider supply chain as the vehicles are key to the movement of goods, the report wrote. Despite efforts to manage expenses, there are limited options to fully mitigate the impact of rising costs, Wong said.

  “In the current environment, there are very limited options to mitigate cost increases fully, and some level of price adjustment is largely unavoidable. Supply uncertainties and market volatility have made it difficult for manufacturers to stabilise costs or build inventory,” he said.

  Meanwhile, tyre manufacturers in China and Thailand have indicated price increases of around 4-5%, and local manufacturers are expected to follow suit, according to North Malaysia Tyre Association chairman Hoo Khun Khiang.

  “The price of rubber and oil will greatly affect the price of tyres because we need a lot of oil to manufacture tyres,” he said, adding that commercial and transport vehicles are likely sustain the greatest impact due to their extensive daily mileage and frequent tyre replacements.

  “While manufacturers are doing their best to manage operational costs as efficiently as possible, there are limited options to offset the rising expenses, and ultimately, consumers will have to make purchasing decisions based on their budget and needs,” Hoo said.

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• 2026 Aveta Serra and VS115 V3 in Malaysia, priced at RM5,088 and RM3,488, respectively

  In Aveta, Bikes, Local Bike News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 14 April 2026 12:36 pm

  

  Updated for the Malaysia budget motorcycle market is the 2026 Aveta Serra scooter and VS115 V3 moped, priced at RM5,088 and RM3,488, respectively. Changes to the two models by Aveta were made following feedback from riders, with a two-year or 20,000 km warranty against manufacturing defects coming with every purchase.

  For the VS115 V3, now in its third generation, the signal lights are redesigned to give more visibility and Type-A and Type-C USB charging ports are fitted for riding convenience. New colour options are Maroon, Blue and Grey.

  Power remains the same, coming from a 113 cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine producing 8.7 hp at 8,000 rpm and 9.0 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. Weighing in at 83 kg dry, the VS115 carries four-litres of fuel in the tank.

  

  Moving on to the Serra 125, this scooter features a flat step-through floorboard, making it suitable for the lady rider wearing a long skirt. A new model for Aveta, this scooter is intended for the budget conscious city commuter.

  Power comes from a single-cylinder air-cooled engine displacing 124 cc. Power is rated at 8.7 hp at 7,500 rpm with 9.5 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm, going to the rear wheel via CVT gearbox and belt drive.

  Rolling on 14-inch wheels front and rear, the VZ115 uses a hydraulic front disc brake and mechanical drum brake at the back. Suspension is with telescopic forks in front and single shock absorber at the back, adjustable for spring preload. Six-litres of fuel is carried in the tank and weight is listed at 105 kg.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• Geely i-HEV hybrid system launched – as low as 2.22 l/100 km, 48.4% thermal efficiency; 1.5, 1.5TD or 2.0TD

  In Cars, Geely, International News, Technology / by Jonathan James Tan / 14 April 2026 12:24 pm

  

  Pic from Car News China

  Geely has launched a hybrid system called i-HEV that will make its way to models such as the Preface (Xingrui), Monjaro (Xingyue L), Emgrand (the previous gen of which we know as the Proton S70) and Boyue (the previous gen of which spawned the Proton X70) starting this year, Car News China reports, citing Autohome and IThome.

  i-HEV involves a dedicated hybrid engine (1.5, 1.5TD or 2.0TD from the BHE family; TD means turbo direct-injected) with a claimed 48.4% thermal efficiency (higher than the latest Galaxy Starship 7’s 47.26% and our Proton eMas 7 PHEV’s 46.5%) that Geely says is among the highest in mass production. The 11-in-1 electric drive unit gives you 313 PS, enabling a 1.8-second 0-30 km/h (yes, not 0-100 km/h) time.

  Indeed, the focus appears to be more on efficiency than outright performance – Geely says AI-based energy management contributes towards a Guinness-certified 2.22 litres per 100 km (45 km per litre) combined, which was achieved with an Emgrand i-HEV in a highway test, Reuters reports. But the practical numbers are much less astronomical – 3.98 litres per 100 km (25 km per litre) for the Preface i-HEV and 4.75 (21 km per litre) for the Monjaro i-HEV, both WLTP.

  Having conquered EVs and to a certain extent PHEVs, it seems Geely’s now setting its sights on the Japanese HEV establishment. Will we see Protons with this i-HEV system any time soon?

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• 2027 Nissan X-Trail first images – 5th-gen gets e-Power hybrid, edgy styling, late-2026 debut; Malaysia when?

  In Cars, International News, Nissan / by Jonathan Lee / 14 April 2026 12:06 pm

  

  Well, this is a little unexpected. Nissan has revealed the first images of a slew of new cars coming over the next couple of years, including the new X-Trail. The fifth-generation family SUV – which remains hugely important for the company, with nearly ten million units sold globally – will continue to utilise the Japanese carmaker’s e-Power hybrid powertrain, extended to the US-market Rogue for the first time.

  Not much in the way of details have been released just yet, but these 3D renders show an edgy (literally) design that draws inspiration from the latest Murano and Leaf. The bonnet and bumper shutlines criss-cross the front end to create an X shape, with the headlights and grille forming a black mask-like graphic, similar to the Seat Ibiza Cupra Bocanegra from way back when.

  The inverted L-shaped lamps feature a slim upper section housing the main projectors, joined together by a strip above the grille. Meanwhile, the five-a-side daytime running lights are integrated into the large grille with hexagonal inserts, which also houses the Nissan badge that appears to be illuminated.

  

  Along the side, the six-sided motif continues with D-pillar pattern and the diagonal slashes on the front and rear doors, the latter combining with the window shape to form a giant hexagon. Just like on the current model, the taillights – which come with illuminated rectangles arranged in an L shape – are visually connected to the rear windscreen. The whole look is finished off by two-tone wheels with a tessellated pattern, arranged to form (you guessed it) yet more hexagons.

  We expect the new X-Trail to feature the latest third-generation e-Power system, first seen on the Qashqai last year. This utilises a bespoke 1.5 litre turbo three-cylinder petrol engine that is said to be quieter and more efficient than the old unit – despite ditching the VC-Turbo variable compression technology that has been a headache to homologate for markets with relatively lower-quality fuel such as Malaysia.

  

  The combustion mill juices a new, more powerful 205 PS five-to-one modular electric motor, and despite an identical 21.5 kWh capacity for the battery, Nissan claims a 16% reduction in real-world fuel consumption and a 14% reduction in highway driving. This leads to a total range of 1,200 km in the case of the Qashqai. As before, the X-Trail will be offered with an e-4ORCE all-wheel drive system, with a second motor driving the rear wheels, as well as ProPilot semi-autonomous driving functionality.

  The new X-Trail is part of Nissan’s new product strategy that will see it streamline its portfolio from 56 models to 45 to speed up development. Hopefully this will mean a faster product rollout as well – the preceding fourth-gen X-Trail hasn’t even made it to all markets it was supposed to be sold in, like ours, despite being revealed nearly six years ago.

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• 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS facelift debuts – new 800V, steer-by-wire system; up to 926 km WLTP EV range

  In Cars, International News, Mercedes-Benz / by Gerard Lye / 14 April 2026 11:52 am

  

  The Mercedes-Benz EQS has received another facelift, two years after the brand’s flagship sedan/rolling test lab got revised back in April 2024. This time, the design changes are a lot more noticeable and the tech under the new skin has been improved significantly.

  We’re going to start with the latter because that’s what the EQS stands for. The big news here is the switch to an 800-volt electrical architecture, which is an upgrade from the 400-volt system that the EQS came with when it first made its debut in April 2021.

  Thanks to this upgrade, the EQS now supports DC fast charging at up to 350 kW (previously up to 200 kW), although this only applies to three of the four variants available at launch: EQS450+, EQS500 4Matic and EQS580 4Matic. The German automaker says that if an 800-volt charging station is not available and you are left with a 400-volt station, the battery splits virtually to charge at up to 175 kW.

  On the mention of the battery, there’s more available range as a result of the cell chemistry being optimised for a higher usable energy content of 122 kWh instead of 118 kWh, the latter introduced during the 2022 facelift. Again, this only applies to the variants mentioned above.

  

  The three are joined by a new addition to the line-up called the EQS400, which gets a 112-kWh (usable energy content) battery and supports DC fast charging at a peak of 330 kW. Disappointingly, the EQS still comes with an 11-kW onboard AC charger across the entire range, with a 22-kW system being an option.

  Another important powertrain revision is the new electric drive units (EDUs), which Mercedes-Benz says are more compact, efficient and powerful. All variants come with a rear electric motor paired with a two-speed transmission that allows for rapid acceleration when setting off before switching to the second gear for greater efficiency and to hit the top speed.

  As per the prior facelift, variants with 4Matic in their name gets a front EDU that integrates a Disconnect Unit (DCU) to automatically decouple the electric motor on the front axle depending on the driving situation and the required performance.

  When the front electric motor is not needed, the DCU makes the EQS rear-wheel drive only to optimise range. Mercedes-Benz also notes that energy recuperation power has been increased from 290 kW to 385 kW, and the battery supports both vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and vehicle-to-home (V2H). Here’s an overview of the facelifted EQS’ available variants:

  

  Mercedes-Benz EQS400

  • Electric motor(s) output: 367 PS (362 hp or 270 kW) and 505 Nm; RWD
  • 0-100 km/h time: 6.2 seconds
  • Top speed: 210 km/h
  • Battery: 112 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC; usable energy content)
  • Range: 817 km (WLTP)
  • AC charging: 11 kW; 22 kW optional
  • DC charging: 330 kW; 305 km recoverable in 10 minutes

  Mercedes-Benz EQS450+

  • Electric motor(s) output: 408 PS (402 hp or 300 kW) and 505 Nm; RWD
  • 0-100 km/h time: 5.9 seconds
  • Top speed: 210 km/h
  • Battery: 122 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC; usable energy content)
  • Range: 926 km (WLTP)
  • AC charging: 11 kW; 22 kW optional
  • DC charging: 350 kW; 320 km recoverable in 10 minutes

  Mercedes-Benz EQS500 4Matic

  • Electric motor(s) output: 476 PS (469 hp or 350 kW) and 750 Nm; AWD
  • 0-100 km/h time: 4.5 seconds
  • Top speed: 210 km/h
  • Battery: 122 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC; usable energy content)
  • Range: 876 km (WLTP)
  • AC charging: 11 kW; 22 kW optional
  • DC charging: 350 kW; 305 km recoverable in 10 minutes

  Mercedes-Benz EQS580 4Matic

  • Electric motor(s) output: 585 PS (577 hp or 430 kW) and 800 Nm; AWD
  • 0-100 km/h time: 4.1 seconds
  • Top speed: 210 km/h
  • Battery: 122 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC; usable energy content)
  • Range: 876 km (WLTP)
  • AC charging: 11 kW; 22 kW optional
  • DC charging: 350 kW; 305 km recoverable in 10 minutes

  

  

  Mercedes-Benz is also proud to claim it will be the first German automaker to offer a series-production car with full steer-by-wire technology. This was revealed before the facelifted model is being presented and serves to reduce the amount of steering effort required, so much so that drivers no longer need to adjust their grip on the steering wheel.

  This system, which will be offered as an option a few months after the new EQS goes on sale, comes requires just 170 degrees of steering from lock to lock. As such, a yoke steering wheel can be fitted that is more compact to improve the view of the driver display, while also making ingress and egress easier.

  With a steer-by-wire system, there’s no mechanical linkage between the steering wheel and road wheels. Instead, a motor takes the driver’s steering input to deliver steering actuation, which allows for infinitely variable steering ratio. An upside of this is undesired vibrations caused by uneven road surfaces, which were previously transmitted to the driver via the steering wheel, can now be eliminated.

  For redundancy and to meet safety regulations, there are two sets of DC-DC converters and power supplies, communications circuits and motors to ensure there are two signal paths. In the event of one failing, the other takes over so the car can be continued to steered safely.

  

  Ticking this option also brings with it rear-wheel steering that allows the rear wheels to turn up to 10 degrees. The standard rear-wheel steering system for the EQS is set at 4.5 degrees unless optioned with a software upgrade that brings it up to 10 degrees. If customers prefer their steering wheels to be of a normal shape, the EQS will continue to be offered with electromechanical steering.

  As for other driving-related systems, the EQS’ ADAS features are supported by ten external cameras, up to five radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors. In Europe, MB.Drive Standard is standard and includes functions such as Distronic Distance Control, with MB. Drive Assist being an option that adds Steering Assist and Lane Change Assist.

  Other functions like Evasive Steering Function Plus, Proactive Lane Change Assist and more can be added as a factory-fitted optional extra or activated via the Mercedes-Benz Store. There’s more, as MB.Drive Parking Assist now supports diagonal parking assist, while MB.Drive Parking Assist can now park at speeds of up to five km/h (60% faster). The MB.Drive Parking Assist 360 also gets an improved 360-degree camera and redesigned interface.

  

  

  Meanwhile, the Airmatic air suspension with intelligent damper control gets tweaked for improved ride comfort, with car-to-X (C2X) communication enabling other supported vehicles to “talk” to the EQS to keep it informed of potential hazards and “prepare” for the road ahead.

  Tech talk aside, we can finally get to how the facelifted EQS looks. Where the 2024 update largely looked the same as the original, the new one you see here cranks up the visual presence with a new bonnet featuring powerdomes for a more dynamic look.

  The front grille also sticks out more pronouncedly on the new car, and the insert is a black panel with wide chrome slats and a backlit, animated star pattern when optioned with the Electric Art Line – an upright and illuminated Mercedes-Benz star on the bonnet is also included. Go with the AMG Line and the you lose the chrome slats but gain a sportier grille with a high-gloss illuminated central star. Even with a less pebble-like exterior, the EQS is claimed to have a drag coefficient as low as 0.20.

  

  The more pronounced grille is accompanied by headlamps with star-shaped daytime running lights – a common theme among new Mercedes-Benz models – as well as the latest generation of Digital Light that increases the lighting field by 40% while consuming 50% less energy as a result of improvements to the micro-LED units inside. Elsewhere, the light bar connecting the front headlights are even less discreet than before. Ditto the rear light bar, which now integrate the same helix elements as the taillights.

  Inside, the EQS largely looks the same if you don’t count the yoke steering wheel. Improvements here include seatbelt heating to match the S-Class, while rear passengers have the assurance of beltbags that inflate in the event of an impact to better protect them.

  The MBUX Hyperscreen is still here with its triple display setup (12.3-inch driver display, 17.7-inch central touchscreen and 12.3-inch front passenger display), and rear passengers can enjoy the two 13.1-inch touchscreens. Mercedes-Benz is also particularly proud of the HEPA filter under the bonnet that it says filters over 99.65% of particles to keep the interior air as fresh as possible. For customers with more money to spend, the Manufaktur programme and a whole host of cost options are available.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• Widening price difference of fuel, extra costs affecting supply at pumps – Malaysian petrol dealers group

  In Local News / by Anthony Lim / 14 April 2026 11:05 am

  

  It has been reported that isolated cases of fuel supply disruptions have been happening at petrol stations. A trade association has indicated why, explaining that the reasons include the widening difference between subsidised and market-rate fuel prices, happening on top of extra costs for digital purchases, Malaysiakini reports.

  According to Bumiputera Petrol Station Dealers’ Association of Malaysia president Abdul Aziz Sapian, any supply disruption goes beyond a temporary logistical issue. “The supply disruption is not merely a temporary logistical issue, but reflects a structural mismatch within the existing system. Operators function within controlled margins as ‘price takers’, yet bear increasing costs and risks without the ability to adjust prices,” he told the publication.

  His remarks, which were endorsed by the Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia and the Malaysian Economic Action Council, were made following media reports, social media posts, and on-the-ground observations that certain petrol stations have run out of diesel.

  

  Aziz said that the current price set through the automatic pricing mechanism (APM), which has been adjusted weekly since April 2017, has created a “mismatch” with the actual price of stock purchased by dealers. “The physical fuel supply chain operates on a longer cycle, involving procurement planning, delivery, and distribution. This creates a situation where retail prices change faster than the actual cost of stock at the station level,” he explained.

  “As a result, operators are exposed to price volatility risks. When prices fall, they are forced to sell inventory purchased at higher prices without any compensation mechanism, leading to stock losses,” he added.

  Aziz said rising fuel prices have sharply increased operators’ working capital needs, while physical and structural constraints continue to limit their ability to adjust operations. “Under the targeted subsidy mechanism, particularly for diesel, operators are required to purchase fuel at full market price but sell it to consumers at a lower subsidised rate,” he said.

  

  As such, he said the price difference is not paid directly to operators, but is instead claimed by oil companies from the government, effectively forcing operators to advance subsidy financing using their own capital. “In practice, given daily sales volumes and minimum stock requirements, this capital exposure can reach hundreds of thousands of ringgit at any one time, positioning operators not merely as retailers but as informal financiers of the subsidy system,” he said.

  He said that this financial pressure is further compounded by delays in payment, which lock up working capital and increase reliance on short-term financing, along with additional financial costs. He added that the transition to cashless purchases for fuel also costs dealers an extra one percent due to the merchant discount rate (MDR).

  Aziz said the situation has prompted calls for a comprehensive review of pricing mechanisms, cost structures, and policy design to ensure the viability of petrol stations as a critical component of the national fuel supply chain, while safeguarding economic stability and public welfare. He added that current industry trends pointed to an increasingly unsustainable business model, with members moving to sell their petrol stations.

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• BHPetrol Boom! Hadiah Percuma contest – eCard members stand a chance to win monthly grand prizes

  In Local News / by Jonathan Lee / 14 April 2026 10:27 am

  

  Fuel retailer BHPetrol has announced a new contest called Boom! Hadiah Percuma, giving away prizes every month until January 31, 2027. The campaign is exclusive to BHPetrol eCard members, and customers who spend RM40 on petrol, diesel or BHPetromart products in a single receipt (and swipe their eCard or scan their app, of course) will automatically be given an entry into a monthly lucky draw.

  In each of the next ten months, users will stand a chance to win a grand prize of either an iPhone 17, an Apple Watch, a Samsung Galaxy Tab or a Sony vlogging camera, among many others. There are also consolation prizes given away every month – five customised handheld fans, six customised magnetic power banks and 8x 20,000 eCard points – for a total of 20 monthly prizes.

  Customers can accrue multiple entries each month with every RM40 spent per receipt. The use of Budi95 subsidised petrol is allowed, although only the final amount paid by the user (i.e. not the amount displayed at the pumps) will be counted towards that RM40. Winners will be notified on the official Instagram and Facebook pages, and customer service will also contact them directly.

  Additionally, BHPetrol is giving away RM20 e-vouchers for the first 100 users who sign up for eCard during the promotional period, which started on April 1. To redeem, they will need to download the BHPetrol eCard app and enter the promo code “BOOM”. If successful, the e-voucher will be credited to the account within five working days.

  For more information, terms and conditions, and the full list of prizes, visit the official BHPetrol website.

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