The 2026 Proton Saga MC3 may have been launched in Malaysia for almost a week now, but this is the first time we’re clapping eyes on the RM37,990 (after the RM1k early-bird rebate) Standard variant. Feast your eyes on this full showroom gallery as we take you on a tour.
But first, we must note that all showroom display cars in the Klang Valley are of the Premium and Executive variants only, so we intercepted this customer car before delivery, courtesy of the Proton Sianghin Auto showroom in Taman Melawati.
Let’s start with the exterior – you still get LED projector headlamps, but they’re not automatic (Executive and Premium only) and there’s no auto high beam (Premium only). Those L-shaped LEDs are still there, but they’re used as positioning lamps rather than DRLs (they’re not as bright and do not automatically come on when the engine is started).
However, we checked and found that the part number is the same as the Executive variant, so the difference is merely in the software – we’re sure the resourceful will find a way to reactivate them soon enough.
Moving on, there are no front parking sensors, and the Ethereal Bow (the thing that ‘cups’ the Proton logo in the grille) and door handle decorative strips are finished in silver instead of the chrome you get on the Executive and Premium. The Standard is also the only variant with 14-inch alloys, taken from the old MC2.
Unlike the Executive and Premium, there’s no keyless entry here (so there’s no button on the driver’s door handle) but there’s keyless start at least. All Saga variants use the same new key fob (no more flip key like before). On the Standard, you’ll have to first thumb the key fob to unlock the doors, then get in and press the engine start button.
Along the side, you’ll see body-coloured B-pillars (only the Premium gets them in black) and no side skirts (also Premium only), although the mirror caps are still black. Because the Executive doesn’t get full-width tail lamps and an outside boot release button, the Standard obviously doesn’t either. There isn’t even a reverse camera or a lamp inside the boot – you’d need at least the Executive to get these.
Inside, the steering wheel is polyurethane (only the Premium’s is leather-wrapped) but at least it contains all the same buttons as the other variants (the previous Saga Standard had no steering wheel buttons whatsoever). You also still get a digital instrument panel, when the similarly-priced Axia G has analogue gauges and not even a rev counter.
The one you most want to see is the head unit. Unlike the other variants’ nine-inch touch-screen, the Standard gets a basic radio with Bluetooth, although it uses more modern-looking capacitive-touch buttons instead of physical ones.
No screen, so no Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and the design of the thing (still connected to the digital instrument panel in one long piece) means fitting an aftermarket screen would not be a straightforward task. There are only two speakers here (the rear door speaker grilles are empty); the other variants get four.
The Standard’s upholstery is plain black fabric as opposed to the Executive’s wavy patterns. The driver’s seat uses the same rotary knob as on the Executive for height adjustment (only the Premium gets the new lever that raises or lowers the entire seat). Like the Executive, there’s no auto-down function for the driver’s window; you’d need the Premium for that. No Saga variant has auto-up windows.
Below the centre air vents sit two rows of buttons flanked by air-con control knobs – the top row is missing the parking sensor button (obviously, since it has no front parking sensors). The bottom row is all blank, but so it is even on the Premium.
Behind the handbrake, you’ll find no USB ports (Executive and Premium only). The front USB port is still there, but it’s for data transfer and charges slowly. Located right in front of the driver’s left knee, it’s an awkward place to stick a pendrive for music. Regarding the back seats, you’ll need to buy at least the Executive to get adjustable headrests and seat back pockets.
The Standard and Executive share the same powertrain and safety equipment – a 120 PS/150 Nm 1.5 litre i-GT four-cylinder engine, an Aisin four-speed auto (Premium gets a Punch CVT), two airbags, stability control and no ADAS (Premium gets six airbags, ADAS and RSRS). The Saga Standard is the only sub-RM40k car in Malaysia with a 1.5 litre engine – give your RM40k to Perodua and you’ll get a 1.0 litre three-potter.
Now, with the exception of crucial safety features like airbags and ADAS, many of the Standard’s omissions can be retrofitted rather easily later on. It remains superb value at RM38k – arguably even more so than the RM44k Executive – but of course it’s best to go for the Premium if budget permits. What are your thoughts on the most affordable new Proton you can buy today?
The QV-E’s RM80k price plus battery leasing scheme caught some by surprise, although that figure for the EV’s ‘body price’ has been reported before, with P2 sticking to its planned RRP even after Proton eMas 5 pricing was revealed.
There are cheaper ways to market an EV, but Perodua’s responsibility as an automotive sector ‘champion’ under Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 is to catalyse the growth of a local EV ecosystem.
“Thus, the selected OTR price, design and specifications are the result of balancing the needs of both the government and the Malaysian market. The P01A serves not just the consumer, but it’s a product that will kick-start and accelerate the BEV ecosystem in Malaysia,” Perodua says, adding that the short lead time and lower initial stage localisation directly impacts the QV-E’s price.
Perhaps this is why they couldn’t kick-off with a budget EV for the masses. But a smaller and cheaper EV based on the QV-E’s platform is in Perodua’s plans, Perodua president and CEO Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said at the QV-E media preview last month.
“The platform development is not only for this model – longer range, current battery size, or we can adjust and put in a hybrid or REEV (range extender electric vehicle),” he said when explaining the modular nature of the QV-E’s platform, co-developed by Magna Steyr, the Austria-based engineering firm that’s also the world’s most famous contract manufacturer.
Click to enlarge
When quizzed about QV-E’s price – which is for ‘M40 and above’ young families with small children and T20 kids, described as ‘children of a rich family, living with parents’ – he said that “we have another model on the same platform, and the other model will have a better pricing than this model.” In other words, a smaller and cheaper model.
In the product presentation, Perodua explained that the P01A is the first of a family of models in the A-B segment, and possibilities range from a 2,550 mm wheelbase sedan and hatchback to a 2,700 mm wheelbase SUV (with a more practical, conventional shape; the QV-E has a 2,680 mm wheelbase and is defined internally a Sportback). Hybrid and REEV powertrains are possible with mid-floor and front beam modifications.
By the way, Magna Steyr has an electric car platform for sale, but the QV-E’s platform is not the Magna EV Platform as that one is made for the C/D-segment and has multi-link rear suspension. So, Perodua didn’t just purchase the rights to use Steyr’s off-the-shelf platform.
Strong bones to work on, as the QV-E is five-star ASEAN NCAP-rated with higher overall and adult occupant protection scores than the upcoming Toyota Yaris Cross – Perodua Nexis/Traz. Full QV-E specs (445 km NEDC range, 0-100 in 7.5s), battery leasing details (RM297 a month for nine years) and mega gallery here.
GALLERY: Perodua QV-E media preview
GALLERY: Perodua QV-E official presentation slides
If unprecedented deals on pre-owned BMW and MINI models pique your interest, you simply cannot miss The Biggest Year-End Sales Event in Town, brought to you by Wheelcorp Premium. You’ll be able to explore exclusive promotions, attractive financing packages and limited-time savings on BMW Premium Selection and MINI NEXT vehicles at Wheelcorp Premium Setia Alam over the December 5-7 weekend.
Let’s start with pre-owned BMW EVs – how about the BMW i7 from RM398,800, the BMW i4 from RM248,800 (last unit in M Portimao Blue!), the BMW iX2 from RM205,000 or the BMW iX1 from RM185,000? Or maybe you’d like a plug-in hybrid – the BMW 740Le is yours from RM109,800!
You read all those prices right – we did say unprecedented, didn’t we? Also, trade in your current vehicle for a BMW i7 or BMW 740Le and you’ll enjoy an attractive rebate of RM10,000*. This is really your best chance to own a luxury sedan at exceptional value.
What about pre-owned MINIs? The event will showcase a vast selection, so you can browse and book on the spot. The first 20 customers get complimentary window tint and RM500 in merchandise.
Whether it’s a BMW or MINI you want, the Biggest Year End Sales Event in Town will help you wrap up 2025 and welcome 2026 in style and sensational savings!
The event takes place this weekend at Wheelcorp Premium Setia Alam – December 5-7. Register for the event here and visit Wheelcorp Premium’s Facebook and Instagram pages for more information.
Singaporean tour buses are allowed to enter Malaysia but cannot operate as express buses, transport minister Anthony Loke said, reported The Star.
The arrangement is reciprocal as Malaysian tour buses can operate in Singapore, and Singaporean tour buses can operate in Malaysia, said the transport minister. “Tour buses bring visitors into the country, which benefits Malaysia, and we do not ban them. But if a tour bus operates as an express bus selling tickets for scheduled routes, that is not allowed and action will be taken,” he said.
Singapore had requested that Malaysia allow its express buses operate in Malaysia, in return for the Malaysian buses operating in the city-state, Loke said. “However, Singapore does not have a legal category for express buses. Their system only recognises tour buses and scheduled buses. That is why our position remains firm and we will not allow express bus services from Singapore,” he continued.
The transport minister’s statement was in response to a supplementary question from Pengkalan Chepa MP Ahmad Marzuk Shaary, regarding concerns that some Singaporean buses have operated in Malaysia for years without Puspakom inspections or adhering to local safety standards.
“These operators have taken advantage of the system. We will not consider permits for Singaporean express buses as it would disadvantage local operators,” the transport minister said.
The second-generation Kia Seltos will officially make its global debut on December 10, 2025 in India. This comes six years after the original model was revealed in 2019, which later got a facelift in June 2022.
As is the case with most recent Kia models, the latest Seltos will adopt the brand’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy. Teasers from the South Korean automaker show a boxier shape featuring sharp angles and black cladding, accompanied by door handles that are flush with the body.
The brand’s signature ‘Star Map’ daytime running light signature is also shown appearing to bookend a generously-sized front grille that is flanked by the main headlamps. As for the rear, horizontal and vertical light graphics ensure a cohesive look to match the front.
Kia notes in its release that the upcoming Seltos will be offered with a “broader range of exterior colour options.” It adds that X-Line and GT-Line trims will be made available as well but stopped short of providing more details in relation to the two units teased.
The outgoing Seltos is available with a variety of engines depending on the market it is sold in, with petrol options ranging from 1.4 to 2.0 litres that are either naturally aspirated or turbocharged. There are also 1.5 and 1.6 litre diesel options, while transmissions include a six-speed manual, six- or eight-speed automatic, a seven-speed dual-clutch and even a CVT. Front- and all-wheel drive options are also present.
We’ll find out more about the Seltos next week. Malaysia did get the SUV in pre-facelift form in January 2021 but it quietly disappeared from the local line-up. The Seltos was supposed to return in locally-assembled (CKD) form following Kia’s partnership with Bermaz Auto, although nothing materialised in the end. Perhaps with the principal coming in, things will change?
The transport ministry is considering the phased implementation of speed limiter devices (SLDs) to be integrated with telematics systems, to improve monitoring of heavy vehicles on roads and to enhance road safety, transport minister Anthony Loke has said, reported The Star.
The transport ministry is conducting a proof of concept with public transport agencies to test the integration of SLDs with telematics systems, he said, adding that the system would allow authorities to monitor vehicle movements and driver behaviour. Data will be securely stored by the road transport department (JPJ), the transport minister said.
“This will help ensure that vehicles comply with speed limits and safety standards, and ultimately encourage more professional and cautious driving on our roads,” the transport minister told the Dewan Rakyat today, in respsonse to Tebrau MP Jimmy Puah Wee Tse who asked the ministry to state its plans for the enforcement of SLDs.
Compliance since the start of enforcement in October has improved from 2.68%, to 48.37% as of December 1, according to the report. So far, 307 approved installers have been registered nationwide for the installation and certification of the devices.
Integrating telematics systems with SLDs will enable authorities to track driver behaviour, monitor speed and conduct audits more effectively, said Loke. Implementation will be carried out gradually, beginning with high-risk vehicle categories.
“We want to build a system that can monitor movement and behaviour systematically, so that actions can be taken where necessary and road safety can be improved,” he said.
In June this year, Loke said that SLDs will be mandatory for all heavy vehicles in Malaysia, beginning October 1 for heavy vehicles registered after January 1, 2015. For vehicles registered before January 1, 2015, enforcement will begin from January 1, 2026, while vehicles without an SLD present will need to have the device installed by July next year.
“The (World Bank’s) proposal is to increase the price to RM2.65 per litre for all petrol, and then provide subsidies for certain categories. Therefore, my fellow cabinet members and I rejected the proposal and lowered the RON 95 price to RM1.99 per litre for Malaysian citizens and RM2.60 per litre for foreigners,” he said, adding that Budi95 has successfully reduced government expenditure without burdening the people.
“This shows that our (the government’s) approach is prudent and we take actions that can benefit the people. Alhamdulillah, the targeted RON 95 subsidy throughout Malaysia has received very good and positive response,” Anwar said today during the 2026 Supply Bill tabling in the Dewan Negara.
“When the government ended subsidies for chicken and eggs and floated their prices, the government ensured prices remained stable, supply was sufficient, and the people were not affected. The Madani government aims to target subsidies and achieve savings of around RM15.5 billion a year through the floating of chicken and egg prices, as well as the targeting of electricity, diesel and RON 95 subsidies,” Anwar said.
He added that comprehensive subsidy targeting also ensures that the majority of citizens continue to receive assistance while combating subsidy leakages to non-citizens and business use.
We’ve enjoyed two months of Budi95 already. From the September 30 start up to November 30, 13.9 million out of 16.55 million eligible Malaysians (84%) have bought 2.59 billion litres of RON 95 petrol at the subsidised RM1.99 a litre (RM5.16 billion total). First month statistics here.
Looking for a new electric SUV? Here’s a chance to experience the all-new iCAUR V23 in the metal at iCAUR Petaling Jaya by Karrus Automotive Group‘s Bangsar Shopping Centre roadshow. Drop by and get the full iCAUR Petaling Jaya Playground experience in person!
Roadshow Details:
Bangsar Shopping Centre
Ground floor (in front of Roberto’s)
3-7 December 2025
10am-10pm
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This RM3,000 car detailing reward is available for both the iCAUR V23 and the iCAUR 03.
Hurry and take advantage of this promo and maximise your iCAUR purchase value whilst enjoying the government EV tax incentives before it ends this December 2025.
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Tian Siang Premium Auto has launched a new standalone MINI showroom in Malaysia located in Ipoh, Perak. This is the brand’s second such facility that specialises exclusively in MINI vehicles in the country, with the other being in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.
Spanning 6,500 square feet, the MINI showroom in Ipoh is capable of housing up to five display vehicles and is staffed by 12 personnel. It also features a customer lounge and an entertainment zone for the convenience and comfort of visitors. To date, BMW Group Malaysia has made over 2,000 charging facilities available throughout the country, powered by key partnerships with local charge point operators.
Additionally, a collaboration with Gentari sees the parking area be equipped with AC and DC charging facilities. On site are two DC chargers that can deliver 180 kW and can be used at a rate of RM1.70 per kWh. Meanwhile, two AC chargers rated at 22 kW can be used by customers free of charge.
“We are thrilled to open the doors to our second standalone MINI showroom in Malaysia. This expansion not only signifies our commitment to delivering the unique MINI experience but also reflects the growing enthusiasm for the brand in Malaysia,” said Benjamin Nagel, managing director of BMW Group Malaysia.
“The addition of new EV charging facilities at the dealership further reinforces our mission to build an ecosystem that supports electrified mobility and delivers a holistic premium ownership experience to our customers. We look forward to welcoming enthusiasts and newcomers alike to explore the boundless possibilities that come with the MINI lifestyle at our newest showroom in Ipoh,” he added.
“With a longstanding presence as a BMW Group Malaysia dealer since 2007, we are dedicated to delivering an unparalleled MINI experience here in Ipoh, providing enthusiasts with a dynamic space to explore the sheer driving excitement that defines the MINI brand,” commented Mak Kam Hong, dealer principal of Tian Siang Premium Auto.
Tian Siang Premium Auto (MINI) can be found at No, 87, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 30100, Ipoh, Perak. It is open on weekdays from 8.30am to 5.30pm, on Saturdays from 8.30am to 5pm, and on Sundays and public holidays from 10am to 5pm.
Tempus fugit – we’ve enjoyed two months of Budi Madani RON 95 (Budi95) already. From the September 30 start up to November 30, 13.9 million out of 16.55 million eligible Malaysians (84%) have bought 2.59 billion litres of RON 95 petrol at the subsidised RM1.99 a litre (RM5.16 billion total), Bernama reports. First month statistics here.
“The government is expected to generate savings of around RM2.5 billion to RM4 billion a year, subject to global oil prices and based on domestic consumption survey data prior to Budi95’s implementation,” deputy finance minister Lim Hui Ying said today in the Dewan Negara.
“This savings range takes into account various global crude oil price scenarios or between US$60 and US$80 per barrel, as well as the elimination of subsidies for non-targeted segments such as non-citizens and commercial users,” she added.
“The 2025 focus will continue to be on monitoring and improving implementation mechanisms to ensure the Budi95 system remains stable and user-friendly for the people while helping to address subsidy leakages. This fiscal space also strengthens the government’s ability to finance the development of educational, healthcare and public transportation facilities nationwide,” she said.
With the launch of the QV-E yesterday, Perodua finally has an entry into the burgeoning electric vehicle market, priced significantly under the RM100,000 mark. But the headline RM80,000 figure does not include the battery, which has to be leased separately – the first EV sold in Malaysia in which this is the case.
UPDATE:Perodua has released a product disclosure sheet for its battery leasing service, containing more details and some significant changes to what was originally announced. The article has been edited with new information.
Perodua is instead introducing local customers to the battery-as-a-service (BaaS) concept, which it claims will solve issues with battery degradation and, ultimately, resale value – two of the biggest pain points of EV ownership. The cost of the lease, with a fixed contract period of nine years (you can’t get a longer or shorter tenure), is RM275 per month excluding the 8% sales and service tax (SST), the latter putting the total figure to just under RM300.
However, you will also need to come up with three months’ advance payment upon signing the least agreement, costing RM825 excluding SST, or nearly RM900 with SST. This amount will be used to either cover the final three months of the lease or settle any outstanding lease payments in case of an early termination, with any excess refunded to you. The upshot is that you will effectively need to pay for four months in lease payments up front, with an initial outlay of almost RM1,200.
Battery leasing product disclosure – click to enlarge
Payments are made on or before the fifth of each month, with a fee of 1% per year being charged for every missed or late payments. Perodua may disable the car’s startup or the battery’s functionality if users miss payments by two months, and the lease agreement will be terminated after month three, after which the company will begin the battery recovery process.
Perodua claims the Shariah-compliant BaaS scheme guarantees the QV-E’s future resale values, assuming the body itself (and the motor and associated components) holds its value. This is because the national carmaker will handle any and all maintenance related to the battery, including replacing the pack entirely if its state of health (SoH) drops below 70%.
The lengthy lease period also ensures that your battery (or rather, Perodua’s battery in your car) will remain in good condition for a very long time, being a year longer than a typical eight-year battery warranty. Crucially, the lease is uncapped in terms of mileage, rather than being limited to the usual 160,000 km as per a warranty. We should point out, however, that you will not be able to use the QV-E as an “e-hailing” (such as Grab) or delivery car, as this is prohibited under the lease contract.
With regards to resale values, Perodua says the lease contract will make owning a used QV-E more desirable. On a typical EV, the general perception (it doesn’t really matter if it’s a right or wrong one; it’s there) is that the battery is a “ticking time bomb” – in that it’s only a matter of time before its SoH degrades beyond a point in which it continues to be usable.
The worry is that a used EV will only have a few years of use left before the battery needs to be replaced – and if the replacement falls outside of the warranty period, the owner will be burdened with an enormous bill. A seven-year-old EV that gets put up for sale, for instance, will only have a year of battery warranty left; beyond that, the new owner would have to replace a faulty or degraded battery at their own expense.
The used car selling price would thus need to factor in the cost of a potential replacement, driving it to the ground. This is one of the main reasons why the demand for pre-owned EVs is low, and why even nearly-new examples can be bought at half their retail price.
No such worry for the QV-E – the new buyer will simply have to sign a new lease to effectively be guaranteed a further nine years of worry-free motoring. This should, in theory at least, increase buyer confidence in the car, leading to higher used demand and, thus higher resale values.
In addition, having the batteries under its own control means Perodua will be able to keep a close eye on its inventory and dispose of every spent or damaged battery safely and sustainably, improving the car’s eco-friendly credentials.
This goes hand-in-hand with the “battery passport” that Perodua is introducing, in line with the standard implemented by the ministry of investment, trade and industry (MITI) and the Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) last month. This, according to the department of standards, provides a “comprehensive digital record of an EV battery’s life cycle, from production to disposal,” per Malay Mail.
The tracking of each battery’s lifecycle extends to the included GPS tracker, which enables Perodua to detect if a battery has been detached from the car was originally installed on, or if the said car has been abandoned. In such a situation, the company can locate the missing battery and send a team out to retrieve it.
As you can expect, there are also downsides to the BaaS approach. For one, the RM80,000 sticker price can lull buyers into thinking that the QV-E is more affordable than it actually is. Taking into account a 10% downpayment and an interest rate of 2.5% per annum, buyers can expect to pay around RM1,120 per month (RM820 for the body) on a nine-year loan, RM1,310 per month (RM1,010 for the body) on a seven-year loan and RM1,650 per month (RM1,350 for the body) on a five-year loan.
These figures are akin to financing a car costing around RM100,000, and the QV-E should be thought of as such – not as an “RM80k car”. As one reader put it, the circa-RM300 monthly lease is more than the fuel bill of an equivalent petrol model, and the buyer would still need to pay for charging.
Another disadvantage is that any necessary battery replacements – whether it’s been damaged by an accident or through the lessee’s negligence or misuse – will require the owner to sign a new nine-year contract. The exception is when the battery exhibits a manufacturing defect or fault, upon which it will be replaced under warranty without altering the original lease term.
The QV-E counters with expected lower maintenance costs, as it does away with expensive engine and transmission oil changes. And while the usual savings in EV service and running costs tend to be more than offset by the massive outlay of an eventual battery replacement (although a battery that is depleting faster than normal would typically be covered by a lengthy battery warranty anyway), this is simply not the case for the Perodua. In effect, you are paying for a replacement with the lease.
Also, offering the body separately from the battery means that the loan will only be calculated based on the RM80,000 amount, meaning that it should be easier to gain approval from the bank. The instalment and the lease payment are paid to the bank in one lump sum – the bank will split the amount and pay Perodua on your behalf, so there’s no need to make two separate payments.
If the loan tenure ends before the lease expires, subsequent lease payments will have to be made either through Perodua’s P-Circle app manually, or via a standing instruction through participating banks. One thing of note is that you will never own the battery outright. Even after the conclusion of the lease contract, the battery still belongs to Perodua, although you’ll no longer have to pay the RM275 free and can continue to use the battery as long as you want.
This may not matter much in the grand scheme of things, but it’s still something you should keep in mind. You can, of course, also sign a new contract, get a new battery and continue the lease for another nine years, ensuring that the battery is still maintained at a good SoH.
Selling the QV-E secondhand is also not such a straightforward affair. Within the lease period, the car can only be sold through POV, Perodua’s certified pre-owned vehicle service. This is the only way that the new buyer can legally become the lessee of the car’s battery. You cannot sell it directly to a private buyer, a used car dealer or even larger marketplaces like Carro or Carsome.
Obviously, Perodua cannot control the manner in which owners ultimately sell their car through, but it’s worth pointing out that paying for a lease that’s under someone else’s name is an offence, just like in a sambung bayar arrangement. Controlling the secondhand QV-E market through POV is another way in which Perodua aims to guarantee future resale values.
And yes, even if the car is sold with a perfectly functional battery, the new buyer will have to sign a new nine-year contract and receive a new battery; there is no way for them to inherit the existing contract and battery. As mentioned, the rationale is that by changing the battery each time there’s a change in owner, the car will always be guaranteed to work for another nine years, improving resale values.
Of course, you can then make the argument that as there is no way to shorten the lease period beyond the standard nine years – and especially if resale values end up being as strong as Perodua says they’ll be – there would be little incentive to buy a slightly cheaper used QV-E instead of simply plumping for a new one. But that’s a story for another day.
Nio vehicles, including this Firefly, also come with battery leasing in China
Perodua may be the first carmaker in Malaysia to provide battery leasing, but there are other companies that offer a similar service in other markets – most notably, Nio in China. Its affordable Firefly sub-brand, for instance, offers a subsidised version of its eponymous hatchback starting from just 79,800 yuan (RM46,600), in return for a monthly lease payment of 399 yuan (RM230) for a smaller 42 kWh battery (QV-E 52.5 kWh).
No lease period could be found, but the biggest, most crucial difference is that the car can indeed be purchased including the battery, costing 119,800 yuan (RM70,000). That means the car body gets a 40,000 yuan (RM23,400) discount without the battery, which is about in line with what Perodua is offering.
So that’s a detailed look at the BaaS scheme for the QV-E, and why Perodua thinks it makes sense for the Malaysian market. What do you think – will it flop, or is there a chance it will actually be a success? Sound off in the comments.
For the budget scooter market in Malaysia is the 2026 Moda Aero E, with a wallet friendly price of RM5,149. Pricing does not include road tax, insurance and registration and there are two colour options available – Cobalt Blue and Carmine Red.
The Aero E gets 9.1 hp at 7,500 rpm and 9.5 Nm of torque from a single-cylinder, SOHC, air-cooled engine displacing 118 cc. Power gets to the rear wheel via automatic CVT gearbox and belt drive, while curb weight is listed at 110 kg.
5.5-litres of fuel is carried in the tank, while a 6.5-litre storage compartment is located under the seat. Seat height is set at 780 mm, with the step through frame design allowing riders wearing long skirts to easily climb on board.
Tyre sizing is 14-inches front and rear, fitted with 90/90 and 100/90 tyres, front and back, respectively. Braking is done with a hydraulic disc brake inn front and a mechanical drum brake in the rear while suspension uses telescopic forks in front and a preload-adjustable monoshock holding up the rear end.
Lighting comes with LED projector headlights and LED DRLs, with LED turn signals and tail light. Riding conveniences include both USB-A and USB-C charging ports in the front cowl, and riding information is displayed on an LCD instrument panel.
The Naza Automotive Group has issued a statement today, stating that Naza Italia has formally issued a notice to Maserati S.p.A. of the former’s intention to discontinue its distributorship of the Italian brand, which Naza says has been submitted in accordance with its contractual 180-day requirement under its importership and distributorship agreement dated January 1, 2009.
“The conclusion of the Maserati distributorship forms part of Naza Auto’s broader strategy to intensify its focus on core brands and emerging growth areas,” the statement by the Naza Automotive Group read.
Its shift in focus goes towards the “significant expansion” of the Suzuki Cars Malaysia network, the retail experience with its Mercedes-Benz distributor in Bangsar, along with “strengthened customer service initiatives, investment in digital platforms, and active evaluation of new automotive brands, including EV mobility and regional opportunities in ASEAN,” it said.
This year, Suzuki Cars Malaysia, under Naza Eastern Motors has commenced its dealer network expansion plans for a projected growth of more than 100% over the next three years, in addition to investing in digital platforms as it aims for yearly gains in Suzuki sales in Malaysia. The latest model from Suzuki to arrive in Malaysia is the Fronx Hybrid, which was launched last month.
For Mercedes-Benz, distributor NZ Wheels has opened the Stars@Mercedes-Benz Bangsar outlet last month, and it is the first Stars@Mercedes-Benz in ASEAN and just the third outlet globally after Ginza, Tokyo and Zurich, Switzerland. This has been designed as a pioneering urban concept to showcase the most exclusive models from Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, and Mercedes-Maybach, including the G-Class.
Safety should be the most important aspect in a car, yet most of the time, it’s left behind the scenes – things like EV specs, performance and design are somehow more attractive, and tend to dominate the headlines and attention. Safety is bit like that vital holding midfielder who doesn’t get many goals – even ‘keepers get their flowers when they make good saves – but when he’s not playing…
The QV-E’s safety department is lengkap. There’s no need to elaborate on P2’s Advanced Safety Assist suite (ASA, available since 2017, offered on the Bezza since 2020) and driver assist features like ACC (since 2021 with the Ativa, but radar-based instead of camera on the QV-E), but there are some new safety kit debuting in the QV-E.
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Remember the cases of children dying of heatstroke after being left in parked cars? The new Child Presence Detection (CPD) uses millimetre-wave to detect movement and breathing in the second row, even if the child is under fabric covering. If the car is turned off and CPD detects that a child is still in the cabin, it will sound the horn and flash the lights. The second stage of warning involves app and SMS notifications.
CPD works at night too, and up to 85°C. As for pet parents, yes, CPD also detects your furry child like it would with a human kid. Separately, there’s also an SOS call button above the rear view mirror, which you can press in case of an accident or emergency. It’s linked to Perodua Auto Assist and MERS 999 rescue services.
The proof of the safety pudding is in the NCAP score, and the QV-E has been awarded the full five stars by ASEAN NCAP in the current 2021-2025 protocol. The EV achieved a total score of 88.36 points, with Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) at 29.31 points out of 32 (weighted score 36.63), and Child Occupant Protection at 42.67 points out of 51 (weighted score 16.73).
In the Safety Assist segment, it’s 21/21 (SA weighted score 20), and the QV-E posted 12/16 in the Motorcyclist Safety area (MS weighted score 15). Again, the overall score is 88.36 points for the maximum five stars – we’ve attached the full report card below.
What should we compare this against? Fellow EV Proton eMas 5 is yet to be crash tested by ASEAN NCAP, but interestingly, the safety body recently crushed a Toyota Yaris Cross at its PC3 facility in Melaka. The report card for that car stated ‘Production Malaysia for Malaysia market’ and we know that the B-SUV will be introduced here both as a Toyota and Perodua, with the latter rumoured to be called Nexis or Traz.
In the same protocol, the Yaris Cross bagged the full five stars with a score of 83.02. The SUV’s AOP score is 29.28 points out of 32, COP 44.17 out of 51, SA 17.74 out of 21 and MS 9.76 out of 16. Zooming in, the Yaris Cross’ overall score is dragged down by its MS score, while the SA falls short of the QV-E’s perfect rating, resulting in a lower overall score of around five points.
If you only focus on the actual crash test portion, AOP has the biggest weightage at 40%, and here, the QV-E’s 29.31 points compares well with the Yaris Cross’ 29.28 points. Five stars is already a good start, but to be as strong as an SUV from the world’s biggest carmaker is reassuring for a homegrown product. Well done.
Full Perodua QV-E specs (445 km NEDC range, 0-100 in 7.5s), pricing (RM80k), battery leasing details (RM297 a month for nine years) and mega gallery here.
GALLERY: Perodua QV-E ASEAN NCAP results
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GALLERY: Perodua QV-E media preview
GALLERY: Perodua QV-E official presentation slides
The road transport department (JPJ) is now offering the leftovers of the ‘GM’ number plate series, which was previously open for bidding on JPJ eBid. As with previous “clearance sales,” numbers that were not taken during the initial bidding can be obtained through JPJ’s MySikap portal.
To do so, first log into your account. Head to the ‘kenderaan’ section and look for ‘tempahan nombor pendaftaran’. Then, select ‘nombor pendaftaran istimewa’ from the drop down menu and set a number range to see if what you’re looking for is available.
You can pay via credit card or FPX and press ‘cetak’ for your receipt – click on the graphics above for a clearer picture. The online sale started on December 1, 2025 and it’s on a first come, first served basis. Depending on the chosen number and based on past sales, numbers go for around RM310 and RM510 inclusive of a service fee.
If you didn’t know, ‘GM’ stands for ‘Gemilang Malaysia’ and was introduced in conjunction with Malaysia Day. Bidding for the number plate series was from September 16 to 20, 2025, with winning bidders awarded two tickets to next year’s Super GT Malaysia that takes place at the Sepang International Circuit from June 19-20, 2026.
