Today is Wednesday, which means that it is once again time for the weekly fuel price update, as announced by the ministry of finance for the coming week of March 19 to 25, 2026.
Following last week‘s significant increases of between 60 sen to 80 sen per litre in the prices of both petrol and diesel fuels, this week sees the retail price of diesel fuel of the Euro 5 B10 and B20 blends in Peninsular Malaysia climb by 80 sen to 4.72 per litre. Therefore, the Euro 5 B7 blend of diesel, which is 20 sen more per litre, is at RM4.92 per litre for the coming week.
For petrol, the subsidised RON 95 fuel under the Budi Madani RON 95 (Budi95) scheme remains at RM1.99 per litre; Malaysians with a valid driving licence are eligible for the fuel at a monthly quota of 300 litres. The price of unsubsidised RON 95 petrol remains unchanged at RM3.27 per litre, while RON 97 petrol climbs by 70 sen to RM4.55 per litre, from its RM3.85 per litre rate of last week.
These prices take effect from midnight tonight until Wednesday, March 25, 2026. This is the 13th edition of the weekly fuel pricing format for 2026, and the 376th in total since the format was introduced at the start of 2019.
Last year marked the start of BMW’s crucial new Neue Klasse era with the iX3, but the car we’ve all been waiting for is this one – the NA0 BMW i3. The 3 Series has always been the quintessential Bavarian sports sedan, and the company has boldly reinvented its most important model for the electric age.
Like the iX3, the i3 – not to be confused with the earlier city car – is built on an all-new, EV-specific platform, with an 800-volt electrical architecture enabling faster charging and increased performance. It also goes in a completely different design direction inside and out, while Munich’s latest technologies deliver a refreshingly different display concept.
In spite of all this, the i3 has been deliberately styled to be a conventional boxy sedan – and not the streamlined amorphous blobs coming out of China at the moment – with an upright glasshouse taking a page out of classic BMW models from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. The modernity instead comes from the detailing, previewed by the i Vision Dee and Vision Neue Klasse concepts.
As per the iX3, the i3 sports a shark nose front end, with twin broad gloss black panels that taper towards the outer edges, integrating the quad LED headlights and diagonal daytime running light “slashes”. Instead of the SUV’s small vertical nostrils (which hark back to the original Neue Klasse sedans), there are light guides built into the centre panels that approximate the trademark double kidney grille.
After years of overwrought BMW designs, the i3’s surfacing is remarkably clean, with the flat bonnet only interrupted by a central “valley” housing the propeller roundel. Along the side, the gently blown fenders provide a heaping of added muscle (we’re chomping at the bit to see what the full-fat M version would look like), while the low crease along the flanks lowers the car visually.
Of course, no 3 Series is complete without a Hofmeister kink, and the one on the i3 is the most traditional interpretation we’ve seen in a while. Here, however, it’s rendered in black plastic instead of being built into the doors, presumably to prevent the trailing edge from jabbing people in the chest when opening. For the first time on a 3 Series, there are flush pop-out door handles with an electronic release.
The rear end is another departure from recent BMW norm, with slim and wide L-shaped taillights and another “valley” housing the badge, sitting above the number plate recess. The i3 comes with wheels that measure up to a massive 21 inches in diameter (these are the Style 1067 M Aerodynamic wheels, in case you were wondering), as well a new M Le Castellet Blue paint option.
With its short bonnet (there’s no longer a need to fit a longitudinal petrol engine underneath, although there is now a front boot), the i3 looks like a more compact sedan compared to the current G20 3 Series, even though it’s the exact opposite. At 4,760 mm long, 1,865 mm wide and 1,480 mm tall, it’s 47 mm longer, 38 mm wider and 40 mm taller than the old petrol model, while its 2,897 mm wheelbase is 46 mm longer.
The extra length should provide much more space for rear occupants in particular, but really, the driver’s seat is the place to be. Barring the different door cards with a wraparound design, the front cabin is practically identical to the iX3, equipped with the novel Panoramic iDrive interface built upon the Android-based BMW Operating System X.
This replaces the usual instrument cluster with the customisable full-width Panoramic Vision projection display that spans from A-pillar to A-pillar, along with a 17.9-inch Free Cut parallelogram infotainment touchscreen with matrix backlighting. The lack of conventional instrumentation means that the steering wheel (still with capacitive controls, unfortunately) now has spokes both at the 12 and 6 o’clock positions, although a more conventional M tiller is available. A 3D head-up display is also optional.
Included in the latest operating system is the new “Hey BMW” Intelligent Personal Assistant, which adds generative AI functionality through the new Amazon Alexa+. And yes, like the iX3, even the air vents are adjusted through the touchscreen as per Tesla, which is a bit of an ergonomic faux pas if you ask me.
The i3 also debuts a Qi2 wireless charger, derived from Apple’s MagSafe and including both a magnetic disc for positioning and faster charging speeds. Up above, there’s an optional panoramic glass roof that comes with a heat-insulating layer, but no powered sunshade – so not suited to our blazing hot climate.
Elsewhere, the car is available in standard, multifunction and heavily-bolstered M Sport powered seats, as well as four coordinated interior trim and upholstery options – Essential with Econeer fabric, Contemporary and BMW M Design World with Veganza faux leather and BMW Individual with genuine Merino leather.
Right, on to the most important bit, BMW’s new Gen6 powertrain. Just one variant will be made available at launch, the i3 50 xDrive – powered by the same rear electrically excited synchronous motor (EESM) and front asynchronous motor (ASM) as the iX3 50 xDrive, it makes 469 PS (345 kW) and 645 Nm of torque.
More impressive is the range – thanks to its more streamlined shape, the i3 travels nearly 100 km further than the iX3 on a single charge, at an astounding 900 km on the WLTP cycle. The battery capacity has yet to be announced, but this is likely the same 108.7 kWh (nett, 116 kWh gross) NMC pack used in the iX3, implementing cylindrical cells that provide a 20% increase in volumetric energy density compared to the previous Gen5 prismatic cells.
Also carried over from the iX3 is support for up to 400 kW of DC fast charging. Again, BMW has yet to provide finalised charging times, only saying that the i3 is able to gain 400 km of range with just ten minutes of charging. Unlike rival Mercedes-Benz, the company offers a DC-DC converter as standard to allow 400-volt charging at places such as Tesla’s Superchargers. As for AC charging, the i3 can be optioned with a 22 kW onboard charger; you also get bidirectional charging and a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function at up to 3.7 kW.
Perhaps the most important aspect in any BMW is the way it drives, which is why the company has paid plenty of attention here. The steering, brakes and motors are controlled by the Neue Klasse platform’s Heart of Joy – one of the four centralised computers in the car, it’s said to operate ten times quicker than previous systems, enabling more precise and effortless handling.
This is combined with the suspension setup that uses MacPherson struts at the front and a five-link axle at the rear, equipped with highly-preloaded front and rear anti-roll bar bushings and coming as standard with stroke selective passive dampers. In a first for a Neue Klasse model, adaptive M suspension dampers are available as an option for dual-motor all-wheel-drive models.
The i3 also has a built-in “soft stop” function, which uses the electric motors to smoothly bring the car to a stop without any jerkiness or brake noise. The powerful regenerative braking system is capable of handling almost all braking duties, with the friction brakes only used during sporty driving or for emergency stops.
As is typical for a modern BMW, the i3 can be had with all the driver assists you could want, including standard Driving Assistant Plus Level 2 semi-autonomous driving functionality with curve speed reduction. As has always been the case, the system allows the driver to add steering, throttle and even light braking inputs – BMW calls this Symbiotic Drive – without either fighting you (like many highly autonomous cars from China, for example) or switching off altogether (like with Tesla’s Autopilot).
So, that’s the new BMW i3 in a nutshell, arriving before Touring wagon and the heavily-revised, combustion-engined G50 3 Series with similar styling are unveiled later this year. Production will begin in August ahead of a European market launch in the second half of the year. Now that the Neue Klasse revolution has reached the 3 Series, what do you think of the radical direction Munich is taking, and are you excited to see this in Malaysia? Let us know in the comments.
However, some things do slip through on what’s permissible, especially if it’s purely based on visually gauging known size requirements, as a recent incident regarding a regulation JPJePlate shows. In a Facebook post, an EV user said he got a summons for his car displaying a “fancy/license plate not to specifications because the lettering is too small.”
That the fonts on the JPJePlate, which the motorist said was an original issue item, were actually smaller than the standard size had everything to do with it. When it was launched in September 2024, the JPJePlate, which is made of aluminium and features embossed black lettering on a white background, only had provisions for a normal-size font capable of handling up to eight characters, and that’s what most people usually see and are familiar with.
JPJePlate, normal font (left) and small font (right) examples.
However, in October, Handal Ceria, the plate supplier, revealed that a new small-font version of the 52 x 11 cm sized JPJePlate – which remains for use on EVs only at present – able to hold up to 13 characters (letters + numbers) had also been approved for use. The smaller font is meant for number plates nine to 13 characters long, making provisions for special series plates such as XXVIASEAN, PUTRAJAYA and MALAYSIA.
Strangely enough, the vehicle registration in this case had eight alphabets/letters, but in an “XXX XXXX X” sequence, with the stamper likely making provisions for the necessary spacing by utilising the small font. In any case, the plate was recorded as an offence. Following the saman, the motorist proceeded to head down to the police station to have the ticket cancelled, only to be told it couldn’t, with the only option to have it cleared being to take it to court.
Could the particular reg have been done with the normal-sized font? Possibly, but that’s conjecture, not knowing what the tolerances and stamping process entails.
What is known is that the small-font is permissible for use and follows the necessary requirements, and given that, there shouldn’t be a summons if a plate is regulation issue and conforms to an outlined scope. We reached out to Handal Ceria, and was told that the matter has been escalated to the road transport department (JPJ).
There’s a lot more to what can be seen when it comes to mobility. Semiconductors, electronics and ICT integration may not be visible in vehicles, but they are increasingly shaping the next phase of transportation, and ensuring a solid supply chain with key and relevant technologies is critical for suppliers and manufacturers to keep them ahead of the game.
Events make it easier for those sourcing such materials to peruse and compare, and Taiwan has one such event that fits the bill perfectly, showcasing the country’s various manufacturing capabilities and ecosystems. Hosted by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the 2026 edition of the 360° Mobility Mega Shows brings together one of Asia’s most comprehensive platforms for the mobility supply chain.
Set to take place this April 14–17, 2026, at Nangang Exhibition Hall 1 (TaiNEX 1) in Taipei, the event will integrate a number of exhibitions, and these are Taipei AMPA, E-Mobility Taiwan and Autotronics Taipei.. Under the 2026 theme “Empower Every Move,” the event will highlight the industry’s shift toward connected, efficient, and sustainable transportation.
It will be structured around three strategic pillars – Green Mobility, Next Mobility and Connected Mobility – reflecting the global transformation of energy systems, intelligent vehicle technologies and mobility ecosystems.
Green Mobility will focus on the electrification of transportation and the evolution of advanced energy systems. Exhibits will include EV traction motors, charging infrastructure, energy storage integration as well as battery and power electronics testing technologies, forming the foundation of low-carbon mobility.
A major highlight this year is the Hydrogen Energy & Mobility Pavilion, featuring hydrogen-powered mobility solutions such as hydrogen buses, hydrogen logistics vehicles, fuel-cell drones, portable power systems and fuel cell stacks, highlighting the growing role of hydrogen technologies in future transportation systems.
Meanwhile, Next Mobility will focus on the digitalisation and intelligence of vehicles. Exhibits include automotive electronics, embedded systems, telematics, smart cockpit technologies, and advanced ICT integration, reflecting the shift toward software-defined and data-driven mobility platforms. This year’s highlights include pavilions highlighting next-generation vehicle technologies, including those from the AI Car Pavilion, the Taiwan Electric Vehicle Industry Alliance and Taiwan Telematics Industry Association.
Finally, Connected Mobility will encapsulate elements of automotive components and supply chain manufacturing. Exhibits will span automotive lighting, electronic modules, aftermarket components, repair tools and two-wheeler parts, highlighting the depth and breadth of the mobility supply chain. From precision components to advanced vehicle electronics, these displays will showcase the region’s role as a key supplier to the global automotive industry.
Beyond the exhibition floor, the event will host a series of industry activities including a 360° Mobility Forum, 360° Spotlight sessions, and one-on-one procurement meetings. Additional KOL workshops and guided tours will provide international media and industry professionals with curated insights into key exhibitors and emerging mobility technologies.
In 2025, visitors from over 100 countries gathered at the event to engage with local companies and create new global business opportunities. This year’s show hopes to expand on this – if you’re an industry professional and are seeking cutting-edge solutions and technologies in the field of mobility, the 360° Mobility Mega Shows is where you’ll want to be. Visit the website for more information, or register for the event here. You can also register your interest for the 2027 event.
The finalists for this year’s World Car Awards have been announced, with the eventual winners for each of the six categories set to be revealed at the upcoming New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) in April.
A jury of 98 distinguished international automotive journalists from 33 countries selected the top three finalists for each category, with the most coveted prize being the World Car of the Year award. This year, the battle involves the first in BMW’s Neue Klasse of cars, the iX3, which will look to fend off the second-generation Hyundai Palisade as well as the now-a-crossover Nissan Leaf.
In the World Luxury Car category, the Cadillac Vistiq, Lucid Gravity and Volvo ES90 will compete for the affection of the judges, while the World Performance Car category will see another BMW models, the M2 CS, take on the hybridised Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray and facelifted Hyundai Ioniq 6 N.
Two cars from Chinese brands were shortlisted for the World Urban Car of the Year award, including the Baojun Yep Plus from the SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) joint venture that is also exported to Brazil as the Chevrolet Spark EUV.
The Baojun electric vehicle is joined by the Firefly, which is the first model from Nio’s new Firefly brand, as well as a South Korean model in the form of the second-generation Hyundai Venue. Lastly, the World Car Design of the Year category will see the Kia’s PV5, an electric van, take on the Volvo ES90 and another product with Chinese roots, the Mazda 6e/EZ-6.
A vehicle cloning and theft syndicate was busted by the police in an operation that saw 12 people arrested, reports FMT. The suspects, aged between 33 and 60, were detained by Bukit Aman’s criminal investigation department (CID) between March 12 and 15, and have been released on bail pending further investigations.
According to Bukit Aman CID director M Kumar, the operation was initiated after about five months of intelligence gathering on the syndicate which specialised in cloning vehicle identities and reselling cars. “One of the suspects is also wanted by Singaporean authorities in connection with a vehicle theft case and has been handed over for further investigation,” he said.
Along with the arrests, police also seized 12 vehicles worth an estimated RM1.1 million, including various Toyota, Honda and Mazda vehicles. Out of the 12, eight were found to have their identities tampered with, while the remaining four were confirmed to be stolen from Singapore.
Examinations of these vehicles revealed that the chassis and engine numbers of the cloned vehicles had been altered, some to the extent that their original identities could not be determined. Kumar pointed out that the syndicate used stolen vehicles or those that have been declared as a total loss. “These vehicles appear legitimate even upon inspection and are sometimes sold through seemingly authorised dealers,” he said, adding that further checks showed that some of the cloned vehicles even had valid road transport department (JPJ) documents.
The case is being investigated under Section 379A of the Penal Code for vehicle theft, which provides for up to seven years imprisonment and a fine upon conviction. The police is working to identify other syndicate members and advised the public to be cautious when purchasing vehicles, especially if they are sold at low prices. Owners of vehicles declared as total loss are also urged to notify the authorities to prevent misuse of their identities.
The free GoKL bus service will be extended to the Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital (HRC) from April 1. DBKL will extend the GoKL route 11, which runs between MRT Maluri station and Bandar Tun Razak, to have a stop within the hospital’s grounds.
This was announced by Federal Territories minister Hannah Yeoh today as part of a move to improve access to public healthcare, particularly for the elderly and those with mobility challenges.
“This initiative aims to increase public transport access to patients, residents and citizens who receive treatment at the hospital, especially the elderly population, which is expected to reach 11.7% by 2030,” she said, reported by Malay Mail.
The Segambut MP said that the move is part of broader efforts to ensure government facilities are not just available, but truly accessible to those who need them most.
HRC is Kuala Lumpur’s only dedicated rehabilitation hospital, providing recovery services for patients with injuries, stroke and chronic illnesses, and plays a key role in helping them regain physical function and improve their quality of life. HRC is currently operating below capacity, and it’s hoped that the free bus service will boost numbers.
The newly-launched Omoda C9 PHEV is the best of both worlds, combining a generous pure EV range of 145 km with the security and range of a turbocharged internal combustion engine. All wrapped in a stylish and elegant SUV body with top level comfort and luxury features.
The C9 PHEV’s 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder engine is paired with dual electric motors at the front. The rear wheels are driven by another electric motor, providing all-wheel drive and a total system output of 537 PS and 650 Nm of torque. As a result, 0-100 km/h takes just 4.9 seconds.
A 34 kWh NMC battery delivers a WLTP-rated pure electric range of 145 km. Combine this with a 70-litre fuel tank and you’ll get a total range of 1,100 km. The C9 PHEV supports up to 70 kW of DC fast charging, enabling the battery to be topped up from 30 to 80% in just 25 minutes. This is an urban, daily EV that can also double up as a long-distance cruiser without the hassle of EV charging on the move. The SHS system will be on display at the roadshow for those who are technically-inclined.
The new C9 PHEV’s smoothness and performance is best experienced first-hand, and you can do so at 1 Utama from March 18-22. Test drives are available at the roadshow.
Looking for something smaller? Have pets? You’ll want to take the Jaecoo J5 for a spin. Launched earlier this month, the J5’s cabin is covered with pet-friendly materials (anti-bacterial, scratch-resistant and low volatile organic compounds, VOCs) certified by TÜV, and there are even accessories for your furry family member.
What’s a roadshow without deals? You won’t be disappointed with what Omoda Jaecoo has in store at 1 Utama. The C9 PHEV’s launch package includes a RM3,000 Duit Raya rebate and a complimentary Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) connector cable valued at RM720. V2L powers your appliances and devices, perfect for camping or even emergencies such as a blackout.
A limited number of fully-imported CBU units will be offered with complimentary insurance coverage worth up to RM6,000, while stocks last. This launch package is valid from March 18 till the end of April 2026, so act fast. But first, test drive and experience the C9 PHEV with your family this week at 1 Utama – more details here.
First previewed in October last year before estimated pricing was indicated, the Omoda C9 PHEV has now been officially launched in Malaysia, priced at RM208,800 on-the-road without insurance. The C9 PHEV comes to market initially as a fully imported (CBU) model for a limited run of 50 units, and these will be followed by locally assembled (CKD) units which are already in production in Shah Alam.
Buyers who book the C9 PHEV between March 18 and April 30 additionally receive the launch package that consists of a RM3,000 duit Raya rebate, and a complimentary vehicle-to-load (V2L) connector valued at RM730. A limited number of fully imported (CBU) units of the C9 PHEV will be offered with one year of complimentary insurance coverage valued at RM6,000, while stocks last.
Compared to its ICE-powered twin, the C9 PHEV packs a version of the Super Hybrid System (SHS) from the Jaecoo J7 PHEV, though the C9 PHEV gets a three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) to enable the ICE to also drive the wheels at lower speeds, contributing to stronger acceleration.
Here, the powertrain is comprised of a 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 143 PS and 215 Nm, with a dual-motor setup in front consisting of a P2 integrated starter-generator that outputs 102 PS and 170 Nm, and a P2.5 traction motor producing 122 PS and 220 Nm.
These are accompanied by a 238 PS/310 Nm motor driving the rear axle, providing all-wheel-drive and a combined output of 537 PS and 650 Nm, enabling a 0-100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds. Top speed is a claimed 180 km/h.
The electric side of the C9 PHEV powertrain draws from a 34.46 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that provides up to 145 km of EV range on the WLTP testing standard, and in conjunction with a 70 litre fuel tank, offers a claimed 1,100 km of hybrid range.
The battery can be recharged at up to 70 kW DC, which yields a 30-80% SoC in 25 minutes, while 6.6 kW AC charging takes around 5.5 hours to top up from 30-100%; a 10-100% charge at 2.7 kW AC takes 12 hours. At a drive event in South Africa, our own Jonathan Lee in the C9 PHEV has achieved an effective range of 1,190 km, with 939 km driven and in indicated 251 km of range remaining.
For the driver, the C9 PHEV offers six drive modes – Eco, Normal, Sand, Off-Road, Snow and Sport, three levels of energy regeneration, and the option to switch between full EV and HEV modes. Continuous damping control (CDC) for the MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension offers Soft, Medium and Hard settings which can be selected by the driver, in addition to an automatic mode.
Rolling stock for the C9 PHEV is a set of 20-inch alloy wheels shod in Michelin e-Primacy tyres measuring 245/50R20, though while the ICE-powered C9 gets a full-sized spare, the C9 PHEV gets a tyre repair kit. Jaecoo claims the same luggage capacity numbers for the C9 PHEV as those of the petrol C9, which are 660 litres with the seats up and up to 1,783 litres with the rear seats folded.
Exterior equipment on the C9 PHEV includes LED adaptive headlamps with sigma-style DRLs and automatic high beam, headlamp washers, welcome lighting sequence, dynamic turn signals in front, LED tail lamps, rain-sensing wipers, power-folding and heated door mirrors with memory, powered tailgate, and roof rails. Access is by an NFC key that grant keyless entry, along with remote window and tailgate opening.
Interior kit in the C9 PHEV consists of leather upholstery for the seats, instrument panel and multifunction steering wheel, the latter on a four-way power-adjustable column. Seats get heating and ventilation in the front and rear rows, with the driver’s seat getting six-way power adjustment, and the front passenger seat getting four-way power adjustment.
The driver gets a 12.3-inch instrumentation display – with a head-up display – while alongside it is a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, accessible by voice command with the “Hello Omoda” prompt. Smartphone integration is by Android Auto, while audio is by a 14-speaker, 390-watt Sony system, including two dedicated speakers in the driver’s headrest.
Mobile devices can be charged on a 50-watt ventilated, wireless charging pad, with a 12-volt power socket, one USB-A and one USB-C for the front row; the rear seats also get outlets which are one USB-A and one USB-C each.
Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning features here, including second-row air vents and an in-car fragrance system. This includes a negative-ion and ozone air refreshing system, air quality management, and automatic defogging.
For driving assistance systems, functions in the C9 PHEV include adaptive cruise control, integrated cruise assist, traffic jam assist, constant cruising, intelligent active speed limit, front departure information, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, rear collision warning, door opening warning, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, emergency lane keeping, lane change assist, front collision warning, AEB, emergency brake assist, secondary collision mitigation, auto parking assist and a 540-degree camera system.
Also part of its safety features are ABS, EBD, brake assist, electronic stability programme, traction control, hill start assist, hill descent control, electronic speed limiter, tyre pressure monitoring, front and rear seat belt reminder, child safety lock, ISOFIX child seat mounts, auto locking (unlocking upon engine off or collision), telematics with find-my-car feature, and eight airbags.
Priced at RM208,800 on-the-road without insurance, the Omoda C9 PHEV in Malaysia is covered by a seven-year, 200,000 km vehicle warranty, and this is joined by a 10-year, one million km engine warranty while its electric drive components, comprised of the battery, electric motors and power electronics are covered by a 10-year, 200,000 km warranty.
If you’re a fan of English fashion designer Paul Smith, MINI Malaysia has something special to offer you. The company today announced the launch of the MINI Paul Smith Edition, which comes in two colours and will be available in limited numbers.
Based on the all-electric Cooper SE, the Paul Smith Edition retails for RM222,222 on-the-road without insurance and inclusive of a standard two-year, unlimited-mileage warranty. With MINI Service and Repair Inclusive (MSRI) that includes a four-year warranty and service package, the asking price increases to RM228,522. Compared to a regular Cooper SE, you’re paying around RM28k more for the privilege to own something rather exclusive.
Mechanically, the Paul Smith Edition is identical to a Cooper SE, with a 54.2-kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery providing up to 402 km following the WLTP standard. AC charging is at a max of 11 kW, while DC fast charging peaks at 95 kW, the latter allowing the battery to get from a 10-80% state of charge in under 30 minutes. This powers a front electric motor rated at 218 PS (215 hp or 160 kW) and 330 Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100 km/h time of 6.7 seconds and top speed of 170 km/h.
In terms of visual highlights, the special edition features Nottingham Green accents on the side mirrors, radiator grille and hub caps. The roof is finished in this hue too, accompanied by Paul Smith’s signature stripes across the roof edge between the B- and C-pillars.
Elsewhere, the 18-inch ‘Slide Spoke’ alloy wheels are finished in Nottingham Green and paired with Dark Steel accents as well as hub caps with the Paul Smith logo. You’ll also notice the Black Blue MINI emblems and ‘Paul Smith’ lettering in Anthracite Grey on the tailgate.
Opening the doors, the side mirror puddle lamps project a friendly ‘hello’ in Smith’s handwriting to greet passengers. The interior features Nightshade Blue JCW Sports seats in Vescin upholstery with a Shadow Stripe knitting on the shoulder and headrest areas as well as a Paul Smith label.
Shadow Stripe upholstery is also used for the dashboard in a manner inspired by Smith’s signature stripe design. On the passenger side of the dashboard is a decorative black leather band with blue stitching, while the door sill trims sport the message “Every day is a new beginning!” in the designer’s handwriting.
Other signature touches include a hand-drawn rabbit motif embroidered into the floor mats, while the steering wheel’s textile band gets a splash of colour following the theme. Even the round touchscreen infotainment system is altered to include three exclusive backgrounds designed by Paul Smith for Personal model, with his signature strips subtly integrated at the upper edge of the display.
As mentioned at the start, the Paul Smith Edition can be had in two colours, the first being Inspired White that is a reinterpretation of the MINI Classic Pepper White. The second option is Statement Grey, which is a blue-tinged grey that pays homage to the MINI Austin Seven colour from 1959.
GALLERY: MINI Paul Smith Edition in Inspired White
GALLERY: MINI Paul Smith Edition in Statement Grey
Highways across the country are set to see a surge of traffic over the next week, with the Malaysian highway authority (LLM) expecting more than 3.49 million vehicles using major highways and connecting expressways during the peak travel days for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.
In a statement, LLM director-general Mohd Hadzmir Yusoff said the increase in traffic is expected to begin from today, March 18, with motorists starting their journeys towards the north, south and east coast of the peninsular.
He said that projections indicate that PLUS highways are expected to see traffic increase to 2.30 million vehicles, followed by the West Coast Expressway (215,000 vehicles), the KL-Karak Highway (210,000 vehicles) and the East Coast Expressway LPT1 (106,000 vehicles) LPT2 (65,000 vehicles).
Meanwhile, for connecting highways, the Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE) is projected to record 295,000 vehicles, the Kajang-Seremban Expressway (LEKAS) 159,000 vehicles, and the Kuala Lumpur-Kuala Selangor Expressway (LATAR) 135,000 vehicles.
He added that all concessionaires have been instructed to ensure that there are no lane closures except for emergencies from tomorrow until March 30, and reiterated there would be an activation of 34 Smart Lane locations by PLUS. Checks on highway operations will be intensified at rest and service areas (RSA) and lay-bys, with the provision of 65 portable toilets, adequate water supply and increased staff and parking at selected locations.
Mohd Hadzmir encouraged highway users to plan their journeys using LLM’s TuJu application, ensure their vehicles are in good condition and maintain sufficient balance for toll payments via Touch ‘n Go, e-wallets or debit cards. Motorists can obtain real-time traffic updates and information on any highway incidents via LLM’s official social media platforms on Facebook and TikTok (@llmtrafik), or by contacting the LLM traffic management centre at 1-800-88-7752.
PLUS is opening a third lane on the North South Highway from Simpang Renggam to Sedenak, southbound, for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri holiday travel season. This stretch, from KM45.1 to KM42.5, is in the Johor road widening project area.
So, from today (March 18) till April 5, there will be a third lane in this stretch, from the original two lanes. This temporary measure is to increase capacity and reduce congestion in the project area, PLUS says.
The highway concessionaire reminds motorists to follow the highway speed limit, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, not change lanes suddenly and always be alert of the traffic situation. Plan your journey (remember to include breaks, dozing off can be fatal) and drive safe. As the saying goes, biar lambat, asal selamat.
Here are all the measures taken to cope with the expected 2.3 million vehicles a day for the Raya season.
Audi has officially announced the return of the A2 nameplate as the A2 e-tron, which will be for a battery-electric, entry-level model that is to be unveiled later this year. This follows a rumour last month that the A2 name is to be revived for an entry-level model.
The upcoming model’s name is a “deliberate nod to the Audi A2, which pioneered efficiency and urban mobility” when it emerged in 1999. In an earlier Autocar report, the A2 e-tron has been said to indirectly replace the A1 and Q2 which come to their end of production this year.
Set to be produced at the brand’s Ingolstadt headquarters, the A2 e-tron adds to the brand’s manufacturing presence in Europe and in its native Germany. “The A2 e-tron is crucial for our brand and also for our German home. With the production of an additional fully electric model family in Ingolstadt, we are securing jobs and delivering electric mobility ‘made in Germany’,”said Audi CEO Gernot Döllner.
The next A2 will indirectly replace the A1 and Q2; 1999 Audi A2 (above)
Its silhouette suggests it will take after the form of its predecessor with a raised floor and relatively generous interior headroom, though its ‘A’ rather than ‘Q’ naming convention indicates it is not positioned as a crossover, despite the appearance of its physical height.
Technical details for the A2 e-tron have yet to be officially disclosed, though it has been said to be built on Volkswagen’s MEB platform that underpins the Volkswagen ID.3, when originally the compact Audi EV was planned with the SSP architecture. For reference, the ID.3 gets batteries of 58 kWh and 77 kWh capacities, the latter offering up to 546 km of range on the WLTP testing standard.
Within the official communication for the A2 e-tron, Audi also hinted at the debut of the Q9 flagship SUV, also to take place later this year, and with the A2, this bookends the range of Audi models to be offered. As its name suggests, the Q9 is to be positioned above the Q7, and therefore will rival the likes of the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS and the L460 Range Rover.
Joining the Ducati Monster lineup is the 2026 Ducati Monster Sport Livery, alongside the current base model Monster and the Monster Plus. The Monster Sport Livery features a combination of Grey with Racing Red on the wheels, drawing inspiration from the Monster S4 from two decades ago.
The new colour scheme is complemented by details on the seat, flyscreen, tail section and fuel tank, giving the Monster Sport Livery a sporty and elegant look. The Sport Livery is also available for the Monster Plus, adding a front fairing and passenger seat cover.
In a first for the Monster series, optional cruise control can now be added, which, in combination with the four riding modes, will make ay journey more comfortable. The electric riding aids include DTC (Ducati Traction Control), DWC (Ducati Wheelie Control), EBC (Engine Brake Control), and ABS Cornering, as well as Ducati Power Launch for MotoGP style starts.
The Monster’s V-twin is owned by Euro 5+ compliant, producing 111 hp at 9,000 rpm and 91.1 Nm of torque at 7,250 rpm, with 80% of peak torque available between 4,000 and 10,000 rpm. The engine with variable intake valve timing and the lightest two-cylinder ever made by Ducati, only needs a valve clearance check every 45,000 km.
Riding information is displayed on a five-inch TFT-LCD display, ready for the Ducati Multimedia System to be fitted that allows for turn-by-turn navigation on-screen. Seat height on the Monster Sport Livery is set at 815 mm, dropping to 795 mm with the optional low seat, and down to 775 mm with the low seat and lowering kit.
A woman from Houston, Texas is suing Tesla for USD1 million after a terrifying incident which she claimed put her and her one-year-old child’s lives in danger, KHOU reports.
The incident, which happened in August 2025, involved the Justine Saint Amour’s Cybertruck, which was allegedly operating with Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode engaged when it nearly went off an overpass barrier on Houston’s 69 Eastex Freeway. According to court records, the plaintiff attempted to disengage FSD mode, but her attorney said the intervention came too late to prevent the crash.
Footage posted by KHOU showed the all-electric pick-up truck driving along the road before attempting but ultimately failing to navigate a right-hand turn at a Y-shaped overpass. Had it not struck a lighting pole that sent it ricocheting back, the vehicle would have probably flown off the overpass and likely crashed into other vehicles nine metres below. Even so, the woman claimed she suffered multiple injuries from the impact and sued Tesla last month in a liability and negligence case.
The plaintiff’s attorney, Bob Hilliard, told KHOU that his client had no time to react before the Cybertruck headed straight for the barrier. “At the last second she looked at the screen and saw that the Tesla truck was not going to go left and it was not going to go right, it was going to go straight over the overpass,” he said.
“Even a very alert driver who allows the truck to drive itself, as it says it can, can’t go from passenger to emergency-driver reaction in a blink of an eye, and that’s what Tesla expects,” he continued, adding that Tesla’s marketing of its self-driving technology overpromises what is actually delivers. “It is a driver-assist Tesla, basically cruise control on steroids. But the marketing tells the driver that it’s fully self-driving,” said Hilliard.
This is tricky legal situation, as the claim by the plaintiff is that her Cybertruck was already too far in motion for any intervention to be effective. Tesla does market its FSD technology with the ‘(Supervised)’ suffix for legal reasons, and its support page explicitly states: “None of these advanced driver assistance features make your Tesla vehicle fully autonomous or replace you as the driver.”
