Latest Featured Stories

• 

  2026 Proton Saga MC3 review – 4AT and CVT

• 

  Perodua Traz launched - Yaris Cross twin, fr RM76k

• 

  Leapmotor B10 EV in Malaysia - fr RM99,800

• 

  Proton eMas 7 PHEV previewed, from RM130k?

• 

  Perodua QV-E launched – homegrown EV, RM80k

• 

  Proton Saga MC3 launched, fr RM38k

Latest Stories

• 2026 Volvo ES90 ROI now open in Malaysia – electric sedan with up to 651 km WLTP range, 333 PS; CKD

  In Cars, Electric Cars in Malaysia, Local News, Volvo / by Gerard Lye / 2 January 2026 5:26 pm

  

  Registration of interest for the Volvo ES90 is now open in Malaysia ahead of the electric sedan’s launch in early 2026. Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) stopped short of mentioning a launch date, available variants and pricing in its official release, but it did reveal that a 2% early bird incentive will be provided for the first 100 units booked between now and March 31, 2026.

  The ES90 will arrive as a locally-assembled (CKD) model from the start, unlike the EX90 that was first launched as a fully-imported (CBU) offering, although the latter is set to make the transition with upgrades as we previously reported.

  Both electric vehicles (EVs) are built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA2) platform, with the ES90 featuring an 800-volt architecture from the start – the EX90 only got updated from a 400-volt system in September last year.

  With the 800-volt system, the ES90 can DC fast charge at up to 350 kW to get the battery from a 10-80% state of charge in approximately 22 minutes, or gain 300 km of range with just 10 minutes of being plugged in.

  

  

  Further technical details include a total system output of 333 PS (329 hp and 245 kW) and 480 Nm of torque, which points to the Single Motor variant of the ES90. This comes with a 92-kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery that delivers up to 651 km of range following the WLTP standard. Other available configurations for the sedan include the Twin Motor as well as the Twin Motor Performance.

  The ES90 is also the first Volvo to feature the Nvidia Drive AGX Orin computing system that is part of the Superset tech stack, which handles artificial intelligence (AI) functions, safety features, car sensors and battery management.

  Thailand has already welcomed the ES90 as of October last year, with a sole Ultra Single Motor variant currently costing 2.99 million baht (about RM386k). Where our ES90 will be CKD in Malaysia, Thailand gets their cars from China.

  GALLERY: Volvo ES90 Ultra Single Motor in Thailand

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  0 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• BYD Seal 6 DM-i Touring – PHEV wagon version of Seal 06 can lug up to 1,535 litres, 1,350 km total range

  In BYD, Cars, International News / by Jonathan James Tan / 2 January 2026 4:43 pm

  

  OK, so this isn’t new new, having been launched in China last July and in the UK in November, but we don’t believe we’ve featured the BYD Seal 6 DM-i Touring before on these pages. Plus it’s always good to know the estate/station wagon isn’t dead and that even a giant like BYD is willing to give it a go.

  Now, this isn’t precisely a long-roofed version of the Seal 6 on sale in Malaysia – our Seal 6 is actually a Dynasty-series Qin L while the car you see here is based on the Ocean-series Seal 06, although the two are sort of sister models.

  Most important stuff first – the Touring’s boot can swallow 675 litres up to the roof, and if you fold the back seats down, it becomes 1,535 litres. Length, width, height and wheelbase are respectively 4,850, 1,890, 1,505 and 2,790 mm, making it 20 mm longer, 15 mm wider and 10 mm taller than the Seal 06 sedan.

  

  

  

  

  DM-i means plug-in hybrid (PHEV) in BYD’s world, and this load lugger marries a 97 PS/126 Nm 1.5 litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor to drive the front wheels. In the UK, the £35k (RM191k) Boost variant has a 184 PS motor (0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds) and a 10 kWh battery (55 km EV-only range) that can only take 3.3 kW AC charging (DC unsupported).

  Pay £358k (RM207k) instead for the top Comfort variant, and you get a 194 PS motor (0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds) and a 19 kWh battery (105 km EV-only range). Only this variant accepts DC charging (26 kW max); as for AC, it’ll take 6.6 kW – twice up on the Boost variant. BYD claims a combined WLTP range of 1,350 km and fuel consumption as low as 1.7 litres per 100 km.

  The base Boost variant gets items including 17-inch alloys, adaptive cruise control, a 360 camera, a 12.8-inch touch-screen, three ISOFIX points and a hands-free power tailgate, while the Comfort gets 18-inch alloys, a panoramic sunroof and a 15.6-inch touch-screen. Wanna see a hot hatch version?

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  0 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Kia Sales Malaysia begins operations, reveals prices for Sportage, Carnival and EV9, up to RM52k cheaper

  In Kia, Local News / by Anthony Lim / 2 January 2026 2:17 pm

  

  Kia Sales Malaysia (KSM), which was officially launched last month, has begun operations in Malaysia. Along with the start of its business, the company has announced a number of initiatives, including a new pricing strategy for its existing product portfolio, the establishment of a loyalty programme, a Kia-branded insurance scheme and other corporate incentives, all aimed at demonstrating appreciation and commitment to both legacy and new customers.

  It said that effective from January 1, 2026, the entire range of the Kia Sportage and Kia Carnival model lines have been significantly repriced, placing both models at a better competitive advantage within the existing SUV and MPV segments they are playing in.

  This starts with the Sportage, which continues to be offered in the two naturally-aspirated and two turbocharged variants as when it was launched here in March this year. The CKD variants are priced as follows (on-the-road, without insurance):

  • 2.0G 2WD – RM129,639.10 (previously RM147,218.60, now less by RM17,579.50)
  • 2.0G 2WD High –RM139,639.10 (previously RM157,218.60, now less by RM15,579.50)
  • 1.6T 2WD High – RM159,320 (previously RM176,899, now less by RM17,579)
  • 1.6T AWD High – RM179,320 (previously RM186,899, now less by RM7,579)

  

  Click to enlarge.

  As for the Carnival, KSM is offering the CKD MPV in both 2.2D 8-Seater and 7-Seater versions as before, but the prices have also been adjusted. There is no listing of the 2.2D 11-Seater, which used to retail for RM198,500. The two variants are priced at (on-the-road, without insurance):

  • 2.2D 8-Seater – RM193,860.80 (previously RM245,888, making it RM52,027 less now)
  • 2.2D 7-Seater – RM218,960.80 (previously RM259,888, making it RM40,927 less now)

  The company is also retailing the EV9 electric SUV, for which the selling price is identical to what it was before when it was sold by previous distributor Dinamikjaya Motors, a subsidiary of Bermaz Auto. As can be seen in the price list below, the selling price of the EV9 – available in GT-Line six- and seven-seat versions – remains unchanged save for the addition of road tax (RM515), despite the mention of excise duty now being applied with the ending of CBU EV tax exemptions on December 31, 2025.

  

  Click to enlarge.

  The company added that in line with Kia global standards, the warranty coverage and parts replacement policy for newly purchased Kia vehicles in Malaysia will be valid for five years or 150,000 km, whichever comes first.

  Additionally, KSM is also implementing a price reduction of 15% on average for all Kia genuine spare parts. The company said that its after-sales network is supported by a dedicated parts warehouse, which is located in Shah Alam, Selangor. It said the facility will ensure the speedy availability of spare parts, which addresses any concerns about after-sales lead time.

  The company has also introduced the Kia Circle, a loyalty programme that offers cash rebates of up to RM6,000 when existing Kia owners upgrade to a new Kia, which benefits owners and their family members (parents, children, and spouse).

  

  Click to enlarge.

  There is also Kia Professional, a corporate fleet and professional programme that will offer exclusive concessions of up to 3% for members of professional bodies and major corporations making individual vehicle purchases, with customisable incentives for larger fleets.

  There is also the Kia Cares insurance programme. Underwritten by Berjaya Sompo, Zurich and Zurich Takaful, it provides comprehensive coverage for accidental loss or damage as well as a range of benefits. For additional peace of mind, owners are also in control of tailoring their coverage through optional add-on benefits to suit individual preferences.

  0 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• China’s global auto sales set to overtake Japan for first time in 2025 – projected 27 million versus 25 million

  In Cars, International News / by Gerard Lye / 2 January 2026 12:54 pm

  

  China’s global auto sales are set to overtake Japan for the first time in 2025, according to a report by Nikkei Asia. Based on company disclosures from January to November 2025 and data from S&P Global Mobility, Chinese automakers are projected to sell about 27 million vehicles

  Chinese automakers look set to become the world’s largest sellers of new vehicles for the first time in 2025, overtaking Japanese manufacturers that have held the position for over 20 years, reports Nikkei Asia.

  Based on data from S&P Global Mobility as well as company disclosures from January to November 2025, Chinese carmakers are projected to sell about 27 million vehicles worldwide in 2025, which is 17% higher than in 2024. Meanwhile, combined sales of Japanese automakers are expected to remain flat at around 25 million vehicles, which could see a drop to second place.

  The report also notes approximately 70% of sales by Chinese automakers last year happened inside China, with fully electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models making up nearly 60% of passenger car demand.

  As for exports, Southeast Asia is expected to see sales of 500,000 Chinese vehicles in 2025, while it is nearly 2.3 million units in Europe. In other markets, Africa could absorb about 230,000 units, while it is around 540,000 units in Latin America – both saw an over 30% year-on-year (YoY) increase.

  0 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Deepal S05 exported from Thailand to Europe – with EV tax holiday over, will Malaysia’s car still be CBU?

  In Cars, Deepal, International News / by Jonathan James Tan / 2 January 2026 12:37 pm

  

  To jog your memory, Changan in May launched a plant in Rayong, Thailand – its first outside China. Now, Car News China reports that the plant’s first 500 vehicles are being exported to Europe, including the Deepal S05 SUV. Deepal is one of Changan’s sub-brands.

  Featuring a body shop, paint shop, final assembly shop as well as a powertrain workshop (including battery assembly), the 1.9 billion yuan (RM581 million) facility will initially have a production capacity of 100,000 units annually, with plans to increase the figure to 200,000 units by 2027.

  Construction of the facility – which will assemble Changan, Deepal and Avatr vehicles for Southeast Asian markets, Australia and New Zealand – began in November 2023 and took 556 days to complete. The first vehicle off the line – a Deepal S05 – was also Changan’s 28.59 millionth. Like the Forthing Friday, Xpeng X9 and Xpeng P7+, the S05 is available in EV and range-extended (REEV) versions.

  

  Now, Deepal hasn’t launched in Malaysia yet, but in November 2024 when Bermaz was announced as distributor, it was communicated that the S05 and S07 would be fully imported (CBU) from Thailand. At that time, CBU EVs would go on to enjoy another 13 months of freedom from import and excise duties.

  A lot has changed since, as you know. It’s now 2026, which means CBU EVs (having been tax-free since Budget 2022) are again subject to import and excise duties, which could make them uncompetitive against locally-assembled (CKD) EVs.

  Then there’s the news that appeared only a few days ago – beginning January 1, 2026, all new CBU EVs from new brands which have not been previously approved under any franchise AP company must be priced RM250k and up (the RM100k floor remains for existing brands/models), and their motor(s) power must be at least 200 kW (272 PS). We hope Bermaz managed to get Deepal approved in time. Learn more about the S05 here – the EV version has less than 272 PS.

  Deepal S05 at the Bangkok International Motor Show 2025

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  Deepal S05 official images

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  0 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• JPJ collected RM5.65 bil in 2025; up 6%, highest ever takings – last call 50% saman discount contributed

  In Local News / by Danny Tan / 2 January 2026 11:56 am

  

  JPJ collected RM5.65 billion in 2025, its highest ever revenue in a calendar year. The record takings is 6.05% higher than the RM5.33 billion collected in 2024, which was the previous record. Prior to that, the all-time high was RM5.074 billion in 2023, so it’s year after year of records for the road transport department, just like a certain car company.

  JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli told Kosmo that October and December were the best performing months, with revenue surpassing RM500 million. The 50% last call saman discount programme that ran from November 1 to the end of 2025 also contributed to the cause.

  Aedy Fadly said that revenue from road tax (Lesen Kenderaan Motor) was the biggest contributor at RM3.43 billion, while takings from driving licenses (Lesen Memandu Malaysia) and summonses were RM614 million and RM426 million respectively. The D-G explained that JPJ’s implementation of digital services such as the MyJPJ app was among the factors that helped revenue stay above the RM5 billion mark.

  “Other than that, the implementation of various enforcement operations and safety campaigns, as well as the strengthening of governance, as well as internal controls and integrity, contributed to the overall revenue,” he said. No mention of number plate sales, but you can do the math based on the figures above.

  JPJ’s head added that Ops Perang Lebih Muatan, which targets overweight lorries, recorded 3,563 offences since the operations was launched on October 14. As of December 30, 169,965 vehicles were inspected and of this total, 6,340 were sent to the scales.

  0 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Dreame’s Bugatti-copying EV to be revealed at CES 2026 – over 1,000 hp, 0-100 km/h in under 1.8 seconds

  In Cars, Dreame, International News / by Jonathan Lee / 2 January 2026 11:33 am

  

  Our collective eyebrows were raised when Chinese robot vacuum maker Dreame indicated that it planned to build cars – and even more so when it released renderings of a four-door supercar that looked suspiciously like a stretched Bugatti Chiron.

  We thought it was just a fanciful imagining that took a bit too much from the source material, but the second model it revealed soon after – an actual SUV that was basically a Rolls-Royce Cullinan clone – showed that the company was not above copying established luxury car designs.

  Anyway, the original supercar will finally receive its real-world debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on January 5, and teasers show that the Bugatti DNA is very much still present and accounted for in the styling. Only now, Dreame appears to have updated its “inspiration” from the Chiron to Molsheim’s later limited-run specials.

  

  The slatted headlights, wraparound windscreen and two-tone colour scheme, for instance, are reminiscent of the Mistral and Brouillard, while the massive dual-channel rear diffuser and full-width taillights with their multiple flat blades bring to mind the track-focused Divo. What’s next, the interior from the Tourbillon?

  In fact, the only truly unique cues are the fixed rear wing (as opposed to Bugatti’s active pop-out units) and the ditching of the distinctive horseshoe grille – the latter was apparently a bridge too far. Interestingly, the massive wheels feature a six-lug design, similar to GM’s Ultium-based EVs.

  

  

  Beyond the slavishly derivative design, the still-unnamed new car does at least have some impressive specs. According to Autohome, it’s a pure electric model – rather than being a range-extended EV as per the Cullin…I mean, the SUV – that produces over 1,000 hp (735 kW), can cool its motors to just 15 ºC and gets from zero to 100 km/h in under 1.8 seconds. We’ll believe it when we see it.

  An update on Dreame’s automotive project – it appears it has been spun off and won’t be parked under the main brand; instead, it’s being referred to as the “Starry Sky Project”, or Nebula Next to give it its supposed English name. What do you think – is this the super-EV of your Dreames, or a nightmare for copyright law? Let us know in the comments.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  0 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• 2026 SYM Husky 150 SE four new colours for Malaysia, pricing up RM600 to RM10,598

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, SYM / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 2 January 2026 11:13 am

  

  Ushering in the new year, the 2026 SYM Husky 150 SE comes in four new colours, with pricing set at RM10,598. The price is an increase of RM600 over the 2024 price of RM9,998 and the four new colour options are Indigo Blue, White, Matt Grey, and Glossy Green.

  Availability of the 2026 Husky 105 SE at authorised SYM dealers throughout Malaysia is immediate with pricing excluding road tax, insurance and registration. Every Husky 150 SE comes with a two-year or 20,000 km warranty against manufacturing defects.

  

  

  No other changes in specifications for the Husky 150 SE, with power coming from a single-cylinder four-valve mill producing 14.4 hp at 8,000 rpm and 14.5 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. A CVT gearbox and belt final drive sends power to the rear wheel.

  The Husky 150 SE also comes fitted with traction control along with two-channel ABS. Riding conveniences include keyless start that has an emergency ignition mode allowing the Husky 150 to be started even when the battery is low, and a 5-inch LCD instrument panel comes with auto-dimming for the screen lighting.

  

  Suspension is done with telescopic forks on the front wheel and a preload-adjustable monoshock on the rear. Meanwhile, the Husky 150 SE is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, with a 260 mm diameter disc on the front wheel and a 223 mm diameter disc in the rear.

  Wheel sizing is 13-inches front and rear, shod with 120/70 front and 130/70 rear tyres. 15-litres of fuel is carried in the tank while seat height is set at 785 mm and weight is claimed to be 153 kg.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  0 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• JDT Lubricants Passenger Car Engine Oil launched

  In Cars, Local News / by Jonathan James Tan / 2 January 2026 11:01 am

  

  Johor Darul Ta’zim Football Club (JDT) last year launched its JDT Lubricants brand, co-branded with Duckhams Oil, distributed by DB Petroleum and starting with motorcycle oils. Now a range of passenger car oils has been launched, retaling between RM89 and RM279. Browse and buy here.

  Fully-synthetic oils

  • 0W20 API SP
  • 5W30 API SP C2/C3
  • 5W40 API SN/CF

  Semi-synthetic oils

  • 10W40 API SN PLUS A3/B4

  Mineral oils

  • 10W30 API SN PLUS
  • 15W40 API SN PLUS
  • 20W50 API SL/CF

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  1 comment | Leave a comment?

   

• PDRM issues 12,437 saman, detain 25 indivuals for various offences in new year’s eve traffic operations

  In Local News / by Anthony Lim / 2 January 2026 10:58 am

  

  As 2025 drew to a close, there was the usual year end celebrations all across the country, and there was also saman, plenty of them. In traffic operations conducted on New Year’s Eve and stretched into the start of 2026, PDRM issued a total of 12,437 summonses in traffic operations conducted nationwide, The Star reports.

  According to Bukit Aman traffic investigation and enforcement department (JSPT) director Commissioner Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri, the summonses were issued during operations at 240 deployment locations, including roadblocks, preventive patrols and static duties at public gathering hotspots such as city centres, recreational areas and main routes.

  He added that 390 vehicles were seized while 25 individuals were detained for further action under various legal provisions, including the Road Transport Act 1987. “A total of 20 individuals were detained under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, three under the Penal Code and another three under other laws,” he said in a statement.

  In Kuala Lumpur, 378 summonses were issued and 90 motorcycles seized during an Ops Samseng Jalanan operation, while 1,206 summonses were issued in Selangor, with seven individuals being detained.

  He said the traffic operations, which saw a total of 327 senior police officers and 2,460 personnel being deployed, working together with members of other agencies, including the road transport department (JPJ), were conducted in conjunction with year end festivities to ensure public safety, public order and smooth traffic flow.

  0 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• BYD sold 4.6 million units in 2025 – Chinese brand could overtake Tesla in EV sales with 2.26 million units

  In BYD, Cars, International News / by Gerard Lye / 2 January 2026 10:09 am

  

  According to a report by Reuters, BYD’s sales growth in 2025 stood at 7.73%, its weakest pace in five years. With 4.6 million units sold last year, the Chinese automaker managed to hit its target, which was revised downwards from 5.5 million in July as it faced competition from Geely and Leapmotor in the budget segment.

  Data in a stock filing revealed that sales of BYD vehicles in December 2025 dropped 18.3% from a year earlier, extending declines for a fourth month and marking the largest monthly drop in nearly two years.

  In overseas markets, sales of BYD vehicles last year reached 1,046,083 units, which represents a 150.7% increase from 2024. Focusing on electric vehicles (EVs) alone, BYD managed to deliver 2.26 million EVs in 2025, marking a 27.9% increase that could see the Chinese brand outsell Tesla for the first time in annual EV sales.

  Bloomberg reports that while BYD ended 2025 on a positive note with a growth in sales, the company will face growing pressure in 2026 as China scales back incentives on EV purchases while also cracking down on aggressive discounting. New models from competitors further fuel the strong competition in its home market, while trade barriers may limit its overseas reach.

  1 comment | Leave a comment?

   

• KL police seize motorcycles with ‘tayar sotong’, no rear brakes, loud exhaust in Ops Samseng Jalanan

  In Bikes, Local News / by Danny Tan / 2 January 2026 9:48 am

  

  Super thin ‘tayar sotong’ and loud ‘ekzos perang’ on the seized kapcais

  Kapcais with super thin tyres, known as ‘tayar sotong’, bikes with no rear brakes and loud exhausts were among the 90 motorcycles seized following a New Year’s Day traffic operation conducted by PDRM KL’s Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT). The cops also issued 378 saman and inspected some 800 motorcycles.

  Ops Samseng Jalanan was in full force in KL city centre in the first few hours of 2026. Locations JSPT KL focused on included Jalan Tun Razak heading towards Sungai Besi, Jalan Ipoh heading towards Chow Kit, Jalan Ipoh heading towards Sentul, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (near the old Coliseum restaurant) and Jalan Pahang towards Bulatan Pahang.

  The operations started at 2.45 am on New Year’s Day and ended around 5am. Involving eight officers and 80 members, Ops Samseng Jalanan focused on illegal vehicle modification, no lesen and other offences in the Road Transport Act 1987.

  

  “Strong action was taken, especially towards motorcycles with extreme modifications. Any modification to the structure including loud exhausts and the lack of rear brakes can be seized under Section 60 of the Road Transport Act 1987. The bikes will also be inspected by the Department of Environment and JPJ,” JSPT KL head Mohd Zamzuri Mohd Isa told the media, reported by Kosmo.

  “There were no incidents. There were attempts to escape, but our team intercepted them. We urge parents to closely monitor their children’s activities to prevent them from getting involved in offences that violate the law,” he added, quoted by The Star.

  The most detailed report was from Sinar Harian, the owner of the two images attached in this post. The daily said that most of the bikes seized were Yamaha Y15ZR and Yamaha LC135 models and many of the riders were aged between 15 and 19 years old. Mohd Zamzuri said that the police received reports from hotels and residents around the area complaining about loud motorcycle exhausts.

  “This exhaust is borrowed from my friend, I know it’s wrong. The rear brakes are broken, tuan,” a young rider told the cops with his head bowed.

  4 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Malaysian fuel prices January 1-7, 2026 – unchanged; RON95 at RM2.56; RON97 at RM3.16; diesel at RM2.94

  In Local News, Malaysian Fuel Prices / by Anthony Lim / 31 December 2025 5:35 pm

  

  Time sure flies, and so here we are, on the cusp of a new year. Yes, it’s another Wednesday, which brings about the usual weekly fuel price update from the ministry of finance, but this one – for the coming week of January 1-7 – takes us into 2026.

  Everything remains unchanged as it was at the end of 2025, and so unsubsidised RON 95 petrol continues on at the RM2.56 per litre it was at last week. As for RON 97, the premium grade of petrol remains priced at RM3.16 per litre.

  Naturally, RON 95 petrol subsidised under the Budi Madani RON 95 (Budi95) scheme stays fixed at RM1.99 per litre. Malaysians with a valid driving licence are eligible for the fuel at a monthly quota of 300 litres.

  As for diesel, Euro 5 B10 and B20 blends remain priced at RM2.94 per litre, with the Euro 5 B7 blend, which costs 20 sen more per litre, continuing to go for RM3.14 per litre. The retail price of diesel fuels in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan stays unchanged at RM2.15 per litre.

  These prices take effect from midnight tonight until Wednesday, January 7, 2026, when the next set of fuel price updates are announced. This is the first edition of the weekly fuel pricing format for 2026, and the 364th in total since the format was introduced at the start of 2019. Happy new year, folks, and wishing all of you a great 2026!

  0 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• JMEV Yi/Elight spotted in Malaysia – Honda Civic-sized EV sedan; up to 231 PS, 550 km CLTC; launch soon?

  In Cars, Electric Cars in Malaysia, Local News, Spyshots / by Gerard Lye / 31 December 2025 5:25 pm

  

  Could another electric vehicle from a Chinese brand be launched in Malaysia? It certainly looks like it based on recent spyshots of this unmarked car with a trade plate roaming our roads.

  Judging by the design of the taillights, this looks to be a JMEV Yi, which is also known as the Yichi 05 in China. The company is a joint venture that involves several parties, including Jiangling Motors Corporation Group (JMCG) and China Agricultural Development Construction Fund Corporation.

  French automaker Renault is part of the JV too with a 50% stake that was announced way back in July 2019 when it invested one billion yuan (about RM580 million) to become the major shareholder. Prior to this, JMEV was established in 2015 by JMCG.

  

  The Yi was first presented in 2021, and aside from being known as the Yichi 05 in its home market, the EV is also called the Elight, as is the case when it was launched in Singapore in August this year. Over there, the Elight is powered by a front electric motor rated at 147 PS (145 hp or 108 kW) and 225 Nm of torque, which is good for a top speed of 150 km/h and 0-100 km/h time of 8.9 seconds.

  Powering the electric motor is a nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery with a capacity of 63 kWh. This enables a WLTP combined range of up to 460 km, and the battery supports DC fast charging that can get the battery from a 30-80% state of charge in 30 minutes.

  Meanwhile, the Yichi 05 in China comes in different configurations, including a 56.31-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery paired with a front electric motor with 224 PS (221 hp or 165 kW) and 210 Nm. There’s also a 63-kWh NMC battery with dual motors – 150 PS (148 hp or 110 kW) and 225 Nm front; 82 PS (80 hp or 60 kW) and 170 Nm rear; 231 PS (228 hp or 170 kW) and 395 Nm combined. The CLTC range of the Yichi 05 is between 470 and 550 km

  

  

  

  

  JMEV Elight/Yichi 05

  In terms of dimensions, the Yi/Yichi 05/Elight is close in size to the current Honda Civic we have here, measuring in at 4,675 mm long, 1,835 mm wide, 1,480 mm tall and with a wheelbase spanning 2,750 mm.

  Available features for the EV include an ADAS suite with adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring and lane keep assist. The kit list also includes matrix LED headlamps, powered front seats, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster as well as 14.6-inch central infotainment touchscreen (Singapore; China’s Yichi 05 is listed with a 12.3-inch unit).

  Pricing for the Yichi 05 in China ranges from 129,800 to 66,800 yuan (RM75k to RM104k), with four variants offered. We don’t have official details yet if the Yi will be launched here, but the trade plate this unit wears (B 5034 A) is the same one seen on a Neta X previously – perhaps GoAuto is involved?

  4 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Forthing Friday EV, REEV – 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating

  In Cars, Electric Cars in Malaysia, Forthing, Local News, Videos / by Jonathan James Tan / 31 December 2025 3:56 pm

  

  You already know it’s coming to Malaysia via distributor Wide Premium; now the Forthing Friday SUV has been given a five-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating, which applies to both EV and range-extended (REEV) versions. The crash test took place at the China Automotive Engineering Research Institute (CAERI) in Chongqing on November 24.

  One of two Malaysia-bound Forthings (see the other one here), the Friday achieved 39.78 out of 40 points for adults, 15.26 out of 20 for children, 17.14 out of 20 for safety assist and 15 out of 20 for motorcyclists, resulting in a 87.18-point total score.

  ASEAN NCAP says all variants have six airbags, seatbelt reminders for the two front seats, AEB (city, inter-urban, pedestrians and motorbikes), blind spot detection, pedestrian protection, ISOFIX, lane departure warning, forward collision warning and lane keep assist.

  It’s one of the last vehicles to be tested under the outgoing 2021-2025 protocol – the Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV and iCaur V23 were tested just a few days later. Assessment under the 2026–2030 protocol starts January – an expanded emphasis on ADAS is expected.

  Is today’s news regarding the new requirements for fully-imported (CBU) EVs (minimum 272 PS, minimum RM250k price) by new brands going to complicate things for the Forthing Friday EV (which has 204 PS and is targeting a RM130k starting price)? Or have the necessary approvals already been secured in time? Learn more about the car here.

  Forthing Friday full ASEAN NCAP report

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  Forthing Friday REEV previewed in Malaysia in November

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  0 comments | Leave a comment?

   

Latest Fuel Prices