Latest Featured Stories

• 

  Omoda C9 PHEV in Malaysia, 537 PS; RM209k

• 

  Jetour T2 launched - 2.0T AWD, 245 PS, RM157k

• 

  2026 Proton X90 MC launched, from RM99,800

• 

  Jaecoo J5 Malaysia – 1.5T, CVT, RM102k

• 

  2026 Honda CR-V – BLIS, RCTA, Google, fr RM178k

• 

  Leapmotor C10 Plus – 510 km WLTP, fr RM139k

Latest Stories

• Sony, Honda cancel Afeela 1 EV just months from production – SUV also canned, SHM JV to be reviewed

  In Cars, Honda, International News / by Jonathan Lee / 26 March 2026 7:26 pm

  

  Well, it was bound to happen. With Honda ditching its 0 Series sedan and SUV earlier this month, it would little sense to keep the related Afeela models around, so the company and its partner Sony have jointly announced their cancellation.

  The news affects both the Afeela 1 sedan – which, like the 0 Series, was only months away from entering production at Honda’s shiny new EV hub in Ohio – as well as the SUV that was previewed by a prototype at CES just this year. According to the press release, the cancellation of the 0 Series had “fundamentally altered” the tenets of the business operation, such as the use of Honda’s technologies and assets.

  Sony and Honda said it would review the business direction of their joint venture, Sony Honda Mobility (SHM), evaluating the initial purpose to “develop and sell high value-added mobility products and to provide mobility-related services,” as well as the current EV market. They added that they plan to jointly announce their future direction and their mid- to long-term positioning “at the earliest possible opportunity.”

  

  While anticipated, the news is a further blow to the Ohio EV plant, which cost Honda a massive US$1 billion (RM3.99 billion) to build. The company now stands to lose up to 2.5 trillion yen (RM6.5 billion) over the next couple of years as a result of this and other missteps.

  It also puts paid to Sony’s ambitions to enter the automotive sector, at least for now. At CES in 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the world, the electronics giant showed the Vision-S, a curiously well thought-out concept showcasing its technologies. Although the company denied the car was headed to production, it then released an SUV version in 2022, before ultimately partnering with Honda later that year.

  The cancellations may provide some respite from the impact of US tariffs, the dismantling of EV incentives there and the decline in Honda’s competitiveness in Asia, particularly in China. It does mean, however, that the company will lose out on the current uptick in EV sales as fuel prices continue to skyrocket in the wake of the Iran war.

  GALLERY: Afeela 1

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: 2026 Afeela Prototype

  

  

  

  

  
  

  0 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Budi95 quota temporarily adjusted to 200L, e-hailing still gets 800L; temp diesel limit in E. Malaysia – Anwar

  In Local News, Malaysian Fuel Prices / by Mick Chan / 26 March 2026 7:02 pm

  

  In a special broadcast today, prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced that the 300 litre monthly quota for RON 95 petrol under the Budi Madani RON 95 fuel subsidy programme will be temporarily reduced to 200 litres a month effective April 1, 2026, at the same subsidised rate of RM1.99 per litre.

  Anwar, who is also finance minister, reiterated that 90% of RON 95 petrol users will not be affected by the reduced quota. Earlier this year, secretary-general of the treasury at the ministry of finance Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican said that 90% of those eligible for Budi95 used less than 200 litres per month.

  The prime minister also said that eligible e-hailing drivers will continue to enjoy the higher usage ceiling of 800 litres a month.

  

  For diesel fuel in Sabah and Sarawak, retail pricing is unchanged at RM2.15 per litre, though temporary restrictions will apply in the East Malaysian states aimed at combatting smuggling and leakage of the fuel.

  To that end, private and light commercial vehicles in East Malaysia will be limited to 50 litres of diesel per purchase, while land public transport and goods vehicles of no more than three tonnes will be limited to 100 litres of diesel per purchase. Vehicles exceeding three tonnes are permitted a maximum of 150 litres of diesel per purchase.

  For neighbouring Kalimantan on the borders of Sabah and Sarawak, the price of diesel in Indonesia is currently around IDR15,000 (RM3.55), or IDR6,800 (RM1.61) for subsidised biodiesel. Meanwhile, Brunei has regular diesel at BND0.31 (RM0.97) and premium diesel at BND0.95 (RM2.96).

  By comparison, diesel fuel is significantly more expensive in the Philippines relative to East Malaysia, with diesel in the Philippines priced between PHP92 (RM6.11) and PHP126 (RM8.37).

  3 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• RON95 petrol – enforcement of ban on purchase by foreigners to take effect April 1, 2026: Armizan

  In Local News / by Mick Chan / 26 March 2026 5:31 pm

  

  Enforcement of the ban on the sale of RON 95 petrol to foreign-registered vehicles is to take effect from April 1 this year, the ministry of domestic trade and cost of living (KPDN) has stated.

  The move is to strengthen the existing legal framework, under which penalties were previously imposed solely on petrol station operators, said KPDN minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. “Beginning April 1, the offence will also extend to drivers and owners of foreign-registered vehicles,” Armizan said.

  The enforcement move follows a decision that was presented in Parliament on January 29, 2026, and the ministry revealed in late-January that new regulations are being drafted to enable action to be taken against owners of foreign-registered vehicles for the purchase of RON 95 petrol.

  Enforcement would be intensified through the implementation of Ops Tiris 4.0 in response to heightened risks of fuel smuggling amid ongoing tensions in West Asia, said Armizan.

  

  Last week, the ministry of finance revealed that it costs the Malaysian government over RM3 billion a month to subsidise RON 95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre under the Budi95 programme, as well as to keep the price of diesel at RM2.15 per litre for vehicles in the public transport and goods land transport sectors.

  Earlier today, a report emerged claiming that the Malaysian government is planning to reduce the quota for subsidised RON 95 petrol, which currently stands at 300 litres per month. Sources told the publication that the move could be announced as early as this week.

  Earlier this month, prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also finance minister, said that Malaysia would be able to maintain the current price of RM1.99 per litre for up to two months.

  Should the reduction in quota proceed, it is not expected to affect the majority of RON 95 users as it was previously reported that the average consumption of subsidised fuel was 83 litres of petrol per month, and 90% of users eligible for Budi95 consumed less than 200 litres a month.

  4 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• PLUS Malaysia expecting up to 2.3 million vehicles on March 27-29 as traffic returns to the Klang Valley

  In Local News / by Mick Chan / 26 March 2026 4:50 pm

  

  PLUS Malaysia anticipates a surge in traffic volume that will reach up to 2.3 million vehicles – the same traffic volume for the festive season exodus – between March 27 and 29, 2026, as travellers return to the Klang Valley on its highway network, the highway operator has stated.

  The influx will consists of both long-distance travellers and intercity travellers from major towns returning to the Klang Valley, and so highway users are advised adhere to the MyPLUS-TTA digital travel schedule on the PLUS mobile app, according to the highway operator. “Planning journeys according to the recommended travel times will significantly assist in alleviating traffic congestion,” it said.

  As with this year’s outbound leg for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri season, the return leg to the Klang Valley will see PLUS Malaysia activate the Smart Lane at 34 locations along its highway network, while the PLUSRonda teams will conduct 24-hour patrols to be ready to provide immediate assistance to its highway users, PLUS Malaysia stated.

  3 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• 2026 Hyundai Stargazer in Bangkok – 1.5L B-segment MPV fr RM88k in Thailand; coming to Malaysia in Q4

  In Cars, Hyundai, International News / by Mick Chan / 26 March 2026 3:49 pm

  

  The 2026 Hyundai Stargazer facelift has arrived in Thailand, having made its debut in Indonesia in July last year, and the B-segment MPV has gone on sale in the kingdom in two variants priced from 719,000 baht (RM87,626) for the Trend, to 799,000 baht (RM97,376) for the Smart variant. This is heading to Malaysia in the fourth quarter of this year, so here’s another look at the three-row model before it arrives.

  Powertrain for the facelifted Stargazer is a 1,497 cc Smartstream 1.5 MPI naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 113 hp at 6,300 rpm and 144 Nm at 4,500 rpm, driving the wheels through Hyundai’s IVT, a continuously variable transmission that utilises a chain instead of a belt.

  Measuring 4,575 mm long, 1,780 mm wide and 1,695 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,780 mm, the Stargazer is 150 mm longer and 50 mm wider than the Perodua Alza. Rolling stock is a set of 16-inch wheels in 205/55R16 tyres, with disc brakes in front and drum brakes at the rear. Meanwhile, kerb weight for the Stargazer is 1,280 kg, with a 40 litre fuel tank.

  

  

  

  

  Exterior equipment for the Stargazer includes automatic halogen headlamps, LED daytime running lights, LED turn signals mounted on the power-folding and adjustable mirrors, and LED tail lamps.

  In terms of luggage capacities, the Stargazer facelift offers 185 litres when all three rows of seats are upright, growing to 585 litres when the third row is folded down. Maximum luggage capacity is 1,892 litres, according to Hyundai.

  Infotainment is by an eight-inch touchscreen display unit that offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while the driver also gets a digital display. For hardware connectivity, both Trend and Smart variants get two 12-volt sockets; in terms of USB-C sockets, the Trend gets one outlet, while the Smart has three outlets.

  

  

  

  

  The second row here offers a pair of captain seats, and gets a rear passenger table on the left-hand-side seat. Further conveniences include smart keyless entry, and electric parking brake, rear air-conditioning vents with dedicated controls, and four drive modes.

  For safety and assistance systems, the Thai-spec Stargazer Smart variant adds gets smart cruise control with stop-and-go, forward collision avoidance assist with junction turning assist, lane following assist, lane keeping assist, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist, safe exit warning, high beam assist, driver attention warning, leading vehicle departure alert, rear occupant alert and manual speed limit assist.

  Three exterior colours are offered on the Stargazer facelift in Thailand; Midnight Black Pearl, Titan Grey Metallic and Creamy White Pearl. The 2026 Hyundai Stargazer facelift is priced at 719,000 baht (RM87,626) for the Trend, and 799,000 baht (RM97,376) for the Smart in Thailand. This will rival the likes of the Toyota Veloz and Mitsubishi Xpander when it comes to Malaysia; which gets your pick?

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  4 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• 2026 Jaecoo J7 PHEV in Thailand – new wheels, brown interior option; CKD Malaysia, coming here soon?

  In Cars, International News, Omoda Jaecoo / by Jonathan Lee / 26 March 2026 2:33 pm

  

  Making the rounds at the ongoing Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS), we spotted the Jaecoo J7 PHEV with a little something special. The petrol-electric SUV was seen with new 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels which – fun fact – were also fitted to the Lepas L6 EV at the show; these replace the usual turbine-style rollers that debuted with the car last year.

  Looking inside, we also noticed the brown faux leather, covering not just the seats but also the dashboard, door cards and centre console. It turns out that the new wheels and interior colour scheme are paired together, available only in conjunction with either Carbon Crystal Black paint or the Olive Grey you see here.

  No change to the 999,000 baht (RM121,800) price, nor the 279 PS Super Hybrid System (SHS) combination of a 143 PS 2.0 litre turbo four-cylinder engine, a 204 PS electric motor, a single-speed dedicated hybrid transmission and an 18.3 kWh LFP battery – the latter good for an EV range of 88 km.

  

  There are also no changes to the kit list, which includes LED lighting, keyless entry and start, six-way driver and four-way passenger power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a 10.25-inch instrument display, a 14.8-inch portrait infotainment touchscreen, a head-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an eight-speaker Sony sound system, a 50-watt Qi wireless charger, a 360-degree 3D camera system with transparency mode and a powered tailgate.

  Ditto the safety equipment – the J7 PHEV continues to come as standard with eight airbags, stability control, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane centring assist, blind spot monitoring with collision prevention, rear cross traffic alert with auto brake, a front departure alert, a door opening warning and automatic high beam.

  

  

  

  The new wheel and interior trim combo will likely be offered in Malaysia sooner rather than later, because Thailand gets its cars from us – we assemble them in Shah Alam, as denoted by the sticker on the B-pillar. This is also why the unit you see here is badged the J7 PHEV, even though it’s sold in the Land of Smiles as the Jaecoo 7 SHS. As a reminder, the J7 PHEV is priced here at RM158,800 on-the-road without insurance.

  What do you think – are the new wheels and interior colour an improvement over the current rollers and black cabin? Let us know in the comments.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  1 comment | Leave a comment?

   

• Chery Q EV in Thailand – city EV battles Proton eMas 5, BYD Atto 1; 420 km CLTC range, RM55k-RM65k est

  In Cars, Chery, International News / by Jonathan Lee / 26 March 2026 1:35 pm

  

  Chery is wading into the budget electric city car segment occupied by the likes of the Proton eMas 5, BYD Atto 1, Wuling Bingo and Firefly with the Chery Q, which is making its ASEAN debut at the ongoing Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS). The hatchback, called the QQ3 in China, harks back to the infamous QQ – a blatant copy of the Daewoo Matiz.

  The company is so smitten with the letter Q, in fact, that it has even called the three variants the Qool, Quint and Qlick. Estimated prices range from “4XX,000 to 5XX,000 baht” (around RM55,000 to RM65,000), with those who book the car at the motor show receiving a 20,000 baht (RM2,400) rebate.

  Measuring 4,195 mm long, 1,811 mm wide and 1,573 mm tall, the Q is among the larger models in the class, being 60 mm longer, six millimetres wider and seven millimetres lower than the eMas 5. Its 2,700 mm wheelbase is also 50 mm longer.

  

  Power comes from a single rear motor producing 79 PS (58 kW) and 90 Nm of torque, with a 29.48 kWh LFP battery providing a range of 310 km on the CLTC cycle; expect a WLTP figure somewhere around 250 km. Higher-end models gain a more powerful motor churning out 122 PS (90 kW) and 115 Nm, as well as a larger 41.28 kWh battery for a CLTC range of 420 km (around 340 km WLTP).

  In terms of charging, the Q supports up to 85 kW of DC fast charging power, with all models taking 16.5 minutes to top up the battery from 30 to 80%. It will also accept up to 3.3 kW or 6.6 kW of AC charging, depending on the variant.

  The Q’s styling is very much in the vein of other Chinese city EVs, with rounded head- and taillights with dual horizontal light guides, organic forms, flush pull-up door handles and a cut D-pillar for a “floating roof” look. Buyers can choose between 16-inch “blade” or 17-inch “star shield” wheels, both of them alloys.

  

  Inside, the Q again takes after class norms, sporting cutesy pill-shaped elements such as the dashboard, air vents and door armrests. There’s an 8.8-inch instrument display and a large 15.6-inch centre touchscreen, but in stark contrast to other Chery models, there are physical air-con controls on the centre console. There are also threaded connectors to attach accessories such as a phone mount, similar to the Proton X50.

  Other available features include a power-adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats, a 50-watt Qi wireless charger, a 360-degree camera system, park assist and a powered tailgate. Speaking of which, the boot measures a decent 375 litres and can be expanded to 1,450 litres with the rear seats folded; there’s also 35 litres of rear under-seat storage and a 70 litre front boot.

  

  

  

  Safety-wise, the Q is available with six airbags and a whole host of driver assists. The latter include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane centring assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert with auto brake, a front departure alert, a door opening warning and auto high beam.

  With Chery already assembling cars in Malaysia, the Q could very well be sold here as a rival to the aforementioned eMas 5 and Bingo. Would you buy this car if it ever arrives? Let us know in the comments.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  3 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Porsche Cayenne Electric in Bangkok – EV SUV in base, S and Turbo variants; from RM835k in Thailand

  In Cars, International News, Porsche / by Mick Chan / 26 March 2026 12:16 pm

  

  The Porsche Cayenne Electric has made its Thai-market debut, and the German manufacturer’s EV model goes on sale in Thailand in three variants; the base Cayenne Electric from 6,850,000 baht (RM834,598), the Cayenne S Electric from 7,350,000 baht (RM895,518), and the Cayenne Turbo Electric from 9,750,000 baht (RM1,187,932).

  This example on display at the 2026 Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS 2026) is the Turbo, which packs a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain rated to output 857 PS, or up to 1,156 PS and 1,500 Nm with launch control activated. This enables a 0-100 km/h time of 2.5 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 260 km/h.

  Other variants, the Cayenne S Electric both pack dual-motor AWD powertrains as well, with the S producing 544 PS, or 666 PS with launch control for a 0-100 km/h time of 3.8 seconds and a 250 km/h maximum, while the base Cayenne Electric makes 408 PS, or 442 PS with launch control enabling 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and a 230 km/h top speed.

  

  All three variants of the Cayenne Electric share the 113 kWh battery specification, yielding 623 km of range (WLTP) for the Cayenne Turbo Electric, while the S and base variants get up to 642 km (WLTP) and 653 km (WLTP), respectively.

  Thanks to its 800-volt electrical architecture, up to 400 kW DC charging is possible, yielding a 10-80% recharge in less than 16 minutes, or adding 315 km of battery range with a 10-minute charge. The Cayenne Electric is the brand’s first to support inductive charging, at up to 11 kW.

  Brake energy recuperation of up to 600 kW is possible in the Cayenne Electric, and 97% of all braking operation can be handled solely by the motors’ regenerative braking. As the top variant, the Cayenne Turbo Electric can be optioned with ceramic brake discs.

  

  

  

  

  Chassis equipment also features air suspension as standard with the Turbo getting the PTV limited-slip differential as standard fit, while options include rear-wheel steering (up to five degrees), and an active suspension system.

  Inside, the Cayenne Electric features a 14.25-inch OLED driver’s instrument display and a curved OLED Flow Display that merges the screen into the centre console. Also optional is a 14.9-inch passenger display, while air-conditioning controls and audio volume have physical inputs. The outer pair of rear seats also get electric adjustment.

  There are 13 standard exterior paint colour choices, nine wheel designs and 12 interior upholstery options for the Porsche Cayenne Electric; pricing in Thailand is from 6,850,000 baht (RM834,598) for the base variant, from 7,350,000 baht (RM895,518) for the Cayenne S Electric, and from 7,350,000 baht (RM895,518) for the Cayenne Turbo Electric.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  5 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Budi95 subsidy quota for RM1.99 per litre RON95 petrol to be cut from 300 to 200 litres from April?

  In Local News / by Jonathan Lee / 26 March 2026 10:45 am

  

  UDPATE: Budi95 quota has been confirmed to be reduced to 200L from April.

  We could be braced for a tightening of Budi95 subsidies as the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East continue to weigh heavily on oil prices. According to The Edge, the government is planning to cut the quota for subsidised RON95 petrol – priced at RM1.99 per litre – from the usual 300 litres to 200 litres.

  Sources told the publication that the move could be announced as early as this week, with the adjusted quota set to take effect in April. Once this is depleted, users will have to pay for unsubsidised RON95 petrol, which is priced at RM3.87 per litre (up 60 sen) starting today.

  The move should enable the government to extend Budi95 subsidies, as prices of crude oil continue to soar. Earlier this month, prime minister and finance minister Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia would be able to maintain the current price of RM1.99 per litre for up to two months.

  He recently warned that the subsidy could cost the country RM24 billion if global crude remained at US$110 per barrel. The price of Brent crude, which hit US$120 per barrel just two weeks ago on March 9, has eased to US$98.24 per barrel at the time of writing – although that’s still much higher than just before the Iran war began on February 26, when it cost US$70.84 per barrel.

  The reduction in quota isn’t likely to affect the vast majority of users, as it’s been previously reported that the average consumption of subsidised fuel was 83 litres of petrol per month, and 90% of those eligible for Budi95 used less than 200 litres per month.

  19 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Petrol, diesel purchases above 20 litres into containers outside vehicle fuel tank require special permit – KPDN

  In Local News / by Mick Chan / 26 March 2026 9:47 am

  

  Any individual or organisation intending to purchase more than 20 litres of petrol or diesel for filling into containers other than a vehicle’s fuel tank requires a special permit, said the ministry of domestic trade and cost of living (KPDN), reported New Straits Times.

  Fuel purchases in containers without a permit are strictly limited to emergencies and must not exceed a volume of 20 litres, said KPDN director-general of enforcement Datuk Azman Adam.

  “To prevent the misappropriation of controlled and subsidised goods such as petrol and diesel by irresponsible parties, any company, organisation, or individual intending to purchase petrol or diesel from petrol stations for purposes other than the vehicle’s original tank, or for private use, must apply for and obtain approval for a Special Permit under the Control of Supplies Act 1961,” he said.

  “Purchases made under this special permit are applicable for quantities of 20 litres and above and are based on the current pump prices at the petrol station. No one except special permit holders are allowed to purchase fuel in barrels at petrol stations except for emergencies and the allowed quantity is below 20 litres,” he continued.

  

  Individuals and organisations eligible for the permit include forklift operators, the water transport, water recreation, food, agriculture and farming, emergency services, maintenance, tourism, and minor scale construction industries, as well as the who reside in rural areas and on islands.

  Holders of the special permit may use drum barrels, plastic or any container deemed safe and appropriate according to the approved quantity, address of petrol station, duration and frequency of purchase, according to the report.

  Earlier this month, two individuals were caught on video filling separate containers with RON 95 petrol at a station in Skudai, Johor. Subsequent investigation found that the individual involved is a Malaysian and a MyKad holder, and the ministry of finance stated it will take action to the identity card used during that transaction, as well as the vehicle owner, from continuing to enjoy Budi95.

  4 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Tesla Model Y L in Thailand – 6-seater EV SUV with 681 km WLTP range, RM242k; launching in Malaysia soon?

  In Cars, International News, Tesla Motors / by Jonathan Lee / 26 March 2026 9:42 am

  

  The Tesla Model Y L is continuing to be rolled out across right-hand-drive markets, making its ASEAN debut at the ongoing Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) this week. As such, it looks to be more and more likely that the six-seater electric SUV will arrive in Malaysia very soon, although the decision to stagger the launches this time around – which is very un-Tesla – is a rather curious one.

  Anyway, just like in Australia, the Model Y L is offered solely in Premium AWD trim. Compared to the regular Model Y Premium, it’s 177 mm longer (4,969 mm) and 44 mm taller (1,668 mm) with a 149 mm longer wheelbase (3,040 mm). This frees up space for a pair of third-row seats, with the roofline also being pushed upwards towards the rear – giving the car a slightly hunchbacked look – to add a modicum of headroom.

  Step inside and you’ll notice that the second-row bench has been swapped out for captain’s chairs with power-retractable armrests, heating and ventilation, leading to a 2-2-2 seating configuration. The rearmost seats are also more substantial (with proper headrests) than the third-row pews in the standard seven-seater (2-3-2) version, currently only available in the US and Europe. Meanwhile, the physically larger body delivers a maximum cargo room of 2,539 litres, versus 2,138 litres for the standard Model Y.

  

  

  

  On the outside, the Model Y L is differentiated through the optional Cosmic Silver paint – an almost champagne gold hue – that takes the place of the usual Quicksilver. You also get unique 19-inch Machina wheels with a Y-spoke design; you can’t spec the 20-inch Crossflow alloys available on other Model Y Premium models. On the inside, the white interior option has been swapped out for Zen Grey.

  Other new bits include more substantial power-adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats – now with extendable thigh support – as well as adaptive dampers (first seen on the full-fat Performance model) to replace the standard frequency selective shocks. The sound system has also been expanded from a 15-speaker to an 18-speaker setup, still with a subwoofer.

  Beyond all that, the Model Y L is pretty much the same as every other Model Y Premium, with textile interior trim, faux leather upholstery, a 16-inch infotainment touchscreen, an eight-inch second-row touchscreen, a panoramic glass roof, twin Qi wireless chargers, ambient lighting, eight exterior cameras (still no full 360-degree view) and a hands-free opening tailgate.

  

  Aside from the extra space and seats, the Model Y L also gains a larger 82 kWh NMC battery for a range of 681 km on the WLTP cycle, versus 629 km for the Model Y Premium AWD. The dual-motor 462 PS (340 kW) setup enables the car to get from zero to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds (two tenths of a second slower than the regular model) on its way to a top speed of 201 km/h.

  In the Land of Smiles, the Model Y L is priced at 1,999,000 baht (RM242,200), making it cheaper than the regular Model Y Premium AWD (2,019,000 baht, or RM244,700); it’s the other way around in Australia. Given that the five-seater is priced at RM242,450 here, could we see the six-seater below the RM240,000 mark?

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  4 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• 2026 Toyota bZ4X facelift in Bangkok – two variants, up to 525 km WLTP; from RM185k in Thailand

  In Cars, International News, Toyota / by Mick Chan / 25 March 2026 7:55 pm

  

  The 2026 Toyota bZ4X facelift emerged a year ago before its Thailand launch last November, and the Japanese manufacturer’s electric crossover model is on display at the ongoing 2026 Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS 2026).

  According to the Toyota Thailand website, the bZ4X facelift is offered in two variants, the FWD that is priced at 1,529,000 baht (RM185,468), and the AWD, which is priced at 1,649,000 baht (RM200,024).

  As the variant names suggest, the FWD gets a single, front-mounted motor producing 224 PS and 269 Nm, while the AWD gets a dual-motor setup, using the same front motor as the FWD and adds a 118 PS/170 NM rear motor for a combined 343 PS.

  

  Both are powered by a 73.1 kWh lithium-ion battery, which provides the FWD with up to 600 km of range on the NEDC cycle (525 km WLTP), and the AWD with up to 570 km on the NEDC cycle (481 km WLTP). Both can take up to 22 kW of AC charging, while DC fast charging can be done at up to 150 kW DC, this method enabling a 10-80% recharge in 28 minutes.

  Interior equipment in the 2026 bZ4X includes synthetic leather upholstery, eight-way power adjustable driver and front passenger seats (with memory for the driver’s seat), automatic power windows with anti-pinch on all four windows, smart entry and push-button start, paddles for brake regeneration control, a seven-inch driver’s instrument display, and a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen.

  Also included are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six-speaker audio (nine speakers for the AWD), one USB-A and three USB-C ports, one 12-volt outlet, two wireless phone charging pads, dual-zone air-conditioning with rear air-conditioning vents, and 64-colour cabin ambient lighting.

  

  

  

  

  Assistance systems in the bZ4X facelift consist of blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, safe exit assist, parking assist with automatic braking, as well as the Toyota Safety Sense suite of functions including pre-collision system with automatic braking, all-speed ​​dynamic radar cruise control, Adaptive cruise control with cornering speed reduction system, automatic high beam control, lane departure warning, and lane tracing assist.

  Further active safety features are ABS, EBD, brake assist, stability control, traction control, hill start assist, along with eight airbags (dual front, centre front, side front, driver’s knee and curtain airbags).

  For Thailand, the BZ4X facelift is offered in Attitude Black Mica, Precious Metal and Platinum White Pearl, the latter two – as well as Emotional Red 2 – also offered as a two-tone scheme with a black roof. The 2026 Toyota bZ4X facelift is priced from 1,529,000 baht (RM185,468) for the FWD, to 1,649,000 baht (RM200,024) for the AWD.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  1 comment | Leave a comment?

   

• Malaysian fuel prices March 26-April 1, 2026 – diesel to RM5.52 per litre; RON95 to RM3.87, RON97 to RM5.15

  In Local News, Malaysian Fuel Prices / by Mick Chan / 25 March 2026 7:37 pm

  

  It is Wednesday, which means it is once again time for the weekly fuel price update by the ministry of finance for the coming week of March 26 to April 1, 2026.

  This week’s adjustment sees the retail price of diesel fuel of the Euro 5 B10 and B20 blends in Peninsular Malaysia climb again, this time to RM5.52 per litre, up 80 sen from the RM4.72 per litre price of last week. Therefore, the Euro 5 B7 blend of diesel, which is 20 sen more per litre, is at RM5.72 per litre for the coming week.

  The retail price of diesel fuels in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan stays unchanged at RM2.15 per litre. The Budi Madani diesel fuel cash assistance, announced to be increased by RM100 has taken effect earlier this month on March 17.

  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 climbs 60 sen to RM3.87 per litre, while RON 97 petrol also climbs 60 sen to RM5.15 per litre, from its RM4.55 per litre rate of last week.

  These prices take effect from midnight tonight until Wednesday, April 1, 2026. This is the 14th edition of the weekly fuel pricing format for 2026, and the 377th in total since the format was introduced at the start of 2019.

  20 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Pak Cik Shell demonstrates the proper way to fill petrol into a container – avoid static buildup, potential spark

  In Safety / by Gerard Lye / 25 March 2026 5:36 pm

  

  Shell Malaysia Trading managing director Shairan Huzani Husain, who is also known affectionately as Pak Cik Shell, is back with another public service announcement (PSA), this time focusing on the proper way to fill petrol into a container.

  Recalling a past video, Pak Cik Shell explains that a container being filled with petrol can cause a charge of static electricity to be built up. This in turn can result in a spark igniting the vapour, resulting in a fire. It’s also important to note that you can’t just use any container to store petrol, as it needs to be specially-designed to carry fuel and comply with safety standards.

  In his PSA, Pak Cik Shell demonstrates the proper way to fill petrol into a container, which involves using an approved container (a metal one in this case) along with a metal funnel and a bonding cable attached, the latter preventing static electricity from building up and causing a spark. You should also place the container outside the vehicle during filling to prevent exposure to static electricity that may have already built up inside the vehicle.

  A recent viral incident where a couple was seen filling petrol into containers in the boot their car prompted Pak Cik Shell’s PSA. It’s important to note that filling a container with petrol is not illegal because current regulations allow Malaysians to purchase up to 20 litres of petrol without needing to bring a vehicle to the pump. Reasons for this could be to fuel up machinery like gensets or motorised lawn mowers/grass cutters.

  However, individuals that purchase more than this amount, as said couple was caught doing, will need to apply for a special permit from the ministry of domestic trade and cost of living (KPDN). So, if you’re planning to transport petrol home, do so safely as Pak Cik Shell demonstrates and within the legally allowed limit.

  View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Shairan Huzani (@pakcikshell)

  8 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Carro Care – treat your car to some TLC with 20% off car respray and a car grooming kit worth RM270

  ADVERTORIAL / by Paul Tan / 25 March 2026 5:33 pm

  

  If you’ve been thinking of giving your car some TLC, Carro Care has some great news for you! From now till June 30 2026, Carro Care is offering 20% OFF their professional body and spray paint services.

  If you book now, you’ll also receive a complimentary naxPRO Car Grooming Kit worth RM270, which includes:

  ✨ Ultrashine Wash & Wax
  ✨ Scratch Remover
  ✨ Gloss & Shine Spray
  ✨ Tyre Black Booster Spray
  ✨ Odour Treatment Spray

  So don’t miss out! Book an appointment today by using this form.

   

Latest Fuel Prices