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2026 BYD Atto 3 shown in Beijing – up to 326 PS, RWD; second-gen Blade battery, up to 517 km WLTP

In BYD, Cars, International News / by Mick Chan / 28 April 2026 6:03 pm

The new, 2026 BYD Atto 3 that was unveiled last month has been shown as the Yuan Plus at Auto China 2026 in Beijing, and the latest model is physically larger than the model it succeeds.

This measures 4,665 mm long, 1,895 mm wide and 1,675 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,770 mm, making its 210 mm longer, 20 mm wider and 60 mm taller than the current Atto 3; kerb weight is claimed to be 1,690 kg. Two wheel designs are offered for the 2026 Atto 3, and these measure 18 to 19 inches in diameter.

The enlarged exterior dimensions bring more luggage space; according to Drive, luggage capacity for the Yuan Plus/Atto 3 is 750 litres, with an additional 180 litres of space in the frunk.

The 2026 Atto 3 takes after the Atto 3 Evo for Europe in terms of powertrain layout, in making the switch to a rear-wheel-drive configuration. In China, the 2026 Atto 3 gets a rear-mounted motor that outputs 200 kW (272 PS) or 240 kW (326 PS).

The 272 PS powertrain draws from a 57.54 kWh LFP battery that offers up to 540 km of range on the CLTC cycle (443 km WLTP) while the 326 PS powertrain is powered by a 68.55 kWh battery with up to 630 km of CLTC range (517 km WLTP).

Both powertrain variants draw from the BYD Blade 2.0 battery. The new-generation battery pack gets flash charging technology that enables a claimed 10-70% recharge in five minutes, or 10-97% in nine minutes.

For comparison, the Atto 3 Evo for Europe gets a 74.8 kWh battery pack yielding 510 km of range (WLTP) for the 313 PS/380 Nm RWD variant, and 470 km (WLTP) for the 449 PS/560 Nm dual-motor AWD variant.

The 2026 Atto 3 get a powered tailgate, a 16-speaker audio system, a built-in refrigerator, floating infotainment touchscreen and driver’s instrument display, two-spoke steering wheel, a head-up display, and wireless phone charging at up to 50 watts.

Pricing in China for the 2026 BYD Atto 3 has yet to be confirmed, though orders for the new model was previously reported to open around the middle of this year.

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2026 Yamaha R25 new colours for Malaysia, retail price unchanged at RM23,098

In Bikes, Local Bike News, Yamaha / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 28 April 2026 5:22 pm

New colours for the 2026 Yamaha YZF-R25 in Malaysia, with recommended retail pricing now RM23,098, unchanged from 2025. Pricing does not include road tax, insurance or registration and the new colours are Icon Blue and Mint Green.

Stocks of the R25 in new colour will be in authorised Hong Long Yamaha Motor dealer show rooms immediately. No changes otherwise for the R25 in Malaysia, with specifications unchanged form the previous year.

Power is delivered by a liquid-cooled, DOHC, eight-valve, parallel-twin mill displacing 249 cc. Power output is rated at 35.4 hp at 12,000 rpm with a maximum 22.6 Nm of torque at 10,000 rpm.

An assist and slipper clutch equipped six-speed gearbox and chain final drive sends power to the rear wheel. Tyre sizing is 110/70 front and 140/70 rear rubber with seat height set at 758 mm and with 14.3-litres in the tank, the R25 weighs 160 kg.

Braking is done with single hydraulic discs front and rear, with two-channel ABS as standard equipment. For suspension, also no changes, with non-adjustable upside-down forks in front and a preload-adjustable mono shock at the back.

LED lighting is used throughout, with headlight styling mimicking the design of the YZF-R1 superbike. Riding information is displayed on a monochrome LCD screen with Y-Connect to the rider’s smartphone.

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2026 Harley-Davidson line-up for Malaysia, pricing starts from RM112,000 up to RM213,000

In Bikes, Harley-Davidson, Local Bike News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 28 April 2026 3:59 pm

MY26 Web 360. FLTRXL Road Glide Limited

Pricing the Harley-Davidson’s 2026 motorcycles in Malaysia has been unveiled, with pricing starting from RM112,000. On the day of the launch, on display was the 2026 Road Glide Limited with pricing starting from RM213,000, featuring a frame mounted fairing.

Alongside the Road Glide Limited, the Street Glide Limited with handlebar mounted fairing was also on display, retailing at RM207,000. Stepping down from the Limited editions, the 2026 Road Glide is tagged at RM193,000 while the Street Glide retails at RM178,000.

All four Glides come with a Milwaukee-Eight V-twin engine with variable valve technology, displacing 1,977 cc and producing 107 hp. With 22.7-litres of fuel on-board, the Glides range in weight from 417 kg to 368 kg.

Meanwhile the Low Rider S can be purchased at a price of RM126,000 while the Low Rider ST, with wider front fairing, has a price tag of RM139,000, both with 114 hp from a Milwaukee-Eight High Output V-twin displacing 1,923 cc. For the rider who prefers a more traditional look, the 2026 Heritage Classic retails at RM134,000, with a 91 hp Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-twin displacing 1,923 cc.

Meanwhile the 2026 Breakout is priced at RM134,000, with 103 hp from its Milwaukee-Eight 117 Custom V-twin, tipping the scales at 309 kg and a low 665 mm seat height, while the 2026 Fat Boy, with identical engine, weighs 315 kg and comes with a 675 mm seat height, retailing at RM137,000. The 2026 Street Bob, with its RM112,000 retail price, carries a Milwaukee-Eight Classic V-twin producing 91 hp, and price tagged at RM112,000.

MY26 Web 360. FLHXL Street Glide Limited

MY26 Web 360. FLHXL Street Glide Limited

MY26 Web 360. FLTRXL Road Glide Limited

MY26 Web 360. FLTRXL Road Glide Limited

FLTRXL Road Glide Limited

FLTRXL Road Glide Limited

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Leapmotor B05 confirmed for UK, Australia – will ASEAN get the Golf-class Lafa 5 EV hatch after B03X?

In Cars, Leapmotor, Local News / by Danny Tan / 28 April 2026 2:49 pm

SUVs are inevitable, but if you’re still one of those car guys who are ‘keeping it true’ to your favourite format (some like them long and sleek, some like ‘no tail’), here’s a breath of fresh air from Auto China 2026. Unlike everything else in Beijing, the Leapmotor Lafa 5 is a Euro-style five-door C-segment hatchback for the electric age.

Think Volkswagen ID.3, but with ICE-car looks, like a traditional Golf. Something like this might not have been a big deal a decade ago, but it’s increasingly niche now, more so in China, where hatchbacks aren’t a thing. The front end reminds me of VW’s Scirocco – remember that sporty two-door?

By the way, Lafa stands for Lifestyle, Attitude, Freedom and Art but the car will be marketed as the B05 outside of China, and we’ll call it that from now.

The B05 is 4,490 mm long and 1,880 mm wide, with a long wheelbase of 2,735 mm. The regular car you see here is 1,520 mm tall, 10 mm higher than the sportier Ultra version that debut in Beijing last week. For context, a VW Golf MK8 is 4,284 mm long, 1,789 mm wide and 1,456 mm tall. Boot volume is 435 litres, expandable to 1,400 litres with the rear seats folded.

Like its B10 SUV sister, the B05 sits on the Leap 3.5 EV platform, which means it’s rear-wheel drive and has 50:50 weight distribution. The hatchback sits on independent suspension (rear multi-links) and 19-inch wheels, wrapped with 225/45 Linglong Sport Master e tyres, which we also find on the B10.

In China, the entry-level Lafa 5 has a 179 PS/220 Nm motor, while the other four variants get 218 PS/240 Nm. A range of LFP batteries (everything is designed and packed in-house by Leapmotor, with only the battery cells supplied) deliver CLTC range of 515 km or 605 km, which should translate to around 420 km and 500 km on the more realistic WLTP scale. The 0-100 km/h sprint is achieved in 7.9 to 8.9 seconds and top speed is up to 160 km/h.

Leapmotor claims energy consumption of between 11.9 to 12.5 kWh per 100 km and DC fast charging top ups from 30% to 80% SoC in around 18 minutes.

Inside, the B05’s dashboard is per the B10 SUV, and one gets an 8.8-inch digital meter panel paired to a 14.6-inch central screen. It’s standard Chinese EV fare in here, but the holes on the passenger side of the dash are quite interesting – Leapmotor sells accessories that owners can plug-in according to their needs, such as a foldable table and a phone holder. The Beijing showcar you see here has a cat tapau hook.

Unlike the exterior, the B05’s basic dashboard design isn’t at all sporty, but they did throw in some racy touches such as suede-like surfaces, a full-black cabin and frameless windows.

The car’s cockpit chip is the Snapdragon 8155, but there’s a more powerful Snapdragon 8295/8650 available. Also optional is LiDAR, marked by roof-mounted sensors and blue lights at both ends of the car. Since this more advanced ‘hands-free’ form of ADAS isn’t applicable in most overseas markets, they’re likely to be omitted for export B05s.

In China, the Lafa 5 is priced from 97,800 yuan for the base 515 Plus to 121,800 yuan for the top 605 Max (RM56,569 to RM70,451). The B05 is confirmed for UK and Australia and exports are scheduled for later this year, which means that right-hand-drive production is just around the corner.

So, how about ASEAN? Leapmotor’s next model for our region is the A10 a.k.a. B03X compact SUV and we understand that there are no plans for the B05, for now. It’s a shame because this EV is truly a breath of fresh air thanks to its unique bodystyle and subtle-sporty design, but what makes it special is also what makes it a weak business case next to an SUV. What do you think of the B05 and the hotter Ultra version?

GALLERY: Leapmotor Lafa 5 a.k.a. B05 at Auto China 2026

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Chery group has sold 55,800 vehicles in Malaysia since 2023 – company prepares for further growth

In Cars, Chery, Local News / by Anthony Lim / 28 April 2026 1:49 pm

In 2023, following its mid-year relaunch that year, Chery was the 14th largest car group in Malaysia. By 2025, the group was placed fifth by sales volume, with a 4% market share and having sold 31,646 vehicles that year. As of now, the automaker, which now has four brands (Chery, Omoda | Jaecoo, iCaur and Lepas) here, has 55,800 vehicles on Malaysian roads.

The company is hoping to make significant progress on numbers in the coming years, with the Chery Smart Auto Industrial Park helping to accelerate that growth. Located in Lembah Beringin, Selangor, the industrial project, part of the Beringin High-Tech Auto Valley development, was announced last year, signalling the brand’s commitment to Malaysia.

At the heart of the development – which will eventually span 1,280 acres in total – is an assembly plant that is slated to have an initial production capacity of 100,000 vehicles a year, with room to upscale to 300,000 vehicles annually, but the development will also incorporate offices, supply chain and technical innovation facilities, hostels as well as a flagship gallery, integrating what is essentially a right-hand drive hub with R&D facilities in one location.

Besides vehicles, the Chery Smart Auto Industrial Park is also set to be involved in the brand’s AiMOGA robotics programme, with the local project undertaking aspects of robot assembly.

Development on the project, which has seen RM1.4 billion in investment through 2024, with a further RM2.2 billion being allocated in 2025, is being accomplished in phases. Construction began in September last year and is moving fast, according to Chery Corporate Malaysia executive VP Men Lin Bo, with the first phase set to be completed later this year.

Speaking at an event during the automaker’s ongoing 2026 International Business Summit being held in Wuhu, China, Men said a total of 1,260 employees make up the company’s workforce at present, stating proudly that 99% of them were Malaysian, covering every level, from senior managers to engineers and technicians, within the organisation.

During his speech, Men also indicated that the powertrain aspect is evolving quickly within the Malaysian car market, with the move to new energy vehicles (NEVs) growing in significant fashion. He said that in 2024, 93.3% of cars sold were ICE, but by 2025, that dropped to 89.8%, which indicated that a shift was taking place.

Sales of battery electric vehicles doubled from 21,532 to 43,986 units, while that for PHEVs grew by 112%. And for the first time, REEVs started making headway, with 1,215 units sold in year one. With NEVs making up 10.2% of market sales in 2025, up from 6.7% the year previously, Men expects there to be further significant growth in this area in the near future.

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Jetour T1 teased ahead of Malaysian reveal this week

In Cars, Jetour, Local News / by Mick Chan / 28 April 2026 12:23 pm

The Jetour T1 is two days away from its Malaysian unveiling, it would appear from the teaser by Jetour Auto Malaysia that illustrates the side profile of the brand’s SUV.

The T1 has previously been sighted in camouflage around Petaling Jaya last December, and in Bandar Baru Bangi before that in the preceding month, and now the SUV is set to be shown at the Penang Autoshow 2026 in two days time, according to Jetour Auto Malaysia.

Jetour T1, Auto Shanghai 2025

In China, the Jetour T1 is sold with either a 184 PS/290 Nm 1.5 litre engine or a 184 PS/290 Nm 2.0 litre engine, and both are turbocharged, four-cylinder petrol units. The 1.5 litre engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic while the 2.0 litre engine gets an eight-speed automatic, and the latter is the specification named in the ASEAN NCAP test in which the T1 scored five stars.

For exterior dimensions, the T1 measures 4,706 mm long, 1,967 mm wide and 1,845 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,810 mm, and as its naming convention suggests, the T1 is smaller than the T2 that is 4,785 mm long, 2,006 mm wide and 1,880 mm tall.

In China, the Jetour T1 is priced from 124,900 yuan to 154,900 yuan (RM72,269 to RM89,627). As this will be positioned below the T2, how much cheaper do you think the T1 will be compared to its larger sibling?

Jetour T1 at Auto Shanghai 2025

Jetour T1 previewed in China

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RTS Link successfully runs multi-train high-speed trial

In Local News, Public Transport / by Mick Chan / 28 April 2026 10:07 am

Image by RTS Operations Facebook page

The Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link project has successfully conducted a high-speed, multi-train trial last Friday, RTS Operations has stated.

“We successfully and safely ran multiple trains together at higher speeds while validating key systems such as regenerative braking, all under strict safety protocols. It’s part of a broader testing journey, with more phases ahead as we continue strengthening system safety and performance towards system readiness,” RTS Operations stated.

In February, a report citing Sin Chew Daily reported that fares for the Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link are expected to be announced in the second half of this year, and could be in the region of S$5-7 (RM15.37-RM21.53) per trip.

As of January, the RTS Link project was reported to be on track for completion in December, for operations to commence in January 2027. The four-km long rail link connects JB’s Bukit Chagar to Singapore’s Woodlands North, and its driverless train sets have a maximum capacity of 10,000 passengers per hour per way.

The Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link will eventually replace the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) Shuttle Tebrau service, although Malaysian transport minister Anthony Loke has said that Malaysia hopes the service can be maintained temporarily.

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Budi95: subsidised RON95 petrol quota maintained at 200 litres for now – finance ministry political secretary

In Local News / by Mick Chan / 28 April 2026 9:19 am

The Malaysian government will maintain the Budi Madani RON 95 (Budi95) quota at its present amount of 200 litres per month – which the finance ministry said was temporarily adjusted down from its original 300 litre monthly quota – amid the global supply crisis, said the finance ministry political secretary Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, reported Bernama.

All decisions on the matter will be discussed at weekly meetings of the national economic action council, basd on current needs and the nation’s economic capacity, he said.

“We have to look at the broader situation, including oil supply. So far, conditions remain under control and the government is monitoring developments. We have also diversified our oil sources and are not solely dependent on supplies from Middle Eastern countries,” Muhammad Kamil said.

The Budi95 quota was adjusted from 300 litres to 200 litres on March 26 this year as the price of subsidised RON 95 petrol in Malaysia remained at RM1.99 per litre, and prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also finance minister said that 90% of RON 95 petrol users will not be affected by the reduced quota.

The Malaysian government is continuing its efforts to sustain fuel subsidies at the current price, despite a suggestion from the World Bank to revise the price of subsidised RON 95 petrol from its current RM1.99 per litre to RM2.05 per litre, Muhammad Kamil said.

As of April 23, unsubsidised RON 95 petrol is priced at RM3.87, while RON 97 petrol is priced at RM4.85 per litre. As for the retail prices of diesel fuels, Euro 5 B10 and B20 grades are priced at RM5.12 per litre, while the Euro 5 B7 grade is priced at RM5.32 per litre, while the retail price of diesel fuels in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan stays unchanged at RM2.15 per litre.

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Chery says main brand equivalent to Toyota, Lepas to Mazda, Omoda & Jaecoo to BYD, iCaur to Jeep

In Cars, Chery, Exeed, iCaur, International News, Lepas, Omoda Jaecoo / by Jonathan Lee / 28 April 2026 9:05 am

Aside from presenting the product plan for Omoda & Jaecoo, Chery International president Zhang Guibing also clarified the positioning of his company’s various brands, including not just the main marque and O&J but also Lepas and iCaur. The executive moved to answer criticism that the firm had too many brands that lacked clear differentiation.

Specifically, Zhang compared his nameplates to those of other established carmakers. No prizes for guessing what Chery was supposedly equivalent to – the mainstream brand was likened to Toyota, Hyundai, Volkswagen and MG. Meanwhile, the more premium Omoda & Jaecoo was said to be comparable to Kia and, oddly enough, BYD; then again, according to the latest product plan, Jaecoo is set to pivot further towards ruggedness, so this diagram might need to be updated later on.

Perhaps the most notable is Lepas, which Zhang compared to Mazda. The fledgling brand has struggled to establish itself, having hitherto offered products which are very similar to Chery’s own models – and in fact, the L4 and L8 do actually wear the Chery badge in China. Perhaps a new range of sportier models, which were previewed privately to dealers and members of the media during the Chery International Business Summit in Wuhu, will address this.

More straightforward is iCaur, which is said to be analogous to Jeep. The brand has openly cited inspiration from classic off-roaders for its cars (and the V23 in particular), including the Toyota Land Cruiser, Mercedes-Benz G-Class and the original Land Rover Defender.

While the brand’s vehicles aren’t quite as capable off the beaten track as those cars, they have been rather successful thanks to their retro designs, and the forthcoming V27 range-extended EV should further reinforce their strong positioning. Last but not least is Exeed, a premium brand that is limited to selected countries in places like the Middle East and Latin America and has been likened to Lexus.

Zhang paid tribute to those international and Chinese brands, saying that they provided the seeds for Chery to grow each “tree”. He added that he hoped these “trees” will continue to grow into a forest, suggesting that even more brands – including the newly-launched Freelander – are set to follow.

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Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV’s safety shines in a three-vehicle composite crash test made together with a Tiggo 7

In Cars, Chery, International News / by Anthony Lim / 27 April 2026 7:51 pm

Part of Chery’s activity list at its ongoing 2026 International Business Summit being held in Wuhu, China, included a three-vehicle composite crash test of the Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV. Held at automaker’s Longshan test centre yesterday, the test simulated one of the many possible complex, high-risk traffic collisions to transparently assess the safety capabilities of its flagship SUV.

During the test, the Tiggo 9 – the one that is heading to Malaysia soon – served as the core test vehicle, being subjected to to a 50 km/h frontal impact from a Tiggo 7, while being simultaneously rear-ended at 40 km/h by another vehicle, the latter being portrayed mechanically by a moving barrier simulating another Tiggo 7 load-wise during the test.

Unlike standardised single-impact crash tests, this public validation focused on high-risk multi-vehicle accident scenarios, replicating continuous loading conditions caused by simultaneous front and rear impacts, a situation that is commonly seen in real-world traffic mishaps such as highway chain collisions and vehicles being struck from both directions while waiting at intersections.

The objective of the test was to establish the vehicle’s structural rigidity, restraint system coordination and post-collision emergency response capabilities through collision-related demands far exceeding conventional crash testing.

Following the crash test, the Tiggo 9’s passenger compartment remained structurally intact, with no significant deformation to the A, B, C, or D pillars, and sufficient survival space was preserved. All four doors unlocked automatically and could be opened normally, ensuring the interior was accessible for any post-collision rescue.

All major restraint systems functioned precisely as designed, with the front airbags, side airbags and side curtain airbags deploying as intended, while pretensioner seat belts responded effectively. Additionally, no fuel leakage was detected, and the hazard warning lights were activated.

The Chery Tiggo 7 also proved its structural performance during the composite crash, with the automaker stating that the test demonstrated its ability to deliver consistent, high-level safety across the Tiggo family, not only in its flagship models, but throughout the model line-up.

This latest composite crash verification follows a series of high-profile safety validations conducted across multiple global markets, including the successful battery fire safety test held in Malaysia recently. The automaker has also carried out a comprehensive range of crash and safety tests in several international markets, including prolonged seawater immersion assessment, high-temperature desert exposure validation, battery penetration resilience verification and underbody abrasion evaluation.

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2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive M Sport in Malaysia – 258 PS 2.0T mild-hybrid, Harman Kardon audio; RM387k OTR

In BMW, Cars, Local News / by Mick Chan / 27 April 2026 5:46 pm

The BMW X3 30 xDrive M Sport has arrived in Malaysia to complement the X3 20 xDrive M Sport that was launched in June last year, and the new variant packs a more potent version of the manufacturer’s 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol mild-hybrid powertrain.

The BMW X3 30 xDrive M Sport is priced from RM358,800, or RM386,700 with BMW Service & Repair Inclusive that includes a five-year servicing and warranty package; prices are on-the-road without insurance.

Here, the X3 30 xDrive M Sport outputs 258 PS and 400 Nm, sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission and propels the SUV from 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds, and on to a top speed of 240 km/h. For comparison, the X3 20 xDrive M Sport makes 190 PS and 310 Nm, doing the century sprint in 7.8 seconds and a 215 km/h maximum.

The X3 30 xDrive M Sport also gets upsized wheels and tyres in the form of 20-inch Style 1036 M bicolour alloy wheels with tyres measuring 255/45R20 in front and 285/40R20 at the rear. Despite the M Sport trim, the X3 30 M Sport continues to use get the standard suspension specification, according to BMW. There are however M Sport brakes with calipers in dark blue metallic paint.

Inside, the X3 30 xDrive M Sport gets the M Anthracite headliner, a flat-bottom, three-spoke M Sport steering wheel, front sport seats with active seat ventilation and lumbar support. Interior upholstery for the X3 30 xDrive M Sport is by Veganza perforated synthetic leather in black.

Infotainment continues to be via the BMW Curved Display ensemble that pairs a 12.3-inch driver’s instrument display with a 14.9-inch touchscreen display, while the sound system has been upgraded over the six-speaker, 100-watt system of the X3 20 xDrive M Sport. Here, the X3 30 xDrive M Sport gets a 15-speaker, 765-watt surround sound system by Harman Kardon, while smartphone connectivity supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

In terms of driving assistance systems, the X3 30 xDrive M Sport gets the Driving Assistant Plus package that is comprised of lane change warning with active steering intervention, front collision warning with brake intervention (AEB), and the evasion assistant for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians (including when turning and at intersections).

Also on are the speed limit display with no-overtaking indicator and pre-warning, attentiveness assistant, rear cross traffic warning with brake intervention, exit warning, rear collision prevention, active cruise control with stop-and-go, and the steering and lane control assistant.

Exterior colours for the BMW X3 30 xDrive M Sport are Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Dune Grey and Tanzanite Blue, the latter as depicted in these images. The X3 30 xDrive M Sport is priced from RM358,800, or RM386,700 with BMW Service & Repair Inclusive that includes a five-year servicing and warranty package.

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Proton eMas hits 10k registrations in 2026, more than entire 2025; eMas 7 PHEV gets over 6.5k bookings

In Cars, Electric Cars in Malaysia, Local News, Proton / by Mick Chan / 27 April 2026 4:21 pm

Proton has announced that the eMas sub-brand for electric vehicles has achieved more than 10,000 registrations so far this year, therefore it has surpassed its full-year sales volume for its electric vehicles in 2025, when it sold 8,890 EVs.

The carmaker has also received 6,500 bookings so far for the eMas 7 PHEV since its launch in February. The eMas 7 PHEV is sold in three variants – Prime, Premium and Premium Plus, at RM109,800, RM123,800 and RM129,800 respectively; this model was offered with a RM4,000 rebate for the first 5,000 customers.

Contributing to the sales performance of Proton eMas models is the eMas 5 which had over 3,000 units delivered in the first month of this year. The eMas 7 PHEV is the latest model of the eMas range, following the eMas 5 that was launched in October 2025, and the eMas 7 EV that was launched in December 2024.

According to March 2026 JPJ data for electric vehicles, the eMas 5 was by far the best-selling Ev in Malaysia last month with 2,071 units registered in March, followed by the BYD Atto 3 in second place with 441 units registered; the eMas 7 EV saw 306 units registered that month.

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2026 Royal Alloy Gran Turismo scooter in Malaysia, pricing for 125S at RM9,800, 160s retailing at RM12,800

In Bikes, Local Bike News, Royal Alloy / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 27 April 2026 12:51 pm

Getting its Malaysian launch is the 2026 Royal Alloy Gran Turismo scooter, with the 125S model priced at RM9,800 and the 160S variant retailing at RM12,800. Pricing does not include road tax, registration or insurance.

The Gran Turismo 125 comes in Matte Silver, Pink and Ivory, while the 160S is available in Meteorite Grey, Lemon Yellow and Dark Jade. Stock of the Gran Turismo 125S and 160s is available at all authorised Royal Alloy dealers throughout Malaysia immediately and a two-year or 20,000 km warranty is offered against manufacturing defects.

The Gran Turismo is powered by a single-cylinder, four-valve, liquid-cooled engine, with the 125S getting 124 cc in displacement, and the 160S with 158 cc. Power numbers are 13.14 hp at 8,500 rpm and 12 Nm torque at 6,500 rpm for the 125S, while the 160S gets 16.9 hp at 8,500 rpm with 13.5 Nm torque at 5,500 rpm.

A CVT gearbox and belt drive sends power to the rear wheel. The Gran Turismo rolls on 12-inch wheels, wearing 120/70 rubber front and rear.

Weight is listed at 145 kg for the Gran Turismo 125S, while the 160S tips the scales at 152 kg, with seat height set at 750 mm and fuel tank capacity at nine-litres. For suspension, telescope forks are fitted to the front while twin shock absorbers prop up the rear end.

Braking is done with hydraulic single discs front and rear, with 220 mm diameter discs fitted front and rear, while two-channel ABS is standard equipment. A small storage compartment is found under the seat, large enough to hold a single open-face helmet.

Riding information is displayed on a TFT colour instrument panel, with mirroring function to the rider’s smartphone. There is also smart key, or keyless start and the Gran Turismo 160S additionally gets front-only DVR and LED DRL.

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P-P plate series raised RM21.68 million in total; “P1P” plate fetched RM1.1 million, “P1177P” most popular

In Local News / by Mick Chan / 27 April 2026 11:30 am

The P1P number plate fetched RM1.1 million in a special tender as the P-P number plate series raised a total of RM21.68 million, reported New Straits Times.

In addition, the P9P plate fetched RM1,000,777, followed by P8P at RM613,000, P6P at RM600,777 and P2P at RM512,000, said transport minister Anthony Loke. The exercise raised a total of RM21.68 million, a sum comprised of RM19.19 million from bids and RM2.48 million from service fees, he said.

A total of 19,370 bidders took part in the exercise, with 5,973 numbers successfully secured, while 4,026 remaining numbers were offered to the public after the close of bidding. No numbers were reserved or blocked, and the number plate series was a way to boost revenue, with proceeds from the plate series channeled to rakyat-centric programmes, said the transport minister.

The most popular numbers in this series were P1177P with 26 bidders, P313P and P22P with 24 bidders each, as well as P411P and P888P with 22 bidders each, Loke said.

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Malaysian government considering road tax reduction for diesel vehicles as cost pressure mounts – Anwar

In Local News / by Mick Chan / 27 April 2026 10:09 am

The Malaysian government is considering the reduction of road tax for diesel vehicles to mitigate the impact of increasing fuel costs, said prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, reported New Straits Times.

The matter has been discussed with transport minister Anthony Loke, and the transport ministry has been tasked with working out the details for implementation in the near term, Anwar said.

“I have asked the Transport Ministry and the secretary-general to find ways so that in the near future we can reduce road tax for diesel vehicles. That can be done. There are about 1.8 million diesel vehicles. Although the number is small, they are facing problems because diesel prices have gone up,” the prime minister said in a speech.

Having said that, Anwar said that lowering fuel prices was not viable at present because fuel subsidies present a heavy fiscal burden, which costs the government around RM7 billion a month, and said that the government would maintain its targeted subsidy approach for RON 95 petrol, saying that Malaysia’s fuel prices are relatively low compared to many oil-producing countries.

“At this point, we cannot afford to reduce fuel prices further. But road tax is an area where we can provide some relief. We have to look at the overall situation — whether we have sufficient funds and income. If there is room, we can consider further reductions,” the prime minister continued.

Subsequently, transport minister Anthony Loke said that the transport ministry is studying options for the reduction of road tax for diesel vehicles, aimed at easing financial burden on diesel vehicle owners while safeguarding government revenue.

“This mandate by the Prime Minister is clear. We must help vehicle owners, particularly those affected by the current pricing structure. But any decision must take into account financial implications,” the transport minister said.

While fuel pricing in Malaysia currently operates on a floating mechanism with targeted subsidies, not all diesel vehicle owners qualify for the financial assistance, which has increased cost pressures, Loke said. The review involves multiple considerations, including revenue trade-offs and policy alignment, he said.

“This is not something that can be decided overnight. It involves several implications, including how much revenue the government is prepared to forgo,” the transport minister said.

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