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Latest Stories

• LRT Ampang/Sri Petaling Line service disruption this evening, track switch problem at Chan Sow Lin

  In Local News, Public Transport / by Danny Tan / 9 April 2026 6:44 pm

  

  LRT Ampang/Sri Petaling Line commuters, take note. Train services are currently experiencing delays due to a track switch problem at the Chan Sow Lin station. This is according to an update by Rapid KL at 6.20 pm.

  Rapid Rail says that alternative train services have been introduced. Trains from Sentul Timur will turn back at Putra Heights (normal service), while trains from Ampang will turn back at Chan Sow Lin. The estimated frequency is six minutes.

  If you’re coming from KL city centre heading towards Ampang, you’ll need to switch trains at Chan Sow Lin, specifically at platforms 1B and 2B. Expect longer waiting times at platforms.

  Rapid KL says that auxiliary police officers and station staff are on the platforms and stations to assist commuters and there will be announcements over the PA.

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• 2026 Honda Vario 125 Street in Malaysia, RM7,468

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, Local Bike News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 9 April 2026 6:32 pm

  

  Now in Malaysia is the 2026 Honda Vario 125 Street scooter, priced at RM7,468. Previously retailing at RM7,268 in 2025, pricing does not include road tax, insurance or registration and two colour schemes are offered – Purple and White, with every Vario coming with a two-year or 20,000 km warranty against manufacturing defects.

  Some upgrades in the chassis and engine for the Vario 125 Street, with a redesigned swingarm that is 10% lighter, while the L-cover and duct for the engine is now 11% lighter. LED lighting is now used throughout, with the new LED headlight featuring a 10% longer throw for the high beam, while the tail light gets a new ‘V’ shape.

  

  

  

  

  Also new is the naked handlebar paired with a floating, separated digital speedometer, a design inspired by adventure style scooters. No changes otherwise in the specification for the Vario 125 Street in Malaysia, while stocks are expected in authorised Boon Siew Honda dealer showrooms beginning May 2026.

  Motive power comes from a liquid-cooled single-cylinder mill displacing 125 cc and producing 11.5 hp at 8,500 rpm and 11.74 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm, certified as an Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) with a three-star Malaysia Motorcycle Assessment Program (MyMAP) rating. Power goes through the rear wheel via CVT gearbox and belt drive to the rear wheel.

  

  Suspension for the Vario 125 Street is done with telescopic forks in front and single shock absorber in the rear adjustable for spring preload. As for braking, the Vario 125 gets a single hydraulic disc on the 14-inch front wheel, with a mechanical drum brake on the similarly sized 14-inch rear wheel, with combined braking system and parking brake lock.

  Riding conveniences include a smart key system and USB charging socket for the rider’s electronics, while an 18-litre compartment is found under the street. The Vario 125 Street weighs in at 113 kg, with 5.5-litres of fuel in the tank, while seat height is set at 769 mm.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• Transport ministry urges e-hailing providers to expand carpooling to offer users more fuel-saving options

  In Local News, Public Transport / by Mick Chan / 9 April 2026 6:10 pm

  

  The transport ministry is encouraging e-hailing companies to adopt more flexible policies for carpooling in order to provide users with more options in order to reduce fuel costs, reported Bernama.

  The approach would allow passengers to share rides more efficiently at more affordable fares, while maintaining a balance between the needs of the industry with the welfare of consumers, said transport minister Anthony Loke.

  “This is something that can be implemented immediately, as there has already been a proof of concept carried out with several e-hailing companies. This is an example we hope can serve as a model for all parties and agencies, that in facing this crisis, we must take proactive measures,” he said.

  Meanwhile, the transport minister also said that the transport ministry expects more Malaysians to make the shift to public transport and EVs amid the ongoing global fuel crisis, even as the government continues to keep the price of subsidised RON 95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre for eligible Malaysians.

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• Lowering Budi95 monthly quota to 200 litres is right step in fuel crisis; T10, T20 use more – World Bank

  In Local News / by Jonathan James Tan / 9 April 2026 5:49 pm

  

  World Bank lead economist for Malaysia Dr Apurva Sanghi has said that the downwards adjustment of the Budi Madani RON 95 (Budi95) monthly quota is a step in the right direction amidst the West Asia crisis, as the government seeks to better manage fiscal pressures while ensuring subsidies are more efficiently distributed, Bernama reports.

  “Fuel subsidies in Malaysia are regressive, with the T10, T20 benefitting much more compared to others. And if you look at who consumes most of the fuel, it is the T10, T20 segment. In fact, they have been known to consume more than 200 litres.

  “So now that the quota is temporarily adjusted to 200 litres, I think it is absolutely OK in terms of addressing the aggressivity that they pay more. That is definitely a step in the right direction,” he said at today’s briefing on Part 1 of the World Bank’s April 2026 Malaysia Economic Monitor, titled ‘Raising the Ceiling, Raising the Floor, Advancing Malaysia’s Jobs and Productivity Agenda’.

  The quota cut is a short-term measure, and if the fiscal situation worsens, further adjustments may be needed, he noted. The government is currently subsidising petrol and diesel to the tune of some RM4 billion a month.

  

  According to a separate Bernama report, Sanghi also said that Malaysia does not need stimulus amidst the crisis. “As of now, there should be no stimulus. Providing a stimulus now would only add to the inflationary impulse.

  “Stimulus is (only needed) if inflationary fears snowball into growth concerns like we saw happen during the COVID-19 crisis,” he said, adding that Malaysia’s inflation remains stable and contained for now at 1.6% in January.

  While inflationary pressures, which arise not just from direct oil prices but also from other goods and services consumed, could emerge, Sanghi said the government’s policies and measures are helping the public cope with the situation.

  “There are ways to manage demand on that front as well, and the government has announced certain policies. As of now, all the data and evidence point towards inflation continuing to remain stable,” he said.

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• Dongfeng Nissan NX8 launched in China – EV with up to 650 km range or REEV with up to 1,450 km; fr RM93k

  In Cars, International News, Nissan / by Gerard Lye / 9 April 2026 5:16 pm

  

  Dongfeng Nissan, a joint venture between Dongfeng Motor Group and Nissan Motors, has launched the new NX8 in Japan. The new energy vehicle (NEV) SUV is the third model in the company’s N Series (the first SUV in this series) after the N6 and N7, and was previously previewed by the Epic Concept that made its debut two years ago at Auto Beijing (also referred to as Auto China).

  The NX8 is a large SUV measuring 4,870 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, 1,680 mm tall and has a wheelbase spanning 2,917 mm. It sits five passengers and can be ordered as a full battery electric vehicle (BEV) or range-extended electric vehicle (REEV).

  The former comes in four trim levels – 580 Pro, 580 Max, 650 Max and the Master Edition – priced between 159,900 and 209,900 yuan (about RM93k and RM122k). The first two feature a 400-volt electrical architecture and come equipped with a 73-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery sourced from Sunwoda that provide up to 580 km of range following the CLTC standard.

  Nissan says the 580 Pro and 580 Max support 3C fast charging, with a 10-80% state of charge (SoC) achieved in just 17 minutes. Said battery powers a rear electric motor rated at 292 PS (288 hp or 215 kW) and 310 Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100 km/h time of 7.1 seconds.

  

  As for the 650 Max and Master Edition, they get an 800-volt system for 5C fast charging as well as a larger 81-kWh LFP battery from CATL, which needs just 12 minutes to get from 10-80% SoC. Both are also rear-wheel drive but with more a more powerful electric motor making 340 PS (335 hp or 250 kW) – torque is the same at 310 Nm – for a quicker century sprint time of 6.7 seconds.

  Of the two, the 650 Max offers the most electric-only range at 650 km (CLTC), while the Master Edition does up to 630 km. The latter does come with 20-inch wheels as standard, which may have an impact on range in addition to more equipment such as electronically controlled dampers that are exclusive to the range-topper.

  Moving on to the REEV version of the NX8, there are just three trim levels offered – 150 Pro, 150 Max and 310 Max – going for between 159,900 and 179,900 yuan (RM93k and RM105k). These all share the same rear electric motor rated at 265 PS (261 hp or 195 kW) and 310 Nm, while the range extender is a 1.5 litre turbocharged inline-four making 148 PS (146 hp or 109 kW) and 225 Nm.

  However, the batteries differ greatly among the three, with the base 150 Pro fitted with a 21.1-kWh LFP unit from Ruipu Lanjun that can fast charge from 10-80% SoC in 23.7 minutes. Meanwhile, the 150 Max’s battery comes from CATL and is also a LFP unit, but with a reduced energy capacity of 20.3 kWh and gets from 10-80% SoC ever so slightly quicker at 23.6 minutes.

  

  Both the 150 Pro and 150 Max offer up to 150 km of pure electric driving range and up to 1,320 km of combined hybrid driving range. The 310 Max gets an even more substantial 43.2-kWh LFP battery from CATL that bumps its EV-only range to 310 km and hybrid range to 1,450 km. It’s also the quickest in getting from 10-80% SoC at 21 minutes. All versions of the NX8 come with an active grille shutter as well as a vehicle-to-load (V2L) system capable of outputting 6.6 kW.

  In terms of available equipment, the NX8 can be had with OLED taillights capable of displaying 25 messages, a panoramic glass roof, 256-colour ambient lighting, zero-gravity front seats (with heating, ventilation and massage functions), up to 25 speakers, a refrigerator, dual 15.6-inch touchscreens (central and front passenger), a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 63-inch augmented reality-enabled head-up display, a karaoke system and LiDAR-powered ADAS.

  According to the company, sales of the BEV version of the NX8 has already started as of April 8, with deliveries of the REEV version set to begin later on from mid-to-late May this year.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  
  

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• NGOs call for 30km/h speed limit around school zones to be gazetted in order to enable legal action

  In Local News / by Mick Chan / 9 April 2026 4:55 pm

  

  A coalition of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have voiced support for amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987 in order to gazette the 30 km/h speed limit in school zones, The Star has reported.

  The transport ministry’s decision to review amendments for the 30 km/h limit in school zones was lauded by the Safer Streets and Sustainable Transport Coalition (SSSTC), however it demanded clear rules on its enforcement. Once the limit is gazetted, legal action can be taken against offenders under existing provisions of the Act, according to the report.

  “Institutionalising 30km/h school zones is a decisive step because the safety of our children is non-negotiable,” said Bike Commute Malaysia director Justin Lee. The SSSTC proposed enforcing the 30 km/h school zone speed limit with a RM300 fine, and recommended defining school zones as areas within a 200 metre radius of school entrances.

  

  The coalition also supported elements of street design including raised crosswalks and refuge islands to reduce vehicle speeds, the report added.

  The transport ministry was reported in February to be reviewing amendments to the rules under the Road Transport Act in order to introduce a 30 km/h speed limit in school zones, and the amendments are being undertaken comprehensively with the involvement of relevant ministries and agencies.

  This followed the transport minister’s announcement last year that the Malaysian government is set to gazette a 30 km/h speed limit in school zones nationwide, following a proposal that was made in 2024.

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• Denza Z9GT in Europe gets Blade 2.0 battery – 600 km WLTP, 1,500 kW Flash Charging, full charge in 9 mins

  In Cars, Denza, International News / by Jonathan Lee / 9 April 2026 4:34 pm

  

  It has taken a while for Denza to arrive in Europe, but it has finally done so – and with some serious intent. The premium brand’s first offering in the Old Continent is the Z9GT (note the lack of spacing here) flagship, an electric and plug-in hybrid shooting brake that’s already earmarked for Malaysia, and it gets BYD’s latest second-generation Blade LFP batteries.

  The Chinese EV specialist has been quick to roll out the new technology, which increases battery density by five per cent. Compared to the previous Chinese-market model, the pack has grown from 100 kWh to 122.49 kWh, resulting in a WLTP-rated range figure of 600 km – more or less matching the old car’s 630 km, achieved on the much more lenient CLTC cycle.

  This is despite the Z9GT being more powerful than before. It still uses a three-motor all-wheel drive setup, with the front motor producing an unchanged 313 PS (230 kW) and 430 Nm of torque. However, the rear motors now each produce 422 PS (310 kW) and 400 Nm, resulting in a total system output some 191 PS (140 kW) and 100 Nm higher at a astonishing 1,156 PS (850 kW) and 1,210 Nm.

  

  So equipped, the Z9GT takes seven tenths of a second out of the zero-to-100 km/h time, which it completes in just 2.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 269 km/h. A rear-wheel-drive variant will join the lineup at the end of the year, offering up to 805 km of range.

  This blistering performance is carried over to charging, too, as the car also debuts BYD’s Flash Charging technology. This enables the Z9GT to draw up to 1,500 kW (!) from a specialised DC fast charger, enabling it to be topped up from 10 to 70% (ready to drive, BYD says) in only five minutes, and from 10 to 97% (basically a full charge) in just nine minutes.

  These incredible numbers have been achieved through a “FlashPass” ion transport system based around three core breakthroughs – a directionally-engineered, multi-level cathode architecture (Flash-Release), an AI-optimised electrolyte for high ionic conductivity and fast mobility (Flash-Flow), and a multi-dimensional lithium-insertion site construction for the anode (Flash-Intercalate). These technologies, said to significantly reduce internal resistance and thus heat, are claimed to be a result of six years of R&D.

  

  Charging at those speeds requires the use of BYD’s Flash Charging stations – a self-operated network similar to Tesla’s Superchargers. Having already built 5,000 such stations in China, the company aims to furnish 6,000 of them globally within the next 12 months, with 3,000 of these being in Europe. Every purchase comes with one year of free Flash Charging, with orders before September gaining an additional six months.

  Aside from the EV version, the Z9GT will also be offered in Dual Mode (DM) plug-in hybrid guise. This utilises a 173 PS/320 Nm 2.0 litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine and three less powerful motors for a total output of 776 PS (570 kW) and 1,035 Nm. It completes the century sprint slightly slower at 3.6 seconds, has a pure EV range of 203 km from its 63.82 kWh battery, and has a total range of 805 km. It too supports Flash Charging with the same charging times, albeit almost certainly at much slower speeds.

  Befitting of its status as the apex of BYD’s global offerings, the Z9GT continues to offer a smorgasbord of technologies. These include rear-wheel steering that can crab-walk the car and even pivot it into a tight parking spot, as well as DiSus-A air suspension, carbon ceramic brakes and an active rear spoiler.

  

  

  

  Inside, you get fine-grade leather upholstery and light-smoked wood decor, plus powered, heated, ventilated and massaging front seats with active side bolsters that use the same air as the suspension – a claimed world first. The rear seats are just as feature packed and come with extended leg rests, and there’s also a built-in fridge, a panoramic sunroof and four-zone auto air con.

  A 17.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is flanked by 13.2-inch displays for the driver and passenger, complemented by a 50-inch augmented-reality head-up display and optional digital side mirrors. Google Maps built-in navigation, three 50-watt Qi wireless chargers (two at the front, one at the rear) and a 20-speaker, 1,150-watt Devialet sound system with Dolby Atmos surround sound are also fitted. Electric models come with a 495 litre boot (478 litres for the PHEV) and a 53 litre front boot.

  The Z9GT is set to arrive in Malaysia fairly soon, as confirmed last month. Given that the car is already headed to other markets (including Australia, in the third quarter) with the new battery and Flash Charging technology, they should be an inevitability for our market too – but don’t expect this car to come cheap. Excited for a top-of-the-line, no-expenses-spared BYD?

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: Denza Z9GT previewed in Malaysia

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• KTM ETS KL Sentral – JB Sentral trains rescheduled from Apr 18 – 2 services affected, full refunds offered

  In Local News, Public Transport / by Danny Tan / 9 April 2026 4:13 pm

  

  

  Click to enlarge

  Take note, KTM ETS users. The train operator has announced a rescheduling of selected ETS services between KL Sentral and JB Sentral, effective April 18. This is in line with the progress of the KVDT2 double tracking project.

  The rescheduling involves ETS 9536 from JB Sentral to KL Sentral (8.30 pm – 12.50 am) and ETS 9537 from KL Sentral to JB Sentral (9.10 pm – 1.30 am).

  The rescheduled service for ETS 9536 is ETS 9530, which will depart JB Sentral at 3pm and reach KL Sentral at 7.20 pm. As for ETS 9537, its ‘replacement’ is ETS 9535, which will depart KL Sentral at 8pm and reach Johor’s capital city at 12.20 am.

  For those who have already purchased ETS 9536 and 9537 tickets for travel from April 18, you’re entitled to a full refund. The cancellation of tickets for refunds opens today on the KITS Style app. You can then proceed to purchase a new ticket for ETS 9530, 9535 or other services that suit your schedule. For a detailed guide on how to proceed with the refund on the app, click on the graphic above.

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• Volkswagen ID. Aura T6 teased before debut at Auto Beijing 2026 – CEA-based EV SUV with Xpeng tech

  In Cars, International News, Volkswagen / by Gerard Lye / 9 April 2026 3:21 pm

  

  The FAW-Volkswagen joint venture has teased a new electric vehicle (EV) that will make its debut at this year’s Auto Beijing, which is set to take place closer to the end of this month. Called the ID. Aura T6, the upcoming model is built on the China Electronic Architecture (CEA), a zonal electronic architecture developed by Volkswagen Group China Technology Company (VCTC), CARIAD China and Xpeng.

  According to Chinese media outlets, ‘ID. Aura’ is meant to be a vehicle series under the FAW-VW joint venture. The name was initially used for a concept shown at last year’s Auto Shanghai, although the car presented at the time was in the form of an electric sedan. It’s clear now that the first ID. Aura model won’t be a sedan but a midsize offering that looks to be a mix of an SUV and MPV – the former is used to describe it by most reports.

  Based on the official images provided of a camouflaged unit, the “SUV” features a rising beltline, roof rails, a generous greenhouse, illuminated logos and semi-hidden door handles that meet the latest Chinese regulations. CarNewsChina reports the ID. Aura T6 will come with a LiDAR sensor and adopt an ADAS system from Carizon, a joint venture between Volkswagen and Horizon Robotics.

  

  It is also revealed that Aura is an abbreviation for ‘Advanced, User-Centric, Reliable and All-Access’, with T representing ‘travel’ while the number 6 refers to something called the “golden balance point.”

  The ID. Aura concept was one of three presented last year, with another being the ID. Era from Volkswagen’s other joint venture with SAIC that eventually spawned the ID. Era 9X – presales of this began in China in late March this year. There was also the ID. Evo from the JAC Motors-Volkswagen joint venture (dubbed Volkswagen Anhui) that resulted in the ID. Unyx 08.

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• McLaren to preview new model this year; upcoming cars with internal combustion engines by 2030

  In International News, McLaren / by Mick Chan / 9 April 2026 3:00 pm

  

  McLaren W1

  McLaren will be previewing its first new model since its merger with Forseven last year to form McLaren Group Holdings, and the upcoming models to emerge from the British supercar maker by 2030 will all feature internal combustion engines, the marque has told Autocar.

  McLaren Group Holdings was formed after the supercar maker’s acquisition by Abu Dhabi government-owned investment firm CYVN Holdings, which merged McLaren with Forseven, an entity owned by CYVN Holdings. CYVN has invested around 1.5 billion pounds sterling (RM8 billion) in McLaren, which enables the manufacturer to expand its product range beyond its line-up of two-seater mid-engined cars.

  The brand’s future product strategy was initially to be outlined before the end of 2025, however the announcement was delayed for “strategic reasons,” McLaren Group Holdings CEO Nick Collins told the publication.

  

  McLaren will begin to “unpack” its new plan in public from around the middle of this year, and full-sized models of every new car it plans to launch before 2030 have already been shown to dealers, suggesting several cars are in its product plan, according to the report.

  “From this summer, we start to go external [with our plans], whether it’s because we’re starting to deliver W1s or because we’re showing you product,” Collins said, without elaborating on what exactly the company will be revealing this year. Autocar sources suggest that the product to be shown will not be a production model, but rather a “clear preview” of its future cars.

  Collins told the publication that McLaren will launch an electric vehicle only when its customers want one, and added that “the market doesn’t want one yet”. This indicates that all of its future products in its plan to emerge by 2030 will feature internal combustion engines, though the carmaker has the flexibility to adapt should market conditions change, he said.

  GALLERY: McLaren W1

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  
  

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• Purchase the iCaur V23 iWD with up to RM14,000 in added value at Bangsar Shopping Centre, until April 12

  ADVERTORIAL / by Harvinder Sidhu / 9 April 2026 2:58 pm

  

  Electric modernity can certainly go hand-in-hand with an updated take on retro aesthetic, as shown by the iCaur V23 which is being showcased by the iCaur Petaling Jaya Playground of the Karrus Automotive Group at the Bangsar Shopping Centre (BSC), from April 8 to 12, 2026, 10am to 10pm.

  Taking centrestage at the iCaur showcase in BSC is the iCaur V23 iWD, blending its intelligent all-wheel-drive capability and battery-electric propulsion with modern retro styling augmented by the latest features and conveniences, for those on the search for rugged utility and cutting-edge technology.

  Among the features which make the V23 off-road-ready is the 540-degree Around View Monitor system with the transparent chassis view, aiding visibility for reassurance when navigating off-road terrain, as well as off-road specific driving modes, which make the V23 more than just a “city SUV”.

  Priced at RM132,152, the iCaur V23 iWD can take advantage of an exclusive promo package at the event, offering added value of up to RM14,000 for each purchase of the V23 iWD.

  Ownership of the iCaur V23 iWD can be had with further improved peace of mind with a 10-year battery warranty extension, a two-year maintenance service plan (up to 45,000 km), one of year complimentary insurance, a 7 kW home charger for convenient charging, and complimentary charging credits when you book your iCaur at the event.

  Be sure to check out the iCaur Petaling Jaya Playground, which will be at the Bangsar Shopping Centre (BSC), 10am to 10pm until April 12, 2026. Find out more, here.

  *Terms and conditions apply.

   

• Chery KP31 – interior of diesel PHEV pick-up revealed

  In Cars, Chery, International News / by Jonathan Lee / 9 April 2026 1:16 pm

  

  Chery is continuing its slow tease of its forthcoming pick-up truck, codenamed KP31, ahead of its Australian launch in the fourth quarter of the year. The Chinese giant has now released images of the interior, having shown the exterior via a concept in February.

  Billed as the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid pick-up, the KP31 gets a cabin sporting many of the segment’s quirks. These include lots of bluff, chiselled surfaces, exposed Allen bolt heads dotted rather haphazardly all around and a smattering of grab handles on the dashboard corners and the B-pillars.

  As is typical for a Chinese vehicle, there is a large instrument display and a particularly massive infotainment touchscreen. Below the latter sits a welcome array of physical air-con controls; these are appearing on more and more of Chery’s vehicles (such as the Q), and it’s good to see Chery following an industry trend that’s actually user-friendly for once.

  

  Elsewhere, you’ll find a two-spoke steering wheel and a tall centre console that lifts more than a few cues from the BYD Shark 6 and Denza B8, such as a flat-topped gear selector and transparent crystal-like toggle switches. We also spot buttons for front, centre and rear locking differentials, as well as what appears to be a tank turn function, similar to GWM’s Tank models.

  Behind the Ford Bronco-like schnoz sits a 2.5 litre turbodiesel engine (plus the usual hybrid gubbins) that has a thermal efficiency of 47%, resulting in a 10% reduction in fuel consumption compared to an average diesel pick-up. Chery is also promising a 1,000 kg payload and 3.5 tonne towing capacity in line with the segment, as well as claiming a 30% reduction in NVH. A petrol PHEV variant will join the lineup next year.

  

  As yet, it’s unclear whether the KP31 will be sold under the rather quirkily-named Himla sub-brand for pick-up trucks or the main Chery marque. The former was set to field a smaller model codenamed KP11, badged as the Rely R08 in China; it remains to be seen whether the truck you see here will replace it.

  Given that the KP31 already set to be converted to right-hand drive for the Australian market, it does appear likely to arrive here to tackle the Toyota Hilux, the Mitsubishi Triton and the Ford Ranger. That’s especially true given that Chery is due to open a massive CKD local assembly plant in Hulu Selangor, without any of the pricing and export requirements currently holding up BYD’s project.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• 2026 Mitsubishi Xforce – 2,600 bookings before launch

  In Cars, Local News, Mitsubishi / by Gerard Lye / 9 April 2026 12:52 pm

  

  The Mitsubishi Xforce made its launch debut in Malaysia yesterday, with two locally-assembled (CKD) variants made available to customers here. Prior to official pricing being announced, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) managed to collect 2,600 bookings when pre-orders for the B-segment SUV started on February 5 this year.

  According to the company, these 2,600 customers are eligible for early bird promotions including a RM5,000 cash rebate as well as participation in a “Buy 1 Free 1” contest for a chance to win another Xforce in its top spec. It was also revealed that the number of pre-orders exceeded MMM’s original target of 2,000 units.

  This encouraging response resulted in the company announcing yesterday that it would extend the early bird promos to April 12, 2026, which is this coming Sunday. With this, there’s technically no limit to how many customers can enjoy the promos, so long as they make a booking by said date.

  Additionally, existing Mitsubishi owners and their immediate family members who purchase an Xforce will be entitled to a loyalty programme, which brings with it an additional RM1,000 cash rebate – this amount is also applicable to government servants who make a booking.

  

  

  For customers looking to trade in their existing car for the an Xforce, the company is also offering the M Switch programme ensuring that once a trade-in value is agreed upon, it remains fixed with no hidden fees or last-minute changes.

  MMM says it aims to deliver the first 800 units of the Xforce to customers beginning April 8. “The strong response of 2,600 bookings we have seen reflects a clear shift in Malaysian consumer preferences towards SUVs that combine style, convenience and everyday comfort,” said Takashi Sakamaki, CEO of MMM.

  “This trend is also visible in the broader compact SUV segment, which has grown by 6.3% (MMM’s financial year to date April 2025 to February 2026), driven by demand for versatile, stylish design models. We are confident that the all-new Mitsubishi Xforce will further strengthen our position as Malaysian customers embrace SUVs that suit their evolving lifestyles,” he added.

  The base variant of the Xforce is the Urban that retails for RM109,980 on-the-road without insurance, while the range-topping Ultimate is RM10,000 more at RM119,980. With the cash rebate, the figures are reduced to RM104,980 and RM114,980 respectively.

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• Rakyat could adopt public transport, EVs amid fuel crisis; e-hailing car-pooling can reduce cost – Loke

  In Local News, Public Transport / by Jonathan James Tan / 9 April 2026 12:40 pm

  

  Transport minister Anthony Loke has said in his speech at the transport ministry’s monthly assembly that the ministry expects more Malaysians to shift to public transport and EVs amidst the ongoing global fuel crisis, despite the government intending to keep (at least for now) the price of subsidised RON 95 petrol (Budi95) at RM1.99 a litre.

  Being the populist weapon that it is (particularly in Malaysia), fuel is always a touchy and tricky subject. The first (and very valid) question is, “why would I shift to public transport and/or EVs when petrol is still RM1.99 a litre?” But RM4 billion a month on subsidies is not by any means a small amount, and the government has cut the monthly Budi95 limit from 300 to 200 litres and announced work-from-home. These are strong enough indications that the government would like us to use less fuel.

  There may be a ceasefire and global crude oil prices may have dipped, but the war is not completely over and things could change – the more altruistic, pragmatic and bigger-picture-thinking among us would wonder how much longer the government can tahan spending RM4 billion a month, and would do their bit to ensure our fellow countrymen and countrywomen can continue enjoying RM1.99 petrol (or at least less than the current unsubsidised RM4.27) for as long as possible. Like Tesco says, every little helps.

  

  Our ASEAN neighbours are already taking fuel-saving measures. Of course, how you tighten your belts depends on individual circumstances and may not necessarily mean shifting to public transport and/or EVs. Loke also encouraged e-hailing firms to expand their car-pooling options, Bernama reports.

  “This is something that can be implemented immediately, as there has already been a proof of concept carried out with several e-hailing companies,” he said, adding that car-pooling would allow passengers to share rides more efficiently at more affordable fares, while maintaining a balance between industry needs and consumer welfare. A 2019 study found Malaysians among the worst in the world at car-pooling.

  You have a lot on your mind, I’m sure – share your thoughts with us below. Have you been carrying out any proactive measures to reduce your fuel usage, or have you been carrying on as usual?

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• Leapmotor Glenmarie operated by Cycle & Carriage opens, EV brand’s first full-fledged 3S dealership

  In Cars, Leapmotor, Local News / by Danny Tan / 9 April 2026 12:38 pm

  

  Cycle & Carriage (C&C) has launched its flagship Leapmotor Glenmarie outlet, a 3S centre for the EV brand in the ‘car square’. It’s C&C’s second Leapmotor outlet in the Klang Valley and its fourth nationwide.

  Leapmotor Glenmarie sits on a 22,497 sq.ft. plot with a 14,120 sq.ft. built-up area. It features a showroom capable of displaying up to seven vehicles, a fully-equipped workshop and dedicated office spaces. The building with the black facade sports Leapmotor’s latest corporate identity.

  Customers can enjoy a comfortable lounge, mezzanine space and private discussion rooms for personalised consultations. The vehicle handover process is conducted in a dedicated car delivery room. The facility allows visibility into the workshop, which is equipped with five service and repair bays, a car wash area and a detailing room. The 3S centre also has 18 parking bays, two AC chargers and one DC fast charger.

  

  

  “The Cycle & Carriage Leapmotor Glenmarie 3S centre represents another significant milestone in our partnership with Stellantis Malaysia, following the successful launch of our Bukit Jalil showroom earlier this year. This expansion is part of our goal to build customer confidence in the brand and reflects our commitment to deliver a seamless and exceptional customer journey, from purchase to aftersales care,” said Adrian Short, C&C’s CEO.

  “The opening of Leapmotor Glenmarie, our first full-fledged 3S dealership, marks an important step in delivering a seamless, end-to-end experience for our customers. C&C’s proven retail expertise, combined with Leapmotor’s forward-looking vision, strengthens our foundation for sustainable growth and long-term market presence.” said Isaac Yeo, MD of Stellantis ASEAN.

  “We deeply value our collaboration with the C&C team and look forward to building a successful partnership as we accelerate the transition towards an electric future together,” he added.

  

  

  Looking ahead, C&C plans to further expand its Leapmotor network with 3S and 1S centres, including a 3S centre in Johor Bahru, as well showrooms in Petaling Jaya and the Penang mainland. C&C opened a Leapmotor showroom in Pavilion Bukit Jalil earlier this year, the brand’s first outlet in a Malaysian mall.

  Leapmotor Glenmarie’s showroom is open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday; and 11am to 5pm on Sundays and public holidays. The service centre is open 8am to 5pm on weekdays, and 8am to 12pm on Saturdays.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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