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Latest Stories

• 2026 Toyota Fortuner spied – based on new Hilux, heavy facelift with carryover body structure

  In Cars, International News, Spyshots, Toyota / by Jonathan Lee / 26 February 2026 6:38 pm

  

  Following hot on the heels of the latest ninth-generation Toyota Hilux is its SUV sibling, the new Fortuner. The car was spotted in Thailand, as seen in these spyshots of a camouflaged prototype published on the Instagram page @kurdistan_automotive_blog_.

  As you can see, the third-gen model gains a new front end heavily inspired by its pick-up sibling, with slim headlights joined together by a trim strip, sitting above a (likely body-coloured) mesh grille. A unique bumper design should give some differentiation between the two cars, similar to the current Fortuner and Hilux.

  

  Behind the new face, however, you’ll notice that the rest of the body is pretty much identical to the outgoing model, with the biggest telltale sign being the distinctive rear quarter panel “fin”. The doors, rood and door mirrors also appear to have been carried over. That’s not surprising, given that the new Hilux also retains the use of Toyota’s IMV ladder frame platform and the same body structure as before.

  Around the back, you’ll find sharper taillights again joined by a trim strip above the rear number plate recess. Expect the interior to get a complete overhaul with a new dashboard, some switchgear from the Land Cruiser Prado/250 and the brand’s latest technologies, including instrument and infotainment screens measuring up to 12.3-inch across.

  

  

  2026 Toyota Fortuner render by Theophilus Chin

  Under the bonnet, the Fortuner should carry over the 204 PS/500 Nm 1GD-FTV 2.8 litre four-cylinder diesel, plus the same six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Given there will likely be some demand for a petrol engine, we can also expect the 163 PS/246 Nm 2TR-FE 2.7 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, which the current model shares with the new Land Cruiser FJ.

  Also almost certain to be lifted from the new Hilux is the Multi-Terrain System (MTS), a rotary dial with selectable Dirt, Sand, Mud, Rock and Snow drive modes that control throttle and gearbox response. Users should also benefit from a Multi-Terrain Monitor with surrounding and underfloor views built into the new 360-degree camera system.

  GALLERY: 2026 Toyota Hilux SR5 in Australia

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: 2021 Toyota Fortuner 2.8 VRZ AT 4×4 in Malaysia

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• Local authorities need JMB cooperation to enforce against abandoned vehicles in strata areas: KPKT

  In Local News / by Mick Chan / 26 February 2026 6:03 pm

  

  While progress has been made on the issue of abandoned vehicles, this has generally been the case in public areas. The same isn’t always the case in privately owned areas, as local authorities lack the legal provisions to carry out enforcement against vehicles which have been abandoned in privately owned strata areas, reported New Straits Times.

  That being said, the obstacle to enforcement would not apply if there is a formal application or cooperation from the joint management body (JMB) or the management corporation (MC) of the property involved, said deputy housing and local government minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu.

  “For stratified residential areas that have established a JMB or MC, they are fully subject to the Strata Management Act 2013 (Act 757) and the Strata Management (Maintenance and Management) Regulations 2015. Under the provisions of the Act, once a JMB or MC is legally established, the respective body holds full authority and legal responsibility to manage, regulate and administer all matters within the common property, including issues involving abandoned vehicles in parking areas and shared access routes,” she said.

  

  This was in response to a question by Azli Yusof (PH–Shah Alam) regarding the government’s measures to introduce by-laws or regulations that would enable local authorities to act against abandoned vehicles, which frequently cause problems in stratified residential areas, according to the report.

  The ministry of housing and local government (KPKT) is undertaking a comprehensive review of the abandoned vehicle management guidelines issued in 2020, and improvements to the guidelines involve several measures, said Aiman Athirah.

  The first is to use Section 65 of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) as an additional instrument to enable vehicle disposal without going through lengthy court processes, and the second is through proposed amendments to expand enforcement powers to all categories of local authorities and to clarify the scope of enforceable areas.

  The third is through the creation of a voluntary vehicle disposal mechanism through the e-Dereg system developed by the road transport department (JPJ), in order to provide a quicker and more user-friendly alternative method of vehicle disposal, she said.

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• Chery Malaysia sponsors Lee Chong Wei Cup – inaugural youth tournament with RM100k in prizes

  In Chery, Local News / by Jonathan Lee / 26 February 2026 5:07 pm

  

  Chery Corporate Malaysia has been announced as the official sponsor of the inaugural Lee Chong Wei Cup, to be held this year. As the name suggests, the youth badminton tournament was founded by Malaysian icon Lee Chong Wei, with the intention of nurturing young talents at the grassroots level.

  The competition, which unlike most junior tournaments will be broadcast on Astro, is supported by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) and will involve male and female singles and doubles players in the under-13, under-15 and under-17 categories, as well as mixed doubles players in the under-17 category. There will be 128 slots allocated across all age groups and categories.

  Up for grabs are prizes worth a total of RM100,000 – said to be the largest prize pool ever offered for a Malaysian youth badminton tournament – with winners also being able to trial for BAM. More details, including the exact dates, will be announced in the coming weeks.

  

  “At Chery, we believe in supporting initiatives that create lasting value for society. Partnering with the Lee Chong Wei Cup allows us to contribute to a programme that nurtures talent, promotes inclusivity and instils strong values through sport,” said Chery Corporate Malaysia vice president Cheng Nam Weng. “As one of the fastest-growing international automotive brands in Malaysia, we are proud to play a role in strengthening the nation’s sporting future.”

  The Chinese carmaker is no stranger to sponsoring Malaysian sports, having previously supported the country’s Olympic medallists at the 2024 Paris games with prize cars, as well as the national contingent at the Asian Youth Para Games.

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• Multiple LRT Kelana Jaya Line trains withdrawn from service today – expect delays and plan your journey

  In Local News, Public Transport / by Danny Tan / 26 February 2026 4:51 pm

  

  There’s something serious about the technical issues plaguing the LRT Kelana Jaya Line this week – it can’t be just coincidence. Continuing the line’s bad week after transport minister Anthony Loke called for a probe yesterday, multiple trains have been withdrawn from service today due to technical faults.

  The first one started at 7.05 am, when a train was taken out of service at the Putra Heights station. “Train has been taken out of service at Putra Heights station due to a technical disruption. This will temporarily affect train frequency, which will be automatically adjusted,” Rapid KL posted.

  The same message was posted at 7.25 am (Putra Heights), 7.43 am (KLCC), 7.49 am (Taman Bahagia), 8.51 am (Kerinchi) and 9.37 am (Dato Keramat) over the morning rush hour period. One more train was withdrawn at 12.47 pm at Pasar Seni.

  

  More recently, Rapid KL posted the same message saying that a train has been withdrawn from service at Universiti station at 4.25 pm. Minutes after at 4.28 pm, one more was removed at Kelana Jaya due to a technical fault. Presumably, things are still unstable at the moment and with multiple trains out of action, there will be delays, so plan your journey or find an alternative route home.

  Yesterday, Loke ordered a probe on the LRT Kelana Jaya Line’s bad start to the week, where the service suffered two disruptions on Tuesday – one in the morning and another one in the afternoon – frustrating commuters.

  “I take seriously the recent service disruptions involving the Kelana Jaya LRT line at the start of Ramadan. The public has every right to expect a more efficient and reliable service,” Loke said, adding that he had instructed Prasarana’s CEO to provide a full explanation at the ministry’s post-cabinet meeting.

  The Prasarana head will also have to present “an immediate recovery action plan”. Loke said that the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) has been directed to investigate the incidents “and take action against Prasarana if unreasonable operational weaknesses are found”.

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• Honda CR-V returns to Japan – sixth-gen is e:HEV RS hybrid only with available Black Edition; from RM128k

  In Cars, Honda, International News / by Gerard Lye / 26 February 2026 4:50 pm

  

  The sixth-generation Honda CR-V has been launched in Japan, more than three years after it first made its global debut way back in July 2022 – we got it in December 2023. This marks the proper return of the nameplate to Honda’s home market after the SUV was dropped following low sales of the fifth-generation model – the ZR-V filled the void created by the CR-V’s temporary absence.

  We say proper return because the sixth-generation CR-V did technically go on sale in Japan, albeit in the form of the low-volume e:FCEV that was sold from July 2024 on a lease basis to local governments and companies looking to promote fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). This one is more mass market, although Honda is setting a target volume of 400 units a month – we sell a lot more CR-Vs.

  Japan gets CR-V in two hybrid trim levels, starting with the e:HEV RS that retails for 5,122,700 yen (about RM128k) with front-wheel drive, or 5,392,200 yen (RM134k) with all-wheel drive – prices are inclusive of consumption tax. There’s also the e:HEV RS Black Edition that is AWD only and sells for 5,779,400 yen (RM144k).

  Both FWD and AWD powertrains feature a 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol engine running on the Atkinson cycle that serves up 148 PS (109 kW) and 183 Nm of torque. This is augmented by dual electric motors, one acting as a generator while the other rated at 184 PS (135 kW) and 335 Nm is a traction motor. There’s also an electric continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) that can clutch the engine in to directly drive the wheels at higher loads.

  

  

  Honda Sensing is standard across the entire range, with the Black Edition gaining additional functions such as front cross traffic alert, lane change collision prevention and lane change assist. The range-topper also comes with a head-up display, a powered panoramic sunroof, front seat ventilation, 19-inch wheels, Crystal Black Pearl exterior accents, piano black and dark silver interior garnish as well as black interior pillars and headlining.

  Other touted features of the CR-V include a nine-inch Honda Connect infotainment system with Google built-in, a 60-watt wireless charging pad, a Bose sound system, selectable drive modes (Individual, Sport, Normal, Econ and Snow). The SUV can be had in Platinum White Pearl, Slate Gray Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Blazing Red Pearl and Canyon River Blue Metallic, some of which are cost options.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  
  

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• 2026 Aveta Vanguard 250 updated for Malaysia, RM16,688 retail price, new touchscreen LCD

  In Aveta, Bikes, International Bike News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 26 February 2026 4:04 pm

  

  Updates for the 2026 Aveta Vanguard 250 in Malaysia, with a recommended retail pricing of RM16,688 excluding road tax, insurance and registration. Updates for the Vanguard 250 were driven through owner feedback and rider engagement, improving comfort, versatility, and rider confidence.

  There are 10 major updates for the Vanguard 250, with top of the list being the 7-inch TFT-LCD touchscreen, along with an electrically-adjustable windshield and redesigned switch gear for more intuitive operation while riding. Protection for the pillion passenger from exhaust heat is now done with an extended exhaust cover, complemented by improved pillion footpegs for better comfort and safety.

  

  

  

  

  Additionally, the seat is now cut for better reach at standstill, aiding the rider in getting their feet down, along with better comfort. Under the seat, the Vanguard 250’s storage compartment now better accommodates a full-face helmet, improving practicality.

  Rear shock absorber settings are revised for better ride stability under varying loads. ABS and TCS are now switchable on the Vanguard 250, allowing for optimal ride settings for on- and off-road riding, while the engine cover has bee redesigned for easier maintenance.

  

  Power for the Vanguard comes from a SOHC, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, four-valve engine displacing 244.2 cc, fed by Bosch EFI. Power is rated at 24.8 hp at 8,500 rpm with a maximum torque of22.5 Nm at 6,500 rpm, going to the rear wheel via CVT transmission and belt drive.

  There are two colour options available for the Vanguard 250 in Malaysia – Nano Green and Desert Bronze. Availability of the updated Vanguard 250 will be from March 2026 at all authorised Aveta dealer showrooms.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• 2026 KTM 990 RC R Track – 135 PS, 105 Nm torque

  In Bikes, International Bike News, KTM / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 26 February 2026 2:53 pm

  

  Austrian motorcycle maker KTM has unveiled the 2026 KTM 990 RC R Track, meat for closed circuit use. The 990 RC R Track joins the road-going KTM 990 RC R which was released for public sale in October last year.

  Differentiating the RC R Track from its road sibling is the omission of any sort of road-going equipment. This means lights, mirrors, side-stand and other street sensibilities are gone, replaced by a full race-ready configuration.

  The fairing is made from injected plastic for personal decals and graphics, as well as easy replacement and repair while the windscreen is a taller to accomodate a full race tuck. There is a wet weather taillight and paddock stand supplied as standard while the controls and dash have been simplified for the track.

  

  

  

  

  Michelin Power Slick tires are supplied as standard in 120/70-R17 and 190/55-R17 sizes for the track. Fully-adjustable, state-of-the-art WP APEX suspension is fitted, carrying settings derived from testing laps around some of the most prominent motorsport circuits in Europe.

  The RC R track is also two kilograms lighter than the 195 kg (wet weight) of the RC R. There are three customisable track riding modes, allowing for easy configuration of throttle response, traction control, slip adjustment, anti wheelie mode, launch control and engine braking.

  

  Also included in the specification sheet is a pit limiter, KTM quickshifter+ and all riding information, including a lap timer, is displayed on a 4.2-inch full color TFT-LCD panel. ABS is omitted for the RC R Track, with braking done using 320 mm diameter Brembo HyPure discs and twin four-piston callipers, along with a 240 mm rear disc.

  The RC R Track draws o the KTM RC16 MotoGP race bike for its aerodynamic profile. Wings and edges have been sculpted for the best downforce and corner performance for entry, grip and stability on acceleration.

  

  Motive power comes from KTM’s 947 cc parallel-twin, DOHC LC8c engine, producing 135 PS and 105 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm, mated to a racing gearbox with longer first and shorter sixth gear and stainless steel Akrapovic Evolution exhaust system. By comparison, the road-going RC R gets 127 PS and 103 Nm of torque.

  Seat height on the RC R Track is set at 857 mm with 15.7-litres of fuel carried in the tank. The RC R Track is intended for entry into the KTM 990 RC R Cup, a cost-controlled, professionally organised six-round European race series for amateur riders.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• Aston Martin to cut workforce by 20%, delay EV tech investment due to US tariffs, weak China demand

  In Aston Martin, International News / by Mick Chan / 26 February 2026 1:52 pm

  

  Aston Martin will be cutting 20%, or 600 persons from its workforce of 3,000 in a bid to reduce costs amid dropping profits due to US import tariffs and weak demand in China, BBC has reported.

  The job cuts will deliver annual savings of around GBP40 million (RM210 million), though the luxury camaker did not specify when the layoffs will take place, however it said that most of the cost savings would be made this year. US tariffs have been “extremely disruptive” and demand for its products had been “extremely subdued” in China, citing an Aston Martin spokesperson.

  

  The luxury carmaker has also reduced five-year capital spending plan from GBP2 billion (RM10.5 billion) to GBP1.7 billion (RM8.9 billion) by delaying its investment in electric vehicle technology, it stated.

  “Having undertaken at the start of 2025 a process to make organisational adjustments to ensure the business was appropriately resourced for its future plans, we had to take the difficult decision at the end of 2025 to implement further changes. This latest programme will ultimately see the departure of up to 20% of our valued workforce,” the carmaker stated.

  According to BBC, most of the layoffs will impact its operations in the United Kingdom where the bulk of its workforce is based, affecting roles across the business including factory staff.

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• Volvo EX30 updated for MY2026 – entry-level 150 PS powertrain added, up to 476 km WLTP; new UX, V2L

  In Cars, International News, Volvo / by Gerard Lye / 26 February 2026 12:22 pm

  

  Volvo has updated the EX30 for the 2026 model year, which sees revisions to the powertrain line-up as well as the introduction of new technologies and features.

  Kicking things off is the addition of a new entry-level powertrain that features a rear electric motor rated at 150 PS (148 hp or 110 kW). This is paired with a 51-kWh battery for WLTP-rated range of up to 339 km, or a larger 69-kWh battery for up to 476 km.

  Both configurations are new in Europe but already exist in Singapore, which got a “detuned” version of the EX30 with the same power output back in June 2025. The Cat A COE-friendly variant of the EX30 is available in Plus (51 kWh) and Ultra (69 kWh) variants, with other key specifications being peak torque of 343 Nm, a 0-100 km/h time of 8.6 seconds and top speed of 180 km/h.

  

  Prior to the announcement of the new powertrain, there were three options available for the EX30. The Single Motor came equipped with a 51-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and a rear electric motor rated at 272 PS (268 hp or 200 kW) and 343 Nm.

  This is followed by the Single Motor Extended Range that retains the same electric motor but gets a 69-kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, while at the top is the Twin Motor Performance with dual electric motors (one on each axle) for 428 PS (422 hp or 315 kW) and 543 Nm – both are currently open for booking in Malaysia in locally-assembled (CKD) form.

  Aside from the new base powertrain, Volvo says it has completely redesigned the user experience (UX) of the touchscreen infotainment system to allow for a customisable content bar and context-sensitive controls to be provided.

  

  

  The EX30 will also gain vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, although the adapter will be sold separately depending on market. Volvo says the new UX and V2L function will be also provided to existing customers in the summer via over-the-air (OTA) software upgrades.

  In terms of aesthetic changes, two new interior themes called ‘Harvest’ and ‘Black’ will be made available. The first features light-coloured woven recycled textile upholstery, subtly contrasting Nordico upholstery made from recycled material such as PET bottles, elegant dark flax décor, as well as a black headliner for a contemporary, natural feel. 

  Meanwhile, the latter is exactly as it sounds, with the cabin of the SUV sporting a deep-black shade and accompanied by Nordico upholstery with slightly contrasting seams and dark flax décor. Volvo is also adding a Black Edition to the trim line-up, which comes in three exterior colours: Onyx Black, Vapour Grey and Crystal White.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  
  

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• Free car inspection at Caltex Havoline Autopro workshops, plus free gifts with engine oil purchases!

  ADVERTORIAL / by Harvinder Sidhu / 26 February 2026 12:21 pm

  

  Hari Raya Aidilfitri is just around the corner now, and so is the annual mega exodus from Klang Valley to our hometowns. Make sure that your Raya checklist does not exclude one vital item – ensuring that your car is in good mechanical condition for that all-important journey home. It’s the worst time to have car issues.

  Servicing your car and giving all the important systems a full check-up is a must before any long journey, so take advantage of the free car inspection offered by the Caltex Havoline Delo Festive End User Promotion.

  It’s available at selected participating Havoline Autopro workshops in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak on the first and second weekends of March 2026. Slots are limited and customers have to book in advance. It’s on a first come, first served basis, so act now to secure your appointment.

  Should you choose to service your car at Havoline Autopro workshops, you can bring home a free foldable camping chair or a free 700 ml silicone food container with lid. Both are handy items for family road trips!

  Free camping chair

  • Havoline Pro DS Fully Synthetic LE SAE 5W-40
  • Delo Sports Advanced Fully Synthetic SAE 5W-30
  • Delo Sports Advanced Fully Synthetic SAE 5W-40

  Free 700 ml silicone food container with lid

  • Havoline Synthetic Blend SAE 10W-40
  • Delo Sports Synthetic Blend SAE 15W-40

  The free gifts with purchase deal is valid till March 31, so the best time to combine both offers is the first and second weekends in March. For more details and to check out the full list of participating Havoline Autopro workshops, click here. Drive safe!

   

• Leapmotor C10 Plus in Malaysia – 299 PS, 510 km WLTP, 180 kW DCFC, new Night Edition, from RM139k

  In Cars, Leapmotor, Local Car Launches, Local News / by Jonathan Lee / 26 February 2026 11:11 am

  

  Teased earlier this week, the 2026 Leapmotor C10 has been launched in Malaysia, officially called the C10 Plus. The electric SUV finally receives the far-reaching mechanical upgrade that was introduced in China last year, albeit with a significant price increase.

  That price is now RM148,000, representing a jump of RM23,000 over the outgoing model. The ending of CBU EV tax incentives last year likely has something to do with this – Stellantis Malaysia has previously said it planned to kick off CKD local assembly at the end of last year, but there’s no mention of this in the press release.

  On top of this is a RM9,000 rebate, bringing the price down to RM139,000, reducing the difference over the old car to RM14,000. There’s also a RM4,000 insurance subsidy for early-bird buyers that results in claimed total savings of RM13,000. The 2025 model will continue to be sold as a lower-priced variant. Warranty coverage remains at six years or 150,000 km, with an additional eight-year/160,000 km battery warranty.

  

  In any case, the price bump does come with some tremendous upsides, not least in terms of range. The LFP battery has grown in capacity from 69.9 kWh to 81.9 kWh, and together with an improved energy efficiency of 15.1 kWh per 100 km, this enables the C10 to travel up to 86 km further on a single charge, with a WLTP-rated range of 510 km.

  Charging that battery now takes less time, too – thanks to a switch to an 800-volt architecture, the supported DC fast charging power rises from a paltry 84 kW to a far more respectable 180 kW. As such, even with a larger battery, topping up from 30 to 80% now takes 22 minutes, which is eight minutes less than before. While AC charging was not mentioned, it should reach the same 11 kW as before, as was updated last year.

  

  

  

  There have also been improvements to performance. The C10 retains its single rear motor, but it now makes 299 PS (220 kW) and 360 Nm of torque, increases of 81 PS (60kW) and 40 Nm over the outgoing model. This takes nearly a second and a half out of the zero-to-100 km/h sprint, which now takes 6.2 seconds. The top speed has also risen by 20 km/h to 190 km/h.

  Beyond all this, there are no stated changes to the design or the kit list, but there is now a new Night Edition for an additional RM8,000, bringing up the price to RM156,000, or RM147,000 with the aforementioned rebate. This adds a two-tone paint finish with a black roof, plus a bodykit with a jutting chin spoiler, deeper side skirts and an aggressive rear diffuser. The standard-fit 20-inch “Trident” alloy wheels are also finished in matte black.

  GALLERY: 2026 Leapmotor C10 Plus Night Edition
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: 2025 Leapmotor C10 in Malaysia

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• Klang lady wins a Chery Tiggo Cross Hybrid just by test driving a PHEV, husband gets the free car!

  In Cars, Chery, Local News / by Danny Tan / 26 February 2026 10:59 am

  

  This lucky lady won a new Chery Tiggo Cross Hybrid just by test driving a Chery plug-in hybrid. It all began with a routine service visit for Joan Gan Cherl Wean. When sending in her Tiggo 7 Pro for service at Chery Klang, she was encouraged to test drive the Tiggo 7 PHEV by the outlet’s staff. That put her in the running for the grand prize in Chery’s PHEV Test Drive Lucky Draw contest.

  Gan’s name was drawn from a pool of over 1,300 participants in a recent livestream. The Klang resident said she was in a meeting when she noticed that her mobile phone kept ringing, and she sensed that something wasn’t right.

  “I had to excuse myself to answer the call, and to my surprise, it was a representative from Chery Klang, the outlet where I had test-driven a Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV,” she said, adding that she initially thought that it was a prank before Chery sent her a video recording of the winner’s live draw session.

  

  You know the saying good things come to those who wait? “This is my first time winning something from a lucky draw and it is the grand prize, this is a truly a great start for the new year,” Gan said. The mother of two explained that her husband has been looking to change his car to an SUV and the free Chery Tiggo Cross HEV came at the perfect time. I’m not sure who’s luckier!

  The contest was held from December 9, 2025 to January 6, 2026 to encourage the public to test drive Chery’s PHEV range, which currently consists of the Tiggo 7 PHEV and Tiggo 8 PHEV. They had to try either SUV and snap a photo with it to be in the running for the draw. The Tiggo Cross was part of a pool of RM200,000 worth of prizes including electrical appliances and electronic gadgets.

  “We want customers to experience our PHEVs firsthand not just relying on reviews or recommendations by their friends. Once you have driven a Chery PHEV, you not only understand how it operates but also know the Chery Super Hybrid technology better. You will then be able to decide if it is the best fit for you,” said Lee Wen Hsiang, VP of Chery Malaysia.

  

  Launched in July last year, the Tiggo Cross B-segment SUV is CKD locally assembled in two variants – Turbo and Hybrid. The Turbo goes for RM88,800 while the RM99,800 Hybrid is the most affordable hybrid model in the Malaysian market.

  The CSH hybrid system here combines a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-pot engine (96 PS/120 Nm) with a Direct Hybrid Transmission (DHT) with two integrated electric motors, rated together at 204 PS/310 Nm. There’s a 1.8-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery under the boot floor to juice the motors.

  The CSH is a series-parallel hybrid system with five states, including EV (running on electricity only), Tandem (engine acts as a generator while the electric motor drives the wheels), Parallel (both the engine and electric motor working together), Direct Engine (engine directly drives the wheels at speeds above 80 km/h) and Energy Recovery (regenerative braking and coasting to charge the battery). Chery claims that the Tiggo Cross Hybrid can reach 1,000 km per tank thanks to electrification.

  If you prefer to keep things simple, the Turbo’s pairs a 1.5-litre turbo-four (147 PS/210 Nm) to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Full details and gallery of the Tiggo Cross Hybrid and Turbo here.

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• Routine checks should not be on emergency lanes; revised SOPs needed – UPM road safety reseach head

  In Local News / by Mick Chan / 26 February 2026 10:42 am

  

  A road safety expert has said that routine enforcement should not be carried out on emergency lanes, following the occurrence of a fatal crash on the North-South Expressway (NSE) earlier this week, reported New Straits Times.

  According to the report, the incident occurred when a traffic police officer was conducting a roadside inspection in the emergency lane of the NSE in the northbound direction.

  Emergency lanes are meant for vehicle breakdowns, medical emergencies and access for emergency services, and not routine inspections, said Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre head associate professor Law Teik Hua.

  “High-speed traffic and motorcyclists using the lane make stops extremely hazardous,” Law said, adding that police must use proper warning measures such as cones, flares, reflective triangles, flashing lights and high-visibility vests, and that such precautions should be mandatory, not optional, in order to reduce the risk of secondary collisions which are common on high-speed highways.

  

  Road Safety Research Centre head associate professor Law Teik Hua called for revised SOPs, and further measures including the use of buffer vehicles

  The head of the UPM road safety research centre also called for revised standard operating procedures (SOPs) and legislation, including mandatory risk assessments before roadside stops, minimum safety distances for warning devices, and accountability if protocols were ignored.

  Although the police are legally allowed to set up roadblocks under Section 26 of the Police Act 1967, routine roadblocks on highways posed serious risks, including sudden braking and chain collisions, Law said.

  He also proposed that routine inspections be relocated to safer areas such as toll plazas, rest areas, laybys or weigh stations where traffic speed is controlled and adequate space is available. Law also suggested further measures such as the use of buffer vehicles or truck-mounted attenuators (TMA), to shield officers during unavoidable roadside stops.

  “Routine checks should be moved to controlled zones where enforcement can be carried out without exposing officers and motorists to unnecessary danger. Without proper management, emergency lanes remain one of the most dangerous parts of the highway,” he said.

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• China drafts new safety standards for autonomous driving systems – “black box,” emergency stop assist

  In Cars, International News / by Gerard Lye / 26 February 2026 10:15 am

  

  China’s ministry of industry and information technology (MIIT) has published a new draft that lists mandatory safety standards for autonomous driving systems. Slated to be implemented on July 1, 2027, the ministry is currently gathering public comments on the draft titled ‘Intelligent Connected Vehicles – Safety Requirements for Autonomous Driving Systems’ released earlier this month.

  This comes as the country considers heightened safety standards for autonomous driving systems in the wake of a various accidents (some fatal) involving vehicles with autonomous driving capabilities, including robotaxis. In recent weeks, MIIT also published new standards relating to vehicle design (door handles, steering wheels) in the interest of safety.

  The new draft raises the safety baseline for Level 3 autonomous driving systems, which is defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) as “conditional driving automation.” L3 systems are able to perform all driving tasks under specific conditions but the driver must be ready to take over when needed.

  Under the proposed standards, L3 systems must be capable of executing minimal risk manoeuvres independently when the driver fails to respond to takeover requests. This includes the ability to change lanes and safely park the vehicle in a location that doesn’t obstruct traffic during an emergency (driver has a stroke or passes out), while minimising risks to passengers and other road users.

  

  These requirements bring L3 systems classified under China’s proposed standards closer in terms of capabilities to SAE Level 4, which does not require the driver to take over when requested under specific conditions. SAE Level 5 is the highest and is the same as L4, but the system can work in all conditions.

  Another requirement for vehicles with autonomous driving capabilities is a device commonly referred to as the Data Storage System for Automated Driving (DSSAD). This is similar to the “black box” in an airplane and serves to record critical operational data so investigators can better reconstruct scenarios in the event of a system failure leading to a traffic accident.

  According to CarNewsChina, this data logging system must comply with China’s mandatory national standard on data recording systems for intelligent connected vehicles, which took effect in January 2026. Once finalised, the draft replaces the recommended national standard ‘General Technical Requirements for Autonomous Driving Systems of Intelligent Connected Vehicles’ that was implemented in September 2024.

  While recommended standards are voluntary, mandatory standards must be followed, and products that do not comply will be prohibited from production, sale and import in China. A transition period of 13 months from the new standards’ implementation date will be provided for vehicle models that have already been approved prior to ensure the meet the new requirements.

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• JPJ eBid: QBJ and TDG number plates up for bidding

  In Local News / by Danny Tan / 26 February 2026 9:35 am

  

  

  JPJ has announced that QBJ and TDG are the next number plate series to go up for bidding on its online auction platform, JPJ eBid.

  Sarawak’s latest running number series is ‘QBJ’, and it will open for tender on March 8. The bidding period on JPJeBid is five days, ending 10pm on March 12. As usual, the results will be out the following day. The whole process is online now, as it has been for some time, and bidders will get the good (or bad) news via email.

  Also available on JPJ eBid is the Terengganu series ‘TDG’. The bidding period started on February 24, and will close at 10pm on February 28. Results will be out the day after the auction closes.

  New car coming soon and want a nice number plate for the new ride? Why not DIY and skip the reseller’s markup and runner fees? If you have never bid for a number yourself, check out our step-by-step guide on how to navigate JPJ eBid and the techniques needed to get your preferred number at “retail price”.

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