Latest Featured Stories

• 

  Mitsubishi Xforce in M'sia - fr. RM110k, RM5k rebate

• 

  Tesla Model Y L in Malaysia - RM260k

• 

  Toyota bZ4X Malaysia – 525 km, RM220k

• 

  Toyota Urban Cruiser EV in M'sia - 426 km, RM198k

• 

  Toyota Hilux EV Malaysia – Travo, 257 km, RM226k

• 

  Omoda C9 PHEV in Malaysia, 537 PS; RM209k

Latest Stories

• 2026 Toyota Yaris Cross for Europe debuts – 1.5L NA 3-cylinder hybrid, up to 130 PS, new GR Sport variant

  In Cars, International News, Toyota / by Mick Chan / 16 April 2026 7:53 pm

  

  The European-market Toyota Yaris Cross has been updated again for 2026, following a prior update in 2024. The 2026 Yaris Cross is made in France, and will be offered on the continent in Mid, Mid+, High and GR Sport trim levels.

  The latest update brings revised styling and equipment specification, with front- and all-wheel-drive options across 130 PS/185 Nm and 116 PS/141 Nm versions of its 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated inline-three petrol engine, both paired with a CVT.

  Leading the aesthetic changes in front is the new front grille with a honeycomb pattern in the body colour, contrasted by a black lower section that meets the flared front wheel arches to “maintain a strong SUV stance”. This is joined by redesigned LED headlamps with integrated DRLs, while new wheel designs measures 17 inches on the Mid+ variant, and 18 inches on the High variant.

  

  

  

  

  Cabin equipment for the 2026 Yaris Cross in the Mid+ variant now includes a seat that is designed to offer better comfort and lateral support, previously reserved for the High trim variant. The High trim variant now introduces a part-leather SakuraTouch upholstery that incorporates plant-derived PVC and recycled materials to help reduce material production CO2 emissions by 95 % compared to real leather, says Toyota.

  Variants Mid+ and above gain ambient lighting and a wireless device charger, while the High adds a powered tailgate. The GR Sport variant that is introduced to the Yaris Cross range is specified with the Hybrid 130 powertrain, denoting the aforementioned 130 PS/185 Nm specification, while the base Mid trim level is the now sole Yaris Cross variant with the Hybrid 115 (116 PS/141 Nm) powertrain.

  Said to be “inspired by the multiple World Championship-winning achievements of Toyota Gazoo Racing”, the Yaris Cross GR Sport gets variant-specific exterior and cabin features, along with retuned suspension for sharper handling. This gets a unique front bumper and 18-inch two-tone machined alloy wheels, while inside it gets sports seats in suede upholstery, GR logos, and GR Sport trim inserts.

  

  

  

  

  2026 Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport

  For safety and driving assistance functions, the Toyota Safety Sense suite adds parking support brake as standard on variants Mid+ and above, while the High variant adds blind spot monitoring.

  Infotainment in the 2026 Yaris Cross brings the Toyota Smart Connect multimedia system with cloud-based navigation as standard, with voice recognition and a voice agent; wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provide smartphone connectivity.

  Built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing France, the 2026 Toyota Yaris Cross is set to go on sale in Europe later this month.

  2026 Toyota Yaris Cross for Europe

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  2026 Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport for Europe

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  
  

  2 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Chery Malaysia tests CSH PHEV battery by setting it on fire – over 1,000 ºC, no thermal runaway

  In Cars, Chery, Local News, Safety / by Jonathan Lee / 16 April 2026 4:55 pm

  

  Yesterday, Chery Auto Malaysia performed a safety test on the Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) battery used in the Tiggo 7 PHEV and Tiggo 8 PHEV. The company subjected the 18.3 kWh LFP pack to a massive fire, with temperatures reaching over 1,000 degrees Celsius, but the battery remained largely unscathed.

  At the event, the company lit up 36 litres of petrol (no Budi95 quota was used, we checked), then lowered the said battery over the fire, leaving it there for 80 seconds. As you’d expect, the casing was singed, but the pack itself was intact without any electrical failure or uncontrolled deformation and, crucially, there was no thermal runaway, so the fire remained controlled.

  In fact, a company spokesperson said that having subjected another battery to the same test for a dry run, it opened the casing to discover that the cells themselves had not been touched by the flames.

  

  Chery claims the battery features a heat-resistant construction that, even in the event of ignition, prevents fires from propagating, and it can withstand temperatures up to 95 degrees Celsius. It also has a built-in, high-strength crossmember to protect it in an accident.

  The hybrid system routinely checks the battery for instances of thermal runaway and, if one is detected, a pyrotechnic safety switch (PSS) will disconnect the battery within two milliseconds. This is meant to slow down any fire that occurs, giving occupants more time to escape.

  “Safety is at the core of our development process. Beyond meeting regulatory requirements, we conduct rigorous and extreme validation tests, and we demonstrate these tests publicly to help people understand the technology, the standards behind it, and why we are confident in its safety,” said Chery Corporate Malaysia executive vice president Men Lin Bo.

  

  

  Chery has performed several durability and safety tests on the CSH battery, including subjecting a Tiggo 9 PHEV to a head-on collision and a rollover in China. It then submerged the battery in seawater for over 53 hours in Jakarta; that battery was then reinstalled into a Tiggo 8 PHEV and the car managed to drive on without issue.

  The company also performed an impact test in Mexico, with a Tiggo 7 PHEV surviving an underbody scrape with a low bollard. Other tests include an offset frontal crash in South Africa and even gunshots from multiple angles using a rifle in Ecuador.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  8 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Electric Lexus ES to be launched in RHD Australia in Q3 2026 – will it be launched in Malaysia?

  In Cars, International News, Lexus / by Paul Tan / 16 April 2026 4:53 pm

  

  The eight generation Lexus ES was first unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2025 and has been launched in left hand drive markets so far. Built on the Lexus GA-K platform, it marks the first time the ES has been available with a pure electric powertrain alongside ICE-equipped hybrid variants.

  Now we have news that the new ES, especially the electric variant, will indeed have a right hand drive version as Lexus Australia has announced that it will be launched in the land down under in Q3 2026.

  The ES was unveiled with two different electric variants. Built on a 400V platform, the electric ES can be charged at up to 150 kW DC and uses a 74.7 kWh battery pack. The front-wheel drive ES350e produces 224 PS (165 kW) and has a range of around 685 km on China’s ridiculously lenient CLTC cycle, while the ES500e delivers dual-motor all-wheel drive and 343 PS (252 kW), with a slightly shorter range of 610 km.

  

  For those who want to stick with ICE power, the ES is available as both front wheel drive and AWD variants – a 197 PS ES300h with a 2.0 NA engine, and 201 PS ES300h AWD and 247 PS ES350h versions with 2.5 NA engines.

  What are the chances for the electric ES coming to Malaysia, and at a competitive price? There might be hope for a Lexus ES350e with an appealing price tag if UMW Toyota Motor can import it from the new Lexus factory being built in Shanghai, expected to be ready in 2027. This is because China-sourced EVs are slapped with a lower tax bill.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: Lexus ES at Auto Shanghai 2025

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: 2025 Lexus ES official photos

  

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  
  

  

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  

  
  

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  
  

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  
  

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  
  

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  
  

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  
  

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  
  

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  
  

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  
  

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  
  

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  
  

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  
  

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  
  

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  
  

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  
  

  

  2025.03.31

  

  2025.03.31

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  0 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• 2026 Honda Prelude previewed in Malaysia – 203 PS, 2.0L hybrid 2+2 coupé gets closer to local debut

  In Cars, Honda, Local News / by Anthony Lim / 16 April 2026 4:11 pm

  

  Following the opening of the order books for it at the start of the month, the Honda Prelude takes another step towards its market debut here, with Honda Malaysia showcasing a Crystal Black Pearl example of the 2+2 coupé at its Hari Raya media engagement held earlier today, ahead of its expected launch sometime in the middle of the year.

  It’s the first outing for the car in the country in its production form. The Prelude did appear in Malaysia back in December 2024, but in its concept guise at KLIMS 2024. It all looks familiar though, because the series vehicle does retain a lot of the design cues displayed by the study.

  Measuring in at 4,522 mm long, 1,880 mm wide and 1,355 mm tall, with a 2,605 mm wheelbase, the BF1 is features a hybrid system similar to the one found in the Civic e:HEV and CR-V e:HEV, which is an Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) powertrain that combines the workings of an electric motor and petrol engine.

  

  This is based around a 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol engine running on an Atkinson cycle, with outputs following that on the Civic e:HEV, which is 141 PS (139 hp or 104 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 182 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm.

  The LFC-H4 engine acts primarily as a generator for a battery (which should be the same 72-cell, 1.05 kWh capacity unit found on the hybrid Civic), which provides juice for a front traction motor offering 184 PS (181 hp or 135 kW) and 315 Nm. When needed, the engine can also be clutched in to directly drive the wheels, with the total system output being 203 PS (200 hp or 149 kW).

  While the hybrid powertrain is shared with the Civic e:HEV, some of the chassis components, such as the dual-axis strut front suspension and adaptive dampers, are borrowed from the FL5 Civic Type R. The Prelude, which rides on 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped with 235/40 profile tyres, features a Brembo brake system, with the front calipers finished in blue.

  

  

  The Prelude will be the first Honda product in Malaysia to feature the S+ Shift, which integrates with Active Sound Control to simulate gear shifts of an eight-speed transmission unit. Also to be found is Honda Agile Handling Assist, which is said to improve steering responsiveness and stability during cornering.

  With the doors locked and the windows darkened, there are no photos of the interior from today, but it really should be no different than that seen on the Bangkok Motor Show example last month. Inside, you’ll find a general presentation similar to the Civic, although the dashboard configuration has been altered with the use of hexagonal air vents sans a full-width mesh, and there’s also a unique flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel with a 12 o’clock marker.

  Elsewhere, the reworked centre console is home to a push-button gear selector instead of a gear lever, and this is flanked by a switch for the electronic parking brake as well as the drive mode selector (Comfort, GT, Sport and Individual) and a large S+ Shift button on the left. The car also gets bucket seats with distinctive high shoulders.

  

  In terms of driving assistance kit, the Prelude gets a full Honda Sensing suite, with blind spot monitoring and the cross traffic monitor on the list. We can expect more details on the car to emerge closer to its formal introduction – before that, the Prelude is set to undergo a small series of public viewings next month.

  As for the price, nothing has yet been indicated, but it is worth noting that in Japan, the Prelude is pricier than the FL5 Civic Type R, which went for RM399,000 here when it was introduced. However, it is slightly cheaper than the Type R in the US, so it could well arrive at a lower price point here.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  7 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• 2026 Morbidelli T502X and T252X adventure-tourers enter Malaysia market, RM28,888 and RM16,888

  In Bikes, Local Bike News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 16 April 2026 4:05 pm

  

  A pair of adventure-touring motorcycles for the Malaysia market, the 2026 Morbidelli T502X and T252X, priced at RM28,888 and RM16,888, respectively. Pricing does not include road tax, insurance and registration and every Morbidelli motorcycle comes with a two-year or 20,000 km warranty against manufacturing defects.

  Starting with the T502X which comes in two colours – Bulk Black and Thunder Blue – power comes from a liquid-cooled, eight-valve DOHC parallel-twin pumping out 46.9 hp at 8,500 rpm with 45 Nm of torque at 6,750 rpm. Power goes through a slipper clutch equipped six-speed gearbox and chain final drive to the rear wheel.

  Suspension in front is done with upside-down forks with adjustable damping, while the rear monoshock comes with preload-adjustment and adjustable damping. J Juan supplies the front brakes, with twin four-piston callipers and 300 mm diameter disc, while the rear end is fitted with a 240 mm disc and single-piston calliper, while two-channel ABS is standard equipment.

  

  The 502X rolls on Pirelli tyres, sized 110/80-19 at the front and 150/70-17 at the rear. Riding information is shown on a seven-inch TFT-LCD display, with connectivity to the rider’s smartphone using the T-Box system and the Morbidelli app while LED lighting is used throughout, including LED projector headlight.

  Riding conveniences include ride mode with road and off-road modes, traction control, tyre pressure monitoring and adjustable windshield. Included is luggage, with 32-litre side panniers and 45-litre top box, while weight for the T502X is claimed to be 210 kg, with 18-litres of fuel in the tank, and a seat height of 830 mm.

  Moving on the the T252X which comes in Tundra White and Bulk Black, this smaller displacement adventure-tourer comes with a two-cylinder mill displacing 249.5 cc, producing 33.5 hp at 12,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 20 Nm at 10,000 rpm. Power goes to the rear wheel via a six-speed gearbox and chain final drive.

  

  The T252X comes with upside-down telescopic front forks and preload-adjustable monoshock at the back. Braking is done with single hydraulic discs front and rear, with four-piston calliper in front and single-piston calliper in the rear.

  Wheel sizing is 19-inches in front and 17-inches at the back, wearing 110/80 and 150/60 tyres. Necessary riding information is displayed on a vertical orientation seven-inch TFT-LCD screen with Bluetooth connectivity to the rider’s smartphone. along with USB Type-A and Type-C charging ports.

  Riding aids include traction control, two-channel ABS and three ride modes – Standard (TCS on, ABS on), Sport (TCS off, ABS on) and Off-Road (TCS off, ABS off) – as well as tyre pressure monitoring. Weight for the T252X is listed at 180 kg, with 18-litres of fuel in the tank and a seat height of 820 mm, while touring luggage is fitted as standard.

  GALLERY: 2026 Morbidelli T252X

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: 2026 Morbidelli T502X

  

  

  
  

  0 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Juru-Sungai Dua traffic dispersal project Package 1 ahead of schedule, could open end-2027 – Penang CM

  In Local News / by Jonathan James Tan / 16 April 2026 3:59 pm

  

  Package 1 of the Juru–Sungai Dua toll plaza traffic dispersal project is ahead of schedule and is expected to be operational by the end of 2027, in line with its 24-month construction period, Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow has said in a statement today, according to a Bernama report.

  “The project’s implementation will proceed in phases involving Packages 2 through 5 to complete the entire alignment from the Juru toll plaza to Sungai Dua. All packages are expected to commence physical works in the third quarter of this year, subject to the finalisation of technical scope details, and overall, the project is targeted for full completion by the end of 2030,” he said.

  

  

  “Overall, the project is a strategic initiative to address long-standing traffic congestion issues along the North-South Expressway (PLUS) in the state. The route currently records an average traffic flow exceeding 200,000 vehicles daily and serves as a main corridor connecting traffic from the northern and southern parts of Peninsular Malaysia. Congestion along this stretch also directly affects surrounding areas such as Permatang Pauh, Bukit Mertajam and Perai,” he added.

  The 17.3-km project is estimated to cost RM3 billion. Spanning the Seberang Perai Selatan, Tengah and Utara districts, it’s designed to divert 30% of traffic to the new direct Juru-Sungai Dua route, cutting peak-hour travel time from one hour to just 20 minutes.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  5 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• 2026 Land Rover Defender facelift open for booking in Malaysia – mild design tweaks, 13.1-inch touchscreen

  In Cars, Land Rover, Local News / by Gerard Lye / 16 April 2026 3:50 pm

  

  Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) has announced it is now accepting bookings for the facelifted Land Rover Defender, which was revealed to the world last May.

  At present, the Defender comes in 90, 110 and 130 body designs, all of which are currently offered in pre-facelift form in Malaysia. The facelift brings design changes to the three, although they might not be immediately noticeable.

  The boxy profile of the Defender remains untouched but its bumpers now come with optimised surfaces finished in either Silicon Silver or Carpathian Grey Satin. There’s also a new textured pattern for the bonnet inserts and side vents, while the wheels get Defender-branded centre caps. Elsewhere, a gloss black grille bar is now standard and accompanied by a dark oval badge.

  A change that is more obvious involve the headlamps, which get a revised lighting signature featuring two bars on the side of the centre circle. The taillights are also darkened on the facelifted model that can be had in new colours like Woolstone Green and Borasco (a kind of grey).

  

  

  On the inside, the previous 11.4-inch infotainment touchscreen gets replaced with a larger 13.1-inch unit that completely fills the gap between the centre console and the upper surface of the dashboard. The centre console also gains a sliding section so you can hide small items in a closed cubby.

  A driver-related feature being added to the Defender as part of the facelift is Adaptive Off‑Road Cruise Control, which automatically adjusts the speed to maintain the desired level of comfort over undulating surfaces. JLRM isn’t providing further details such as pricing as well as available variants and powertrains for now, so we’ll have to wait for launch day.

  We should point out that a few months after the debut of the facelifted Defender, a special version of the off-road SUV called the Trophy Edition was revealed in June 2025. This was introduced in conjunction with the Defender Trophy competition that is a nod to the historic Camel Trophy.

  The Trophy Edition is based on the 110 body and features styling elements meant to celebrate the Defender’s rough and tough past, while also receiving expedition-ready parts. As you can see from our gallery, it really does look the part. Unfortunately, the Trophy Edition won’t be coming to Malaysia.

  GALLERY: 2026 Land Rover Defender facelift

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  2 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Volkswagen ID.3 Neo debuts – EV hatch gets updated styling, more physical controls; up to 630 km WLTP

  In Cars, International News, Volkswagen / by Mick Chan / 16 April 2026 2:44 pm

  

  The Volkswagen ID.3 Neo has made its debut, and the revised battery-electric hatchback brings technology and ergonomic updates, over six years on from the debut of the original ID.3 and three years on from the debut of the ID.3 facelift.

  Three specifications of electric motor are offered with the ID.3 Neo, and these produce 170 PS, 190 PS and 231 PS respectively, with the rear axle-mounted APP350 motor producing up to 350 Nm. Volkswagen claims electricity consumption has been reduced by 35% on the WLTP testing standard through detailed efficiency measures.

  Providing the energy stores are three battery sizes, from a 50 kWh battery for the 170 PS motor version in the base Trend variant, while the Life and Style can be specified with a 58 kWh battery for the 190 PS motor version, while the top 231 PS motor version gets the largest, 79 kWh battery.

  For fast-charging, variants of the ID.3 Neo with the 50 kWh and 58 kWh battery specifications will take up to 105 kW of DC charging, while the 79 kWh battery specification will take up to 183 kW of DC charging. Also included is a vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability of up to 3.6 kW for powering external electrical devices.

  

  

  

  While the exterior of the ID.3 Neo is refreshed to give the electric hatchback a more conventional look, with its roof and tailgate now painted in body colour compared to the contrasting black finish used previously, the interior is where the major revisions have taken place.

  For exterior dimensions, the ID.3 Neo measures 4,265 mm long, 1,809 mm wide and 1,553 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,764 mm. Luggage capacity ranges from 383 litres to 1,267 litres, and wheels measure up to 20 inches in diameter.

  As with the cabin of the ID. Polo that was shown at the beginning of this year, the ID.3 Neo gets physical buttons on its steering wheel that is flattened at its top and bottom, along with physical toggle controls for its air-conditioning and a physical knob for the audio volume control.

  The display ensemble in the ID.3 Neo is comprised of a 10.25-inch driver’s Digital Cockpit and a 12.9-inch central display for the Innovision infotainment system, which incorporates an app store for the downloading and activation of popular apps, as with a smartphone, says Volkswagen.

  

  

  

  

  Optional equipment on the ID.3 Neo includes an augmented reality head-up display, a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree view camera system, massage and memory function for the front seats, a 10-speaker premium audio system by Harman Kardon, memory function for the Park Assist Pro feature and a removable bracket for mounting a bicycle carrier on the tow bar, which is rated for loads of up to 75 kg.

  For driving assistance functions in addition to lane assist, front assist and the turning brake function, the ID.3 Neo gets Connected Travel Assist with optional traffic light recognition for Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, and a one-pedal driving mode.

  Debut pricing has yet to be announced, though the Volkswagen ID.3 Neo will commence pre-sales in its native market of Germany and other European markets from today.

  

  

  

  

  Volkswagen – Photo by Gruppe C Photography

  

  Volkswagen – Photo by Gruppe C Photography

  
  

  

  Volkswagen – Photo by Gruppe C Photography

  

  Volkswagen – Photo by Gruppe C Photography

  

  Volkswagen – Photo by Gruppe C Photography

  

  Volkswagen – Photo by Gruppe C Photography

  

  
  

  

  Volkswagen – Photo by Gruppe C Photography

  

  Volkswagen – Photo by Gruppe C Photography

  

  

  Volkswagen – Photo by Gruppe C Photography

  

  Volkswagen – Photo by Gruppe C Photography

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  Travel Assist

  

  Dimensions

  

  Rear-axle drive APP350 overview

  
  

  

  Rear-axle drive APP350

  

  Chassis

  

  Premium sound system

  

  Drive system

  

  Park Assist Pro

  
  

  2 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• 2026 Honda CBR150R in “Stealth” Black for Malaysia, priced at RM13,399, 16 hp, 13.7 Nm torque

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, Local Bike News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 16 April 2026 12:28 pm

  

  A colour update for the 2026 Honda CBR150R in Malaysia, with pricing unchanged at RM13,399 excluding road tax, insurance and registration. The new colour option is a stealthy Black, alongside the current Silver and Tricolour, with stock available at all authorised Boon Siew Honda Impian X dealers nation-wide beginning April 16.

  No changes otherwise in the specification for the CBR150R in Malaysia, with power coming from a DOHC, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder mill displacing 150 cc. Power is claimed to be 16.09 hp at 9,000 rpm and 13.7 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm, going to the rear wheel via a six-speed, slipper and assist clutch equipped gearbox.

  Suspension is done with gold anodised upside-down forks and a preload-adjustable mono shock at the back. Braking uses single hydraulic discs front and rear, with two-channel ABS as standard equipment, as well as Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) that automatically activates the hazard lights during sudden braking to alert vehicles behind the CBR150R.

  

  

  Wheel sizing on the CBR150R is 17-inches front and rear, wearing 110/70 front and 130/70 tyres. Riding information is shown on an LCD panel while LED lighting is used throughout.

  The CBR150R carries 12-litres of fuel in the tank while weight is listed at 137 kg. Seat height is set at 788 mm while ground clearance is 151 mm.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  1 comment | Leave a comment?

   

• Jetour T2 surpasses 4,089 bookings in Malaysia

  In Cars, Jetour, Local News / by Jonathan James Tan / 16 April 2026 11:42 am

  

  Not bad lah this thing – despite there being many other macho boxes in Malaysia such as the GWM Tank 300, iCaur 03 and iCaur V23, the Jetour T2‘s bookings have exceeded 4,089. Mind you, although the car was launched only a month ago, bookings have actually been open since November. That’s still a hugely impressive average of 25 orders a day!

  Under the bonnet, a 2.0 litre petrol engine sends 245 PS and 375 Nm of torque to all wheels via a seven-speed wet DCT. Features include 12 Sony speakers, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, a 360 camera, 19-inch alloys, powered/ventilated front seats, dual-zone auto air-con, faux leather upholstery, a 50-watt wireless charger, an integrated dashcam, a panoramic glass roof, six airbags and Level 2 ADAS.

  Plus, the RM2,000 rebate has been extended to the first 5,000 buyers, from 3,000 previously. So for now the price is still RM155,669, OTR before insurance. It’ll become RM157,669 once the rebate ends. The T2 comes with a seven-year/150,000-km vehicle warranty, a 10-year/one-million-km powertrain warranty and five times’ free service (parts and labour).

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  
  

  12 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Diesel supply reduction behind Juru R&R station’s refusal to sell diesel to lorry driver – Penang KPDN

  In Local News / by Mick Chan / 16 April 2026 10:36 am

  

  A petrol station at the Juru northbound R&R area reportedly refused to sell diesel to a lorry driver due to a reduced supply from its depot, reported New Straits Times.

  A team of Penang domestic trade and cost of living ministry (KPDN) enforcement officers were dispatched to the station following the incident, said Penang KPDN director S. Jegan.

  “A team of enforcement officers was sent to the station at 8pm to conduct checks after a video of the incident surfaced online. Inspections and verification of documents confirmed that diesel stock was still available at the premises. However, further checks revealed that the supply of B10 diesel from the depot to the station had been reduced by about 50 per cent since Monday (April 13),” he said.

  

  Due to reduced supply to the station, the station management prioritised sales to regular customers while limiting purchases by non-regular customers to 20 litres, Jegan said. Despite supply constraints, refusal to controlled goods is an offence under the law, he added.

  “Action has been taken against the station, and the case is being investigated under Section 16A(1)(b) of the Control of Supplies Act 1961 for refusal to sell controlled goods,” he said.

  Earlier this week, minister of domestic trade and cost of living Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said that the supply of diesel fuel remains sufficient, and the isolated disruptions reported were due to were due to logistical issues such as delays in deliveries to ports and depots, and not due to a shortage of supply, Armizan said.

  3 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• 2026 Keeway RKR250 in Malaysia, RM13,888 price

  In Bikes, Keeway, Local Bike News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 16 April 2026 10:12 am

  

  Now in Malaysia is the 2026 Keeway RKR250 sports bike, priced at RM13,888. Pricing does not include road tax, insurance or registration and there are two colour options – Night Black and Flame Red – and every Keeway comes with a. two-year or 20,000 km warranty against manufacturing defects.

  Power for the RKR250 comes from a two-cylinder, eight-valve DOHC, liquid-cooled engine displacing 249.3 cc. The RKR250 gets 31.5 hp at 10,500 rpm with 22.5 Nm of torque at 9,500 rpm, with power going to the rear wheel via a slipper-clutch equipped six-speed gearbox and chain final drive.

  Suspension is done with 40 mm diameter telescopic front forks with 100 mm of travel, while the back is supported by a preload-adjustable mono shock with 42.5 mm of travel. For braking, the RKR250 gets single hydraulic discs front and rear, with a 320 mm diameter disc in front with four-piston calliper and 240 mm disc at the back with single-piston calliper.

  

  Wheel sizing is 17-inches front and rear, wearing 110/70 front and 150/60 rear tyres. The RKR250 has a seat height of 770 mm, while weight is listed at 130 kg, with 12-litres of fuel carried in the tank.

  Riding information is displayed is displayed on a five-inch TFT-LCD screen, with USB Type-A and Type-C charging ports included for charging the rider’s electronics. Electronic riding aids include switchable traction control, tyre pressure monitoring, two-channel ABS, and Bluetooth connectivity to the rider’s smartphone.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  1 comment | Leave a comment?

   

• 2026 Proton X70 Sport Edition launched – RM6k worth of added value for extra RM2.5k, priced at RM115,300

  In Cars, Local Car Launches, Local News, Proton / by Gerard Lye / 16 April 2026 9:54 am

  

  Proton has officially launched the new X70 Sport Edition, a limited-run model that it announced just a few days ago. Based on the range-topping Premium variant, the X70 Sport Edition brings with it several aesthetic changes for greater visual presence.

  On the outside of the SUV, there’s an aerokit that adds front, side and rear skirts, all with contrasting red highlights. Elsewhere, the 19-inch wheels are the same design as what you’ll find on the Premium, although they are in gloss black instead of a two-tone finish.

  To make sure onlookers know you’re driving a X70 Sport Edition, there’s a badge on the tailgate in chrome with three red lines and ‘Sport Edition’ wording in black. On that mention, the X70 Sport Edition can only be had in Quartz Black, which is a colour that isn’t part of the X70’s standard palette.

  

  The inky hue was also used exclusively for the 200-unit X50 Black Edition before it became a standard colour for the B-segment SUV. Will the X70 also get Quartz Black as a standard colour in the future? That’s for Proton to decide.

  Changes inside the X70 Sport Edition include red stitching to match the highlights on the outside. This can be found on the steering wheel, front armrest and leatherette seats, the last of which also gets Sport Edition logos embroidered on the backrests. A practical addition here is a boot tray.

  

  

  2026 Proton X70 Sport Edition brochure; click to enlarge

  According to Proton, these enhancements are valued at RM6,000, but you’re only paying RM2,500 for them. The Premium currently retails for RM112,800 on-the-road without insurance, and this figure factors in Proton’s ongoing rebate for the X70 applicable for registrations before April 30, 2026. As such, the X70 Special Edition is priced at RM115,300 but you’ll want to hurry because Proton is only offering 600 units.

  Mechanically, the X70 Sport Edition gets the Premium’s BHE15-EFZ 1.5 litre turbocharged and direct-injected inline-four petrol engine that makes 181 PS (178 hp or 133 kW) at 5,500 rpm and 290 Nm of torque from 2,000-3,500 rpm. This is paired with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission that sends drive to the front wheels. The rest of the kit list is identical to the Premium, so a full ADAS suite is standard.

  GALLERY: 2026 Proton X70 Sport Edition

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  GALLERY: 2026 Proton X70 Sport Edition official photos

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  
  

  3 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Stand a chance to win a 50g gold bar with Auto Selection Sizzling Pre-Owned Sales this April 17-19!

  ADVERTORIAL / by Harvinder Sidhu / 16 April 2026 9:47 am

  

  With the world being as volatile as it is right now, it would be a wise decision to purchase a used car as your next vehicle, in order to shield yourself from depreciation. With a wide range of quality pre-owned models, Auto Selection can ensure you get a car that is just as good as new – and through Auto Selection Sizzling Pre-Owned Sales this weekend, April 17 to 19, you will also stand a chance to win some exciting prizes!

  The bonanza, happening at Auto Selection Chan Sow Lin and Glenmarie, will see a variety of used vehicles from multiple brands, all at attractive prices. If you book a car, you will also be able to take part in the Sime Motors Raya Gold Rush, offering a weekly prize of RM3,888 in eWallet credit and the grand prize of a 50 gram gold bar.

  Plenty of fantastic offers are in store, including a low-mileage Hyundai Tucson 1.6 Prestige AWD demo car from just RM148,000, inclusive of the remainder of its factory eight-year warranty. Those looking for other Hyundai models will be pleased to know that the Santa Fe and Staria are also available.

  Hankering for some premium Swedish metal instead? Demo units of the Volvo XC90 T8 AWD PHEV are available with rebates up to a whopping RM100,000, while the all-electric EC40 is yours with savings of up to RM68,888. You can choose from a wide range of other Volvo models such as the EX30, EX90 and XC60.

  And for those of a Bavarian disposition, the 2025 BMW X1 can be purchased from only RM215,000, while the 2025 BMW 218 Gran Coupé is offered from just RM173,000.

  This is before we get to the various EV deals from EV NEXT, which include a 2023 MINI Cooper SE at only RM105,000, a 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge P8 at RM143,000, a 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD at RM158,000, a 2025 BYD Atto 3 Ultra at RM88,800, a 2025 BYD Atto 2 at only RM78,800 and a 2025 Denza D9 Premium AWD at RM255,000.

  Selected units purchased during the event will come with 10 years of free service, along with a complimentary one-year extended warranty for plug-in hybrid vehicles. Electric vehicles from EV NEXT, on the other hand, will come with a free battery health check, a complimentary AC wallbox charger and an additional RM2,000 in trade-in value for an EV.

  With all these amazing offers, you will want to head over to the Auto Selection Sizzling Pre-Owned Sales at Auto Selection Chan Sow Lin and Glenmarie this weekend, April 17 to 19, from 11am to 6pm. For more information, visit the official Auto Selection website or check out its Facebook and Instagram pages.

   

• Police deployed at high-risk border petrol stations

  In Local News / by Jonathan James Tan / 16 April 2026 9:30 am

  

  Fuel is really liquid gold now, which obviously fuels smuggling activities. From yesterday, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has begun deploying personnel at petrol stations near the country’s borders identified as high risk for subsidised fuel leakages, Bernama reports.

  According to acting Bukit Aman internal security and public order department director Datuk Fisol Salleh, the deployment involves General Operations Force (GOF) personnel and contingent elements from the border states of Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, Perak, Sabah and Sarawak.

  A total of 36 petrol stations have been classified as hotspots, while another 55 have been identified as risk locations following an increase in leakages brought about by the global fuel crisis.

  

  “The deployment began at 6am today (April 15). Duties are being carried out in shifts to ensure continuous and effective control at the identified locations. PDRM will continue to enhance operational effectiveness through continuous monitoring, stronger intelligence and strategic cooperation with relevant agencies to curb abuse and smuggling of subsidised fuel,” Fisol said.

  Enforcement efforts will focus on stations operating between 6.30am and 11.30pm, identified as peak transaction hours with a high potential for abuse, while monitoring at 24-hour stations would be conducted round the clock.

  The move is part of an integrated operation by the police and the domestic trade and cost of living ministry (KPDN) – the latter’s officers have been deployed at high-risk petrol stations since March 20.

  3 comments | Leave a comment?

   

Latest Fuel Prices