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PRO-NET, a subsidiary of Proton, has announced the delivery of the 1,000th Proton e.MAS 7 unit. 

With it being the first ever electric vehicle (EV) produced by the national car-maker, this reflects the nation's swift progress towards EV adoption. 

Proton expresses gratitude to Malaysians who trust their cars and their vision for sustainability and the future. Factors for the popularity of the e.MAS 7 can be attributed to its affordability, practicality, and support from a well-developed ecosystem for EVs.

Proton also mentioned that the majority of the buyers chose the e.MAS 7 for its value, spaciousness, and practicality while some were attracted by its safety features and the Live Integrated Charging Map within its infotainment. 

“The success of the e.MAS 7 is a reflection of our commitment to providing a compelling EV proposition that aligns with the needs of Malaysian consumers. Our goal is not just to sell cars but to foster a compelling ecosystem that ensures a seamless and confident transition to electric mobility.” said the CEO of PRO-NET, Zhang Qiang. 

So far, the e.MAS 7 has secured over 4,500 bookings and PRO-NET is expecting it to breach 6,000 bookings soon. This meant that the e.MAS 7 alone has allowed Proton  to secure 25% of the EV market share, thus reinforcing its position as the leader in Malaysia's growing EV market. 

A recap on the e.MAS 7 -
Prime:
 - 49.52kWh battery 
- 345km range 
- 18” rims 
- RM105,800

Premium:
- 60.22kWh battery 
- 410km range 
- 19” rims
- RM119,800
 

Honda Malaysia (HM) has announced plans to launch 3 new models in 2025, as confirmed by the company's Managing Director and CEO, Hironobu Yoshimura, during its annual media gathering.

The first of these models is the already launched Civic facelift, which kickstarted Honda's 2025 campaign earlier in January. The facelift brings refreshed design elements and features to reinvigorate the popular sedan’s already strong appeal.

In addition, and at long last, Honda Malaysia plans to launch its first electric vehicle (EV) in Malaysia this year - the e:N1 - which was most recently previewed at the 2024 Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS). Though Honda has pioneered its e:HEV hybrids into the mainstream and will imminently introduce a fully-electric model, its cars with the automaker’s e:PHEV plug-in hybrid do not seem to part of their rollout for Malaysia or the ASEAN region. 

“Aligned with our 2025 business direction, we are set to energise the market with the debut of our first BEV, the e:N1. This model exemplifies Honda’s advanced BEV features, while also introducing the Company’s initial EV technology to the Malaysian market. The e:N1 is poised to captivate customers with its distinctive positioning, backed by Honda’s extensive experience and wide network of after-sales support,”

“The introduction of the BEV is a key component of the Company’s business strategy, building upon Honda’s global electrification approach and establishing a strong foundation for Honda Malaysia’s electrification journey. It paves the way for our three-year plan to introduce three new BEV models to the Malaysian market by 2027. Beyond expanding the Company’s product line-up, this initiative emphasises Honda’s commitment to reinforcing our prominent and unique position in the industry,” said Yoshimura-san.

While local specifications of the e:N1 coming to our shores have yet to be details, we know from neighbouring markets that it offers a range of 500 km (NEDC) or 412 km (WLTP) as driven from a single front-mounted electric motor producing 204PS and 310Nm of torque that enables a 0-100km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds, fed by a fairly large (relative to vehicle size) 68.6kWh battery. 

The third and final model due out this year is likely to be the HR-V facelift, which does bring cosmetic sprucing up to the interior and exterior, albeit minor. Its powertrain spread of a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated i-VTEC, 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo, and 1.5-litre e:HEV, however, are expected to be carried over unchanged.  

Following a minor model change in Thailand late last year, the HR-V, which was launched in Malaysia in July 2022, will turn 3 this year and is aptly due for a facelift. This update should help the B-segment SUV remain competitive in a growing market segment and perhaps bring welcome upgrades to the popular model such as the Google services integration first brought to the Civic. 

Jaecoo Malaysia has made significant waves in the automotive industry with the introduction of the J7 PHEV. Even before its official launch today, Jaecoo made bold claims about the capabilities of this impressive Plug-in Hybrid, and as the month draws to the close in February 2025, the veil has been lifted on the brand’s new entrant equipped with its Super Hybrid System SUV.

Priced at RM158,800, the J7 PHEV is positioning itself as a competitive option in the rapidly growing plug-in hybrid SUV segment in Malaysia, which is expected to become even more relevant with the impending removal of blanket subsidies on RON95 petrol.

The J7 PHEV has already shown its prowess with impressive real-world performance. During an exhibition drive from Singapore to Thailand, a convoy of J7 PHEVs demonstrated an average fuel consumption of just 3.8 liters per 100km. Remarkably, this was achieved without refuelling, validating Jaecoo’s claim of an impressive 1,200km range on a single tank. This real-world demonstration showcased the vehicle’s outstanding efficiency and endurance, which is a key selling point for eco-conscious consumers and those looking for a long-range, fuel-efficient SUV.

From the moment it rolls off the production line in Shah Alam, the Jaecoo J7 PHEV is locally assembled and features a front-wheel-drive configuration. This version comes with a powerful and efficient powertrain, offering high specifications and equipment levels. At RM158,000, the J7 PHEV is positioned below its expected price from earlier previews, making it a more attractive option in this competitive segment.

While the J7 PHEV shares many design elements with the regular J7, it also boasts several key differences that set it apart. Visually, the PHEV variant features distinct badging and a second ‘fuel’ cap that hides the charging port. The car also boasts aero-optimised 19-inch wheels, which are reminiscent of those on the Omoda E5, albeit with unique covers. The reshaped side mirrors improve aerodynamics, and the J7 PHEV eliminates the fake tailpipes found on the petrol variant, giving the vehicle a cleaner, more refined look. These subtle yet significant changes help the J7 PHEV maintain its modern and stylish appearance while prioritising efficiency.

The exterior colour selection includes the hero shade of two-tone Olive Grey, Khaki White, Moonlight Silver, Carbon Crystal Black.

At the core of the J7 PHEV is Jaecoo’s Super Hybrid System, which pairs a fifth-generation 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. This engine, derived from the Chery Omoda 5, delivers a solid 143 PS and 215 Nm of torque on its own. However, when combined with the electric motor that provides 204 PS and 310 Nm of torque, the total system output is an impressive 347 PS and 525 Nm of torque. This enhanced powertrain places the J7 PHEV far ahead of the regular petrol-powered J7, which only offers 197 PS and 290 Nm from a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine.

This substantial power boost enables the J7 PHEV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.5 seconds, which is a notable 0.7 seconds quicker than its petrol-powered counterpart. The hybrid system is further complemented by a dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT), which ensures smooth power delivery and optimised efficiency, making for a seamless driving experience.

A key feature of any plug-in hybrid is its battery, and the J7 PHEV doesn’t disappoint in this department. It comes equipped with an 18.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery sourced from BYD. This battery provides a remarkable WLTP-rated electric-only driving range of 88 km, making it ideal for short commutes and urban driving, where drivers can rely on electric power alone. For longer trips, the J7 PHEV maintains an impressively low fuel consumption rate of 4.9 litres per 100 km, or 4.77-litres per 100km according to the NEDC charging. Even when the battery is depleted, the vehicle’s fuel consumption only increases slightly to 5.99 litres per 100 km, showcasing the efficiency of Jaecoo’s Super Hybrid System.

Unlike other PHEVs, the Jaecoo J7 PHEV also comes with the ability to charge up via fast DC charging (at up to 40kW, 30-80% in 20 minutes) in addition to the usual AC charging option, which it does at a rate of 6.6kW for a 0-100% charge being done in 4 hours. More impressively, this is the first plug-in hybrids in Malaysia to also offer V2L (vehicle-to-load) capabilities, allowing owners to plug in small appliances to laptop chargers to video projectors. In this instance, the folding tonneau cover can cleverly double as a projector screen.

Inside, the Jaecoo J7 PHEV offers a minimalist yet modern cabin design. While it shares some similarities with the standard J7, the PHEV variant has been revised to enhance both aesthetics and functionality. The door cards have been redesigned to remove ornate grab handles, giving the interior a cleaner and more streamlined look. The centre console has also been simplified, replacing the large drive mode selector and gear lever with a minimalist layout and a steering column-mounted stalk for gear selection. This redesign opens up space for a row of physical buttons, including dedicated switches for EV and HEV modes.

The cabin features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, which has been updated with new graphics specific to the hybrid system. This provides drivers with clear and intuitive information about energy usage and vehicle performance. Additionally, the 14.8-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen has also been updated to accommodate the hybrid-specific interface, further enhancing the driver’s experience.

In terms of technology, the J7 PHEV is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced features aimed at enhancing both convenience and safety. Standard equipment for the Malaysian market includes full LED headlights and taillights, keyless entry, push-button start, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats with memory, heating and ventilation, and faux leather upholstery. The car also comes with wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, a 360-degree camera system with a transparent mode, a panoramic glass roof, and a powered tailgate, all of which further elevate the driving experience.

Some additional features, such as front and rear fog lights, a head-up display, an eight-speaker Sony sound system, and a Qi wireless charging pad, are expected to be included in the final specification, though they have not yet been confirmed for the Malaysian market. On the safety front, the J7 PHEV offers a range of driver assistance systems, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane centering assist, and a host of other features designed to enhance safety and ease of driving.

With the launch of the Jaecoo J7 PHEV, the brand has clearly made a strong entry into the plug-in hybrid market in Malaysia. Combining power, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology, the J7 PHEV represents a significant step forward for the brand and the local automotive market. As more Malaysians seek fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly vehicles, the Jaecoo J7 PHEV is set to make a lasting impact in the increasingly popular plug-in hybrid SUV segment.

In terms of providing buyers peace of mind, the Jaecoo J7 PHEV is provided with a standard 7-year (or 150,000km) vehicle warranty and an 8-year (or 160,000km) battery warranty. However, Jaecoo are also offering early bird buyers (for bookings until 2nd March) an extended warranty package that extends both the engine and battery warranty to a full 10-years as well as a free V2L charging cable.

Furthermore, they’ve committed to offering buyers a 1-to-1 battery replacement should the unit fall below 70% charge retention during the warranty period. In our opinion, the J7 PHEV marks an inflection point for plug-in hybrids in Malaysia as so other PHEV so far has offered so much for such a sharp price.

Perodua is set to launch its first EV before the end of 2025. Testing of its first-ever electric vehicle is expected to begin as early as June 2025.

In a report by the New Straits Times CEO of Sime Darby Group, Datuk Jeffri Salin Davidson mentioned that Perodua had set an annual sales target of 345,000 units for 2025 and market reception for Perodua’s EV has been positive.

Sime Darby is focused on the expanding EV segment as part of the company’s long-term growth strategy. Perodua is expected to showcase more prototypes and concepts moving forward. The public can anticipate something electrifying at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025, scheduled for MAEPS Serdang in May. 

Here’s what we know so far about Perodua’s first EV. It will be equipped with batteries sourced from CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited) with the following specifications:

- Estimated range: over 400km
- Power: 129kW (163hp) and 315 Nm
- Battery Capacity: 57.6 kWh (Lithium Ion Phosphate - LFP) 
- 0 - 100 km/h: under 9 seconds 
- Top speed: 150km/h
- Charging: CCS2, Type 2 with DC fast charging up to 50 kW

The battery may be available through a subscription or rental package, to help reduce the overall cost of the vehicle. The estimated starting price is around RM80,000, making it one of the most affordable EVs in Malaysia.
 

BYD Malaysia has officially launched their debut model for Malaysia, the Denza D9 luxury electric MPV. This aligns perfectly with BYD’s plan to introduce its premium brand in Malaysia within the first quarter of the year. The D9 premieres with 2 variants, both equipped to the nines in luxury-oriented and tech, priced from RM259k.

• D9 FWD - RM259,000: Produces 315 PS (230 kW) and 360 Nm of torque, achieving a 0-100 km/h time of 9.5 seconds.
• D9 AWD - RM309,000: Features an additional rear motor, boosting total output to 370 PS (275 kW) and 470 Nm, reducing the 0-100 km/h sprint to just 6.9 seconds.

As a little dose of regional pricing perspective, the D9 is also currently sold in Thailand with a similar 2-variant spread that starts from 1,999,900 baht (RM264k) for the FWD variant and 2,699,900 baht (RM355k) for the AWD variant.

For those unfamiliar, the Denza D9 is a high-end electric MPV designed to rival luxury models like the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, as well as the Zeekr 009 and incoming Xpeng X9. With dimensions of 5,250 mm in length, 1,950 mm in width, and 1,920 mm in height, the D9 is longer and taller but slightly narrower than the Zeekr.

That said, its 3,110 mm wheelbase is roughly 100 mm shorter than its Chinese competitor, though its hard to say if the will have any significant impact its interior space. In any case, both D9 and the Zeekr 009 both beat Toyota’s popular MPV twins handily in terms of size and sheer specification, not to mention price thanks to them being fully electric.

Visually, the D9 definitely stands out due to its dimensions. Up front there’s a very imposing front grille element (non-functional, of course), flanked by 18-inch wheels on Michelin e-Primacy tyres with plenty of sidewall for extra comfort. Interestingly, there is almost no distinguishing features between the two variants and there are just 3 colours available: Arctic White, Whale Sea Blue, and Cosmos Black.

In their home market in China, the Denza D9 is offered in both full-electric and plug-in hybrid variants. However, the D9 as well as other models slated to arrive in Malaysia are not likely ever going to be hybrids, as far as we can tell for the near term.

Both versions launched in Malaysia come fitted with a 103 kWh Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, offering a WLTP-rated range of 600 km for the FWD model and 580 km for the AWD variant, both quoted under the NEDC test cycle.

Charging capabilities include up to 166 kW of DC fast charging and 11 kW of AC charging. The D9 is also equipped with BYD’s DiSus-C Intelligent Damping Body Control System, which includes adaptive dampers for a smoother ride.

From what was revealed during the preview in terms of D9’s equipment levels, Denza’s rather large and in-charge debut model to Malaysia should impress the Big Boss types looking for a serene and chauffeured luxury MPV, but priced in a way that should be within reach of families seeking a practical family mover; albeit a rather plush one. Highlights include:

• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen (non-rotatable, unlike other BYD models)
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 14-speaker Dynaudio sound system
• Four-way power-adjustable second-row captain’s chairs with lumbar adjustment, ventilation, and massage functions
• Three 50-watt Qi wireless chargers (for first and second rows)
• Built-in 6.8-litre fridge that can be cooled or heated (-6 to 50 degrees Celcius)

The luxury continues with automatic LED headlights and taillights, 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, powered front and sliding doors, keyless entry, push-button start, a panoramic glass sunroof, and triple-zone climate control. Additional premium touches include real wood trim, ventilated front seats, manually adjustable third-row seats, and a powered tailgate. The list goes on….

Even so, the more expensive AWD variant offers yet even more luxury, adding front seat massage, driver’s side memory settings, Nappa leather upholstery, and even suede headlining for that cherry on top in luxury feel and tactility.

Denza claims that the D9 can comfortably accommodate 7 adults up to 180 cm tall (2 up front, 2 in the middle row, 3 in the third row) while still having room for multiple luggage bags in the boot. The MPV also boasts excellent noise insulation, with cabin noise levels kept at just 64.6 dBA when cruising at 120 km/h.