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The Mitsubishi Xforce HEV is currently on display at Impact Muang Thong Thani, venue for this year’s Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS), marking marks the introduction of a petrol-electric hybrid variant of the B-segment crossover, which was first unveiled in Indonesia in August 2023.

The Thai-spec Mitsubishi Xforce HEV debuts there in three variants with the baseline Xforce HEV Ignite priced at 899,000 baht (approximately RM118k), followed by the Xforce HEV Ultimate at 1.039 million baht (~RM137k), while the top-spec Xforce HEV Ultimate X costs 1.089 million baht (~RM144k).

With the Xforce being a familiar but sorely missing ingredient in many markets to Mitsubishi’s arsenal, including ours, the real headliner here is its hybrid powertrain. Powering this HEV variant is Mitsubishi’s e:Motion hybrid powertrain, a system that is also featured in the Xpander and Xpander Cross HEV.

The setup includes a 116 PS/255 Nm electric motor, which draws power from a lithium-ion battery, paired with an Atkinson-cycle 1.6-litre 4A92 MIVEC naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine that delivers 95 PS at 5,100 rpm and 134 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm.

Much like Nissan’s e-POWER from sister brand Nissan (and Honda’s i-MMD, for that mater), this hybrid system primarily relies on the electric motor to drive the wheels while the petrol engine behaves much more like a generator.

However, at higher speeds, the petrol engine can directly engage the driveline for greater efficiency. Mitsubishi says they have refined this setup from the Xpander HEV, another model we could use in Malaysia, equipping the new Xforce HEV with a newly developed 2-speed transaxle and a motor disconnect function that disengages the drive shafts from the electric motor at high speeds, resulting in a claimed fuel efficiency figure as low as 4.1L/100km or 24.4km/L. Incidentally, that's the exact figure quoted by Honda for their HR-V 1.5 e:HEV RS. 

Dimensionally, the Xforce HEV remains the identical to its petrol counterpart, measuring 4,390mm in length, 1,810mm in width, and 1,660mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,650mm, making it larger in every dimension compared to the aforementioned Honda HR-V. However, its ground clearance is noticeably and inexplicably lower at 183 mm compared to the petrol variant’s 222mm.

Design-wise, the Xforce HEV maintains much of the standard Xforce’s styling, with subtle differences to distinguish it as a hybrid. For example, its front grille features a new chrome-accented horizontal slats with ‘Xforce’ lettering across the tip of the bonnet, and the lower bumper has additional embellishments.

The HEV also rides on unique 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels with Blue Hybrid EV badging on the front doors just below the wing mirrors, as well as HEV badges on the front grille and tailgate. 

Customers in Thailand can choose from 4 exterior colors: White Diamond, Graphite Gray Metallic, Blade Silver Metallic, and Jet Black Mica. Additionally, White Diamond, Energetic Yellow, Red, and Graphite Gray Metallic are available with a black roof in a two-tone configuration.

Inside, the Xforce HEV adopts Mitsubishi’s ‘Horizontal Axis’ dashboard design, featuring a 12.3-inch central infotainment scrreen and an 8.0-inch digital driver display while cabin at large gets refreshed upholstery to maintain a more upmarket feel; it sure looks good in pictures. Impressively, audio is piped through an 8-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha speaker system, and connectivity options include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety features are also pretty comprehensive, with 6 airbags and Mitsubishi’s Safety Sensing suit that includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control (ACC), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN), Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

Stay patient, Malaysians! Hopefully the Mitsubishi Xforce (but maybe not as a hybrid right away) is on the cards for a local launch this year as well. 

Images of the next-generation MG 4 have been released in MG China’s official Weibo site.

MG says the design of the car was inspired by the MG Cyberster EV Sportscar which sees a far more different approach to design compared to the current MG 4.

Overall, the car is now sleeker and curvier with less sharp edges just like the Cyberster. The front sports rounder headlights with the signature MG two-piece front lip. Black plastics on the sides of the car have been replaced by bold body lines with a more conventional rear spoiler seamlessly flowing off the roof of the car. And just like the Cyberster, the rearlights feature arrows pointing outwards and are joined together with a singular light bar. 

According to the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the car will be 108mm longer, 6mm wider, 47mm taller than the current MG 4 with a 45mm longer wheelbase. The car will also be lighter sitting at 1485kg compared to the current MG 4 at 1655kg. 

Only one powertrain was listed,a 120kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery powering a single motor that puts out 160hp –  slightly less than the current MG 4. 

MG has also yet to release any pictures or details about the interior but promised in 2023 that the new MG 4 will receive a “big” update in the cabin. 

Pictures of the current MG 4

The new MG 4 is expected to make its global sales debut in Europe in the 3rd quarter of 2025 with the Malaysian market expected to receive it only in 2026. Currently, the MG 4 is available as a CBU model in 4 variants:

- MG 4 Standard: RM 103,999
- MG 4 Luxury: RM 128,999
- MG 4 Extended Range: RM 148,999
- MG 4 XPower: RM 158,999
 

Ahead of its imminent local launch, Volvo Car Malaysia has officially opened bookings and has held a special preview session for its latest flagship SUV, the all-electric Volvo EX90, a new fully electric SUV flagship to sit alongside the updated 2025 XC90 facelift. Here's a closer look at the newest fully electric Swede soon to hit our roads.

Both 7-seaters - the XC90 and EX90 - play a crucial role in Volvo's evolving model strategy both globally and in Malaysia, with us being among the first markets in the Asia-Pacific region to introduce the EX90, following its debut in Thailand last year. 

Onto the preview of said EX90; it is estimated to start at around RM450,000, with official pricing, trim levels, and specifications to be confirmed at launch, which is bound to be pretty soon. Local press had the chance to have an up-close session with the car, and these preview images do represent the Malaysian-spec version that local buyers can expect in showrooms.

First unveiled to the world in 2022, the EX90 is Volvo’s flagship battery-electric vehicle, designed from the ground up as a fully electric SUV, sharing the spot at the top of the pecking order with the new XC90. The 7-seater BEV comes with two dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain options:

• Twin Motor: Produces 408 PS and 770 Nm of torque, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds.
• Twin Motor Performance: Delivers 517 PS and 910 Nm of torque, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds.

Both variants are draw power from a 111kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, of which 107kWh is made system usable, with estimated driving range standing at 600km for the Twin Motor version and 590km for the Twin Motor Performance model.

The preview unit here featured Volvo’s "Twin Motor" badging, confirming its 408 PS/770 Nm configuration, instead of the more menacing "Twin Performance" script seen in other markets, suggesting the EX90 will arrive in Malaysia with a single powertrain option.

A standout feature of the EX90 is its bi-directional charging capability, allowing it to supply power to homes, electronic devices, or even other EVs with an output of 11kW, essentially acting as an AC charger for however much juice it has in its own reserves. In the future, Volvo plans to introduce vehicle-to-grid (V2G) functionality, enabling owners to sell energy back to the power grid during peak hours.

In terms of design, the EX90 showcases signature Volvo elements such as Thor’s Hammer LED high-definition pixel headlights, animated LED taillights, and large 21-inch wheels, as seen on the preview model. Additional wheel options may be available depending on trim levels.

The EX90 is larger than the XC90, measuring 5,037 mm in length, 1,964 mm in width, and 1,747 mm in height, with a 2,985 mm wheelbase. Despite its increased dimensions, it sits 29 mm lower than the XC90, while the wheelbase remains nearly identical.

Inside, the EX90 adopts a minimalist Scandinavian design, with a central rotating knob on the console for key in-car functions. The dashboard is dominated by two screens: a 14.5-inch vertical touchscreen for infotainment and a 9.0-inch slim horizontal display serving as the digital instrument cluster. Additionally, a Head-Up Display (HUD) enhances driving convenience. Overall, it doesn’t diverge too much from what we’ve come to expect from Volvo in terms of design and material choice, both being of very high standard.

The preview model also featured a premium Bowers & Wilkins 3D sound system, which is available on the EX90 Ultra variants in Thailand. This high-end audio setup includes 25 speakers and marks Volvo’s first use of Dolby Atmos 3D audio technology, while a panoramic glass roof further adds to the luxurious ambiance of the cabin.

Safety is naturally a top-most priority for Volvo, and the EX90 is expected to be one of its most advanced models to date. The Malaysian preview unit was equipped with a roof-mounted Iris LiDAR sensor module from Luminar, evidenced by that bump north of its front windscreen, along with five radar sensors, eight cameras, two interior cameras, and 16 ultrasonic sensors.

These cutting-edge sensing array works together to enhance driver assistance and safety features, helping to make the EX90 Volvo’s safest vehicle yet, installed with the latest iteration of Volvo’s Pilot Assist system and Run-Off Road Mitigation technology.

With the launch of the EX90 set for the coming weeks following the appearance of this preview unit, Volvo marches on with its expanded all-electric lineup in Malaysia, which already includes the most recent EX30, XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, and EC40 (formerly known as the C40 Recharge Pure Electric).

Initially, the EX90 will be available as a fully imported (CBU) unit before transitioning to local assembly (CKD) at a later stage. Of course, we'll have more details on the model’s official specifications and availability closer to or at its official launch - stay tuned! 

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.