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At the Malaysia Autoshow, Jaecoo has unveiled another vehicle slated to enter our market—the all-electric J6 that shows the way forward in terms of electric mobility while simultaneously and deliberately serving as the more youthful gateway model in its position below the J7.

In the tropical heat of Malaysia, warming anticipation has been building with a series of teasers for the upcoming J7 and J8 since their first appearance in January. Yet, even as excitement grows for this new release, Jaecoo, Chery's upscale off-road-centric brand, is keen to show us more.

The J6 might look familiar to you as it was first introduced in China as the iCar 03, a model from another sub-brand under the Chery Group. Last month, we had the opportunity to check out and briefly drive the incoming Jaecoo J6 on their home turf of Wuhu, China. In short, we came away fairly impressed.

However, the distinctive vertical "i" daytime running lights and taillights with its fractal edges are a clear nod to the iCar brand that, and were elements that we reckoned would be omitted in favour of Jaecoo-specific design touches.

It’s also worth noting here that the J6 unveiled at the Malaysia Autoshow also bore the iCar brand’s dotted ‘i’ logo up front and on the tailgate’s storage box. This was not the case on the vehicle pictured here that we sampled in China, where it bore more obvious Jaecoo branding.

With its unabashedly boxy shape, it no doubt reminds us most of the 5-door Suzuki Jimny, replete with its left field rugged appeal. However, the J6's 4,406mm length, 1,910mm width, and 1,715mm in height, and wheelbase of 2,715 mm certainly endows it with considerably more road presence.

In China, the iCar 03 comes in two versions: one with a rear motor producing 184PS (135 kW) and 220Nm of torque, and another AWD variant with an added front motor for a combined output of 279 PS (205 kW) and 385 Nm.

Three lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery options are available: a 50.63 kWh unit for the rear-wheel-drive model with a range of 401km, a 63.69 kWh battery with a range of 501 km (RWD) or 472 km (AWD), and a 69.77 kWh battery for AWD models with a range of 501 km, based on China's more lenient CLTC cycle.

Charging speeds are modest, with DC fast charging at 60, 80, or 85 kW, depending on the battery size, allowing a 30% to 80% charge in 30 minutes. Disappointngly, AC charging is limited to just 6.6 kW. Given Jaecoo’s premium positioning in Malaysia, it's expected that the highest specifications and the longest range will be available here upon launch.

Comparisons to the new Land Rover Defender are also not far behind, given its design and especially due to Chery’s joint venture relationship with JLR to manufacture vehicles for sale in China.

Stepping inside and ignoring the left-hand drive layout for a moment, the cabin is equally a departure from the existing Jaecoo J7 and J8, opting again to take inspiration from Land Rover. The black-and-white colour scheme, large grab handles, metallic silver trim, and exposed Allen bolt heads create a rugged yet refined atmosphere that suits its modern off-roader motif.

That said, the J6 is perhaps more overt in its emphasis of technology than its stablemates. The majority of its controls and readouts are digital to keep physical clutter to a minimum, utilising a 9.2-inch digital instrument display and a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor. Additional features include a 50-watt Qi wireless charger, a panoramic glass roof, and an optional 12-speaker Infinity sound system.

The J6 is set to arrive in Malaysia sometime after the brand’s debutant showroom model, the J7, which should be launching soon. It certainly does offer a fresh alternative to the soft-roading electric SUVs whose aesthetics are, for better or worse, more aerodynamically smooth and thus have made them look a little samey and hard to distinguish from the pack.

Though you’re most welcome to check out the J6 at the ongoing Malaysia Autoshow, as with their other incoming model(s), you can probably expect Jaecoo to show off the J6 to the public at many different customer engagement events past this initial public preview in the lead up to its official launch.

How much will it cost? Your guess is as good as mine.

At the 2024 Malaysia Autoshow, the covers has come off the GAC Aion Y Plus, a fully electric compact MPV that was most seen in the region during its Thailand launch back in September, and now here starting at RM119k.

• GAC Aion Y Plus Elite - RM119,800
• GAC Aion Y Plus Premium - RM135,800

By contrast, the Thai-price of Aion Y plus starts at 1.0699 million baht and goes up to 1.2999 million baht, which works out to between approximately RM140,000 to RM170,000 if converted directly.

Based on the brand’s AEP 2.0 pure electric platform, Aion Y Plus measures 4535 in length, is 1,870mm wide and 1,650mm tall with a wheelbase of 2750mm. Both variants are driven by a single front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor that outputs 204PS and 225 Nm.

Powering them is a sole battery configuration, that being a 63.2kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack provided by GAC and utlising their ‘Magazine Battery 2.0’ technology, enough to deliver a range of 490km (NEDC). Maximum AC charging rate is 6.6kW while DC charging is maxes out at 80kW. 

Interior highlights include a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with support for Apple CarPlay (wired). Nope, we have not heard of Android Auto being included.

The pricier Premium variant adds goodies such as power-adjustable front driver and passenger seats, a wireless smartphone charger, as well as 32-colour ambient interior lighting.

At the rear, that large automatic tailgate opens up to reveal a very practical 405-litres of space, which can then expand to reveal 1,200-litres of cargo room should the rear seats be folded down.

There’s also a panoramic sunroof as is the norm these days, a 360-degree surround view camera system, and a 6-speaker audio system branded ‘Bongiovi’. Insert giggling emoji here. 

Lastly, it’s worth noting that the Aion Y Plus in its entry Elite variant misses out on active safety feature, which are exclusive to the Premium. This adds functionality such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Intelligent Cruise Assist, and Traffic Jam Assist.

In August 2023, 26,713 units of Aion Y Plus were sold in China, surpassing BYD Yuan Plus (24,272 units) and only second to the Tesla Model Y (51,117 units) as one of the best-selling pure electric SUVs in China.

GAC and local distributors WTCA are also offering the Aion Y Plus with a 8-year (or 160,000km) vehicle warranty as well as an 8-years (or 200,000km) EV battery warranty that also covers the electric motor and control systems.

In conjunction with their launch and the ongoing Malaysia Autoshow 2024, GAC are also offering the first 200 customers some early bird promotions, that being a free 7kW home wallbox charger worth RM3,500 and RM1,000 worth of charging credits from JomCharge.

Interestingly, two special 'packages' of OEM accessories can be selected, to which early birds can choose between: a outdoor lifestyle package as well as an indoor theatre package which adds a very large display facing the rear seats. 

Trade-in your car at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 with CARSOME, the official trade-in partner of Malaysia Autoshow 2024. 

Get a free inspection & price valuation for your car at CARSOME’s main booth located outdoors in Laman Tiba (next to the stage area) from 10 am - 6 pm.

Consistent with Stellantis Malaysia’s plans to introduce the Leapmotor brand into our local market, the Leapmotor C10 has made an appearance at the 2024 Malaysia Autoshow, signalling a potential launch to accompany the entry-level T03.

Using its proprietary LEAP 3.0 technology architecture, the Leapmotor C10 is designed as a family-oriented D-segment vehicle. The company has not disclosed the specifications for the Malaysia-spec Leapmotor C10 yet. The model displayed at Stellantis’s booth is a left-hand drive version intended for the Chinese market.

For preliminary information, we can look at the Chinese market model, which features a rear-mounted electric motor producing 228 hp and 320 Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.29 seconds and has a top speed of 170 km/h.

In China, the EV is available with two battery options: a 52.9kWh LFP battery and a 69.9kWh battery, providing a range of 410 km and 530 km, respectively, based on the CLTC cycle, so take that figure with a grain of salt.

However, to kick things off in Malaysia, Leapmotor’s offensive would largely focus on affordable electric vehicles, with the petite T03 setting the tone for exactly that. This market debut model, which measures 3,620mm in length, will go up against other 5-door hatchbacks the BYD Dolphin and Neta V to tempt buyers at the RM100k mark.

We’ll have more information as the Malaysian launch nears and its local specification solidifies, but from what we’ve learned, we can expect the T03 to make its Malaysian entry powered by a single electric motor up front with 70kW (about 95PS) and a WLTP range of 280km that should be more than enough to cater to the needs of a city-dweller.

That said, its chief rival, the BYD Dolphin, boasts a range of more than 350km on a single charge in its base Standard guise while the more expensive Extended can go past 400km without needing a recharge.

Other highlights include a cabin with a 10-inch infotainment display, 8-inch digital driver’s display, and even a panoramic sunroof. However, it will be interesting to see how Stellantis and Leapmotor  market and/or price the T03 given some of the specification shortfalls.

Trade-in your car at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 with CARSOME, the official trade-in partner of Malaysia Autoshow 2024. 

Get a free inspection & price valuation for your car at CARSOME’s main booth located outdoors in Laman Tiba (next to the stage area) from 10 am - 6 pm.

Perodua has taken the wraps off the EMO-1, an “Episode One” in their EV journey, which in the past Malaysia Autoshow, was shown off as scale model. This year, it’s now a full size prototype built from a current-generation Myvi.

The nation’s second automaker has underlined its intent to pioneer the country’s EV ambitions, spurred (or cornered) by a government mandate, and literally developing the vehicle in-house without help from Daihatsu or Toyota.

However, an Australian-based partner was involved in the creation of the EMO-1. Surprisingly, even more firm details were forthcoming. It uses a high voltage (400V) battery system consisting of an air-cooled 55.7kWh lithium prismatic nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, paired to a front-mounted and liquid cooled single electric motor

Perodua says peak power is an impressive 120kW (about 160hp), though its ‘rated’ power figure is a more modest 50kW (or about 67hp). Peak torque, meanwhile, stands at 220Nm, and a top speed an estimated 150km/h was posited.

In terms of pricing, Perodua CEO Datuk Zainal Abidin, stated that it would be priced below RM100,000 but above RM50,000, meeting the affordability demands of the rakyat while presenting it in a form factor that’s already familiar and loved by Malaysians.

Since its size makes it analogous to the Myvi, this yet unnamed Perodua EV will be a B-segment sized 5-door hatchback. However, it was also stated that the final car could potentially adopt new styling cues.

The car's interior seems to be rather altered, sporting a much larger touchscreen and a flat-top steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara. There are also small screens at the corners of the dashboard to display the feed from the side view cameras that take the place of mirrors. 

Due to how the batteries are configured and packaged within the car, a tall hump can be seen running through the centre of the cabin, making this a strict 4-seater. 

There’s no word yet on when we can expect a car like the EMO-1 to show up in Perodua dealerships. However, it will likely be 2025 or beyond with Perodua also intending to expand their hybrid offerings alongside their EV initiatives.

Trade-in your car at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 with CARSOME, the official trade-in partner of Malaysia Autoshow 2024. 

Get a free inspection & price valuation for your car at CARSOME’s main booth located outdoors in Laman Tiba (next to the stage area) from 10 am - 6 pm.

BMW Malaysia kicked off the media day for the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 with the launch of two new members of the BMW 5 Series family, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive and the BMW 520i CKD.

The i5 M60 xDrive marks the second all-electric model in the BMW 5 Series line-up alongside the BMW i5 eDrive40. Unlike the i5 eDrive40 and its single electric motor setup, the i5 M60 kicks it a few notches with a dual-motor AWD configuration that punches out a much heavier 601hp and 795Nm of torque.

3.8 seconds is all it takes to hit 0-100km/h before swiftly arriving at its top speed of 230km/h. It may be powerful, but it can also cover quite a distance on a single charge thanks to its 83.9kWh space-saving high-voltage battery.

Fully charged, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive can go up to 516km (WLTP) and with the new Max Range function, that number goes up by 25% by limiting its power output, speed, and deactivating some comfort functions.

Supporting up to 22kW of AC charging as standard, the new i5 M60 also supports up to 205kW of DC charging. When you're connected to one with that much juice, 10-80% SoC will only require 30 minutes. Either one won't take too much of your time in getting back on the road again with little to no range anxiety.

Other highlights include:

• M Performance kidney grille
• BMW Iconic Glow exterior package
• Exclusive M Sport Pro parts
• 21-inch aerodynamic wheels
• Adaptive M Suspension Professional
• BMW Curved Display with BMW Operating System 8.5 + more

The 2024 BMW i5 M60 xDrive is estimated at RM480,000 and there's a multitude of exterior and interior colour options for you to choose from to make the i5 M60 individually yours.

If you're still a bit unsure about this whole all-electric thing, perhaps the new locally assembled 2024 BMW 520i might suit you better. Sharing a similar exterior facade as the BMW i5, the 520i gets its juices from the B48 four-cylinder engine with a 48V mild-hybrid setup that pushes out 208hp and 330Nm of torque.

0-100km/h is completed in 7.5 seconds and the top speed is 230km/h. The addition of the mild hybrid system also enhances its overall efficiency and at the same time, reduces emissions while not sacrifising any of its BMW luxury and style.

It does, however, run on a slightly smaller set of 19-inch aerodynamic wheels to help with its overall comfort and also keep your wallet slightly happier when the time comes to change those rubbers out with new ones.

As for the interior, the 2024 BMW 520i comes with:

• BMW Curved Display
• 12.3-inch instrument display
• 14.9-inch touchscreen Control Display
• Redesigned iDrive Controller
• Wireless charging tray + more

Just like the i5 M60, the new 520i also comes in a variety of exterior colour options to pair with two interior options - Veganza Perforated with Quilted Black and Veganza Perforated with Quilted Espresso Brown. The asking price? RM340,000.

Trade-in your car at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 with CARSOME, the official trade-in partner of Malaysia Autoshow 2024. 

Get a free inspection & price valuation for your car at CARSOME’s main booth located outdoors in Laman Tiba (next to the stage area) from 10 am - 6 pm.