Major auto events of July 2022: Launch of three Mercedes-Benz EQ models, Kia Carnival CKD, Nissan Serena, Ford Ranger, and more

The month of July was jam-packed with big events. From Kia introducing the locally-assembled Carnival in 7- and 8-seat configuration to Perodua & Nissan launching MPVs in the market. The EV market was greeted by three EQ models, all looking stunning and featuring amazing tech. In case you missed out on any of that, here’s a quick monthly wrap.

2022 Kia Carnival CKD launch: Kia Malaysia launched the locally-assembled Carnival in two seating configurations - 7 & 8-seater. The 11-seater model will still be offered in fully-imported form. All the variants are powered by a 2.2-litre inline-four turbodiesel engine making a maximum power of 199 hp at 3,800 rpm and a peak torque of 440 Nm from 1,750 to 2,750 rpm. The Kia Carnival CKD model price ranges from RM 231,229 - RM 261,229.

Also Read: 2022 Kia Carnival: Variants analysis

2022 Ford Ranger launch: The all-new Ranger made its Malaysia debut last month. It is offered in seven variant options, including XL, XLT, XLT Plus, and WildTrak. The pickup truck price ranges from RM108,888 to RM 168,888. Ford is offering the pickup in two engine options, depending on the trim selected, they are - 170hp/405Nm 2.0-litre single turbo diesel and 210hp/500Nm 2.0-litre bi-turbo inline-four diesel.

2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 launch: In July alone Mercedes-Benz Malaysia introduced three EQ models. One such model is the EQB 350 4MATIC. With an estimated price of RM 330,000, the e-motors here pump out a max power of 292 hp along with a peak torque of 520 Nm. The car comes packed with 19-inch alloys, LED high-performance headlamps, comfort suspension, head-up display, wireless charging, MBUX interior assist, and a driving assistance package.

2022 Mercedes-Benz EQC400 AMG launch: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia lineup now includes the first-ever, fully-electric EQC that is now available locally in the EQC400 AMG Line. Priced at RM390,000, the EV weighs around 2.5-tones and comes with 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, AMG Line body kit, multibeam LED headlights with adaptive high beam assist plus, a 10.25-inch display with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, and more. The e-motors here generate 408 hp and 760 Nm.

2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS450+ launch: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia this July introduced the first, fully-electric EQS in the EQS450+ version. Priced at RM 698,888, the EV comes with a single e-motor powered by a 107.9 kWh lithium-ion battery. Together they pump out 33 hp of power, 565 Nm of torque, and a range of 782 km. The EV offers several amazing features like - Amazing High Beam Assist, 21-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, AMG Line bodykit, digital light system, airmatic suspension, MBUX Hyperscreen with 12.3-inch instrument display, 12.3-inch display for front passenger, a 17.7-inch OLED center touchscreen display and much more.

2022 Perodua Alza launch: Perodua launched the all-new Alza MPV in Malaysia in three variant options - base X, mid-spec H, and range-topping AV. The Alza MPV is priced from RM 62,500 to RM 75,500 and is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cyl petrol engine making a max power of 105 hp and 138 Nm. It comes with several impressive standard features like an analogue instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch multi-info display, rear air-con vents with blower control, keyless entry with push-start button, digital head-unit with Bluetooth, autonomous emergency braking with pre-collision warning, Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Front departure alert, pedal misoperation control, and Automatic high beam.

Two Limited-edition BMW 3 Series: In July, the Malaysian auto market benefited from not one but two limited edition special 3 Series models - 320i M Sport and 330i M Sport. The two models are priced at RM 262,800 and RM 304,800 respectively which includes a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty programme with free scheduled services. Both the models are powered by a 2.0-litre inline-four turbo engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission gearbox. In the 320i variant, this mill makes 184hp/300Nm, while in the 330i option the figures hike up 258hp/400 Nm.

2022 Honda HR-V launch: The highly-awaited Honda HR-V finally made it to the local market last month. The compact crossover is offered in four trim options with prices starting from RM 114,800 (on-the-road with insurance). The latest Honda is available in three powertrain options - a 121hp/145 Nm 1.5-litre inline-four naturally aspirated, 181hp/240 Nm 1.5-litre turbo, and a 131hp/253Nm 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol & two-motors. The new HR-V is one of the best equipped cars in the segment with features like an 8-inch display audio head-unit with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, a 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster, rear air-con vents, ULTRA rear seats, air diffusion system, dual-zone climate control, and more.

Also Read: 2022 Honda HR-V: 3 Things we like and 3 things we don’t

Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica launch: After making its global debut just a few months ago, the Huracan Tecnica finally made its Malaysian debut in July. Placed between the Huracan STO and Huracan EVO RWD, this one strikes a perfect balance of road and track-friendly supercar. Powering the Technica is a 640hp/565 Nm naturally-aspirated 5.2-litre V10 mill paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The Lamborghini supercar completes the century sprint in just 3.0 seconds. The new supercar in the town has a starting price tag of RM 1.05 million (before options & duties).

Ferrari 296 GTS south-east Asia debut in Malaysia: Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia last month hosted the global premiere of the Ferrari 296 GST. In Malaysia, the latest Ferrait will retail from RM 1,448,000 (before taxes, duties, insurance, and options) and will be powered by the new ‘Picollo V12’ 3.0-litre V6 hybrid powertrain. The unit generates a max power of 830 hp and a peak torque of 740 Nm. The Ferrari goes from 0-100 kmph in 2.9 secs and 0-200 kmph in 7.6 secs. The top speed is rated at over 330 kmph.

2022 Nissan Serena facelift launch: The all-new Nissan Serena facelift model entered the local market earlier in July this year. The MPV is offered in two versions in the local market namely - 2.0L Highway Star and 2.0L Premium Highway Star. The two are priced at RM 149,888 and RM 162,888 respectively. Both the trims are powered by the same naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre inline-four hybrid engine making 150 hp and 200 Nm of torque. The drive is sent to the front wheels via a CVT unit. The MPVs standard kit includes -
3-row seats with 13 seating layouts, zero gravity seats (driver, front & second-row passengers), 6.25-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 7.0-inch instrument cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control, and more.

2022 Volkswagen Golf R-Line price announced: Just before the end of July, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia revealed the official price of the new Golf R-Line. The new hatch will be offered for RM 170,560 (on-the-road without insurance) and is powered by a 1.4-litre TSI turbo mill making 150 hp and 250 Nm and paired to a dual-clutch gearbox. This setup allows the car to go from 0-100 kmph in 8.5 secs. The latest VW feature list includes - the R-Line exterior package, LED Plus headlights & taillights,17-inch alloys, a 30-colour interior lighting system, an intelligent voice control system, a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment display, 3-zone climate control, and more.

Major international auto events 

2023 Porsche Taycan gets a software update: Porsche has announced a new software update for the 2023 Taycan. The said update will not only enhance the car’s performance but will also improve its charging efficiency and comfort levels. In case you are wondering, the update is completely free of charge.

New Suzuki Grand Vitara unveiled: The all-new Suzuki Vitara SUV was unveiled in India in July. Conceptualized, developed, and designed by Suzuki, it will be manufactured in India.
Developed as a global flagship SUV, it showcases the best of the brand's work, be it design, tech, or performance.

Chery Omoda 5 launched in China: The Malaysian-bound Chery Omoda 5 compact SUV finally hit the Chinese dealerships in July. It is on offer in seven variants - priced between RMB 92,900 (RM 61k) and RMB 128,900 (RM 85k). It is expected to arrive soon in Malaysia to rival the likes of the Honda HR-V and Proton X50.

Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport sold out: Built in collaboration with Manthey Racing, the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 celebrates the team’s 25th anniversary. Limited to only 30 units, the car is now completely sold out. Powering it is a 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six flat-six engine making a maximum power output of 690 bhp. The drive is sent to the rear wheels via a 7-speed PDK box.

All-new Nissan X-Trail launched in Japan: Nissan introduced the 4th gen X-Trail in Japan. The car features a new design language, redesigned platform, and high levels of cabin quietness. Powering the X-trail is the 2nd gen e-Power hybrid system with a petrol mill (serves as a generator to produce electricity). Its specs kit includes - Nissan Safety Assist 360, adaptive LED headlights, 12.3-inch Advanced Driver Assist display, Bose premium sound system, a 10.8-inch head-up display and more.

Honda ZR-V revealed: Along with the new CR-V, Honda also introduced the new ZR-V in July. Set to hit the Japanese market next month, the ZR-V has so much in common with the US-spec HR-V, including exterior design, cabin layout, and features.

Also Read: 2022 Maxus T60 launched in Malaysia, here’s all you need to know