Monthly wrap-up Feb 2023: 2023 Range Rover L460, 2023 Perodua Axia, Mercedes-Benz EQS 500 4MATIC, 3 new Toyota GR models & two GR Sport models launched, 2023 Vios open for booking

The month of February turned out to be a pretty exciting one for the Malaysian auto industry. The country not only saw the launch of three new Toyota GR models and two Toyota GT Sport models. The list also includes the arrival luxury cars including the 2023 Range Rover L460 and Mercedes-Benz EQS 500 4MATIC trim. Also, UMW Toyota has opened books for the much-awaited 2023 Vios. The international auto market had its share of exciting news as well.

Local news

2023 Range Rover L460 launched

Land Rover Malaysia launched the 5th gen Range Rover L460 in the country at a tax-, duty-, and an option-free price tag of RM 1,268,000. After duties and taxes, the luxury SUV would retail for RM 2,480,000. In Malaysia, the car is offered in a standard wheelbase with the High Specification Equipment (HSE) version. Under the hood, the Range Rover L460 houses a 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo engine making 530 hp and 750 Nm of torque. The off-roader accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in 4.6 seconds and attains a top speed of 250 kmph.

2023 Perodua Axia launched

Finally, after nine years, Perodua’s popular hatchback, the Axia, received a full update with the introduction of the all-new 2023 Axia. Built on the DNGA platform, the new hatch is offered in four trim options - G, X, SE, and AV. These trims retail for RM 38,600, RM 40,000, RM 44,000, and RM 48,500 respectively. All Axia trims are powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine generating a max power of 67 hp and 91 Nm of torque. The mill is paired with Perodua’s D-CVT unit.

Mercedes-Benz EQS 500 4MATIC launched

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia after eight months of EQS’ local arrival has introduced the new EQS 500 4MATIC version in the country. The fully-electric EQS 500 4MATIC will be fully assembled in the company’s Pekan production facility, thus making it the first Mercedes EV to be locally assembled in Malaysia. Priced at RM 648,888 (on-the-road insurance without insurance), the EV benefits from the government’s EV tax exemption, making it RM 50k cheaper than the ongoing model. Powering the EV is a dual e-motor (one on each axle) making a total output of 449 hp and 828 Nm.

Isuzu D-Max updated for 2023

Isuzu Malaysia has updated the D-Max pickup truck for the model year 2023, with several aesthetic and equipment upgrades along with a price hike. The new D-Max range now retails for RM 94,949 - RM 150,938 (on the road without insurance). The update includes - a new dual-tone radiator grille, new 17- and 18-inch wheels, new color options, and new upholstery. Depending on the variant, the pickup gets a 15W wireless charging pad, a 2.1A Type-C fast charging port, and new ambient lighting in the footwells. Powering the pickup is a 1.9-litre inline-four turbo diesel unit (making 150 hp and 350 Nm) and a 3.0-litre turbo diesel mill (190 hp and 450 Nm).

2023 Maserati Levante GT HYbrid launch

The official distributor of Maserati vehicles in Malaysia, Naza Italia, launched the all-new 2023 Levante GT Hybrid in the country. Joining the electric Ghibli Hybrid, the new Levante GT Hybrid is priced at RM 738,000, on-the-road without insurance and before options. Powering the new Maserati a mild hybrid mill with a 2.0-litre inline-four turbo mill and a 48V Belt Starter Generator as well as an e-Booster electric supercharger. The total system output rests at 330 hp and 450 Nm which is enough for the car to complete the century sprint in 6.0 seconds and attain a top speed of 245 kmph.

2023 Toyota GR Corolla launch

Toyota Malaysia launched the new GR Corolla in the country at a price tag of RM 355,000. It is made for the hardcore Toyota enthusiast, the car is offered in a 6-speed manual option only. Powering the GR Corolla is a 1.6-liter inline 3-cylinder engine making 304 hp at 6,500 rpm along with a peak torque of 370 Nm at 3,000 - 5,500 rpm. The power is sent to all four wheels through the GR-FOUR 4WD system. Some of its key features include Toyota Safety Sense advanced driver assistance system, GR steering wheel, GR bucket seats, GR model-specific full TFT meter, short-stroke shift lever, hand-operated parking brake, and an electronic multi-plate clutch with 3 selectable modes.

2023 Toyota GR86 launch

Long awaited 2023 GR86 finally made its Malaysian debut in February. The rear-wheel drive sports car is offered in one trim option which is priced from RM 295,000 (on-the-road without insurance). Under its bonnet is a naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer engine making a max power of 237 hp along with a peak torque of 250 Nm. The power is sent to the rear wheels which are sent to them either via a 6-speed manual transmission with a short-throw shifter or a six-speed automatic gearbox with gearshift paddles.

Toyota GR Supra with 6-speed manual

The 6-speed manual Toyota Supra made its global debut in late April 2022, and now finally in Feb 2023, the car made its local arrival. Priced at RM 645,000, the Supra is powered by a 3.0-litre inline 6 turbo engine making a maximum power of 387 hp and a peak torque of 500 Nm. Also, the car offers enhanced ride & handling, and comfort levels. Other major inclusions include - new 19-inch wheels, AVS system, electric power steering, Vehicle Stability Control (for improved steering feel and controllability), and reworked Track mode (for easy drifting).

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport launch

UMW Toyota Motor in Feb 2023 launched the all-new Corolla Cross GR Sport in. The car is available in nine GR Outlets nationwide and its price starts from RM 142,000 (on the road without insurance). Powering the car is a 1.8-litre non-hybrid version of the Corolla Cross mill making 139 hp and 172 Nm of torque. The power is sent to the wheels via a 7-speed CVT gearbox with sequential shift magic. Other key inclusions include - a sports ECU, specially-turned stiffer front & rear suspension, a special performance brace for the chassis, redesigned front grille, 18-inch GR Sport Design wheels, bi-LED head, LED taillamps, hands-free powered tailgate, 9-inch infotainment system, 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster, 8-way powered driver seat, single-zone air-con system, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto support and more.

2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport launch

The new Hilux GR Sport arrived in the country last month and is offered from RM 159,880 (on-the-road without insurance). The performance pickup is powered by a 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine making 204 hp and 500 Nm of torque. The power is sent to the wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential and gear shift paddle. The car’s specs kit includes - 7-airbags, a rear cross-traffic alert, a blindspot monitor, a Toyota Safety Sense system, a 9-inch information display, a 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster, dual-zone air-con system, 6-speakers, and much more.

Proton's new part center in Kuching

The national automaker, Proton, has opened a new regional parts center in Kuching, Sarawak. The new addition is an effort by the automaker to enhance its after-sales service in the East Malaysia region. The new facility is said to reduce the lead time of parts delivery by 30%.

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia's new dealership in Sarawak

A new Mitsubishi 4S center in Bintulu, Sarawak has opened its gates to buyers, making it the 7th company showroom in the region. Built on a 10,000 sq ft area, the new facility features brand identity along with a customer lounge with WiFi, a kid’s corner, five service bays, along with insurance renewals & trade-in services.

2023 Toyota Vios open for booking

UMW Toyota has opened order books for the all-new 2023 Vios. Offered in just two variants, namely E and G, the sedan comes at a starting price of RM 90,000. Built on the DNGA platform, the new Vios showcases a completely new design language. Powering the car is a 1.5-liter mill making 106 hp and 138 Nm of torque.

International news

2023 Hyundai Elantra facelift first official photos

The first official photos of the new Hyundai Elantra facelift have been unveiled for the South Korean market. The images show several enhancements like a sleeker & shorter parametric front grille, reworked headlights, a new lighting strip running across the top of the grille, two headlight housings tied via DRLs, reworked bumper, new wheels, new green-color upholstery, and more.

Top 3 best-selling car brands for Europe in 2022

We now know the top 3 best-selling car brands in Europe in 2022; the names include Volkswagen, Toyota, and Mercede-Benz - according to JATO Dynamic. Last year the three car brands sold 1,198,926, 766,227, and 647,880 units respectively.

2023 Peugeot 508 updated

The Peugeot 508 has been updated for the model year 2023. The car now showcases a refreshed exterior along with new tech and safety features. Powertrain configuration, however, remains the same. The updates include - an updated signature daytime-running light, a new three-stripe ‘claw’ design, a slimmer headlight with matrix LED illumination, three new tones, new software for its 10-inch touchscreen infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, voice recognition, over-the-air software, and a TomTom Connected satellite navigation system.