October 2022 has proved very successful for both local and international auto markets. In Malaysia, we saw the arrival of the new BMW X7 xDrive40i M Sport, Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid, Toyota Veloz, Toyota Harrier, Mazda CX-3, 10-seater Staria, and many more. In the meantime, the global auto market got to see the first official teaser of the 2023 Toyota Innova and 2023 Honda Accord.

Here’s a quick recap of all the major auto happenings of Oct 2022 that you may have missed -

Local Auto-update 

2022 BMW X7 xDrive40i M Sport launch

BMW Malaysia added a new variant to the X7 lineup called the xDrive40i M Sport. Priced at RM 728,000 (on-the-road without insurance), the customer gets an extended 5-year, unlimited-mileage warranty along with 5 years of free servicing. The M Sport trim is powered by a 3.0-liter straight-six turbo petrol engine making 340 PS and 450 Nm of torque. The drive is sent to the wheels via a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system.

Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid in Malaysia

After Bentayga Hybrid SUV, the Flying Spur Hybrid is the second car under the brand to have an electric motor. The said e-motor is placed between the engine and transmission and generates 136 PS and 400 Nm of torque. At its heart is a new 2.9-liter V6 mill making 416 PS along with a peak torque of 550 Nm. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in just 4.3 seconds and attains a top speed of 285 km.

Toyota Veloz MPV launch

UMW Toyota Motor has finally launched the all-new seven-seater MPV, the Veloz in Malaysia. The model is offered in a single variant option which is priced at RM 95,000 (on-the-road without insurance). Powering the MPV is a 1,469 cc inline four-cylinder petrol mill generating 106 PS and 138 Bm. The drive is sent to the front wheels via a CVT unit.

Toyota Harrier updated in Malaysia

Toyota had updated the Harrier for the model year 2022 along with a new variant called the Luxury SE. While the improved model is priced at RM 274,000, the new trim costs RM 277,000. Powering the 4th gen model is a 2.0-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder unit making 173 PS along with a peak torque of 203 Nm. The drive is sent to the front wheels via a Direct Shift-CVT gearbox. The setup helps the car go from 0-100 kmph in 9.7 seconds with a top speed of 190 kmph.

2022 Audi A3 Sedan in Malaysia

PHS Automotive Malaysia, Audi Malaysia’s official distributor has launched the 2nd gen A3 sedan. Priced at RM 331,990, the sedan is powered by a 2.0-liter in-line turbo petrol engine churning a max power of 190 PS along with a peak torque of 320 Nm. The drive is transmitted to the front wheels via a 7-speed S Tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission.

2023 Hyundai Staria 10-seater launch

Hyundai Malaysia has launched the 10-seater Staria replacing the Grand Starex. Available in three variant options - Lite, Plus, and Max; they are priced at RM 189,000, RM 206,888, and RM 219,888 respectively. Powering the MPV is a 2.2-liter turbo diesel unit making 177 PS and 431 Nm of torque.

2022 Mazda CX-3 two new variants

Official distributor of Mazda, Bermaz Motor launched two new variants of Mazda CX-3 - 1.5L Core and 2.0L Core. The new base 1.5L Core trim is priced at RM 107,870 and is powered by Skyactiv 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cyl petrol engine making 114 hp and 149 Nm. The mid-spec 2.0L Core, on the other hand, retails for RM 118,159, and its hood houses a 154 hp/206 Nm 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine.

BYD on social media & Atto 3, e6 EV launch confirmed

Highly awaited EVs, BYD Atto 3 and e6, launch have been finally confirmed for December 2022. The automaker has confirmed the deliveries of the two electric cars to begin in Q1 of 2023. The estimated price of the Atto 3 and e6 is RM 150k and Rm 170 k respectively. Also, ahead of the BYD SDM brand’s launch, the automaker has set up its social media presence.

Sime Darby Centralized Body & Paint center will now service Volvo cars

Sime Darby Centralized Body and Paint center has been accredited with Volvo Certified Damage Repair Center standards. For instance, the service center is now equipped with the latest equipment, trained technicians, advanced tools, state-of-the-art body repair systems, and a highly-accurate 3D sensor-equipped measuring system.

GWM Ora Good Cat EV coming next month

Great Wall Motors’ fully electric hatchback, the Ora Good Cat, is confirmed to arrive in Malaysia in November. Once launched, the car will be offered in four trim options - Tech, Pro, Ultra, and Ulta G. As for the price, it will be revealed at the launch but is estimated between RM150k - RM160k. All four trims will be powered by a single e-motor driving the front wheels and pumping a maximum power of 143 PS and 210 Nm of torque.

2023 Volvo XC40 on sale in Malaysia

Volvo XC40 facelift is now on sale in Malaysia and is offered in two variant options - B5 mild-hybrid and Recharge T5 plug-in hybrid, in a single trim, Ultimate. Both of which are priced at RM 268,888 on the road without insurance. Locally assembled in Shah Alam, the car is accompanied by a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, 8 Pro, & 7 Pro previewed in Malaysia

Chery is coming back to Malaysia and the Chinese automaker has previewed a couple of its SUVs in the local market - the Tiggo 7 Pro, Tiggo 8 Pro, and Tiggo 4 Pro. The locally previewed 7 Pro SUV is powered by a 147 PS and 210 Nm 1.5-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine. The Tiggo 8 Pro, on the other hand, is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-four mill generating 254 hp and 390 Nm and is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The Tiggo 4 Pro, B-segment SUV, houses a 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder unit churning 147 PS and 210 Nm.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Extended Limited Warranty upgrade

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia along with Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia has announced the upgraded Extended Limited
Warranty program that offers two plans - Essential and Comprehensive, in one- or two-year subscription. Depending on the combination chosen, the program's price ranges from RM1,488 - RM17,888.

Volkswagen ID.4 EV previewed in Malaysia

Volkswagen’s all-electric SUV, the ID.4 was recently previewed locally in ID-4 Pro Performance guise. The EV features a 204 PS e-motor powering rear wheels, a 77 kWh lithium-ion battery, and 519 km of range. On the performance front, the car accelerates from 0-100 km in 8.5 seconds.

New BMW Malaysia EV chargers installed

BMW Group Malaysia and Tian Siang Premium Auto have installed two new BMW i charging facilities at The Datai Langkawi resort.

Volkswagen Setia Alam launched

VW Malaysia along with Goh Brothers Motor has launched a new VW 4S center. Located at Setia Alam, Shah Alam, it is VW Malaysia’s 18th dealership. The four-story facility sports a built-up area of 60,000 sq feet and complies with VW standards.

2022 Honda Civic e: HEV booking open

Upcoming Honda Civic e: HEV hybrid is now open for booking in Malaysia. Available in sole RS specification, the sedan is powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder mill making a maximum power of 143 PS along with a peak torque of 189 Nm.

2022 Ford Ranger Raptor launch

All-new Ford Ranger Raptor is now available in Malaysia. Priced at RM 259,888 (on-the-road without insurance), the pickup is powered by a new 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 petrol engine making a max power of 397 PS and 583 Nm.

International auto-update

Haval H6 PHEV in Thailand

Haval has launched its new plug-in hybrid model in Thailand. Powered by a 1.5-liter 4-cyl turbo mill and an e-motor. Together the two produce a max power of 326 PS along with a peak torque of 500 Nm.

2023 Honda Accord's first teaser

Honda has released the first official teaser of the all-new 2023 Accord sedan. The 11th gen model will feature a new design language, more comfort features, and a more responsive powertrain.

2023 Toyota Innova's first teaser

Toyota has released the first official teaser of the highly popular Innova MPV. Thus Confirming the car to get restyled front fascia, new underpinnings, and much more.

BMW XM Label Red previewed

BMW M has introduced a more potent version of the XM SUV, called the Label Red. Powering the new BMW M model is a high-revving 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 hybrid engine making 748 PS and 1000 Nm of peak torque.

That’s all for the month. For recent local and international auto-updates, stay tuned with Zigwheels Malaysia.