Top auto news of the week: 2022 Honda Civic Hybrid launched, next-gen Toyota Prius revealed, and more

The Malaysian market witnessed the launch of the awaited Honda Civic Hybrid this week, followed by the opening of a new Ford dealership and the Ora Good Cat booking numbers announcement. In the meantime, some important reveals were held at the ongoing Los Angeles Auto Show in the US. In case you missed out on any of that, we have got you covered with this quick recap of important auto news of the week. So let’s get started.

2022 Honda Civic e:HEV RS launched: Honda has expanded the Civic sedan lineup in Malaysia with the addition of the new e:HEV RS trim. Priced at RM 166,500, the top-spec hybrid model is powered by a 2.0L e:HEV powertrain generating 184 PS of max power and 315 Nm, making it the most powerful Civic available in the local market. It comes with three driving modes- EV, Hybrid, and Engine.

BMW Z4 received an update: BMW Malaysia has introduced the mid-life update for its sports roadster, the Z4. The latest model benefits from a restyled front grille, reworked side air intakes, M high-gloss Shadowline and new 19-inch light alloy wheels. New exterior colour choices include  Skyscraper Grey, Portimao Blue, and Thunder Night Metallic. It is on offer in a single sDrive30i M Sport trim, priced at RM 508,800.

New Ford outlet: The official distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) officiated its 36th Ford outlet in the country this week. Located in the Inanam Auto Hub, Kota Kinabalu, the new store houses a four-vehicle showroom and eight service bays. It is operated by 30 employees, including five Ford-certified technicians.

Ora Good Cat booking numbers revealed: GWM Malaysia opened the Ora Good Cat bookings just last week and during the 3-day Malaysian Motor Expo event held from Nov 11 to 13, over 100 customers showed interest in the EV via pre-booking it. The EV will launch soon in the country at an estimated cost ranging between RM 150,000 - RM 160,000.

4 new Kawasaki bikes now in local stores: The new Kawasaki Touring and Superbike models introduced by Edaran Modenas Sdn Bhd (EMOS) at the recently held Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia are now available for viewing and booking in the local showrooms. The lineup comprises four models -Z900RS, Ninja ZX-10R, Ninja 1000 SX, and Versys 1000SE.

International updates 

Fifth-gen Toyota Prius revealed: Known as the world’s first production hybrid, the Toyota Prius has finally entered its fifth generation. The upgrade brings a whole lot of new things, including a new platform, new exterior and interior styling, updated powertrain configurations and of course greater digitalization. You can read the full details here.

Toyota bZ compact SUV debuts: Alongside revealing the new Prius, Toyota has also introduced its new EV concept at the LA show, called the bZ. It previews the brand’s vision for future electric cars and is based on the clean-vital design approach, which covers zero tailpipe emissions, the usage of sustainable components, and eco-friendly production.

Next-gen Subaru Impreza broke cover: Subaru has revealed the all-new sixth-gen Impreza at the LA Auto Show. The latest model comes only in a hatchback body style and boasts sportier styling, new tech features, a sport-tuned suspension, an improved, symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, and bigger brakes. It will be offered in three variants in the States - Base, Sport, and RS.

Porsche 911 Dakar introduced: During the motor show, Porsche also unveiled its all-new sports car, the 911 Dakar. Limited to 2500 units, the latest Porsche is a modified version of its flagship coupe, the 911. It is kitted with specially designed Pirelli Scorpion all-terrain tyres, lifted suspension, protective mesh grilles, a lightweight hood made from CFRP, bucket seats, thinner glass and several other elements making it off-road ready. It is priced at US$ 220,020 (approx RM 1 million).

Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato unveiled: Lamborghini has released a series of exterior images of its first all-terrain super sports car, the Huracán Sterrato. Based on the Huracan EVO, the off-road ready beast will come powered by a V10 engine. The full reveal will be held in Miami, USA on November 30. 

Mazda CX-90 teased: Mazda has geared up to unveil its new flagship SUV, called the CX-90. Set to replace the ongoing CX-9, the large SUV will be powered by an inline-six engine as confirmed by its recently revealed teaser image. The global premiere of the SUV will be held in January 2023.

Next-gen Toyota Innova debut announced: Toyota is ready to give a generation upgrade to its worldwide renowned nameplate, the Innova. The third-gen Innova will make its debut in Indonesia on Nov 21, 2022, followed by the reveal in India on Nov 25. Among the upgrades to be offered with the new MPV are a hybrid drivetrain, front-wheel-drive system, new platform, a large panoramic sunroof and ADAS features.

That’s all for the week. For further happenings from in and around the automobile world, stay tuned with us.

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