Top auto news of the week: 2022 Mazda CX-3 new variants launched, Toyota IMVs updated, and more

The Malaysian automotive arena was a bit quiet this week with Mazda silently adding new variants to the CX-3 lineup, followed by Toyota announcing a slight update for its three IMVs (Innovative International Multi-Purpose Vehicles) - Hilux, Innova, and Fortuner. We also received an update on the highly-awaited Toyota Veloz launch. In case you missed out on any of the top auto news of the week, we have got you covered in our weekly wrap-up. So, let’s get started.

2022 Mazda CX-3 new variants launched: Bermaz Motor, the official distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia, has expanded the CX-3’s lineup by adding two new variants - 1.5L Core and 2.0L Core. These are positioned below the earlier launched 2.0L High trim. The equipment kit of the new variants is identical with the engine setup as the only difference between the two. Pricing for the 2022 Mazda CX-3 now starts at RM 107,870 and goes all the way up to RM 131,359.

Toyota IMVs updated: Toyota’s International Multi-Purpose Vehicles (Hilux, Innova, and Fortuner) benefit from small creature comfort improvements. These models now feature an updated 9.0-inch infotainment unit with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. All three cars also get USB C-type charging ports and WiFi connectivity for digital video recorders.

Mercedes-Benz EQC and EQB prices announced: Previewed back in July, the Mercedes-Benz EQC and EQB electric cars’ official pricing has now been announced. The EQB 350 4Matic is priced at RM 328,888 (on-the-road without insurance) while the EQC 400 4Matic retails for RM 388,888.

UMW Toyota Veloz coming very soon: While announcing its August sales results, UMWT confirmed that the launch of the seven-seater Veloz MPV will happen “very soon” in Malaysia. The Japanese automaker sold a total of 9,091 vehicles (Toyota + Lexus) last month.

2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan Scram 411 arrived: This week Royal Enfield has also expanded its local lineup with the launch of the Himalayan Scram 411. The scrambler-styled bike is on offer in three variants - Base, Mid and Premium, priced between RM 26,900 and RM 27,400. All versions are powered by the same 411-cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine with SOHC dishing out 24.3 hp of maximum power and 32 Nm of peak torque.

Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer special edition previewed: At the Hap Seng Star roadshow in Bangsar Shopping Centre, a special variant of the Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer, the Vito Tourer Special Edition made its public debut. This top-spec luxury people hauler is priced at RM 379,888 (on-the-road without insurance) i.e. RM 20k more than the Vito Tourer Exclusive.

2022 BMW M Gathering date announced: BMW Malaysia is set to celebrate this Malaysia Day with a huge BMW M Gathering. It is touted as the brand’s largest gathering in the country which coincides with BMW M's 50th-anniversary celebration. It will be held at LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre on September 16, 2022, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

International updates

Ferrari Purosangue debut date revealed: The luxury carmaker Ferrari is set to pull the wraps off its first-ever SUV, the Purosangue. The grand debut will happen on September 13, 2022. The upcoming SUV will run on the brand’s iconic V12 engine, likely to be a 6.5-litre, naturally-aspirated mill paired with a mild-hybrid setup and a DCT gearbox. It will lock horns with the Bentley Bentayga, Aston Martin DBX, and Lamborghini Urus.

2023 Bentley Flying Spur Speed unveiled: Bentley has introduced a new driving-focused version of the Flying Spur, called the Flying Spur Speed. It is powered by a  6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine churning out 635 PS of maximum power and 900 Nm of peak torque. The latest four-door sedan will first hit the US and European markets, followed by the Middle East.

2023 Nissan X-Trail debuts in Europe: The fourth-gen Nissan X-Trail has made its official debut in the Old continent, where it will be offered in two seating configurations - 5- and 7-seater. The engine options include VC-Turbo and mild hybrid powertrains. Styling-wise, the Euro-spec X-Trail looks almost identical to the models sold in the US, China and Australia.

2023 Toyota Hilux Rogue launched in Australia: Revealed back in July this year, the all-new Toyota Hilux Rogue has finally gone on sale in Australia. The flagship model features a number of cosmetic tweaks inside-out and a revised suspension and braking system. It retails for AUD 70,200 (approximately equal to RM 215,139).

2023 Toyota Vios introduced in Laos: After officially unveiling the next-gen Vios in Thailand last month, Toyota has now introduced the updated sedan in Laos. It is the first left-hand drive market that gained the new Vios, powered by a 1.3-litre four-cyl engine making 98 hp and 122 Nm of torque. The Laos-spec Vios also gets different alloy wheels compared to the Thailand car.

Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport broke cover: The all-new Yaris Cross GR Sport has been recently introduced in Europe. Compared to the standard model, the car inspired by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing features GR exclusive cosmetic appointments inside-out along with a retuned suspension for sharper handling.

Ora Good Cat Euro NCAP rating: Sold as the Funky Cat in Europe, the Malaysia-bound Ora Good Cat scores a 5-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests. It scored 92% points in Adult Occupant Protection, 83% in Child Occupant Protection, and 93% in the Safety Assist category.

That’s all for this week. For more updates on the local and global automotive industry, stay tuned with us.

Also read: Car buyer’s digest: Best cars in Malaysia for students