Top auto news of the week: 2022 Nissan Serena launched, Ora Good Cat previewed, and more

The first week after the SST exemption rollback started with the release of new price lists by the automakers that factor in sales and service tax. It was followed by a couple of launches and some important upcoming debut announcements. If you have missed out on tuning in to ZigWheels Malaysia, we’ve got you covered with all the top auto updates of the week in our detailed report. 

2022 Nissan Serena launched: After opening the ordering books for the Serena facelift last month, Nissan has finally launched the upgraded MPV in Malaysia. The latest model comes with new looks, new interior tech, and an improved safety kit. It is on offer in two variants - Highway Star and Premium Highway Star, priced at RM 149,888 and RM 162,888, respectively. 

Ora Good Cat previewed: The Chinese automaker Great Wall Motors has finally commenced its Malaysian subsidiary, named Great Wall Motor (GWM) Sales Malaysia Sdn Bhd. The event also gave us a preview of the highly-anticipated Ora Good Cat EV. The automaker also confirmed the EV’s launch for the fourth quarter of the year.

Ferrari 296 GTS introduced: The topless version of the 296 GTB, the 296 GT6, was also previewed at the Sepang International Circuit this week. Priced at RM 1.448 million, the sports car is the brand's first V6 convertible for the road. It features a retractable hardtop, which takes 14 seconds to open or close at speeds of up to 45 kmph.

2022 Ford Ranger launch announced: Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) has announced the next-gen Ford Ranger launch for Malaysia. The debut will be held over five weekends across the nation, including central, northern, southern as well as Sabah and Sarawak, starting from July 22. 

2022 Kia Carnival CKD pricing confirmed: Pricing for the locally-assembled 7 & 8-seater Kia Carnival has now been confirmed. The CKD model is offered in three variants - 8-seater, 8-seater High, and 7-seater High, and is priced between RM 231,228 and RM 261,228. Compared to the 11-seater CBU, the Made-in-Malaysia Carnival gets an improved cabin layout and upgraded tech.

Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica launched: The Italian supercar maker introduced a new Huracan variant in Malaysia this week. Dubbed as the Huracan Tecnica, the latest model comes with a 5.2-litre V10 engine and improved aerodynamics. It costs less than the STO version at RM 1.05 million.

2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster goes on sale: Harley-Davidson Malaysia lineup welcomes a new and stylish model this week, dubbed as the Nightster. It comes equipped with an all-new Revolution Max 975T drivetrain, three riding modes, and several electronic rider aids. The price starts at RM 93,900.

Audi Malaysia updated lineup: The new official distributor of Audi cars in Malaysia, PHS Automotive, has announced the brand’s updated line in the country. Among the newly added models are - Q2, Q3, Q5, Q3 Sportback, A5 Sportback, and Q5 Sportback.

H1 2022 Sales report: With the end of June 2022, automakers like Perodua, Proton, and Toyota have revealed their half yearly sales numbers. While maintaining its first spot in the Malaysian automotive arena, Perodua sold a total of 127,343 vehicles between Jan to June 2022. Proton, which holds the second position, managed to sell 60,124 units in the same period. The top non-national car brand Toyota, on the other hand, delivered 45,911 cars in the first half of the year.

BMW i7 teased: After launching the i7 ROI page back in April, BMW Malaysia now posted a new teaser video of the electric sedan on its social media handle. This hints at the imminent arrival of the luxury EV in Malaysia.

International updates

2022 Honda ADV 160 introduced in Indonesia: Honda launched the replacement model for the popular ADV 150 in Indonesia that goes with the name ADV 160. The scooter benefits from a number of updates including advanced driver aids and a bigger 156.9 cc four-valve engine, which delivers a maximum power of 16 hp and a peak torque of 14.7 Nm.

All-new Volkswagen Amarok revealed: After much teasing, Volkswagen has finally pulled the wraps off the second-gen Amarok pickup truck. Built on the same platform as the new Ford Ranger, the new Amarok arrives in two body styles (2-door SingleCab and 4-door DoubleCab) and a choice of five engines.

Honda-e debuts in Europe: Honda unveiled an all-new super cute electric car in the European market, called the Honda e. Limited to just 50 units, this urban EV is known for its mesmerizing style and electric performance around the world.

That’s all for the week. For further latest updates around the automotive industry, stay tuned with us.

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