Top auto news of the week: 2022 Proton Saga new variant, 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class CKD launched and more

The local automotive arena was a little quiet this week with just the launch of a new Saga variant, locally-assembled C-Class, and a couple of bikes. However, so many debuts that happened on the global platform kept the excitement levels high. Here, we bring a quick recap of all the major auto events of the week that you may have missed out on.

Local Updates

Proton Saga gets a new variant: Proton has quietly added a new variant to the Saga lineup, called the ‘Standard Lite AT.’ It is slotted above the base-spec Standard MT and shares the equipment with the Standard AT with a few systems missing on the safety front. On account of missing features, the new variant is cheaper than the regular Standard trim by RM 500.

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class CKD launched: The CKD version of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is now on sale in Malaysia. It is almost identical to the CBU model with just a few additions, like a hand-free powered trunk and a Pre-Safe system. However, the price is slashed by up to RM 17,000. The C200 Avantgarde is now priced at RM 287,888, while the C300 AMG Line retails for RM 327,888.

2022 Ford Everest teased: After unveiling the all-new Ford Ranger, Sime Darby Auto Connexion is now prepping up to unveil the latest iteration of the Ford Everest in Malaysia. The brand’s official distributor has shared a mystery image of the upcoming SUV along with announcing its launch date i.e. September 23, 2022. The new Everest shares the underpinnings with the new Ranger pickup. 

2022 Subaru BRZ price hiked: Subaru has increased the 2022 BRZ price in Malaysia by RM 20,000. The manual variant of the latest second-gen sports car is now priced at RM 249,245, while the automatic version costs RM 259,245. The brand’s distributor, Motor Image, has been taking orders for the new BRZ for some time now ahead of its launch in the country.

Mitsubishi opens a new showroom: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia in association with the brand’s authorised dealer Lofty Ambition (Rawang) Sdn Bhd has inaugurated its new 3S outlet in the Klang Valley. The new facility houses a showroom area, a service centre, and a spare parts centre along with a customer lounge with WIFI.

Yamaha Malaysia introduces E01: This week Hong Leong Yamaha Motor showcased the brand’s first electric scooter, the E01, in Malaysia. While the EV’s launch is still far, the automaker unveils that the scooter will offer a maximum travel range of 100 km and a top speed of 105 kmph.

Yamaha XMax 250 updated: Yamaha’s popular maxi-scooter XMax 250 has received a colour and price update in Malaysia. New colour choices for 2022 include Red and Matte Green, while the price is hiked by RM 300 over the previous tag of RM 21,998.

2022 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports launched: Honda Malaysia has expanded its lineup with the launch of the 2022 CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports. Priced at RM 117,888, the adventure tourer is powered by a 1,084-cc liquid-cooled, SOHC, parallel-twin engine kicking out a maximum power of 100.5 hp at 7,500 rpm and a peak torque of 105 Nm at 6,250 rpm. It is offered only in Pearl Glare White Tricolour.

International updates

Bentley  Mulliner Batur revealed: Bentley has introduced the all-new ultra-exclusive grand tourer, the Mulliner Batur. Created by the brand’s in-house coachbuilding division Mulliner, the luxury coupe is powered by a 6.0-litre W12 engine generating 740 hp and 1000 Nm of torque. It is limited to just 18 units and is priced at $2 million (RM 8.7 million). 

Subaru WRX and WRX wagon revealed in Thailand: At this year’s Big Motor Sale event held at Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre in the Land of Smiles, Subaru has launched two new models - WRX and WRX Wagon. The former is now based on the Subaru Global Platform and equips a larger-capacity 2.4-litre turbo petrol engine while the latter is a second-gen Levorg loaded with a powerful WRX engine.

Haval H6 Hybrid launched in China: The Malaysia-bound Haval H6 gets a new hybrid iteration in the home market. The new H6 Hybrid is offered in two variants - DHT (Dedicated Hybrid Transmission) and DHT-PHEV (plug-in hybrid) with a starting price of CNY 149,800 (approximately equal to RM 97,866). 

Toyota Sienta debuts in Japan: Toyota has unveiled the all-new third-gen Sienta in the home market, where it will be sold in five- and seven-seat configurations. Based on the GA-B iteration of the Toyota New Global Architecture, the latest MPV is powered by a 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated three-cyl gasoline engine which hails from the  Dynamic Force family.

Kia EV9 teased: Kia has recently released new images of its upcoming electric SUV, the EV9. The EV is undergoing its final round of testing ahead of the global debut scheduled for Q1 of 2023. It underpins the Electric Global Modular Platform architecture and an 800 v electrical system. 

One-off Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 revealed: To commemorate its 1967 Japan Grand Prix victory, Porsche unveiled a one-off “718 Cayman GT4 Tribute to 906” model in the Land of Rising Sun. Created by the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur department, this not-for-sale car will be on display at the Porsche Experience Centre Tokyo till the end of this month.

That’s all for now. For further updates on the auto industry, stay tuned to this place.

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