Top auto news of the week - 2023 Perodua Axia, 2023 Isuzu D-Max, New Range Rover launched, Mercedes-Benz EQS CKD revealed, and more

This week was jam-packed with one launch event after the other. From Perodua launching the new-gen Axia to Land Rover giving us the all-new 5th-gen Ranger Rover, there was so much that went down. Also, a few unveilings and announcements abroad held the excitement high. Here’s a quick recap of the major happenings from last week that you may have missed out on:

2023 Perodua Axia launched: After teasing the new-gen Axia for a while, Perodua launched the upgraded hatchback this week. The new Axia is offered in four variants - G, X, SE, and AV, priced between RM 38,600 and RM 49,500. While the price is almost RM 4k - RM 6k higher than the previous model, it is quite justified on the grounds of new and better underpinnings, advanced features, and added value. All the variants of the car are powered by the same 1.0-litre naturally aspirated engine generating 67 hp of max power and 91 Nm of peak torque. The power is sent to the wheels via a new D-CVT gearbox.

2023 Isuzu D-Max launched: Isuzu has rolled out the upgraded version of the D-Max pickup in Malaysia. The truck benefits from cosmetic tweaks and an upgraded equipment kit. These include - a new dual-tone radiator grille, new 17- and 18-inch wheels, dark grey exterior accents (X-Terrain only), black leather upholstery (Premium and X-Terrain), and Cafe Brown interior accents. Also exclusive to the range-topping model is the new 15W wireless charging pad, an integrated dashcam, and new ambient lighting. The power setup remains unchanged while pricing sees a hike; the new Isuzu D-Max retails between RM 94,949 - RM 150,938.

5th-gen Range Rover goes on sale: The all-new fifth-generation Range Rover is now available in Malaysia in a sole L460 trim, priced at RM 2.5 million. The new version of this premium SUV is based on a new Modular Longitudinal Architecture and is powered by a 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 petrol engine that delivers a max power of 530 hp and a peak torque of 750 Nm. The engine comes hooked with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic gearbox. Among the advanced tech inclusions are - a 13.1-inch curved floating glass touchscreen with a Pivi Pro infotainment system, a new 13.7-inch Interactive Driver Display, ClearSight Ground View, manoeuvring lights, and more. 

2023 Maserati Levante GT Hybrid launched: Naza Italia, the official distributor of Maserati cars in Malaysia, has expanded its electrified lineup with the addition of the 2023 Levante GT Hybrid. The SUV boasts a striking exterior design with interior space for five people and exceptional aerodynamic efficiency. Under the hood lies a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder ICE paired with a 48-volt hybrid system, which combinedly kicks out a max power of 330 hp and a peak torque of 450 Nm. Power is sent to all wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowing the hybrid to hit the century sprint in 6 seconds and a top speed of 245 kmph. It is priced at RM 738,000.

Mercedes-Benz EQS CKD revealed: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia unveiled the EQS500 4Matic this week as its first locally-assembled EQ model. The CKD model is a higher-spec variant compared to the ongoing EQS 450+ CBU. It is powered by a dual-motor, all-wheel drive setup dishing out 449 PS of power and 855 Nm of torque. The production of the locally-assembled EV will be carried out at the company’s production facility in Pekan with the deliveries set to commence in March 2023. The EQS500 4Matic price tag reads RM 648,888 which makes it RM 50k cheaper than the CBU version.

Nissan Malaysia Valentine offer: On the occasion of Valentine’s day, Edaran Tan Chong Motor, the official distributor of Nissan in Malaysia, rolled out a special promo. Dubbed as ‘Fall In Love At First Deal,' the promo offers an overall rebate of RM 10,500 on the X-Trail SUV, RM 4,600 on the Serena MPV, and RM 9,950 on the Navara pickup. 

Perodua Axia MT will remain on sale: Perodua has confirmed that the manual base variant of the Axia will remain on sale with the non-DNGA body. However, the automaker will revise the price and specification of the model and offer the car to both driving schools and private owners.

International news

Mercedes-Maybach S 580e broke covers: Mercedes-Maybach has pulled the wraps off its plug-in hybrid model, the S 580 e. It is powered by an inline six-cylinder engine and an e-motor combinedly producing a max output of 510 hp and a peak torque of 570 Nm. The PHEV combines Maybach’s typical luxury experience and emission-free driving in electric driving mode. It will first land on Chinese shores, followed by European and Thai.

Toyota Agya launched in Indonesia: The Indo twin of the second-gen Perodua Axia, the Toyota Agya, has also gone on sale in Indonesia this week. It is offered in two versions - G and GR Sport equipped with a 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine and a new Dual-Mode CVT gearbox. The Agya mimics the Axia in terms of design with a few unique elements like Toyota-exclusive front fascia and GR badges inside and out. 

MazdaCX-80 debut confirmed: The fourth CX SUV of Mazda, the CX-80, is set to make a global debut later this year, as confirmed by the company’s CEO in an interview with Automotive News Europe. It will slot between the recently revealed CX-90 and the upcoming CX-70 and underpin the brand’s new rear-wheel-drive platform. It is expected to be offered with straight-six engines (both petrol and diesel guises) and a plug-in hybrid 2.5-litre SkyActiv-G mill mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Aston Martin Valhalla arrives in Singapore: The exotic two-door British sports car, Aston Martin Valhalla hybrid, made its official entry in Singapore this week. Out of the supercar’s worldwide production of 999 units, the country gets 5 cars, each priced at $4,800,000 (RM 15,833,151). The hybrid supercar is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo bespoke V8 engine combined with three motors generating a whopping output of 1012 PS. Also part of the setup is a 150kW/400V battery and an all-new 8-speed Dual-Clutch (DCT) transmission.

MINI Cooper SE Convertible revealed: BMW-owned car brand MINI also grabbed the headlines this week by launching the world’s first emission-free premium convertible in the category, called the MINI Cooper SE Convertible. The production of the drop-top Mini EV will be limited to 999 units with the production to be carried out in the Netherlands alongside the ICE-powered Mini Convertible. The sales will commence in Europe in a couple of months at a price of £52,500 (RM 278,572). 

That’s all for the week. For further updates on the local and international automotive market, stay tuned with us.

Also read: 10 Most expensive cars around the world