Top auto news of the week: 2023 Perodua Axia details out, Proton X90 launch expected in Q2 2023, and more

The past week was a bit of excitement for the Malaysian automotive industry as Perodua unveiled the specifications and tentative pricing of the all-new second-gen Axia. Not only that, but Proton also spilled some beans on the arrival of its upcoming model, the X90. In the meantime, the global industry enjoyed a few big reveals alongside receiving scoops on the upcoming models. Here we bring a quick recap of all the major happenings of the week -

2023 Perodua Axia details revealed: Perodua has opened the ordering books for the new Axia. It is offering the upgraded hatchback in four versions - G, X, SE, and AV, powered by the same 1.0-litre drivetrain. Newly added features are Perodua Smart Drive Assist, a 7.0-inch digital metre panel, a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, LED headlights, D-CVT gearbox, Power mode drive and keyless entry. The estimated pricing starts at RM 38,600 and goes all the way to RM 49,500, making the new model dearer by RM 4,000 - RM 6,000.

Also read: Top 7 new features of the upcoming 2023 Perodua Axia

Proton X90 may launch in Q2 2023: The other local automaker is also gearing up to bring its new SUV into the market. During a recent press briefing, Proton deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah dropped a hint that the X90 will arrive in Malaysia in the second quarter of the year and will be offered with a mild hybrid drivetrain option. The X90 is a three-row SUV based on the Geely Haoyue; it will be the brand's next flagship model. During the same event, Proton also talked about its target of exporting 10k units in 2023. 

Volvo set to expand export operations: Volvo Car Malaysia aims to transform Malaysia into an electric vehicle hub in the Asean region. After Thailand and Indonesia, the company is now set to begin its export operations in Vietnam and the Philippines. 

Perodua announces new year targets: Perodua also announced its sales and production targets for 2023 this week. The country’s largest automaker plans to make 314,000 deliveries this year with a year-on-year growth of 11.3%. As for production, it is targeting a figure of 330,000 units which is 14.2% more than the previous year.

Tesla may enter Malaysia soon: A recent social media post of the Malaysian Electric Vehicles Owners Club revealed that Tesla Services Sdn Bhd underwent a name change last October. The new name of the company is Tesla Sdn Bhd and its scope of work covers wholesale and retail of new motor vehicles, which clearly hints at the arrival of Tesla cars in Malaysia.

International updates 

Mazda CX-90 broke covers: After a long wait, Mazda finally revealed its new three-row SUV, the CX-90, this week. The new Mazda car underpins a large platform featuring a front-engine, rear-wheel-bias longitudinal layout. It is offered in two electrified powertrains in the US market, including a 3.3-litre engine mated to a 48-volt mild hybrid system and a 2.5-litre NA unit paired with an e-motor.

2023 Mazda 2 facelift debuts: Mazda also introduced the upgraded version of the Mazda 2 this week. The new hatchback comes in two different front designs - a new black grille finished with red badging and an EV-like face with a solid body-coloured panel in place of the grille. Airstream Blue Metallic and Aero Gray Metallic are the newly added colour options.

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class revealed: Mercedes-Benz rolled out the updates for the GLE-Class this week. The upgraded model features a unique grille pattern, new graphics for LED headlights and tail lights, and redesigned wheels. Also new for the 2024 model year is updated software for the 12.3-inch infotainment unit, a new steering wheel, and more interior upholstery colour combinations. It also benefits from a new plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

Range Rover Velar gets updates for 2024: Another premium SUV that received a facelift recently is the Range Rover Velar. The updated Land Rover model comes with the next-gen Pivi Pro infotainment system, leather-free interior upholstery, and new trimmings. The exterior also received its fair share of revision in the form of a new grille, headlights, and tail lights. Added to the colour palette are two new options - Metallic Varesine Blue and Premium Metallic Zadar Grey. 

Toyota announces the new CEO: Toyota has announced a major change in its executive structure with current President and CEO Akio Toyoda stepping down from the position on April 1. He will be succeeded by Koji Sato who presently serves the company as the President of Lexus and Gazoo Racing.

Next-gen Peugeot 3008 and 5008 debut confirmed: Peugeot is gearing up for the global debut of the next-gen 3008 and 5008, which is slated to be held in the second half of this year. While details are scarce at the moment, the automaker has confirmed the fully-electric variants of both SUVs, E-3008 and E-5008, will be a part of the variant line-up.

That’s all for the week. For further updates on the industry, stay tuned to Zigwheels Malaysia.

Also read: Top 5 luxury cars launching in Malaysia in 2023