Top auto news of the week: 2023 Volvo XC90, V60 launched, new Ford Ranger variant added, and more

This week, we saw a busy momentum in the Malaysian automotive industry with a slew of launches followed by the opening of new showrooms by three Japanese automakers, including Honda, Isuzu, and Mitsubishi. In the meantime, the global market also enjoyed a bunch of debuts along with snippets of the upcoming models. In case you missed out on the top auto news of the week, here’s a detailed recap for you.

2023 Volvo XC90 arrived: Volvo Cars Malaysia has updated the XC90 for the 2023 model year. The latest seven-seater SUV is on offer in two versions - B5 Ultimate and Recharge T8 Ultimate, priced at RM 416,888 and RM 432,888, respectively. The new variants offer higher output levels and increased electric-only range, along with new tech features.

2023 Volvo V60 Recharge now on sale: Alongside updating the XC90, Volvo has also introduced the upgraded iteration of the V60 in the local market. Available in a single Recharge T8 Ultimate trim, the wagon benefits from new wheels, new exterior tones, upholstery options, and new technology features. It is priced at RM 321,888.

2023 Ford Ranger XL single-cab launched: Ford has extended the Ranger pickup lineup in Malaysia by adding the XL single-cab variant to the list. Priced at RM 98,888, the new trim features a larger car bed and thus targets customers with cargo-intensive applications. It is powered by a 2.0-litre single-turbo diesel mill cranking out a maximum power of 170 PS and a peak torque of 405 Nm. Sending drive to all four wheels is a six-speed manual gearbox.

New Mitsubishi 3S centre: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has launched a new 3S outlet in Kluang in association with authorised dealer K.M. Lim Auto Sdn Bhd. The new Mitsubishi centre houses a two-story shop lot along with a service centre, and a comfortable customer lounge with WIFI and a kids' corner.

Proton Oct 2022 sales figures revealed: The national automaker Proton sold a total of 13,013 cars (including exports) in Oct 2022 with a slight drop compared to the previous month’s numbers. The year-to-date sales of the company now stands at 115,366 units. 

BYD accepting ROIs for its upcoming EVs: The Chinese automaker BYD has started its official Facebook page with the opening of ROI (registration of interests) pages for its upcoming electric cars in Malaysia, including the Atto 3 and e6. The Atto 3 is a C-segment electric SUV that is a direct competitor of the Hyundai Kona Electric in the local market. The e6, on the other hand, is an electric MPV, which is similarly sized to the Toyota Innova.

New Isuzu 3S centre: Isuzu has opened up a new 3S centre at Jalan Jinjang Permai in the northern region of Kuala Lumpur. The new outlet offers a full range of the brand’s vehicles and a spacious service centre, which can accommodate up to 6 vehicles at a time. The welcoming reception area, cosy lighting, merchandise corner, and environmentally friendly digital information panels are among the main highlights of the new Isuzu centre.

New Honda 3S centre: In association with Northmont Capital, Honda Malaysia has officiated a new 3S centre in Sarawak, bringing down the total of Honda dealerships in East Malaysia to 14. With a built-up area of 2,339 sq m, the showroom houses a big display area, 16 service bays, comfortable lounges with Wi-Fi services, and a kids' corner.

International updates

Mazda CX-8 received updates for 2023: Mazda’s three-row midsize SUV, the CX-8, has received a mid-life update in Japan. The latest iteration benefits from new exterior styling along with some technological and handling improvements. Pricing for the 2023 model year ranges between JPY 2,994,200 (RM 96,077) and JPY 5,058,900 (RM 162,328).

2023 Honda WR-V unveiled: Slotted below the HR-V in Honda’s global lineup, the WR-V has received the generation update in Indonesia. The new WR-V is bigger in size and features significant design improvements, new underpinnings, and a new mechanical setup. It is offered in three trims - E, RS, and RS with Honda Sensing in the neighbouring market.

Bentley Bentayga Odyssean Edition broke cover: After introducing the Flying Spur Odyssean Edition last year, Bentley has now come up with the Odyssean Edition of the Bentayga SUV. The eco-friendly SUV features several sustainable materials, including open-pore Koa veneer tweed panels, and sustainably sourced leather upholstery. The production is limited to just 70 units.

2024 Subaru Impreza teased: Subaru has released the first official teaser of the next-generation Impreza, which is set to make its official premiere at the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show. While the teaser does not reveal much, it confirmed the continuation of the hatchback body style for the next-gen model.

That’s all for the week. For more local and international auto news, keep reading Zigwheels Malaysia.

Also read: 7 Upcoming electric cars in Malaysia