Weekly wrap-up: Toyota GR Supra Track Edition, GR Yaris AT, New MINI JCW EVs launched, Jetour VT9 teased, and more

This past week was a thrilling one in the automotive world, packed with high-performance launches and exciting teasers. From the launch of new Toyota GR models and MINI JCW EVs to upcoming vehicles teased by several automakers, including Jetour, Omoda, and iCaur, the momentum has not stopped. Meanwhile, the global auto arena also witnessed a few big reveals.

In case you missed out on any of that, we've got you covered in our quick recap of all the major auto news of the week. 

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

2025 Toyota GR Supra Track Edition, GR Yaris AT launched in Malaysia

UMW Toyota introduced two new exciting models this week viz. GR Supra Track Edition and GR Yaris Automatic. The new GR Supra Track Edition boasts several mechanical upgrades, setting it apart from its standard counterpart. It includes - recalibrated adaptive variable suspension, tweaked electric power steering, and enhanced limited slip differential. The new GR Yaris, on the contrary, comes equipped with a newly developed 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission, offering faster and more responsive shifts. Now available at GR Garage dealerships nationwide, the new GR models are priced at RM 698,000 and RM 325,600, respectively.

Three MINI JCW hot hatches now in Malaysia

MINI Malaysia launched the John Cooper Works variants of its three hatchbacks this week: 3-Door Petrol, 3-Door Electric and Aceman Electric. All these high-performance models feature JCW-specific elements inside and out and offer the brand’s signature go-kart-like handling and agile driving feel. Some of the key highlights include - JCW badgings, red accents, aerodynamically optimised components, JCW Lap Spoke wheels, black and red interior theme, JCW-specific sports seats, JCW steering wheel, and centre console. Prices are as follows - 

Models	Price (with standard warranty)	Price (with extended warranty & service package)
MINI JCW 3-Door Petrol	RM 318,888	RM 330,988
MINI JCW 3-Door Electric	RM 218,888	RM 225,188
MINI JCW Aceman Electric	RM 233,888	RM 241,188

New Mini Cooper Convertible up for grabs in Malaysia

Alongside the new JCW range, BMW-owned MINI also introduced the all-new Cooper Convertible in Malaysia. The latest model comes with a fully automatic fabric roof that takes 18 seconds to open and operates at speeds of up to 30 kmph. It also features a rollover protection system and a sunroof-style function. Priced at RM 318,888, the 2025 Mini Cooper Convertible is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that delivers a maximum power of 204 hp and a peak torque of 300 Nm. Power is sent to the wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox enabling the vehicle to hit the century sprint in 6.9 seconds and attain a top speed of 237 kmph.

Jetour VT9 SUV teased ahead of launch

Jetour is ready to launch its second model in Malaysia, called the VT9. Previewed at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024, the Jetour VT9 is a 7-seater D-segment SUV that will rival the likes of the Proton X90 and the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro in the local market. It is expected to come powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline mill tuned to deliver 156 PS at 5,500 rpm and 230 Nm from 1,750 rpm to 4,000 rpm. Equipment kit may include - all-around LED headlights, dual 10.25-inch displays, wireless smartphone charging, leather seats, cruise control, Panoramic sunroof, six airbags, and an array of advanced and intuitive safety features.

Omoda C7 debut set for MAS 2025

Jaecoo Malaysia teased an upcoming model on its social media handles this week. While the vehicle’s identity wasn’t officially confirmed, the silhouette and headlights suggest that it is none other than the Omoda C7, which recently made its ASEAN debut in Thailand. Positioned above the Omoda 5, the C7 is a C-segment SUV that houses a Super Hybrid System, combining a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and electric motor, producing a total system output of 360 PS and 530 Nm. The upcoming Omoda SUV will compete against the Honda CR-V and Proton X70.  

New Mitsubishi 3S centre opens in Selangor

Mitsubishi Motor Malaysia has opened the doors of its 19th 3S outlet in Klang Valley. Located in Kajang, the new centre is operated by Millennium Autohaus Sdn Bhd. It spans across 15,800 sq ft land area with a 9,600 sq ft facility, offering both sales and after-sales services with enhanced convenience for customers. It showcases the brand’s popular models, including the award-winning Triton and the Xpander. Notably, it is Millennium Autohaus's second dealership after its first centre in Kota Damansara, which opened in 2021.

Isuzu Malaysia welcomes a new CEO

Mr. Tomoyuki Yamaguchi is the new Chief Executive Officer of Isuzu Malaysia, effective from April 24, 2025. He succeeded Mr. Shunsuke Okazoe, who will now handle the role of Vice President of the sales division at Isuzu Motors Limited in Japan. Yamaguchi began his career at Isuzu back in 1997, handling international operations in different markets, including Russia and Ukraine, and various Southwest Asian markets. He also played a key role in developing the brand's commercial vehicle business in South Africa.

UMW Toyota supplies electrified vehicles to MoT for evaluation

UMW Toyota has handed over a fleet of five electrified vehicles - Alphard Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Toyota bZ4X EV and the Lexus RZ EV to the Ministry of Transport (MOT). The move is aimed at supporting policy development through real-world testing as part of Malaysia’s clean mobility goals.

iCaur 03 and V23 EVs set to preview next week

Chery is set to bring its new sub-brand, named iCaur, to Malaysia soon. The first two iCaur EVs that are confirmed to hit the local roads are the iCaur V23 and the iCaur 03. The iCaur V23 is an off-road SUV that comes equipped with a 136 PS/180 rear wheel drive electric motor and a 59.93-kWh LFP or 81.76-kWh NMC battery in China, offering a maximum range of 550 km. An all-wheel drive variant is also available with two e-motors and an NMC battery with a range of up to 501 km. The iCaur 03, on the other hand, is a compact crossover SUV that is also available with RWD or AWD, both with LFP batteries. 

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Asiabike 2025 kicks off in Indonesia

The 2025 Asiabike event kicked off at Jakarta International Expo Kemayoran on April 29. Organized by Messe Frankfurt Hong Kong in association with PERIKLINDO, PT Dyandra Promosindo, and Chinese partners, this 6-day exciting event witnessed over 130 exhibitors from Asia and beyond showcasing their electric mobility innovations. Along with the Chinese brands, global players like Honda and Kawasaki also presented their EVs at the show.

Two new Chery sub-brands launched - Lepas and Himla

With an aim to target diverse market segments with distinct offerings, Chery launched two new sub-brands - Lepas and Himla at the Shanghai auto show. 

• Lepas - It is a global SUV brand under which the automaker introduced the L8 SUV as the first model. The expansion plans include 5 models within three years, including the L4 and L6. Among the targeted regions are Southeast Asia, the Middle East, South America, and the UK.
• Himla: Inspired by the Himalayas, Himla is a global pickup truck brand that marks Chery’s entry into this segment. Under this, the automaker aims to offer a range of pure ICE and electric models across compact, midsize, and full-size segments.

New Isuzu D-Max EV unveiled in Europe

Isuzu has pulled the wraps off the new D-Max EV at the 2025 Commercial Vehicle Show in the UK. While the electric version looks identical to the ICE-powered D-Max and retains the ladder-frame chassis, it gets a pair of electric motors (combined output of 190 hp and 325 Nm) and a 66.9 kWh battery offering a WLTP-rated driving range of 262 km. It will be available in two premium variants, both in Extended Cab and Double Cab configurations, with full-time 4x4 capability, over 1-tonne payload and a maximum 3.5-tonne towing capacity.

Aston Martin DBX S revealed globally

Aston Martin has introduced a new range-topping variant of the DBX SUV, called the DBX S. It is touted as the most powerful non-electrified production SUV thanks to its re-tuned 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 mill, which kicks out a maximum power output of 727 hp (20 hp more than the DBX 707). The engine is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission that has been tuned for more aggressive shifts, resulting in better performance. 

That's a wrap for now. For all the latest updates on the automotive industry, stay tuned with us.

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