Weekly wrap-up: Chery Tiggo Cross, MG Cyberster RWD launched, 2025 Proton X50 facelift bookings open, and more

The second week of July was filled with excitement for the Malaysian automotive market, as Proton finally opened the order books for the new X50 facelift. This was followed by the launch of the MG Cyberster RWD and the Chery Tiggo Cross, adding more competition to the EV and SUV segments in the local market. Meanwhile, a series of exciting debuts stole the spotlight in the global automotive arena.

Here’s a quick recap of all the major auto happenings of the week that you may have missed out on -

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

2025 Chery Tiggo Cross launched in Malaysia

Chery has expanded its SUV lineup in Malaysia with the launch of the Tiggo Cross. Positioned below the Omoda 5, the Chery Tiggo Cross boasts compact dimensions, stylish design, and smart technology features, appealing to younger drivers and urban families. It is offered in two variants -  1.5 Turbo (petrol) and 1.5 Hybrid CSH (Chery Super Hybrid), priced at RM 88,800 and RM 99,800, respectively. The hybrid mill offers an impressive fuel economy of 19 kmpl (approx) and a cruising range of 1,000 km on a single tank, offering an EV-like experience without the hassle of charging. The first 2,000 customers who take home the new Chery SUV (until September 30, 2025) are entitled to get two years of free service.

New MG Cyberster RWD arrives in Malaysia

MG launched a new rear-wheel drive variant of the Cyberster roadster in Malaysia this week. The latest EV is priced at RM 299,990 (on the road, without insurance), making it RM 19,910 cheaper than the AWD trim. It is powered by a rear-mounted electric motor generating a maximum power of 340 PS and a peak torque of 475 Nm. Feeding the motor is a 77 kWh battery pack, which provides a driving range of 508 km (on the WLTP cycle). Alongside the different drivetrain setups, the RWD and AWD are different in terms of wheel size. Available colour options are -  Dynamic Red, Inca Yellow, Camden Grey, and English White.

Bookings open for 2025 Proton X50 facelift

Proton has started accepting bookings for the all-new 2025 Proton X50 facelift. The upgraded model is offered in three variants - Executive, Premium, and Flagship, which means the Standard variant has been dropped as a part of the upgrade. The new X50 has a sharper and performance-inspired visual identity, featuring new LED headlights, revised alloy wheels, red brake calipers, and a new Teal Bayou Green colour option. Among the significant cabin improvements are a new 14.6-inch infotainment screen, a bigger driver display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a redesigned dashboard. The early bird package offers the first 10,000 customers a RM 1,000 rebate, a special Touch ’n Go card, and a surprise “GEMPAK!” deal.

Proton Saga turns 40, New Hot Wheels edition launched

First introduced on July 9, 1985, the beloved Proton Saga has completed its glorious 40 years of journey. On the occasion of the sedan’s 40th anniversary, the automaker has launched an all-new Hot Wheels Proton Saga Special Edition die-cast model, wrapped in white colour, unlike the earlier version, which was finished in red. Priced at RM 9.90, it is now available at major toy speciality, departmental & convenience stores, hypermarkets and petrol marts across Malaysia. The automaker has also announced the “Saga, A True Malaysian ICON” test drive contest from May 3 to July 31, 2025, offering exclusive KOL rides.

TQ Wuling Bingo EV nationwide tour begins in Malaysia 

The Wuling brand made its first public appearance at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025 and previewed the Bingo compact electric SUV, which is set to launch in Q4 2025. The brand has been rebranded as TQ Wuling for the local market as a result of Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad’s tie-up with Chinese carmaker SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGM Wuling). Ahead of the launch, TQ Manufacturing, TCMH’s EV arm, has kicked off a nationwide preview tour of the Bingo EV. It will run through key locations in the Klang Valley and beyond, including malls and lifestyle venues throughout July and August 2025.

GWM Malaysia grows in H1 2025, new models in the pipeline

GWM has ended H1 2025 on a strong note, achieving a 20.3% increase in sales compared to the same period last year. This remarkable performance makes the brand one of the leading Chinese car brands in Malaysia. The success is attributed to the growing popularity of the Haval H6 HEV, which is now a top choice among consumers looking for a hybrid SUV. Looking ahead, the Chinese automaker has big plans for Malaysia, including the upcoming launches of the WEY 80 PHEV MPV and Ora Good Cat GT, and expanding its retail network.

Honda Vario 125 gets a colour upgrade

Boon Siew Honda has introduced two new colours - Matte Blue and a vibrant Blue for the Vario 125. The new Matte Blue shade makes the vehicle look more refined and sophisticated, while the vibrant Blue lends it an energetic look. Priced at RM 7,268, the scooter boasts a sharp styling with an aggressive headlight and tail light design and 14-inch wheels. It is powered by a 125-cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, SOHC engine,  which delivers 11.5 hp of maximum power at 8,500 rpm and 11.74 Nm of peak torque at 5,000 rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheel via a CVT gearbox and a belt drive system. 

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

2026 Mazda CX-5 made its official debut

The all-new third-generation Mazda CX-5 made its world premiere this week. The latest iteration of this popular SUV features an evolved Kodo design language and sharper styling with Mazda Signature Wing grille, more angular lighting elements, and more pronounced air intakes. Longer and wider than its predecessor, the new CX-5 features a thoughtfully crafted cabin equipped with advanced technology, including the brand’s largest-ever 15.6-inch touchscreen. This touchscreen integrates Google's built-in functionality, including Google Maps, Google Play Store, and the upcoming Google Gemini AI assistant. It is powered by the familiar 2.5-litre SkyActiv-G four-cylinder engine, with a hybrid variant set to launch in 2027.

Bentley EXP 15 Concept revealed as the brand’s electric future preview

Bentley has introduced an all-new, dramatic, high-riding limousine concept, the EXP 15. It marks the beginning of a new era for the luxury car manufacturer and previews its next-generation cars. The concept vehicle measures 5.4m in length and features a striking design inspired by the 1930 Speed Six Gurney Nutting “Blue Train” coupe. It wears the new Winged B emblem and has a fully electric, all-wheel drive powertrain at its heart. Notably, Bentley’s first-ever electric SUV is set to launch in 2026.

Maserati unveils the new MCPura sports car

Maserati has rolled the MC20 in a new avatar and a new name, which reads MCPura. Parts of the upgrade are a revised front fascia with a trapezoidal grille, GT2 Stradale-inspired front bumper and a sculpted rear bumper with a new diffuser. The all-new Maserati MCPura also features new badging finishes, new AI Aqua Rainbow exterior shade, and an updated interior with laser-etched Alcantara seats featuring 3D-effect iridescent backing. Under the metal skin lies the tried and tested 3.0-litre ‘Nettuno’ twin-turbo V6 engine that generates 630 PS of maximum power and 720 Nm of peak torque, enabling the sports car to run from 0 to 100 kmph in 2.9 seconds.

Hyundai Ioniq 6 N breaks cover - 650 PS, 0-100 kmph in 3.2 secs

After the Ioniq 5 N, Hyundai has introduced its second high-performance EV, the Ioniq 6 N. It is powered by the same dual-motor setup as its sibling and generates a combined output of 609 PS, which can be increased up to 650 PS for 10 seconds with the help of the “N Grin Boost” feature. The Ioniq 6 N can hit the century sprint in 3.2 seconds; 0.2 seconds quicker than the Ioniq 5 N. Other key highlights include - N Drift Optimiser, N Torque Distribution, N e-Shift, N Active Sound +, New N Track Manager, more aggressive styling, 20-inch wheels, larger brakes, and aerodynamic tweaks including a swan-neck rear wing. 

2025 Aston Martin Vantage S unveiled; launch later this year

The all-new Aston Martin Vantage S has made its official debut as the most powerful series-production iteration of Aston Martin’s entry-level sports car to date. It is sharper, more powerful, and more track-focused, and incorporates an uprated version of the AMG-sourced 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine. The supercar offers enhanced agility and engagement with a recalibrated throttle, optimised launch control, stiffer rear subframe, refined suspension geometry, and updated Bilstein adaptive dampers. Set to launch in October 2025, the new Vantage S will be offered in both coupe and roadster body styles.

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

Also read: 2025 Chery Tiggo Cross: Which variant should you buy - Turbo or Hybrid?