Top auto news of the week: Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max, Neta V launch soon, 2023 Auto Shanghai kicks off, and more

The Malaysian automotive arena was a bit quiet this week with some noteworthy launch confirmations from Chinese automakers. Contrary to that, things were quite eventful globally as the 2023 Auto Shanghai kicks off in China, previewing the latest cutting-edge creations from some of the world's leading automakers. In case you missed out on any of that, we've got you covered in our weekly wrap.

Chery cars launch confirmed: Chery Malaysia has confirmed the launch of the Tiggo 8 Pro Max and the Omado 5 for June 2023. The Tiggo 8 Pro is a 7-seater SUV that will compete against the Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-8. It is likely to come powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TGDi turbo engine producing 250 PS and 390 Nm. The Omoda 5, on the other hand, is a 5-seater SUV that rivals the likes of the Proton X50, Honda HR-V, and Toyota Corolla Cross. It may come either with a 1.5-litre turbo petrol or a 1.6-litre TGDi petrol mill.

Neta V launch next month: Another Chinese automaker that is ready to establish its footprint in Malaysia is Neta. The company has appointed GoAuto’s Intro Synergy as its local distributor for five years and confirmed the launch of its first EV, the Neta V. This is an electric hatchback that comes powered by a 95 PS/150 Nm front-mounted electric motor and a 38.5-kWh lithium-ion battery offering a driving range of 384 km. The Neta V will launch at the Malaysia Auto Show 2023 next month.

Porsche introduces Sime Darby Racing Team: The official distributor of Porsche Cars in Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto Performance has introduced the Sime Darby Racing Team for the 2023 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, in partnership with Earl Bamber Motorsport. Nazim Azman will be behind the wheel of the 911 GT3 Cup car, decked with batik-inspired livery. The event will begin at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia on April 28, 2023. 

New Mini charging facility in Klang: In association with Wheelcorp Premium, Mini Malaysia has launched a new charging facility in the country. Located in Kota Kemuning, Klang, the new facility is powered by JomCharge. It is open to the public and has a standard rate of RM 1.20 per minute of use.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia appoints new VP: This week Mercedes-Benz Malaysia welcomed Bettina Plangger as its new Vice President and head of marketing and sales at Mercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia & SEA II. 

Mitsubishi FY2022 sales: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has announced the sales numbers achieved in FY 2022 (from April 2022 to March 2023). During the year, the automaker sold a total of 24,315 vehicles with a 27% hike over the last financial year. The Mitsubishi Xpander remains the country’s most popular non-national MPV by contributing 57% to the overall sales.

2023 Auto Shanghai 

The Auto Shanghai auto show kicked off with a bang on April 18, showcasing several breathtaking models, including

MG Cyberster: Unveiled in the concept form back in 2020, the MG Cyberster EV has finally arrived in a road-ready version. It features a sharp aerodynamic shape, with futuristic styling, sleek lines, and scissor doors. The technical details of the EV are yet to be announced.

2023 Lexus LM: Lexus unveiled the latest iteration of its luxurious MPV, the LM, at the event. The latest model boasts a more elegant design and a comfy lounge-like cabin that can be configured in three different layouts - 4-, 6- and 7-seater. The new Lexus LM promises excellent ride quality and enhanced levels of quietness in the cabin. 

2024 Porsche Cayenne: Porsche has given its best-selling Cayenne the most extensive product upgrades ever seen in the brand’s history. The new Cayenne benefits from an overhauled cabin, restyled exterior bits, upgraded drivetrains, and suspension system.

Volkswagen ID.7 EV: After previewing the ID.7 with a digital camouflage at the 2023 Consumers Electronics Show, Volkswagen has now unveiled its flagship electric sedan in full. The Volkswagen ID.7 underpins the MEB platform housing a 77-kWh battery as standard that is expected to deliver a range of 615 km.

Polestar 4 EV: The first-ever performance SUV of the Volvo-owned Polestar, the Polestar 4, made its global premiere at the Shanghai event. Priced at USD 60,000 (approx RM 265k), the EV underpins Sustainable Experience Architecture. It is touted as the brand’s fastest production car that can hit the century sprint in just 3.8 seconds.

Maserati Grecale Folgore EV: The fully-electric version of the Maserati Grecale has also made its way to the show. It houses the ‘Folgore’ badge, which indicates the brand’s pure-electric cars. It is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel drive system and a 105-kWh battery pack that runs for 500 km on a single charge.

Smart #3: We also received the first official glimpse of the Smart #3 at the exciting motor show. This is the brand’s second model after the smart #1 and incorporates an aerodynamic performance-enhancing body and a sporty profile inside and out. The technical details of the EV are yet to be released.

Ora Lightning Cat: Great Wall Motors has previewed the Ora Lightning Cat, which is likely to be the brand’s second EV in Malaysia, after the Good Cat. The latest EV is a 5-door crossover that features a polarising design with a drag coefficient of 0.22Cd. It comes with an 83.5-kwh battery pack in China, offering a driving range of 600 kilometres.

GWM Tank 500: Another model on display at the GWM stall is the Tank 500, it is a huge SUV based on a 2,850 mm long ladder-on-frame platform. It is equipped with several off-roading bits and a 48V mild hybrid system, combining a 3.0-litre turbo V6 mill and an electric motor. 

Hyundai Mufasa and Elantra N facelift: The two new Hyundai models on display at the Chinese show are Mufasa and Elantra N facelift. The former is a China-specific model that will be sold by Beijing Hyundai; it is a 7-seater SUV featuring wild styling and a pronounced stance.

The new Elantra N, on the other hand, sports a new look in line with the company’s current design trend and equips the same 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-4 engine as the standard model.

That’s all for the week. For further updates on the industry, keep reading Zigwheels Malaysia.

Also read: Q1 2023: Top local car launches