Top auto news of the week: Perodua Ativa Hybrid arrived, 2022 Ranger Raptor launch announced, BYD EVs confirmed, and more

There is no more denying that the future of mobility is electric. And thus, the Malaysian automotive market is also set to embrace electric vehicles with open arms. This week, the country's largest automaker Perodua took a significant move towards the expansion of the electric vehicle segment in the country i.e. the official launch of the Ativa Hybrid subscription plan. It was followed by the confirmation of BYD electric cars' arrival in Malaysia and the Jaguar I-Pace EV teaser. 

In case you missed out on any of that, here’s a quick recap of all major auto events of the week.

Perodua Ativa Hybrid subscription plan rolled out: Perodua has finally launched the Ativa Hybrid subscription plan as a part of its unique electric vehicle study. Under the programme, the automaker will allocate 300 units to the customers on a five-year subscription basis; 5 of which have already been handover. With an upfront amount of RM 2,150, subscribers need to pay a monthly subscription fee of RM 500.

BYD EVs arrival confirmed: The BYD electric cars are set to arrive in Malaysia as the Chinese automaker has signed a new distributorship deal with Sime Darby Motors. Under the agreement, two BYD models - Atto 3 and e6 will be launched in the local market. However, the timeline is yet to be announced.

Jaguar I-Pace teased: While the Jaguar I-Pace has been listed on the local Jaguar website since 2019, Malaysians are still waiting for the EV to hit the roads. But, now it seems this wait is going to be over as the luxury carmaker recently teased the electric SUV on its social media handle hinting at the car’s imminent launch.

2022 Ranger Raptor launch date revealed: After unveiling the next-gen Ranger Raptor in July this year, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion is now geared up for the new Ranger Raptor launch. The performance-focused pick-up truck will hit the local roads on October 7, 2022. 

Limited-edition BMW 5 Series launched: Auto Bavaria has come up with a limited edition version of the BMW 5 Series this week. Limited to just 30 units, the special 5 Series benefits from a bucketload of M Performance Parts as well as other complimentary gifts. Offered on 530i M Sport and 530e M Sport trims, the price of the special model starts at RM 347,000.

2022 Yamaha 135LC Fi 5MRO Malaysian Edition launched: To commemorate the historic milestone of producing 5 million motorcycles, Hong Leong Yamaha Motor has rolled out a special edition Yamaha 135LC Fi. Dubbed as the Yamaha 135LC F 5MRO Malaysian Edition, the model is inspired by the country's unique patterns such as national mosques and glorious lanes. The production is limited to 5000 units, each priced at RM 9,198.

Brixton Cromwell 1200 previewed: During the launch of its new MForce Smart Shop SH Bikers showroom in Sri Kembangan, MForce Bike Holdings Sdn Bhd. previewed the Brixton Cromwell 1200. Set to launch soon in the local market, this stylish motorcycle will come equipped with a 1,222-cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine delivering 83 hp of maximum power output and 110 Nm of peak torque. It is likely to be priced around RM50K.

International updates

Lamborghini Urus S arrived: Lamborghini has introduced the next generation of its fastest-selling SUV, the Urus, which is called the Urus S. The latest model features mild cosmetic tweaks along with a retuned V8 engine delivering higher output than before. The latter makes it as powerful as the Urus Performante.

2023 BMW Z4 unveiled: BMW’s pure-bred roadster Z4 received a mid-life update in the US market this week. The latest iteration benefits from a revamped kidney grille, new pair of wheels, and some other cosmetic revisions. The list of new colour options includes - Thundernight Metallic purple Portimao Blue Metallic and Skyscraper Grey Metallic.

2023 BMW XM hybrid broke cover: This week BMW Motorsport division also introduced its first hybrid car, the BMW XM. Rivalling the likes of the Lamborghini Urus and Aston Martin DBX, the BMW XM is powered by a 4.4-litre V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain mated to an electric motor and a 25.7-kWh battery pack, combinedly making 490 PS and 650 Nm.

Ferrari SP51 revealed: The latest one-off model of the Italian luxury carmaker is the Ferrari SP51. Based on the 812 GTS, this one-off supercar is created ​​for a Taiwan-based client by the Ferrari design boss Flavio Manzoni and the Special Projects division. It retains the donor car’s basic proportions and mechanical setup with several cosmetic enhancements making it exclusive.

Toyota Harrier PHEV arrived: The Toyota Harrier PHEV made its debut in Japan this week. It is offered in a single variant, powered by a 2.5-litre Dynamic Force engine and two electric motors combinedly generating 306 PS of maximum power. In terms of looks, the PHEV looks more like the hybrid and petrol trims.

2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally introduced: The third episode of the 2023 Ducati World Premiere unveiled the latest version of the Multistrada V4 Rally. The updated machine boasts a bigger 30-litre fuel tank and longer semi-active suspension offering riders a comfortable long-range travel. It will be offered in three variants - the Adventure Radar, Adventure Travel and Radar, and Full Adventure.

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

Also read: Top 5 luxurious seven-seater in Malaysia