Weekly update: 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric launched, Ora Good Cat pre-bookings start, sales reports published, and more

Unlike the previous week, this one didn’t see as many launches or direct activities affecting the local auto sector's dynamics. Apart from the launch of the all-new 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric no other car was introduced. However, automakers like Perodua and Hyundai revealed their sales report for Oct 2022, and a big announcement was also made by Proton. The international auto arena, on the other hand, enjoyed a bunch of two-wheeler debuts thanks to EICMA 2022.

In case you missed out on the top auto news of the week, here’s a detailed recap for you.

Perodua Oct 2022 sales report 

In October 2022, Perodua registered 25,849 units with its year-to-date sales reaching 222,203 units. Compared to the last month, the figure shows a 5 percent hike with the Bezza sedan coming out as the biggest contributor with 6,768 units. As far as production is concerned, the automaker rolled out 22,974 units, bringing the total number of cars built to 229,811 units.

Porsche Malaysia releases Gone Trippin’ series

The luxury automaker, Porsche has released the Gone Trippin’ series of short videos, wherein it showcases the Cayenne’s ability to take you on a fun road trip. The video shows three friends (Zoraya Vadillo, Julie Woon, and Megan Tan) taking on a road trip into the countryside in the SUV, which allows them to take on a variety of activities.

Proton to build EVs by 2027

For a while now, Proton has been talking about entering the electric vehicle arena. However, now the automaker's deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah announced the brand’s plan to produce and launch its very own EV by 2027. Until then Proton will work on strengthening its EV capabilities and gain experience by contributing to smart automobiles. Also, the brand has been appointed as the distributor of smart in Malaysia and Thailand. The non-national automaker will introduce the smart#1 EV in the country in Q4 of 2023.

Ora Good Cat pre-booking

Earlier this week Great Wall Market announced on its social media page the opening up of Ora Good Cat booking from Nov 11. The cute Chinese EV will be offered in four variant options, all of which will be powered by a front-mounted electric motor making 143 PS and 210 Nm of torque. Its estimated price range starts from RM 14X, XXX, and goes all the way up to RM 16X, XXX.

3 Mitsubishi Triton pick-up trucks donated by MMM

Time and again Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia recently donated three Triton 4X4 pickup trucks to the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS), an NGO involved in disaster response for over six decades. The MRCS will be using the donated vehicles to reach out to victims of the flood, by providing food, medical, and humanitarian support.

BYD Atto 3 spied in Malaysia

It was in September that BYD SD Motors Malaysia officially confirmed the arrival of its EVs in the local market. Part of the automaker’s lineup will be the BYD Atto 3 and e6 EVs, the former was recently sighted doing test runs on the local roads. Once launched the Atto 3 will compete with the retro-styled Good Cat that is set to launch soon. The Atto 3 will be offered in two battery options (a 49.92 kWh and a bigger 60.48 kWh pack) and is estimated to have a price range between RM 150k and RM 160k.

2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric facelift introduced

After introducing the 2023 XC60 and XC90 facelift last week, Volvo Car Malaysia has now introduced the updated XC40 Recharge Pure Electric. The automaker is now accepting bookings for the EV that retails for RM 278,888 (on-the-road without insurance). For the model year 2023, the EV is offered in the Ultimate guise only including the mild-hybrid B5 Ultimate and plug-in hybrid Recharge T8 Ultimate. Priced at RM 268,888, the XC40 Recharge is powered by two electric motors (one on each axle) offering a total system output of 408 PS and 660 Nm of peak torque.

International update

Porsche 911 Dakar to debut on Nov 16

Porsche has completed the off-testing regime of the 911 Dakar. And the automaker has confirmed its debut soon, at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show, on November 16.
The car has gone through more than 10,000 km of off-road testing which is a part of the car’s wider testing program. It remains to be seen if the 911 Dakar will be a regular series production.

Suzuki V-Strom 800DE launched

At the recently concluded EICMA 2022, Suzuki showcased the GSX-8S along with the striking-looking V-Strom 800DE. The updated motorcycle gets several modern conveniences like LED headlights, a 5-inch TFT-LCD screen, a quick shifter, a 20-liter fuel tank, a three-level windshield, and USB charging ports. Weighted at 230 kg, the new Suzuki is powered by a 776 cc parallel-twin unit with a 270-degree crankshaft and balance weights.

The 100,000th Porsche Taycan 

Nearly three years after entering into production, the 100,000th unit of the fully-electric Taycan is finally out of the automaker's Zuffenhausen assembly facility. The milestone unit is the Taycan Turbo S model in Neptune Blue tone and is shipped to a customer in the United Kingdom.

2023 Volvo EX90 debut

Volvo has finally introduced the all-new 2023 EX90, an all-electric equivalent of the ongoing XC90. As per the automaker, it is its first car that is hardware-ready for unsupervised driving in the future. It comes with a wide range of Level 2 semi-autonomous features and an advanced suite of sensors. The EV is offered in two powertrain configurations, both with two e-motors.

Mercedes-Benz C-350 e PHEB debuts in Thailand

Mercedes-Benz Thailand has added a new plug-in hybrid variant to its C-Class range, called the C 350 e AMG Dynamic. Priced at 3,350,000 baht (around RM 425,439), it will be powered by a hybrid powertrain setup including a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo mill making 204 hp and 320 Nm and a 129 hp/440 Nm e-motor. The combined system output rests at 313 hp and 500 Nm with the drive sent to the rear wheels via a 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission.

VinFast VF e34 EV scores a 4-star safety rating

The New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries recently awarded the VinFast VF e34 a 4-star rating. The EV achieved an accumulated score of 78.99 points, thus missing out on a full 5-star rating only by a short margin.

Italjet Dragster 500 concept revealed

Italjet showcased the Dragster 500 concept at the EICMA 2022 motorcycle show. The unit showcases a minimalist industrial design with oversized tires. Powering the concept is a 450 cc single unit making a maximum power of 43 hp at 8,000 rpm along with a peak torque of 43 Nm at 6,000 rpm. The power is sent to the wheels via a 6-speed gearbox and chain final drive.

2023 Honda XL750 Transalp launched

The all-new 2023 Honda XL750 Transalp recently made its debut at the EICMA show. Joining Honda’s adventure-touring line consisting of CRF1100L Africa Twin and CB500X, the new XL750 Transalp is powered by a 755 cc liquid-cooled, eight-valve parallel-twin SOHC mill making 90.5 hp and 75 Nm. The power is sent to the wheels via a slipper and assist clutch equipped six-speed gearbox and chain final drive.

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

Also Read: Ora Good Cat: 5 interesting features