Weekly wrap-up: 2023 Hyundai Staria 10-seater, 2022 Mazda CX-3, 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor, Mercedes me Store, Sept sales report, and much more

The first week of October was nothing less exciting for the Malaysian market. Apart from several noteworthy car launches, the country also received big news on the e-scooter manufacturing front. The national automakers Perodua and Proton also revealed their sales report for last month and it’s quite exciting. As for the international automotive market, there were several big announcements including car/motorcycle launches and debut dates.

Let’s now get started with this week's major local updates, followed by international auto news -

2022 Ford Ranger Raptor launch: Official distributor of Ford Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto Connexion as promised launched the all-new Ford Ranger Raptor on Oct 7th 2022. The aggressive-looking pickup is powered by a potent 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine generating maximum power of 397 PS at 5,650 rpm along with a peak torque of 582 Nm at 3,500 rpm. Thus making the Raptor the most powerful Ranger on sale. Also unique to Ford’s latest pickup is an anti-lag system activated via Baja Mode, six other drive modes (Normal, Sport, Sand, Slippery, Rock, and Mud & Ruts), an active valve exhaust system, and four exhaust modes. The 2023 Ranger Raptor retails for RM 259,888 on-the-road without insurance and includes a 5-year /160,000 km manufacturer’s warranty.

2023 Hyundai Staria 10-seater launch: Hyundai-SimeDarby Motors, the official distributor of Hyundai cars in the country has launched the 10-seater Staria. Replacing the Grand Starex, the new people carrier price starts from RM 179,888 on-the-road without insurance. Available in three trim options - base Lite, mid-spec Plus, and range-topping Max, all of which are powered by a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine generating 177 PS and 431 Nm of torque. The drive is sent to the wheels via an 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

2022 Mazda CX-3 new variants available: Mazda Malaysia introduced two new variants of CX-3 recently and this week they were available for sale. In total the CX-3 hatch is offered in three variant options - the new 1.5L Core, new 2.0L Core, and 2.0L High, priced at RM 107,870, RM 118,159, and RM 131,359. The base model is powered by 114hp/149Nm Skyactiv-G 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cyl engine and the mid- and top-spec 154 hp/206 Nm Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre. The drive is sent to the front wheels via a Skyactiv-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission.

Perodua September 2022 sales: Last month, Perodua sold 24,626 cars which is slightly less than what it achieved in August. However, looking at the overall Q3 2022 picture, the carmaker experienced a 5% hike in sales compared to last year. As for the automaker’s year-to-date (nine-month) sales, the company experienced a 64.9% hike over the same period last year.

Proton September 2022 sales: In the month of September, Proton sold a total of 14,872 units which is slightly less than what the automaker sold in August. Cumulative year-to-date sales came down to 102,353 units, marking a 40.2% rise compared to the same period last year. The models that performed strongly were Saga (6,442 units), X50 (4,517 units), X70 (1,730 units), Persona (1,159 units), Iriz (606 units), and Exora (418 units).

Mercedes me Store opening: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched the Mercedes me Store which offers additional services to its connected vehicles. It is in line with the Mercedes me connect service, introduced back in 2019 it comes with a dedicated iOS and Android Auto app. The Mercedes me Store will allow customers to purchase/subscribe to packages that are compatible with their cars, thus enabling certain functions.

2022 BMW 530i M Sport with M Performance Parts package launch: Auto Bavaria, the official distributor of BMW has introduced the M Performance Parts package for both the 530e M Sport and 530i M Sport models. Limited to just 30 units, the package includes M Performance high gloss black kidney grille, M Performance paddle shifters, M Performance carbon-fibre mirror cover, M Performance floor mats, and M Performance carbon-fibre steering cover. The 530i M Sport and 530e M Sport PHEV models with the M Performance Parts package retail for RM 420,800 and RM 362,800.

Volkswagen ID.4 EV preview confirmed: At the upcoming Volkswagen Fest (Oct 15 to 16) the German automaker will showcase the fully-electric ID.4 crossover. The car packs a 77 kWh lithium-ion battery that powers an e-motor for the rear wheel. The power output is rated at 204 PS and 310 Nm which enables the car to go from 0-100 kmph in 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 160 kmph. The upcoming EV measures 4,584 mm in length, 1,852 mm in width, and 1,636 mm in height.

EPMB to produce Blueshark EV: The Ministry of International Trade and Industry recently granted EP Manufacturing the license to assemble and manufacture electric bikes in Malaysia. This will enable EPMB to import e-bike components in CKD/SKD forms to assemble and manufacture in Malaysia. The product will then be distributed to the local and ASEAN markets.

Audi Malaysia’s #ReadyToDrive campaign announced: The official distributor of Audi Malaysia, PHS Automotive Malaysia recently announced the #ReadyToDrive campaign. Running from October 1 to Dec 31, 2022, The said initiative includes a complimentary 30-point vehicle condition check, a 20% discount on service labour charges, and selected wear & tear parts and batteries. Also, customers will receive a free disinfectant kit and exclusive Audi merchandise.

2022 Italjet Dragster 125/200 locally unveiled: Malaysia will soon get the all-new 2022 Italjet Dragster which will be offered in two variants - 125 and 200. The two will differ primarily in the powertrain front, while the former will be powered by a 9.2hp/10.5Nm 124cc mill, and the latter gets a 17.2hp/15.5Nm 181cc DOHC unit.

International auto-update

Volvo EX90 debut date announced: The Swedish automaker has announced the arrival date of its upcoming fully electric SUV, the EX90. The car would make its global debut on November 9 and very little is known for now about the EV. It will be the brand's first model to support bi-directional charging capabilities including vehicle-to-grid that allows the car to be plugged into a power grid.

2024 Honda Prologue makes debut: Honda’s all-new Prologue electric SUV finally made its debut and is set to go on sale in the North American market in 2024. The Prologue EV sits on the automaker’s modular platform and utilizes the Ultium battery technology. Once launched the EV will be positioned alongside the Passport, above the latest CR-V.

2023 Honda Wave 125i in Thailand: Honda introduced the all-new 2023 Wave 125i kapcai recently alongside the CRF300L Enduro Pro Edition in Thailand. In its new version, the bike gets a new tail light assembly with clear lenses, a new meter cluster with a combination analogue speedometer & LCD panel, small storage space below the handlebars, spoked wheels kinkster, and more.

2023 Mercedes-Benz B-Class facelift: Mercedes-Benz has introduced the 2023 B-Class facelift with an updated engine range with a PHEV trim offering increased output and updated equipment.

2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class facelift: Mercedes-Benz has given the A-Class a facelift with revisions on both sedan and hatchback versions. Also, the automaker has revealed updated AMG options for those who require more performance.

2023 Vespa GTS scooter launched: The Italian scooter manufacturer has introduced the all-new 2023 Vespa GTS range in four variant options and 14 colour options. The new scooter is offered in two engine choices - 125 i-GT and 300 HPE.

2022 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR Bond Edition introduced: Triumph has introduced the all-new Speed Triple 1200 RR Bond Edition celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Bond films. Limited to just 60 units, the 1200 RR Bond Edition showcases the custom 60th-anniversary 3-colour scheme.

Stay tuned with Zigwheels Malaysia to stay updated with the latest auto news.

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