Weekly wrap-up: 2023 Range Rover Velar launched, 2023 Toyota Yaris updated, Smart #1 EV bookings open, and more

The past week was a busy affair for the Malaysian automotive industry, with automakers making significant strides by unveiling new models, including the 2023 Range Rover Velar and the updated Toyota Yaris. On the global stage, the automotive scene also saw the debut of several noteworthy models, including the Ford Ranger PHEV, the third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan, and a series of exclusive McLaren GT editions, among others. Here’s a quick recap of all the major happenings of the week.

Local news

New Range Rover Velar launched

Jaguar Land Rover has introduced the facelifted version of its popular midsize luxury SUV, the Range Rover Velar, in Malaysia. The revamped SUV is offered in three trims - P250 Dynamic HSE (L Specs) and P250 Dynamic SE (M and H Specs) at a price starting from RM 638,800. It gets several cosmetic tweaks, including a new radiator grille, new headlights and tail lights, new colours, and new wheels. Inside, the new Range Rover Velar comes equipped with a new 11.4-inch curved glass touchscreen which runs on the latest Pivi Pro infotainment system. All variants of the SUV are powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline mill which is good for making 250 PS of power and 365 Nm of torque.

Toyota Yaris gets an update

The Toyota Yaris has received an important upgrade in Malaysia. The latest model comes with sporty front and rear skirting, a new two-tone paint finish, a bigger 9-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a new design for fabric seats. It is offered in two variants - 1.5E and 1.5G, priced at RM 88,000 and RM 91,600, respectively. Both versions are powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder DOHC Dual VVT-i engine producing 107 PS and 140 Nm.

Lotus Eletre and Emira prices increased

Lotus Cars Malaysia has increased the pricing of its two models - Eletre and Emira due to recent fluctuations in the value of the ringgit. Prices for the Eletre S and Eletre R have increased by RM 50,000. The Eletre S is now priced at RM 698,000 while the Eletre R retails for RM 838,000. On the contrary, the Emira i4 First Edition is now priced at RM 1,095,000 and the Emira V6 First Edition new price tag reads 1,289,000 (up from RM 1,205,800).

Smart #1 EV bookings officially open

Smart Malaysia has started accepting the bookings for its first electric car, the #1. The EV is offered in three variants - Pro, Premium, and Brabus at an estimated price range of between RM 200,000 and RM 250,000. The Pro and Premium trims are powered by a single rear electric motor kicking out a maximum power of 272 PS and a peak torque of 343 Nm. While the Pro is fitted with a 49-kWh LFP battery pack, offering a range of 315 km, the Premium comes with a bigger 66kWh NMC battery letting the EV cruise up to 440 km. The Brabus is a performance variant powered by a 428 PS/543 Nm dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup. The smart #1 is expected to hit the local roads later this year.

Chery Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro deliveries commenced

Chery has started delivering the locally assembled Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro in Malaysia. The automaker is highly committed to its rigorous pre-delivery inspection process as it carried out multiple rounds of PDI checks ensuring that both the vehicles met the performance and safety standards. Chery launched these SUVs in July this year and received an overwhelming response from customers. It sold a total of 3,000 units within a mere 10 days of the official launch.

FUSO Canter Euro 5 launching soon

Hap Seng Trucks Distribution Sdn Bhd is set to launch the all-new FUSO Canter Euro 5 light-duty truck in Malaysia in 2024. According to the automaker, the upcoming truck paves the way for cleaner emissions. It also has a higher payload and unparalleled fuel efficiency. 

2023 Yamaha Tenere 700 bookings open

At the recently held GEN BLU Carnival, Hong Leong Yamaha Motor previewed the all-new 2023 Tenere 700 in Malaysia. Priced at RM 69,988, the upcoming bike is equipped with a 689-cc Crossplane 2 liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine delivering 72.4 hp of power and 68 Nm of torque. The equipment kit includes a five-inch TFT-coloured instrument cluster, LED signal lights, a USB charging socket, and a switchable ABS functionality. The bookings of the locally-assembled adventure bike are now underway in Malaysia with deliveries slated to commence soon.

Proton and smart Automobile sign a new MoA 

Proton signed the first Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with smart Automobile in early 2022. Now after 20 months, the two companies signed a second MoA to study the feasibility to locally assemble smart vehicles at the brand's Tanjung Malim plant. The signing ceremony was held in China.

International news

Ford Ranger plug-in hybrid debuts in Europe

The plug-in hybrid version of the Ford Ranger pickup truck has made its official debut in the European market. It is powered by a combination of a 2.3-litre Ford EcoBoost turbo petrol engine and an electric motor. While Ford is yet to disclose actual power numbers, it revealed that the setup will deliver greater torque than any other Ranger variant ever. Set to hit the roads in 2025, the Ford Ranger PHEV will offer an all-electric range of 45 km (on the WLTP cycle).

Third-gen Volkswagen Tiguan revealed

Volkswagen has pulled the wraps off the all-new third-generation Tiguan SUV. Based on the new MQB-Evo platform, the latest model is longer and taller than its predecessor. It features a redesigned dashboard with a new control matrix, a 10.3-inch digital instrument display, and a 15-inch infotainment unit. Also new is a mild-hybrid 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 150 hp in the top-spec form. The new Volkswagen Tiguan will go on sale in the global markets next year. 

McLaren GT special editions break cover

McLaren has introduced four exclusive GT models for the UK market, each in a unique colour. The automaker will offer only two units of each shade, which means a total of eight vehicles. The special colours include Cerulean Blue, known from the P1 supercar; XP Green from an F1 road car prototype; Sarigan Quartz from the Speedtail XP2; and a new shade, Cyber Yellow, inspired by the Volcano Yellow.

Toyota GR86 gets a new AE86 40th Anniversary edition

Toyota has introduced a new AE86 40th Anniversary edition of the GR86 in the home market. Limited to 200 units, the special edition is available with both manual and automatic transmission. It features a number of cosmetic tweaks inside and out, including 18-inch wheels with a dark grey metallic finish, black side mirror caps, special "Since 1983 40th" badging, and upgraded Brembo ventilated disc brakes.

That’s all for the week. For further updates, stay tuned with us.

Also read: 2023 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro SUV: Buyer’s guide