Weekly wrap-up: 2025 Proton X50 gets Bahasa Melayu VR, New ​​GWM Haval H6 introduced, Tiggo Cross CKD operations begin and more

After back-to-back launches since the beginning of July, the Malaysian automotive market was relatively quiet this week. Proton introduced Bahasa Melayu VR support for the X50 while GWM Malaysia introduced the updated Haval H6. Toyota’s luxury arm, Lexus, also added a new variant to the NX lineup quietly. Speaking of the global stage, GIIAS (Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show) 2025 garnered significant attention with its exciting launches.

Here we bring a quick recap of all the top auto news of the week -

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

999 Proton X50s delivered in 5 days; gets world’s first Bahasa Melayu VR

Launched on July 24, the highly popular Proton X50 has clocked a significant sales milestone - 999 units of the upgraded SUV have been delivered to customers in just 5 working days. The automaker ensures the high sales momentum remains for the coming weeks and months, as a total of 2,000 units of the SUV have rolled off the production line by the end of July.

Notably, the all-new Proton X50 now also supports the world’s first Bahasa Melayu Voice Recognition (VR), alongside the existing “Hi Proton” English VR system. This dual-language capability sets Proton apart as the first carmaker to offer such advanced voice command functionality. This exceptionally intuitive user interface aims to enhance convenience, accessibility and safety for many Malaysian drivers.

GWM Haval H6 HEV gets an upgrade in Malaysia 

Malaysia's top-selling hybrid SUV, the Haval H6 HEV, received a subtle upgrade this week in response to what buyers have been asking for. The SUV gets a new Phantom Black interior scheme option with soft-touch finishes, a new silver trim and an all black dashboard, lending the cabin a more elegant look. Also part of the upgrade is an extended hybrid battery warranty of 10 years/1,000,000 km, which is also transferable to second-hand owners. Price remains unchanged at RM 139,800 with the same 1.5-litre hybrid setup under the hood generating a combined system output of 243 PS and 530 Nm.

Lexus NX350h Luxury launched in Malaysia

Lexus has expanded the NX lineup in Malaysia with the launch of a new variant, called the NX350h Luxury. Priced at RM 395,888 (on the road, and without insurance), the new NX features a hybrid drivetrain pairing a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine with two e-motors, a Direct Shift eight-speed automatic transmission, and a small lithium-ion battery. The setup kicks out a maximum power of 243 PS and 239 Nm with a combined fuel consumption of 5 litres per 100 km. Other key highlights include - steel suspension, 20-inch Dark Grey Metallic alloys, self-levelling LED projector headlamps, 14-inch infotainment unit, head-up display, 7 airbags and Lexus Safety System+.

Chery Tiggo Cross starts local production in Malaysia 

Launched on July 9, the Chery Tiggo Cross SUV has started rolling off the production line at the automaker’s Inokom assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah. It is the brand’s smallest and most affordable SUV ever that resonates with the new-generation buyers who want efficiency, style, and smart technology in one exciting package. The Tiggo Cross t comes in two variants -  1.5 Turbo (petrol) and 1.5 Hybrid CSH (Chery Super Hybrid), priced at RM 88,800 and RM 99,800, respectively. The latter offers an impressive fuel economy of 19 kmpl (approx) and a cruising range of 1,000 km on a single tank.

Proton forms a new company for export expansion

Proton also announced the establishment of a new company, Proton International Corporation Sdn Bhd (PICSB), this week. The new firm aims to expand the brand’s global footprint with a focus on the Global South, while continuing efforts in existing overseas markets. Edmund Lim Meng Thong is the CEO of the new company.

Malaysia gets a new adventure scooter, the MODA Shifter 400X

The national motorcycle brand MODA rolled out a new model this week, called the Shifter 400X. It is an adventure scooter featuring trail-ready styling, practical touring features, and a 333-cc Euro 4-compliant, single-cylinder liquid-cooled SOHC engine good for making 26.8 horsepower and 33.5 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheel via a CVT gearbox. Priced at RM 23,888, the MODA Shifter 400X is available in two colour options - Ninja Black and Ultra White. Feature highlights include - adaptive front lighting system, Emergency Stop Signal, Tyre pressure monitoring system, ABS, 7-inch TFT-LCD instrument panel, 12V USB port, 12V power socket, and dual lens front and rear camera.

2025 Vespa Primavera & Sprint scooters up for grabs in Malaysia

Vespa Malaysia introduced the upgraded Primavera & Sprint scooters at the recently held MAEPS Serdang. The models feature classic Italian styling, premium build quality, and advanced features like LED lighting, USB charging port, and anti-lock braking system. Both Primavera and Sprint scooters are powered by the 154-cc air-cooled, single-cylinder i-GET engine; however, the Primavera comes with five-spoke wheels, and the Sprint models feature spiral six-spoke wheels. The pricing begins at RM 19,500 and goes up to RM 21,000.

Jetour Dashing and VT9 are now locally assembled

Jetour Malaysia has started the local assembly of its striking SUVs - Dashing and VT9 at Berjaya Assembly’s (B-Assembly) plant in Tampoi, Johor. Manned by over 100 employees, this 640,000 sq. ft. facility is equipped with Industry 4.0-ready systems and has already built more than 1,000 vehicles. The local assembly operations of Jetour cars in Malaysia lays a solid foundation for the brand’s broader expansion across the ASEAN region.

Volvo Selekt Certified Used Cars Sale is back - 16 & 17 August 2025

Volvo Executive Merdeka Sale is back, offering customers the opportunity to own a Volvo Selekt Certified Used Car at an exceptional value. Happening on 16 & 17 August 2025 at Symphony Square, Petaling Jaya, the sale offers more than 80 pre-owned Volvo cars, starting from RM 160,000. All these models have been comprehensively tested and inspected under the Volvo Selekt Certified Used Cars programme, ensuring the highest standards of quality and reliability. The vehicles will be covered by Volvo’s five-year unlimited mileage warranty, 24-hour roadside assistance, and digital services connectivity.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Citroen Basalt launched in Indonesia 

Stellantis-owned Citroen has launched a new coupe-styled SUV, the Basalt, in the Indonesian market. It is offered as a CBU model from India, priced at IDR 359.9 million (approx RM 93k). Rivalling the likes of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, the SUV comes powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged inline-three petrol engine which delivers a maximum power of 110 PS and a peak torque of 205 Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Equipment kit includes - 10.1-inch infotainment unit, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 7-inch digital driver display, wireless charging pad, automatic air conditioning, and 6 airbags.

Suzuki eVitara EV debuts at GIIAS 2025

Suzuki also took the centre stage at the ongoing Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show and introduced its first-ever EV, the eVitara. Set to launch early next year, the 5-seater Suzuki EV is built on the company’s HEARTECT-e platform and has two battery capacities - 49 kWh and 61 kWh, expected to offer a driving range of 500 km. The SUV comes in both 2WD and “ALLGRIP-e” 4WD drive systems; the latter features independent eAxles at the front and rear, along with a Trail mode for smooth escape from rough terrains. The Suzuki e VITARA is a global BEV model and will be produced at the Suzuki Motor Gujarat plant in India.

Honda N-One e: EV makes official debut in Japan

Honda has pulled the wraps off its smallest electric car, called the N-One e:, in Japan. It is a kei car that is expected to be less than 3,400 mm in terms of length. It features boxy styling with round headlamps, rectangular tail lights, a high roof and tiny wheels. The cabin gets a lot of physical buttons, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, along with vehicle-to-load and vehicle-to-home charging features.  Set to compete against the Fiat 500e and Hyundai Inster in the global markets, the Honda N-One e: will offer a driving range of 270 km.

Yangwang U8L pre-sales begin in China

BYD-owned Yangwang has initiated the pre-sales of the Yangwang U8L in China, earlier previewed at Auto Shanghai back in April. It is the ultra-luxurious version of the brand’s flagship SUV, the U8, and measures 5.4-metre in length. The Rolls-Royce Cullinan rival is equipped with 6 seats ( 2+2+2), a 24K golden emblem, a curved 12.8-inch “waterfall” OLED infotainment unit, a 21.4-inch drop-down roof monitor, a 23.6-inch LED instrument and passenger displays and a 32-speaker, 2,040-watt Dynaudio sound system. The range-extender electric vehicle is powered by four electric motors, a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol generator, and a 49.05 kWh Blade LFP battery pack. The Yangwang U8L price tag reads CNY 1,300,000 (approximately equal to RM 771k). 

That's a wrap for now. For all the latest updates on the automotive industry, stay tuned with us.

Also read: First Impressions: MG S5 - The enthusiast’s EV you might be sleeping on