Weekly wrap-up: 2025 Proton X50 revealed, New Honda HR-V bookings open, Chery and Jaecoo new launches ahead, and more

The past week kept up the busy momentum in the Malaysian automotive scene, with one major event following another. The most exciting highlight was the debut of the highly anticipated Proton X50 facelift, followed by the launch of three new Hyundai models (the new Santa Fe, the new Tucson, and the new Staria) and the all-electric premium MPV, the Mercedes-Benz EQV. 

Adding to the excitement were the opening of the Honda HR-V facelift bookings and confirmed launch dates for the Chery Tiggo Cross and Jaecoo J8.

In case you missed out on any of that, we've got you covered in our weekly wrap. So, without any further ado, let’s get started.

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

2025 Proton X50 facelift debuts in Malaysia

Proton has officially unveiled the all-new 2025 X50, which will be available in three variants - Executive, Premium, and Flagship, with the Standard trim discontinued. The new X50 now features a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine across all variants, replacing the previous 3-cylinder units. Updated exterior with new LED headlights, revised wheels, red brake callipers and new Teal Bayou Green colour option. Among the biggest cabin improvements are a new 14.6-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a redesigned dashboard. All variants now come with Rear Side Radar System as standard, while Premium and Flagship models get full Level 2 ADAS.

New Hyundai Santa Fe, new Tucson, & new Staria launched in Malaysia

Hyundai has started direct operations in Malaysia with the establishment of a new entity named Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMY). This week, HMY grabbed everyone’s attention by launching three new facelift models -

Models	Variants & price	What’s new
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe	3 variants - HEV Prime 7-seater, HEV Prestige 7-seater, and Calligraphy 6-seater  Price ranges between RM 225,000 and RM 270,000	Completely revamped boxier exterior design, much more upscale interior and a powerful turbocharged petrol engine
2025 Hyundai Tucson	4 variants - 2.0 Style, 1.6T Prime, 1.6T Prestige, and HEV Prestige Price ranges between RM 143,888 and RM 197,888	Sharper exterior, EV-inspired twin-screen interior, a new 1.6L hybrid powertrain, and expanded Hyundai SmartSense safety features
2025 Hyundai Staria	4 variants - Style 10-seater, Prime 10-seater, Prestige 10-seater and Prestige 7-seater  Price ranges between RM 179,888 and RM 267,888	New 7-seater Prestige variant, faster powered doors, USB-C ports, and updated branding

2025 Honda HR-V bookings open in Malaysia 

Honda Malaysia is gearing up to launch the new HR-V in the third quarter of 2025. Ahead of that, the company has started accepting bookings for the SUV at all authorised Honda dealerships nationwide and via Honda Malaysia’s online platforms. The upcoming HR-V gets cosmetic tweaks inside and out, an updated 8-inch infotainment unit supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and upgraded Honda Sensing suite. Two new available colour options are - Phoenix Orange Pearl and Crystal Black Pearl. However, under the hood, you will find one of the three existing engine options - a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, a 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo, or the e:HEV hybrid.

Price confirmed for 2025 BMW 218 Gran Coupe 

Revealed at the recently held MY BMW World 2025 event, the 2025 BMW 218 Gran Coupe is now up for grabs in Malaysia. The new four-door coupé is priced at RM 218,800 (on the road before insurance) with a two-year, unlimited-mileage warranty. With a bolder stance, the 2025 BMW 218 Gran Coupe features a new front grille, BMW’s Curved Display running Operating System 9, new ambient lighting, and enhanced safety with Driving Assistant and ARB traction control. It is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol generating 156 hp of maximum power and 230 Nm of peak torque.

Proton e.MAS 7 electric SUV gets an update

Launched in December 2024, Proton’s flagship electric SUV, the e.MAS 7 has received small yet meaningful updates, shaped by the actual customers’ feedback. These include - 

• New Obsidian Black exterior colour
• New Alabaster White interior trim for Quartz Rose and Turquoise Green Premium variants (limited to 250 units)
• Smarter tech features via over-the-air (OTA) software updates
• Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto will be available by Q4 2025
• New Power Pack+ package including a free home charger, V2L adaptor, 5-year internet data, extended warranty, and RM 5,000 trade-in rebate

2025 Mercedes-Benz EQV up for grabs in Malaysia

Mercedes-Benz Vans Malaysia has launched the fully electric version of the V-Class, the EQV. Distributed via Hap Seng Trucks Distribution (HSTD), the electric MPV is offered in a sole EQV300 Avantgarde variant, priced at RM 450,350 (on the road, without insurance). It comes equipped with a front-mounted electric motor good for making 204 PS and 365 Nm. Feeding the motor is a 90-kWh lithium-ion battery that provides a driving range of up to 374 km (on the WLTP cycle). With the introductory package, customers get a free wallbox charger, 3-year free scheduled servicing, and a booking rebate of RM 10k.

Malaysia gets the 2025 Honda CBR150R Special Edition

Honda’s lightweight, entry-level sport bike, the CBR150R, has arrived in a special new avatar, inspired by the fierce spirit of the Tiger. Priced at RM 14,399, the bike is sprayed with an exclusive magenta colour palette, named CyberRoar, along with orange stripes and roaring tiger heads decals. It is powered by a 150-cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC four-valve engine, which delivers 16.09 hp of maximum power at 9,000 rpm and 13.7 Nm of peak torque at 7,000 rpm. With the Honda CBR150R Special Edition, Boon Siew Honda also offers a functional gift set containing a Panoramic Sport Camera, an intercom and an LED Reflective Bag.

Chery Tiggo Cross teased, launching in Malaysia next week

Previewed at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025, the Chery Tiggo Cross is finally ready to enter the Malaysian market. The automaker has released a new teaser for the upcoming compact SUV, stating that the launch is just five days away. Positioned below the Omoda 5, the Chery Tiggo Cross will compete against the Perodua Ativa and Honda WR-V in Malaysia. It will be offered in two drivetrain options - 147 PS/210 Nm 1.5-litre Turbo and a 1.5-litre Hybrid, combining a 102 PS /125 Nm 1.5-litre engine and a 204 PS / 310 Nm electric motor and a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission. 

Jaecoo J8 set to launch in Malaysia on July 18

Jaecoo is also set to expand its lineup in Malaysia with the launch of the J8, previewed in March this year. Set to hit the local shores on July 18, the Jaecoo J8 will be offered in two variants locally - J8 2WD and J8 AWD, both powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating a maximum power of 249 PS and a peak torque of 385 Nm. The D-segment SUV offers adventure-ready AWD capabilities with intelligent terrain management, an advanced torque vectoring system and a CDC magnetic height-adjustable suspension that can adjust the vehicle's height as per road conditions.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

All-new MG4 EV breaks cover in China

MG has pulled the wraps off the all-new MG4 in China, with the launch slated to be held in September this year. The new MG4 EV is longer and taller than its predecessor and boasts a more subtle design with a closed front grille, arrow-style tail lights, and a full-width rear light bar. Inside, the EV benefits from a new cockpit system co-developed with Oppo, smartphone mirroring, voice commands, and gesture-based navigation. While the automaker is yet to reveal the battery capacity and range figures, the EV is expected to get a semi-solid-state battery.

Mitsubishi Grandis compact SUV revealed in Europe

Mitsubishi has introduced a new compact SUV in the European market, called the Grandis. Based on Renault’s CMF-B platform, the 5-seater SUV will be sold in hybrid and mild-hybrid powertrain options, meeting the varied needs of customers in the Old Continent. Key highlights include - Dynamic Shield design, 10.4-inch infotainment system with Google built-in integration, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, panoramic glass roof with electrochromic function, and a full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems.

Ferrari unveils new 2+2 coupe, the Amalfi

The all-new Ferrari Amalfi has made its world premiere this week as the successor to the Roma. The latest 2+2 coupe is powered by a 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 that churns out 631 hp of maximum power and 760 Nm of peak torque. Power is sent to the wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch F1 gearbox, enabling the vehicle to hit the century sprint in 3.3 seconds and achieve a top speed of 320 kmph. Other key highlights include -  a Purosangue SUV-like design, a dual cockpit layout, a 10.25-inch touchscreen and physical buttons for the steering wheel.

New Bentley logo unveiled, upcoming concept car teased

Bentley has unveiled a new version of its legendary ‘winged B’ logo, which has more angular wings and a sharper profile. The ‘B’ letter features a bevelled glass edge finish along with a thicker metal surround and symbolises an “exciting future” for the luxury car manufacturer. The new motif will debut on an all-new Bentley concept car, set to be revealed on July 8, 2025. The teaser reveals the vehicle’s front design, featuring illuminated X-shaped elements and a thick vertical LED bar in the centre. Above them sits the new winged B emblem, which is also illuminated and positioned inside a black trapezoidal section.

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

Also read: Toyota’s Rugged Reliability – Why It’s the market leader in Off-Road and Beyond