Weekly wrap-up: 2026 Proton X70 launched, Toyota Vios Hybrid, Jaecoo J5, New Kia Carnival, Mercedes-Benz CLA EV teased, and more

It's just the second week of 2026, and the Malaysian automotive industry looks busy as ever, with a series of big announcements. Proton has introduced the upgraded version of the X70, while Toyota has released official details for the upcoming Vios Hybrid. Meanwhile, brands like Mercedes-Benz, Kia, and Jaecoo have offered sneak peeks of their upcoming models. 

Here’s a recap of all the important happenings of the local and global automotive world.

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

2026 Proton X70 launched in Malaysia at RM 106,800

Proton has launched a mechanical-focused update of its pioneering SUV, the X70. The upgraded model is powered by a new 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine replacing the three-cylinder mill, which delivered  181 PS of maximum power and 290 Nm of peak torque ( 4 hp and 35 Nm more than the outgoing unit). The 2026 Proton X70 is offered in just two variants (down from four) - Executive and Premium, priced at RM 106,800 and RM 119,800. The launch promo (available for the first 1500 customers registering before March 31) brings the prices down even further to RM 99,800 and RM 112,800.

2026 Toyota Vios Hybrid launching soon in Malaysia

Toyota is gearing up to introduce the Vios Hybrid in Malaysia. Ahead of the launch, the Japanese automaker has quietly released the preliminary details and estimated pricing for the model. The electrified Vios will be offered in two variants here - 1.5 HEV and 1.5 HEV GR-S, with estimated pricing ranging from RM 103,900 and RM 109,900, respectively. While exact powertrain details are yet to be announced, the automaker confirmed that the sedan will offer a fuel economy of 3.6 litres per 100 km (NEDC).

Jaecoo J5 teased, arrival confirmed for Q1 2026

Previewed in August 2025, the Jaecoo J5 is now ready to launch in Malaysia in the first quarter of the year. Positioned below the Jaecoo J7, the Jaecoo J5 is a B-segment SUV featuring refined design, advanced technology, and lifestyle-friendly versatility. It is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged intercooled engine that churns out a maximum power of 147 PS and a peak torque of 210 Nm. The Jaecoo J5 is estimated to be priced around RM 120,000, making it the most accessible SUV in the brand’s local lineup.

2026 Kia Carnival facelift teased, arriving soon

Kia Sales Malaysia (KSM) has dropped the first official teaser of the all-new Carnival facelift, set to launch soon in the local market. The upgraded model retains similar dimensions with new vertically aligned LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, and other significant styling updates. As for the interior, we can expect a digital overhaul with new displays and touch panels. While the local drivetrain specs are yet to be confirmed, the global model comes with a 1.6-litre turbo hybrid and 3.5-litre V6 petrol options.

Mercedes-Benz CLA EV to make Malaysian debut on Jan 15

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is set to hold a preview session of the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA on January 15, 2026. Globally revealed in March 2025, the electric CLA underpins the brand’s new MMA platform with an 800-volt electrical architecture. Globally, the EV comes in two variants - CLA 250+ RWD delivering 268 hp and 335 Nm, with a 0–100 kmph time of 6.7 seconds and CLA 350 4MATIC AWD that produces a combined output of 349 hp and 515 Nm, with 0–100 kmph in 4.9 seconds. The quoted driving range is 783 km for the CLA 250+ and 771 km for the CLA 350 4MATIC. 

Mitsubishi Xforce SUV spied in Malaysia

It seems like the Mitsubishi Xforce, which made its global debut in Indonesia back in 2023, is finally coming to our shores. Two units of the uncamouflaged Mitsubishi Xforce SUVs were spotted in Pahang, with the industrial surroundings in the photos. The Xforce is a B-segment SUV that comes powered by a 1.5-litre engine tuned to deliver a maximum power of 105 PS and a peak torque of 141 Nm. The SUV is built in Indonesia and exported to different ASEAN markets, including the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. 

Leapmotor opens new showroom at Pavilion Bukit Jalil

Leapmotor Malaysia has opened a new showroom at Pavilion Bukit Jalil, in association with Cycle & Carriage. The new facility features a spacious display area showcasing both Leapmotor C10 and B10 EVs, a welcoming lounge, dedicated consultation spaces, and exclusive Leapmotor merchandise. It is located at Lot 3.116.00, Level 3, Pavilion Bukit Jalil, 2 Persiaran Jalil 8, Bandar Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur and operates daily from 10 am to 10 pm.

Proton sold 157,976 cars in 2025 with a 3.3% growth

Proton ended 2025 on a high note, recording a year-on-year growth of 3.3%. The automaker sold a total of 157,976 units (across the entire group) during the year, with 14,655 units registered in December 2025. The Saga remains Proton’s best-selling car with 74,013 units, followed by the X50 with 28,057 units. The e.MAS 7 ranked as the No. 1 EV in Malaysia for 2025, with a total of 9,336 units. As for the international markets, the national automaker exported a record-breaking 6,000 cars in 2025, which is the highest volume since 2012 and a 26% growth over 2024. 

UMW Toyota Malaysia sold 102,417 vehicles in 2025

UMM Toyota has also revealed the sales report for the year 2025. During the year, the Japanese automaker sold a total of  102,417 vehicles, with 14,284 units registered in December. This milestone establishes Toyota as the first and only non-national automotive brand in Malaysia to cross the 100,000 sales mark for four consecutive years. As part of its year-end initiatives, the company introduced the Toyota Extend Plan on 1 December  2025, which extends the brand’s existing five-year warranty by up to three additional years, depending on the model and the package selected.

Hyundai Malaysia launches exciting 2026 CNY promo

To make this festive season an ideal moment for Malaysians, Hyundai Motor Malaysia has rolled out the exciting Lunar New Year promotions. Starting with the new Tucson, this smart and refined SUV is available priced from RM 125,888, while stocks last. HMY is offering ‘Total Drive Rewards’ (cash rebates ranging up to RM 19k plus complimentary service packages) or ‘Instant Savings’  (cash rebate of up to RM 24k on selected variants), low-interest financing or trade-in support on the purchase of the new Tucson, Santa Fe, and Staria. 

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Volvo EX60 teased ahead of Jan 21 debut

Volvo is gearing up to introduce its first fully electric car in the premium mid-size SUV segment, the EX60, on 21 January 2026. The company has dropped the first official look of the EV, alongside revealing some juicy details. Designed to be a game-changer, the Volvo EX60 will come powered by an all-wheel drivetrain offering a driving range of up to 810 kilometres on a single charge, which Volvo says is “best-in-class” and longer than any EV the brand has ever produced. Using a 400 kW fast charger, the EV will add up to 340 km in 10 minutes.

AFEELA EV SUV prototype debuts at CES 2026

Sony Honda Mobility has unveiled the AFEELA EV SUV prototype at CES 2026, which is expected to hit the US roads by 2028. Based on the Vision-S 02 concept revealed three years ago, the Afeela EV SUV boasts a minimal look with a fastback roofline. It will utilise Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Digital Chassis and come equipped with several next-generation tech systems like AFEELA Personal Agent (an interactive conversational AI) and  AFEELA Intelligent Drive,  transforming the in-vehicle space into a “drive-less” environment.

BYD becomes the world’s No.1 EV seller

BYD has finally defeated Tesla in its own game and has become the No.1 EV seller globally. The Chinese automaker sold a total of 2,254,714 EVs during the year, representing a year-over-year growth of almost 28% (Tesla registered 1,636,129 units). BYD offers a diverse electric vehicle lineup with an aggressive pricing strategy, catering to a wide range of customers. Closer to home, BYD is the best-selling EV brand in Malaysia, with a total sales of 11,870 units (as of Nov 2025) and 5 out of 10 best-selling EVs from BYD. 

New BMW IX3 showcased at CES 2026 

BMW has pulled the wraps off the all-new IX3 at CES 202, based on its brand-new Neue Klasse architecture. The SUV features a 17.9-inch infotainment screen, upgraded BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with Amazon Alexa+ and large-language-model AI, extended entertainment options like streaming platforms and games and AI-enabled drive capabilities. It runs on the sixth-generation eDrive tech, comprising dual electric motors and a new battery architecture with cylindrical cells that improves energy. The EV promises a 0-100 kmph acceleration time of 4.9 seconds and a WLTP-rated driving range of 805 km.

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

Also read: Perodua Traz vs Proton X50 vs Chery Tiggo Cross: Who wins the compact SUV faceoff?