Weekly wrap-up: 2027 Proton S70 RS revealed, JAC T9 PHEV launched in Malaysia, Perodua Axia tops October sales, and more

The past week kept the Malaysian automotive industry's momentum going, with Proton unveiling the all-new S70 RS and JAC introducing the country’s first petrol plug-in hybrid pickup truck, the T9 PHEV. In addition, JPJ released the data for total vehicle sales in October 2026, revealing some significant insights. In the meantime, the global industry saw a few big reveals, along with scoops on upcoming models. 

Here's a quick recap of the top news of the week from Malaysia and around the world.

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

2027 Proton S70 RS revealed in Malaysia with significant updates

Proton has pulled the wraps off the all-new S70 RS with a range of significant upgrades. The latest sedan is offered in two variants - RS Premium and RS Sportline- replacing the outgoing turbo Premium and Flagship, respectively, while the Flagship X has been discontinued. Key upgrades include sportier exterior styling, a redesigned cabin, a 14.6-inch, 16:9 touchscreen, an 8.88-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay, a 540-degree HD camera and Level 2 ADAS with 15 driver-assistance functions. Both RS variants retain the same 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder (generating 181 PS and 290 Nm) and a seven-speed wet dual-clutch gearbox with a fuel efficiency of 5.7 litres per 100 km.

JAC T9 PHEV launched in Malaysia with a combined range of 1,000 km

Evolvelectric Motors officially revealed the JAC T9 PHEV in the Malaysian market this week. Dubbed the country’s first petrol plug-in hybrid pickup truck, the model is offered in two variants - Base and Adventure - priced at RM 156,027 and RM 164,027, respectively. Built on JAC's third-generation international platform, the T9 PHEV is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to a dual-motor system and a 4DHT hybrid transmission. Also part of the kit is a 31.2kWh battery pack, which offers an all-electric driving range of up to 100 km and a combined range of 1,000 km. It comes with five terrain modes, viz. Snow, Sand, Mud, Rock and Off-road Cruise.

Denza Malaysia rolls out new OTA updates for Z9GT

Denza has rolled out a comprehensive Over-The-Air (OTA) software update for the Z9GT, ahead of the official launch of BYD Flash Charge technology in Malaysia on November 19, 2026. This high-speed charging technology delivers a 10%-70% SoC in just 5 minutes and 10%-97% SoC in 9 minutes. The OTA update will fully equip the EV to leverage the brand's ultra-fast charging ecosystem as soon as it goes live. Along with that, it will also update the Intelligent Cruise Control and Traffic Sign Recognition systems to deliver smoother acceleration and deceleration profiles. 

Proton’s upcoming Hybrid drivetrain will be called i-HEV

Proton has confirmed that its new hybrid drivetrain technology will be officially called the i-HEV intelligent hybrid system. Set to make its debut with Proton’s upcoming model codenamed AMA 02, the i-HEV setup combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine, two electric motors and a 1.38 kWh battery to deliver lower fuel consumption alongside smooth, responsive performance. The production of the Dedicated Hybrid Engine, Dedicated Hybrid Transmissions (DHT) and Electric Drive Units (EDU) will be carried out at the automaker’s Tanjong Malim plant. 

Malaysia October 2026 vehicle sales numbers announced 

The road transport department (JPJ) has released the data for total vehicle sales in October 2026, revealing some significant trends and insights. These include -

• Proton and Perodua continue to dominate the Malaysian automotive market, accounting for 63.5% of October's total vehicle registrations. 
• Perodua Axia becomes Malaysia's best-selling car with 8,035 units for the first time since January 2025, followed by the Bezza and Saga, with 7,714 units and 7,312 units, respectively.  
• Proton captures a record 61.3% of Malaysia's EV market, driven by the e.MAS 5, with monthly sales of 2.262 units. 
• Hybrid vehicles are gaining momentum, with total registrations up 82.7% YTD.
• Chinese brands are expanding beyond pure electric cars, with brands like Chery, GWM, Jetour and Jaecoo collectively accounting for 22.8% of year-to-date hybrid registrations.
• 715,879 vehicles were registered in the first 10 months, keeping the market on track for a fifth consecutive annual record.

iCAUR Malaysia expands its network with the opening of 6 new centres

iCAUR has opened six new centres (sales, service and spare parts) in Malaysia, located across the Central Region, Johor and Sarawak. The brand now has a total of 28 sales points nationwide. The list of iCAUR Malaysia’s newly opened centres includes -

• iCAUR KL North - Moda Garage Sdn Bhd
• iCAUR Setia Alam - CHT Motozoom Sdn Bhd
• iCAUR Rawang (4S centre) - Autoraya Utara Sdn Bhd
• iCAUR Kluang - MHG Garage Sdn Bhd
• iCAUR Mir - MP Advanced Automotive Sdn Bhd
• iCAUR Kuching - Ghee Hwa Motorpol Sdn Bhd 

These centres offer sales and after-sales support under one roof and feature a consistent brand identity and lifestyle-focused facilities, including customer lounges with gaming consoles and refreshments, customisation bays, special vehicle wrapping options and camping-inspired setups.

New Mercedes-Benz service centre opens in Kuala Lumpur

NZ Wheels has opened a new Mercedes-Benz service centre in Kuala Lumpur. The NZ Wheels KL Northeast Service Centre is strategically located off Jalan Genting Klang and features 7 work bays, including dedicated service bays for Top-End Vehicles (TEV), alongside two EV charging bays. It will get an AI-powered vehicle scanner in Q1 2027 for more precise diagnostics and faster turnaround times. The facility also houses a customer lounge with exquisite furnishings, mobile consultation spaces, digitally connected systems, and dedicated space for customer events. NZ Wheels Sdn. Bhd. currently operates four centres located in Klang, Johor Bahru, Bangsar, and KL Northeast, with a total investment of RM 20 million.

2027 Voge SR450X  launched in Malaysia at RM 29,888

MForce Bike Holdings Sdn. Bhd. has expanded the VOGE lineup in Malaysia with the launch of the SR450X. It is an adventure-oriented maxi-scooter, powered by a 398-cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that generates a maximum power of 42 hp at 8,000 rpm and a peak torque of 42 Nm at 5,750 rpm. Priced at RM 29,888 (excluding road tax, insurance and registration, the Voge SR450X is offered in three colours - Alpine Green, Cosmic Blue and Onyx Black.

Peugeot Speedfight 4+ GP Edition launched in Malaysia, limited to 50 units only

Aveta International, the official distributor of Peugeot Motocycles in Malaysia, has launched the Speedfight 4+ GP Edition. Limited to just 50 units, the model is priced at RM 10,388 (excluding road tax, insurance, and registration), which is RM 400 dearer than the standard model. It features MOTO-GP-inspired livery, gold accents, sporty seat detailing, exclusive footboard finish, and MOTUL branding, highlighting Peugeot and Motul's new partnership. The scooter comes with a complimentary Motul lubricant oil set, including Power LE MB 5W-40 engine oil and Gear Plus 80W-90 transmission lubricant. It runs on a 150-cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder SmartMotion four-stroke engine that generates a maximum power of 12.5 hp at 7,500 rpm and a peak torque of 13.2 Nm at 5,500 rpm. 

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

BYD Yangwang Altior makes world premiere in Abu Dhabi

BYD’s luxury arm Yangwang introduced its new all-electric flagship sedan, the Altior, in Abu Dhabi this week. This ultra-luxury model is a direct rival to the Rolls-Royce Phantom, featuring a four-seat cabin, rear-hinged coach doors, dual sunroofs, a 39-speaker Dynaudio sound system, and a powered 21.4-inch overhead screen. Up front, there is a jewellery-inspired front grille, an ‘oracle-bone-script’ emblem, and a striking lighting setup with 12 elements that rotate and light as one approaches the car. The Yangwang Altior is powered by BYD’s second-gen ‘Blade Battery’, which offers a claimed range of over 1,000 km and supports ‘Flash Charging’ technology.

Jetour TX set to launch in China as the brand’s first BEV

Jetour has revealed its first-ever battery electric vehicle in the Chinese market, named TX. It boasts a boxy design with a closed-off front grille, retro-inspired dual circular headlights, and aerodynamic air ducts. Powertrain choices include a rear-wheel-drive motor making 272 PS and a dual-motor system tuned to deliver a combined output of 374 PS. Both versions use a 67.2 kWh Rhino LFP battery, offering a claimed CLTC range of up to 550 km. The electric SUV has a ground clearance of 200 mm, a water wading depth of 500 mm, and gets crawl control, a tank-turn function, and multiple driving modes. The Jetour TX will lock horns with the Denza B3 and iCAUR 03.

Lynk & Co 900L PHEV revealed with 70 kWh battery.

Lynk & Co has introduced a new 7-seater plug-in hybrid SUV in China, called the 900L. Set to launch later this year, the Lynk & Co 900L features a 2+2+3 seating layout with rotating second-row seats and a bench-type third row. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine (producing 215 hp), paired with two electric motors and an all-wheel-drive system. Built on Geely's SPA Evo architecture, the PHEV will be offered in two battery options - 55 kWh and 70 kWh ternary lithium batteries- offering a WLTP-rated electric range of 245 and 320 km, respectively. Among the Lynk & Co 900L rivals are the Denza N9 and the Aito M9.

Polestar Formula 2030 Concept breaks covers

The Polestar Formula 2030 Concept has made its global debut as the brand’s new electric concept car, previewing its new design direction. It has a low-slung, sporty shooting-brake silhouette with a long bonnet, short overhangs, and a sloping roofline. Key highlights include split LED headlights, a trapezoidal air dam, 22-inch four-spoke alloy wheels, opposed-opening doors, and a large spoiler. Inside, there is a 4-seat layout with a  12.2-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring Google Gemini integration and a 20-inch curved HyperDIM driver display. Although the Formula 2030 Concept is not intended for production, its design elements will feature in upcoming Polestar models from 2027 onwards. 

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

Also read: Jetour T1 vs Jetour T2: Which boxy SUV should you pick?