Weekly wrap-up: All-new 2026 Proton Saga, iCAUR V23 launched, Perodua QV-E teased, and more

This week was quite exciting for Malaysian auto enthusiasts, as the reimagined version of the country’s most iconic sedan, the Proton Saga, made its way to showrooms. The buzz is further fuelled by the teasers of the upcoming Perodua QV-E, set to launch next month. As for the international market, a few big reveals and major announcements kept the show running. In case you missed out on any of that, we've got you covered in our quick recap of all the major auto news of the week. 

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

All-new 2026 Proton Saga launched in Malaysia

Proton has finally launched the all-new Saga, featuring a wide range of enhancements in terms of design, technology, safety, and overall driving experience. The upgraded sedan is offered in three variants - Standard, Executive, and Premium, priced between RM 38,990 and RM 49,990. Based on a new AMA platform, the 2026 Saga runs a new “iGT” 1.5-litre NA engine that delivers a maximum power of 120 PS, a peak torque of 150 Nm and an impressive fuel efficiency of 4.9 litres per 100 km. Key features include - LED headlights, LED tail lights, a 9-inch head unit, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-tone leatherette upholstery and advanced driver-assistance systems. The 2026 Proton Saga special launch package (valid until December 31) offers a RM 1000 rebate, trade-in support and special financing rates.

2025 iCaur V23 EV launched in Malaysia

iCaur Malaysia has launched the V23 as its second fully electric off-road-capable SUV. It is a C-segment SUV available in two CBU variants - 2WD and iWD, priced at RM 119,800 and RM 132,800. The former is powered by a single rear-mounted motor and a 59.9-kWh LFP battery, offering 360 km range, while the latter runs on a dual-motor setup and an 81.8-kWh NMC pack that cruises to 430 km. Key features include - 15.4-inch head unit, 6 drive modes, auxiliary rear storage box, 540-degree all-view monitor, and Level 2 ADAS pack. The early-bird package (valid for the first 1,000 buyers) includes a free 7kW AC charger, an auxiliary instrument cluster unit, and an extended warranty.

Perodua QV-E teased; launch imminent

Perodua has started the teaser campaign for its first-ever electric vehicle, the QV-E, set to launch next month. Touted as Malaysia’s first home-grown EV, the car is fully designed and developed in-house by Perodua, unlike the Proton e.MAS EVs. The automaker has set up an EV-dedicated page on its official website, offering previews of EV's in bits and pieces. The Perodua QV-E is expected to feature a bold and futuristic design with sharp angles and sleek curves. It will be powered by a CATL-sourced LFP battery pack (likely to be a 52.5 kWh unit), offering a driving range of 400 to 410 km.

Honda Prelude coupe teased; may debut next year

Honda Malaysia teased the Prelude in its 25th anniversary celebration video, suggesting that the two-door coupe may debut in the country soon. Previewed at the 2024 Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show, the all-new Honda Prelude went on sale in Japan earlier this year. It is powered by an e:HEV hybrid engine that comprises a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, a traction motor, and an e-CVT gearbox. The coupe boasts a low, sporty, and refined appearance with a light and comfortable cabin equipped with several advanced features. The price starts from JPY 6,179,800 (approx RM 177k) in Japan.

New Isuzu 4S Centre opens in Malaysia 

Isuzu has opened a new facility in the Klang Valley offering a complete range of services, including sales, after-sales care and body repair and paint services. Operated by SV Prestige Auto, the new Isuzu 4S centre features the brand’s Corporate Identity, two pick-up display units, a virtual reality simulator and a service centre that can handle up to six vehicles at once. Located at Lot 1917-B, Jalan KPB 7, Kawasan Perindustrian Kampung Baru Balakong, the showroom is open daily, while the service centre operates from Monday to Saturday.

Denza D9 marks 1,000-unit milestone in Malaysia 

Denza has sold over 100 units of the D9 electric minivan in Malaysia, marking a 1,000-unit sales milestone. To commemorate this achievement, the brand held its first-ever DENZA Golf Cup at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club, which is a celebratory, invite-only golf tournament. It was attended by more than 120 guests, including the EV owners, dealer principals, and key partners. The D9 is offered in two variants here - Advanced FWD and Premium AWD, priced at RM 259,000 and RM 309,000, respectively. Both variants are equipped with a 103.6 kWh LFP battery pack, offering a driving range of 520 km for the FWD and 480 km for the AWD trim.

Proton and MARii sign 5 year NATC and R&D collaboration

During the recently held 2025 Global Automotive and Technology Expo (GATE 2025), Proton has exchanged Strategic Collaboration documents with the Malaysia Automotive Robotics & IoT Institute (MARii). Under this agreement, the parties have collaborated for five years, covering the development of a National Automotive Test Centre (NATC) and a structured R&D programme for 200 Proton engineers. This collaboration enhances the automaker’s commitment to the local automotive industry while fulfilling its responsibility in realising the goals of the National Industrial Master Plan.

Moto Morini ALLTRHIKE 450, X-CAPE 700 and X-CAPE 1200 launched in Malaysia

Moto Morini has expanded its lineup in Malaysia with the launch of three adventure touring bikes - ALLTRHIKE 450, X-CAPE 700 and X-CAPE 1200. 

• Moto Morini ALLTRHIKE 450: Priced at RM 28,888, it is a lightweight adventure model, featuring a modern yet aggressive design, all-around lighting, a 6-inch vertical TFT display, dual-channel ABS and a 449.5-cc, twin-cylinder DOHC engine that produces 44.2 hp and 44 Nm.
• Moto Morini X-CAPE 700: Priced at RM 33,888, it is a middle-weight adventure motorcycle that features a rugged design, a 7-inch colorful TFT dashboard, all-around LED lighting, and a dual-channel ABS. It is powered by a 693-cc, DOHC, parallel-twin engine which kicks out 73.7 hp at 8,500 rpm and 68 Nm. 
• Moto Morini X-CAPE 1200: Priced at RM 49,888, it is a large-displacement adventure-touring motorcycle that boasts an aggressive and ergonomic design with all-around lighting, 7-inch TFT dashboard, radar-assisted cruise control, front-facing dashcam, cornering ABS, Marzocchi USD forks, cornering traction control and a 1187-cc engine, tuned to deliver 129 hp and 106 Nm.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Toyota Veloz Hybrid makes global debut in Indonesia

Toyota previewed the Veloz Hybrid at the Gaikindo Jakarta Auto Week 2025 in Indonesia, followed by the opening of order books. The electrified multi-purpose vehicle is offered in four variants - V, Q, Q Modellista and Q TSS Modellista, priced between IDR 299 million (approx. RM 74k) and IDR 390 million (approx. RM 97k). While no details are yet available on the drivetrain specs, it is expected to get a 1.5-litre 2NR-VEX four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, and a 0.7-kWh battery, generating a combined system output of 111 PS.

All-new BYD Atto 8 debuts in China

One of the several exciting models previewed at the 2025 Guangzhou Auto Show was the all-new BYD Atto 8 (known as the Tang L in China). It is a high-performance electrified SUV, featuring a bold exterior, a hi-tech cabin, and cutting-edge technology such as the DiLink 150 system, BYD’s God’s Eye B ADAS pack backed by a roof-mounted lidar sensor. The BYD Atto 8 is offered in both plug-in hybrid and fully electric versions; the former has a 1.5T engine (156 PS) + electric motors, while the latter incorporates a single or dual-motor setup. The EV is mated to a 100.531 kWh LFP Blade battery pack, offering a range of up to 670 km. 

BYD Atto 2 PHEV revealed in Europe 

The BYD Atto 2 PHEV made its global debut in the European market this week. It is offered in two variants - Active and Boost, both are powered by the brand’s advanced fifth-generation DM hybrid platform comprising a specifically developed Xiaoyun 1.5-litre petrol engine, dual high-speed electric motors with an integrated controller, and a Blade battery pack. Set to hit the European roads in the first half of 2026, the BYD Atto 2 DM-i PHEV price ranges between EUR 32,990 (RM 158k) and  EUR 35,990 (RM 172k).

OMODA 7 now comes with intelligent parking tech

OMODA I JAECOO has rolled out two intelligent parking systems for the Omoda 7, taking the vehicle’s smart mobility experience to the next level. The new systems are - APA (Automatic Parking Assistance) and RPA (Remote Parking Assistance). APA can automatically park the vehicle in vertical, parallel, or angled spaces by identifying parking spots on its own with the help of intelligent environment sensing. With RPA, you can use the key remote to guide the vehicle in or out of a parking spot, after stepping out of the car, with precision. 

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

Also read: Chery Malaysia’s Endless Horizon Challenge: How the Tiggo 7 PHEV conquered 1,200 KM on one Tank