Weekly wrap-up: All-new Mercedes-Benz CLA250+ EV launched, Volkswagen Tayron R-Line price revealed, and more

The past seven days continued the busy momentum in Malaysia's automotive industry, with Mercedes-Benz launching the all-new CLA EV and Volkswagen confirming the Tayron R-Line pricing. Meanwhile, Yamaha kept the two-wheeler market buzzing with the launch of three new exciting models. At the same time, a couple of major unveilings and announcements continue to dominate global headlines. 

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

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ electric launched in Malaysia

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched the all-new CLA in one variant: the CLA 250+ electric, priced at RM 274,888 (on the road without insurance). Based on the new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA), the next-gen CLA features an 800-volt electrical architecture with a single rear motor making 272 hp and 335 Nm, good for completing 0-100 kmph in 6.7 seconds. It comes mated to an 85 kWh NMC battery, offering a range of 792 km and supporting up to 320 kW of DC fast charging, enabling a 10-80% charge in 22 minutes.

Price confirmed for the Volkswagen Tayron R-Line. 

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia has confirmed the price for the top-spec Tayron R-Line, introduced last month. The performance-driven R-Line is priced at RM 238,574 with a standard warranty, and RM 250,074 with the optional Volkswagen Assurance Package. Compared to the entry-level Elegance, it gets a more potent 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged engine, sportier R-Line styling, and several upmarket features, including IQ.LIGHT HD Matrix headlights, larger wheels, a larger infotainment unit, and more.  The engine generates a maximum power of 265 PS and a peak torque of 400 Nm and comes mated to a seven-speed DSG transmission and a 4MOTION AWD setup. 

Proton e.MAS vehicles set to launch in Sri Lanka

After Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, Mauritius, and Nepal, Proton e.MAS has added Sri Lanka to its growing list of export markets. Proton signed a Distributorship Agreement with David Pieris Holdings (Private) Limited (DPHL), one of Sri Lanka’s largest diversified conglomerates, this week. The distribution of Proton e.MAS vehicles will be taken care of by David Pieris Automobiles (Private) Limited (DPAL) in the country, which will leverage the group’s combined resources and experience in the automotive sector to grow sales and serve customers.

New Leapmotor showroom opens in Petaling Jaya

Cycle & Carriage opened the doors of a new Leapmotor 1S showroom in Petaling Jaya this week. Located on the ground floor, Tower B, Plaza 33, 1 Jalan Kemajuan, Seksyen 13, 46200 Petaling Jaya, the outlet displays Leapmotor’s exciting range of EVs, including the B10, the C10, high-performance C10 PLUS and exclusive C10 PLUS Night Edition. It is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm and features a dedicated consultation space, a dedicated car delivery bay, a comfortable lounge and an accessories section.

Kia opens a new 3S centre in Sarawak

Kia Sales Malaysia opened a new 3S facility in Sarawak this week, expanding its presence in East Malaysia. The new Kia outlet, operated by Heng Lian Enterprise Bhd,  is strategically located in the heart of Kuching’s financial and business district and spans a built-up area of 4,796 sq. ft. It features a spacious display area, a well-equipped service centre with two work bays, and a range of customer-centric amenities. KSM now operates a total of 26 dealerships across Malaysia. 

Chery opens new 3S centre in Alor Setar

Chery Malaysia has inaugurated a newly located 3S centre in Alor Setar, Kedah. Located in the Mergong industrial area, the upgraded facility is managed by dealer partner Indah Utara Enterprise Sdn Bhd. It features the brand’s latest Generation 4.0 concept, with a refreshed retail environment, a spacious display area, and a well-equipped service centre with four service bays. It is located at Lot 304, Lorong Perak 16, Jalan Perusahaan Mergong 2.

Carro opens its first Zeekr service centre in Sri Damansara

Asia Pacific’s leading online automotive marketplace, Carro, has opened its first dedicated Zeekr service centre in Sri Damansara. It is a full-fledged facility equipped to handle the unique maintenance and repair needs of Zeekr’s high-performance EV. The Zeekr Service Centre Sri Damansara offers scheduled servicing, advanced software diagnostics, and preventative maintenance, along with specialised repair and refinishing services, thus ensuring end-to-end aftersales care and warranty support by certified EV technicians.

Honda Malaysia hosts a special appreciation event for first 3 Prelude owners

Honda Malaysia organised a special appreciation event for the first three owners of the iconic sports coupe, the Prelude. Three owners are Mr. Gan Ker Beng, Mr. Wahiduzaman Bin Abu Kashim, and Dr. Davina Navreet Kaur, who were drawn to the coupe for different reasons. Mr. Gan, an entrepreneur from Johor Bahru, completed its nearly three-decade-long desire to own a Prelude, while Mr. Wahiduzaman, a business owner from Kuala Lumpur, loved its balance of driving enjoyment and everyday comfort. Dr. Davina admired earlier versions of the coupe while growing up and dreamed of owning a red one.

Three new Yamaha bikes launched in Malaysia: Yamaha XSR15, Yamaha Y16ZR-R and XMax 300 Tech Max

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor introduced three new models at the 2026 Yamaha GenBlu Carnival event, each catering to different riding aspirations. The new models are as follows -

• Yamaha XSR15: It is a retro-styled naked motorcycle that shares the same platform as the Yamaha MT-15 and combines classic styling with modern engineering. Priced at RM 12,998, the XSR15 is powered by a 155-cc single-cylinder, SOHC, liquid-cooled engine that churns out a maximum power of 18.9 hp at 10,000 rpm and a peak torque of 14.4 Nm at 8,500 rpm.
• Yamaha Y16ZR-R: The upgraded model of the underbone motorcycle benefits from striking cosmetic enhancements, new features, and a revised engine. It is offered in two trims - Standard and Pramac Racing Replica- priced at RM 10,888 and RM 13,388.
• Yamaha XMax 300 Tech Max: It marks the brand’s entry into the mid-scooter category and offers enhanced performance and premium comfort with improved ergonomics and refined finishing. Priced at RM 28,499, the scooter is powered by a 292 cc, single-cylinder SOHC Blue Core engine, producing 28 PS at 7,250 rpm and 28.9 Nm at 5,750 rpm.

Kawasaki KLE500 adventure tourer launched in Malaysia

Modenas has expanded the Kawasaki lineup in Malaysia with the launch of the KLE500. Priced at RM 32,900, it is a middleweight adventure motorcycle, designed for daily commuting, long-distance touring, and off-road exploration. The bike features rally-inspired styling and a 451-cc parallel-twin, DOHC engine that delivers a maximum power of 44.8 hp at 9,000 rpm and a peak torque of 42.6 Nm at 6,000 rpm. Other key highlights include: 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, upside-down front fork, a preload-adjustable Uni-Trak monoshock, disc brakes, a two-channel Nissin ABS, LED lighting, and LCD instrument console. 

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Ford Fathom electric pick-up truck teased; launching in 2027

Ford is preparing to launch a new electric pick-up truck next year, called Fathom, based on its new Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform, announced in 2025. While no official specifications are out, the Fathom is expected to be approximately the same size as the Ford Maverick. The pickup truck will use an LFP battery pack and is likely to come with Ford’s next-gen BlueCruise driver-assistance system. Ford will begin accepting pre-orders for the Fathom in early 2027, with a price starting around USD 28,450 (approx RM 116k), making it slightly more expensive than the petrol-powered Maverick.

Jetour T2 facelift leaked in China ahead of official debut 

The official images of the all-new Jetour T2 have been leaked online in China, ahead of its official debut at the Chengdu Motor Show. The automaker has replaced the square headlights with new round units and a new full-width LED light strip connecting them. Other cosmetic enhancements include the repositioning of the Jetour wordmark, redesigned bumpers and new auxiliary lights at the rear. In terms of oily bits, the upgraded model is expected to retain the same plug-in hybrid drivetrain as earlier; however, a larger battery pack is likely on the cards, including an all-electric range of up to 160 km.

Next-gen Mazda CX-3 to arrive in 2027

Mazda is finally ready to introduce the all-new second-generation CX-3 in 2027. The completely redesigned model will first launch in ASEAN markets and Japan, followed by other global markets. First introduced in 2014, the CX-3 is the brand's oldest vehicle and has already been discontinued in several regions, including the United States, Europe, and Japan. Located in Rayong, AutoAlliance Thailand, a joint venture between Mazda and Ford, will serve as the strategic production base for the next-gen CX-3.

Mitsubishi ASX VR-e EV revealed in Australia

Mitsubishi revealed a new electric vehicle this week, called the ASX VR-e. It is one of the first production EVs to come out of the Mitsubishi-Foxconn partnership and is based on the Foxtron Bria. Expected to hit the Australian showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2026, the Mitsubishi ASX VR-e EV will be offered in LS, Aspire, Exceed and GSR trim levels. It is likely to get the same RWD and AWD powertrain options as the Bria. The EV promises to offer a bold design, an immersive infotainment system, and excellent electric driving performance.

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

Also read: The new Royal Enfield Classic 350 is here to talk Malaysia's riders out of the horsepower race