Weekly wrap-up: GWM Wey G9 launched, Toyota Vios HEV debuts in Malaysia, New S-Class facelift revealed, and more

The Malaysian automotive arena was quite busy this week, with the introduction of the highly-awaited Toyota Vios Hybrid and GWM Wey G9 PHEV. Additionally, Zeekr 009 stole the spotlight at the Malaysia Car of the Year 2025 awards. In the meantime, the global market also saw a number of debuts, along with glimpses of upcoming models. If you missed the top auto news of the week, here’s a quick recap.

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

GWM Wey G9 launched in Malaysia 

Malaysia welcomed a new luxury MPV this week in the form of the GWM Wey G9. It is offered in a single Hi4 PHEV variant (locally assembled at the EP Manufacturing Bhd plant in Melaka), priced at RM 268,800 (on the road without insurance). The MPV comes powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric traction motors, generating a combined system output of 442 PS and 642 Nm of torque. It is paired with a 44.2 kWh ternary lithium-ion battery pack, offering an all-electric range of up to 170 km (combined range is quoted at 1000 km). The GWM Wey G9 rivals the likes of the Denza D9, XPeng X9, and Zeekr 009 in the Malaysian market. 

Toyota Vios Hybrid debuts in Malaysia

UMW Toyota introduced the hybrid version of its best-selling nameplate in Malaysia, the Vios. The Toyota Vios HEV is offered in two variants - 1.5 HEV and 1.5 HEV GR Sport, estimatedly priced at RM 103,900 and RM 109,900, respectively. The electrified sedan uses Toyota’s Hybrid System, combining a 1.5-litre DOHC 16-valve petrol four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 111 PS and a fuel efficiency of 3.6 litres per 100 km (30% more than the ICE model). While the exterior retains the familiar shape of the standard sedan with a few hybrid-specific touches, the interior gets a bigger screen with hybrid-specific displays.

Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV launching on Feb 4

Proton is all set to launch the e.MAS 7 plug-in hybrid SUV on February 4, 2026. Dubbed as Malaysia’s first Dual-Powered EV, it is offered in three variants - Prime, Premium, and Premium Plus, with prices estimated to range between RM 110k and RM 130k. Powering the plug-in hybrid SUV is a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine and a front-mounted electric motor, delivering a combined system output of 262 PS and a driving range of over 1000 km. It will rival the likes of the Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV and Jaecoo J7 PHEV in the plug-in hybrid space. 

Zeekr 009 EV bags “Overall Malaysia Car of the Year 2025” award

The Zeekr 009 Ultra Luxury won the “Overall Malaysia Car of the Year 2025” award at the 21st edition of the Malaysia Car of the Year Awards, signalling the automotive industry's ongoing shift towards smart and sustainable mobility. Here’s the complete list of the awards won by Zeekr -

Overall Malaysia Car of the Year 2025	Zeekr 009 Ultra Luxury
Best xEV of the Year	Zeekr 009 Ultra Luxury
MPV xEV of the Year	Zeekr 009 Ultra Luxury
SUV of the Year (RM200,000–RM500,000 category)	Zeekr 7X AWD Performance

Hyundai Motor Malaysia partners up with HZN Inspiration 

To strengthen its presence in the Malaysian market, Hyundai Motor Malaysia has signed a Letter of Intent with new dealer partner HZN Inspiration Sdn Bhd. Under the new venture, both parties will explore the establishment of new dealership facilities in Klang Valley, with the  first outlet targeted to be ready in Q2 2026. The automaker has also formalised partnerships with five leading insurance providers (Allianz, Berjaya Sompo, Tokio Marine, Etiqa and Takaful Ikhlas) to safeguard the long-term value of Hyundai vehicles, as part of its broader ownership-experience strategy. 

Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce and Stelvio Veloce prices announced  

Alfa Romeo Malaysia has officially unveiled the pricing for its debut models, the Giulia Veloce and Stelvio Veloce, with Duty-Free Ownership Advantage. Both models are offered only in one fully imported variant from Italy, priced at RM 438,800 and RM 478,800, respectively. The duty-free pricing for Langkawi and Labuan is RM 228,800 for the Giulia and RM 258,800 for the Stelvio. Under the skin lies a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which kicks out a maximum power of 280 hp and a peak torque of 400 Nm. 

Honda Malaysia sold 72,301 cars in 2025

Honda sold a total of 72,301 units in the Malaysian market in2025, capturing an 8.8% market share. Notably, it remains the No.1 Non-National Passenger Vehicle (excluding pickup trucks and vans) brand in Malaysia for the 12th consecutive year. Among Honda’s best-selling models are the HR-V, City and CR-V, accounting for 25% , 24% and 15% of total sales, respectively. The hybrid versions of the HR-V and CR-V also performed well, contributing 30% to the automaker’s total hybrid sales. 

Isuzu Malaysia captures 56.1% market share in the commercial truck category

Isuzu Malaysia has achieved a record-breaking sales milestone in the commercial truck category. The automaker sold a total of 6,880 units in 2025, capturing a market share of 56.1%. Contributing to the majority of truck sales is the Isuzu Elf light-duty truck, which remained the country’s best-selling truck for the 16th consecutive year. On the pick-up front, the D-Max witnessed an outstanding year, taking a 15% share of the pick-up truck segment, taking the brand to an overall No.2 position nationwide.

2026 Yamaha NMax ABS gets new colour options in Malaysia 

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor has introduced two new colour options for the NMax ABS scooter - Icon Blue and Crystal Graphite. The price remains unchanged at RM 11,498 (excluding road tax, insurance and registration) as before. It continues to run on the tried and tested 155-cc Blue Core liquid-cooled, 4-stroke SOHC single-cylinder engine, which kicks out 15.4 PS and 14.2 Nm. Key highlights include dual-element LED projector headlights, LED taillight, an LCD instrument panel with Y-Connect functionality, 13-inch alloy wheels, and a two-channel ABS.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

All-new 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift breaks cover

Mercedes-Benz has rolled out a mid-cycle upgrade for the S-Class in the global market. The upgraded luxury saloon benefits from a wide range of exterior enhancements, including a larger front grille, new Digital headlights with 3-pointed star motifs, and an illuminated badge. Inside, the new S-Class features new MB.OS digital architecture and a Superscreen setup that combines several displays featuring advanced interfaces and AI-powered functions. The automaker has also upgraded the sedan's engine configurations, now compliant with Euro 7 emissions standards.

Chery Himla electric pickup truck launched in China

Chery has pulled the wraps off its first-ever electric pickup truck under its new global sub-brand Himla (known as Rely in China), representing a wide range of pickup trucks, covering multiple drivetrain options. The Himla EV (or Rely R08) is built on a body-on-frame construction and comes in standard and long-box versions. Two available drivetrain options are - single rear-wheel drive and dual electric motor setup paired with 66.54-kWh or 88-kWh battery pack, offering a driving range of between 405 and 510 km, depending on the configuration. The price begins at CNY 127,800 (RM 72k) and goes up to CNY 158,800 (RM 90k).

Tesla bids adieu to the Model S and Model X

Tesla has decided to discontinue its two flagship models - Model S and Model X in the second quarter of 2026. This means the brand’s lineup will include only three models - Model 3, Model Y and Cybertruck. The decision aligns with the brand’s shifting focus from traditional EVs to robotics and autonomy projects. The Model X (introduced in 2015) and Model S (introduced in 2012) have seen a downward trend in their sales numbers in recent years.

Genesis X Skorpio Concept revealed globally

Toyota’s luxury arm, Genesis, has unveiled an all-new, striking, rugged concept vehicle, the Genesis X Skorpio Concept. Designed for desert and rugged terrains, this vehicle is inspired by previous Genesis concepts such as the X Gran Berlinetta. With a trophy-truck-like hardware, the vehicle is powered by a V8 drivetrain, generating a whopping power of 1100 PS and 1152 Nm. It rides on 18-inch beadlock wheels wrapped with 40-inch off-road rubbers and Brembo Motorsport brakes. The production plans for this off-road concept vehicle are yet to be confirmed. 

BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase in the making, debut soon

BMW is set to roll out the long-wheelbase version of the iX3 electric SUV at the upcoming Beijing Auto Show 2026 in China. The LWB variant will have a 108 mm longer wheelbase than the standard model, offering improved rear-seat comfort to occupants. It is expected to get the same 800 V architecture and drivetrain options as the iX3, offering a driving range of over 900 (on the CLTC cycle). After launching in China, the BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase is planned to go on sale in selected international markets, including Malaysia, India, Thailand, and Indonesia. 

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

Also read: Breaking down Malaysia’s automotive trends 2025: Top Cars, Brands, and EVs