Weekly wrap-up: Hyundai Stargazer, New Honda City facelift, New Proton S70 variants launched, and more

The past week was a bit of excitement for the Malaysian automotive industry, with Proton launching new S70 variants and Honda introducing the City facelift. Adding to the excitement. Hyundai brought its brand-new MPV, the Stargazer, to the local shores. In the meantime, the global industry enjoyed a few big reveals that kept the automotive enthusiasts interested.

Missed tuning into Zigwheels? Then we have covered you with the top news that stole the spotlight over the past week.

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

2026 Proton S70 Lite and Prime variants launched 

Proton has launched the S70 Lite and Prime variants, priced at RM 56,800 and RM 59,800, respectively. The new S70 variants use a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine and a CVT gearbox, giving buyers an alternative to the turbocharged models. The NA engine produces a maximum power of 120 PS and a peak torque of 150 Nm. The new S70 variants bring together 10 class-leading features, including class-leading cabin space, class-leading rear passenger shoulder room, near-flat rear floor, soft-touch instrument panel, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, Electric Parking Brake with Auto Brake Hold, Auto Up/Down windows with Anti-Trap, Remote engine start, 5 USB ports and Rear Side Radar System.

2026 Honda City facelift launched in Malaysia

The fourth-generation Honda City has received a second refresh in Malaysia, bringing significant cosmetic improvements and a range of enhanced features. It benefits from a much sharper face, new Bi-LED headlights, new alloy wheel designs, a 10-inch Display Audio system on higher variants, ambient lighting, Multi-View Camera System, Blind Spot Information and additional convenience equipment. The 2026 Honda City facelift is offered in four variants - E, V, RS and e:HEV R, with prices ranging from RM 89,900 to RM 111,900.

Hyundai  Stargazer MPV launched in Malaysia 

Hyundai Motor Malaysia has expanded its lineup with the launch of the Stargazer. It is available in three variants – Style (7 seats), Prime (7 seats) and X (6 seats), offering different levels of space, connectivity and comfort to suit a range of family needs. All three variants are powered by the same 1.5-litre Smartstream G1.5 MPI naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that generates a maximum power of 115 PS at 6,300 rpm and a peak torque of 144 Nm at 4,500 rpm. Power is sent to the front wheels via  Hyundai’s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The Hyundai Stargazer Style costs RM 99,800, the Prime is RM 109,800, and the range-topping X is RM 121,800. The early bird package worth RM 4,600 is available for the first 800 buyers.

2026 Jetour T2 i-DM PHEV now in Malaysia

Jetour has launched the plug-in hybrid version of the T2 SUV in Malaysia. The Jetour T2 i-DM PHEV is powered by a 1.5-litre TGDi turbocharged petrol engine paired with a dual-motor electric system and a three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission. The combined output is rated at 360 PS and 610 Nm. With more than 100 km of all-electric range, the PHEV offers a total cruising range of up to 1,200 km. The Jetour T2 i-DM is priced at RM 162,800 in Malaysia, which makes it RM 6,000 dearer than the petrol counterpart.

Locally assembled iCaur 03 RWD launched in Malaysia

The locally assembled iCaur 03 RWD is now available in Malaysia, alongside the all-wheel drive variant. The CKD version of the Chinese SUV is priced the same as its CBU counterpart at RM 119,740. It retains its signature boxy, rugged design from the CBU model and the same drivetrain setup. The latter includes a rear electric motor producing 184 PS  and 220 Nm, paired with a 65.7 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery, which delivers a range of 371 km.

New Chery Tiggo Cross teased ahead of launch

Chery Malaysia has started a teaser campaign for the new Chery Tiggo Cross on its social media handle, sharing dark clips of the upgraded SUV. While details are scarce at the moment, the teaser hints at a redesigned front bumper, sharper detailing, and more prominent vertical air intakes, with the main grille and headlight layout remaining the same as the current version. 

Honda extends vehicle warranty to 8 years in Malaysia

Honda Malaysia has announced the extended 8-year warranty scheme with unlimited mileage, a significant upgrade from the previous five-year warranty. It applies to all Honda petrol and hybrid models from September 1, 2026 and offers added value and long-term protection for customers. 

Proton Capital launched as a new financing option for buying a Proton car

Proton has officially launched a dedicated automotive financing company, Proton Capital Sdn Bhd. Working closely with the automaker’s authorised dealer network, Proton Capital offers an additional vehicle financing option to customers buying a Proton car. During its initial phase, it will serve eligible individual customers purchasing new Proton vehicles through 12 participating outlets in the Klang Valley. The financing will be available to salaried employees, self-employed individuals and customers with other verifiable sources of income. 

Morbidelli C252V launched in Malaysia at RM 16,988

MForce Bike Holdings has launched the Morbidelli C252V in the Malaysian market. This Italian modern motorcycle combines classic cruiser styling and a 249 cc liquid-cooled V-twin SOHC, 8-valve engine that produces a maximum power of 25.8 PS at 9,000 rpm and a peak torque of 25 Nm at 5,500 rpm. It comes equipped with a range of advanced features, including LED lighting, a round full-colour LCD, traction control, and a USB Type-A charging port. The Morbidelli C252V is priced at RM 16,988 (excluding road tax, insurance and registration) in Malaysia. Available colour options are - Bulk Black, Moss Green and Urban Silver.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Bentley Torcal EV revealed globally 

The Bentley Torcal has made its global debut as the brand’s first electric vehicle, which is built on the PPE platform that also underpins Porsche’s Cayenne Electric. The EV is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel-drive drivetrain, generating a combined output of 888 PS and 1,350 Nm, enabling the vehicle to hit the century sprint in just 2.9 seconds. The motors are paired with a 113 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which offers a WLTP-rated driving range of 600 km. The design combines traditional Bentley luxury with a much more modern, futuristic EV look. The Bentley Torcal price in the UK begins at GBP 173,300, which is approximately equal to RM 936,950.

CEER Exobot sedan and SUV EVs revealed in Saudi Arabia 

Saudi Arabia’s first homegrown EV brand ‘CEER’ has entered the passenger electric vehicle market, with the introduction of two models- the Exobot sedan and SUV. The EVs feature an unusual wedge-shaped design, huge glass areas, dramatic wing doors, and a pillar-to-pillar 48-inch curved Digital Horizon interior display, an active chassis, and up to Level 3 ADAS. These are powered by a 112-kWh battery and a tri-motor setup that produces 1,111 hp and 1,500 Nm of torque, enabling the sedan to hit the century sprint in 2.1 seconds, while the SUV takes 2.4 seconds. The Exobot sedan is estimated to offer a driving range of 670 km (NEDC), while the Exobot SUV has a claimed range of 560 km. 

2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid debuts in the US

Nissan has revealed the all-new Rogue Hybrid in the US market, which is known as the X-Trail in Malaysia. The upgraded model gets a redesigned exterior and a cabin with larger screens, more storage and physical air-conditioning controls. The new Rogue Hybrid uses the brand’s latest third-gen e-POWER system, with dual electric motors and all-wheel drive as standard. The 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine generates electricity while e-motors drive the wheels.

McLaren reveals new brand identity and logo

McLaren has revealed a new brand identity and logo for its next-generation models. The new wordmark takes inspiration from the signage at founder Bruce McLaren’s parents’ service station in Auckland. It features a wide, all-capital sans-serif typeface, with a distinctive lowercase ‘C’ that sits on a small horizontal line. The rebranding comes as the brand prepares for new front-engined models and an upcoming SUV, alongside expanding UK manufacturing and its own engine production plans.

Next-gen Hyundai Tucson details out ahead of debut

Hyundai has announced key technical details of the upcoming 2027 Tucson in South Korea, ahead of the SUV’s debut slated for October 2026. The next-gen SUV is longer and wider than its predecessor and offers more rear seat space. With improved aerodynamics, it gets the brand’s "Art of Steel" design language with H-shaped DRLs, a horizontal light strip and a new prism-effect rear lighting design. Also new for 2027 is a revised suspension, stronger chassis mounting points, additional sound insulation and thicker door glass. The new Tucson also benefits from a new 1.6-litre turbo-hybrid drivetrain that makes 245 hp, with a claimed fuel consumption of 17.4 kmpl.

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

Also read: Hyundai Stargazer: Variants explained – Which one should you choose?