Weekly wrap-up: Jaecoo J5, 2026 Nissan Serena e-POWER launched, Special-edition Mitsubishi Triton debuts, and more

The past week continued the busy momentum in the Malaysian automotive arena with a slew of launches, including the highly anticipated JACOO J5 SUV and upgraded Honda CR-V and Nissan Serena e-POWER. Things were further spiced up by the debut of two special models - Mercedes-Benz GLA Nightfall Edition and Mitsubishi Triton Championship Edition. In the meantime, a couple of big unveilings kept the show running at the global stage.

Here’s a weekly recap of all the important happenings of the automotive world.

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

Jaecoo J5 SUV launched in Malaysia 

After much teasing, OMODA | JAECOO finally launched the Jaecoo J5 in Malaysia this week. The latest model is offered in a single locally-assembled variant, priced at RM 108,000 (on-the-road, without insurance). The Jaecoo J5 is a B-segment SUV, set to rival the likes of the Proton X50 and the Honda HR-V. It is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine tuned to generate a maximum power of 147 PS and a peak torque of 210 Nm. The special launch package offers early bird buyers a Duit Raya Rebate of RM 3,000, complimentary 1st-Year Insurance and car accessories valued at RM 2,000.

2026 Honda CR-V launched in Malaysia with two hybrid variants

The Honda CR-V received a model year update in Malaysia this week, with expanded hybrid variants and added technology features. The upgraded CR-V is offered in three variants - E 2.0L e:HEV, 1.5L V AWD and RS 2.0L e:HEV, which means the petrol-powered S and E have been discontinued, and the hybrid powertrain is now available on the lower-spec E variant. Also new for the 2026 model year is a Digital Key, Google built-in audio services, Blind Spot Information (replacing LaneWatch), Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, and New Blazing Red Pearl exterior colour. The 2026 Honda CR-V price ranges from RM 178,200 to RM 195,900.

2026 Nissan Serena e-POWER launched in Malaysia

Edaran Tan Chong Motor, the official distributor of Nissan vehicles in Malaysia, has launched the sixth-gen Serena e-Power in the country. The refreshed MPV is offered in five variants - X, X Plus, Highway Star, Premium Highway Star and Shiro Premium Highway Star, priced between RM 154,800 and RM 179,800. The latest Serena runs on the brand’s second-gen e-POWER system comprising a 1.4-litre three-cylinder DOHC petrol engine, a generator motor, a traction motor, and a battery pack. With a fuel consumption of 18.5 km per litre, the MPV promises a driving range of up to 1,000 km on a full tank.

2026 Toyota Harrier HEV arrives in Malaysia

UMW Toyota has expanded its hybrid lineup in Malaysia with the launch of the Harrier 2.5 Hybrid, offering a quieter, more refined drive backed by Toyota’s proven hybrid technology. Built on the Toyota New Generation Architecture (TNGA-K) platform, the SUV is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Dynamic Force engine, paired with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery, delivering a combined system output of 217 PS and a fuel efficiency of 4.7 litres per 100 km. The Toyota Harrier 2.5 Hybrid is priced at RM 289,000 in Malaysia.

Mercedes-Benz GLA Nightfall Edition up for grabs in Malaysia 

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has introduced an all-new Nightfall Edition for its compact SUV, the GLA. The special model features darker styling elements, AMG Line exterior design and lowered comfort suspension. Further accentuating the darker GLA appearance is the Night Package, which comprises high-gloss black elements from the radiator front grille to the wheels. The GLA 200 Nightfall Edition is priced at RM 258,888, while the GLA 250 4MATIC Nightfall Edition costs RM 295,888.

Mitsubishi announces the all-new Triton Championship Edition in Malaysia

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has revealed the Mitsubishi Triton Championship Edition, commemorating its Asia Cross Country Rally 2025 win. This special edition Triton will be available in two variants, from 11 March 2026 - 

Models	Price	Key highlights
Triton AT Premium  Championship Edition	RM 155,980	Limited to 150 units Finished exclusively in Jet Black Mica Distinctive Championship body decals and all-terrain tyres Championship-themed headrest covers
Triton Athlete Championship Edition	RM 169,980	Limited to 120 units Finished exclusively in White Diamond Distinctive body decals and 18-inch black sport rims Styling bar and front lower bumper garnish Championship-themed headrest covers

Proton reveals February 2026 sales numbers

Proton has revealed its sales report for February 2026. During the second month of the year, the national automaker sold a total of 13,566 units (across the entire group), representing a month-on-month dip of 31%. The company’s Proton’s year-to-date sales is estimated at 33,399 units, with a year-on-year increase of 57.9%. Key highlights include - 

• The Saga continues to be the best-selling Proton model with 6,047 units sold in February.
• Second best-selling is the Proton S70 model with 1,940 units sold in February. The refreshed version of the sedan has secured approximately 5,000 bookings within a month.
• Proton e.MAS sold 1,928 units in February 2026, bringing its year-to-date total to 5,219 units.
• The e.MAS 5 has become the No.1 EV in the Malaysian electric vehicle market, with more than 5,000 units delivered within two months of launch.

Honda X-ADV gets an update in Malaysia

Boon Siew Honda has introduced the all-new X-ADV in Malaysia, bringing a sharper visual edge and mechanical enhancements to the adventure segment. The bike gets a new look featuring bold stripes and solid colour blocks, and an updated 6-speed DCT gearbox, offering smooth handling at lower speeds, which makes it suitable for urban traffic or U-turns. The new Honda X-ADV is offered in three colours - Matte Pearl Glare White, Matte Deep Mud Grey, and Graphite Black, priced between RM 70,999 and RM 71,999.

2026 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES launched in Malaysia

The upgraded Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES also made its way to Malaysia this week. Now available in two new shades (Pearl Glare White and Matte Iridium Grey Metallic), the refreshed motorcycle boasts a bolder presence with updated stripes and designs. Key highlights include - a 1,084-cc parallel-twin cylinder engine, Honda Dual Clutch Transmission, Honda Selectable Torque Control, Wheelie Control, Cornering ABS, four riding modes and a 6.5-inch instrument cluster with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Priced at RM 99,888, the new Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES will be available at all Honda BigWing dealerships nationwide by May 2026. 

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

BYD Seal 08 flagship sedan revealed in China

BYD has pulled the wraps off its all-new flagship sedan in China, the Seal 08. Built on an 800V high-voltage platform, the new EV features the brand’s latest advancements, including a second-gen Blade Battery pack, megawatt flash charging tech, rear-wheel steering for enhanced manoeuvrability, and DiSus-A intelligent body control system. The BYD Seal 08 is expected to offer 644 PS of maximum power, a 0-100 kmph acceleration time of less than 5 seconds, and an all-electric range of 1000 km. It is likely to hit the roads in the second quarter of this year.

All-new Honda Insight set to launch in Japan as a pure EV

Honda is ready to launch the all-new Insight in Japan as a fully electric vehicle, marking a major shift from its earlier hybrid-only generations. The latest model is said to be the rebadged version of the China-exclusive Honda e:NS2, which is manufactured under the automaker’s joint venture with Dongfeng. While official specifications are yet to drop, the Honda Insight EV is expected to come with a front-mounted electric motor generating a maximum power of 204 PS and a peak torque of 310 Nm. As for the battery pack, a 68.8 kWh unit is expected with a WLTP range of 500 km.

VinFast Lac Hong 900S and 800S revealed globally

VinFast has expanded its luxury Lac Hong lineup with the launch of two flagship models - Lac Hong 900S and Lac Hong 800S. Scheduled to go on sale overseas by 2027, these premium EVs are equipped with a triple-motor setup (one motor at the front and two at the rear). The Lac Hong 900S boasts a fastback/sedan-like design, while the Lac Hong 800S is an SUV; however, both feature the same styling elements like split LED headlights, T-shaped tail light signature and flush door handles. The upcoming Lac Hong EVs are expected to get a fully active suspension setup, offering enhanced ride comfort and driving stability. 

Lotus Eletre X plug-in hybrid SUV breaks cover

Lotus has revealed the plug-in hybrid version of its Eletre SUV, the Eletre X, slated to launch in Europe this summer. Named as ‘For me’ in China, the PHEV utilises a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine and electric motors, generating a combined output of 939 PS and 935 Nm. It enables the vehicle to accelerate from zero to 100 kmph in 3.3 seconds. The Lotus Eletre X offers a combined driving range of 1,200 km, with pure-electric cruising of up to 350 km. It marks the brand’s return to ICE vehicles after initially promising to go all electric.

Volkswagen Golf Mk9 EV in the works

Volkswagen has started teasing the all-new 9th generation of its iconic hatchback, the Golf. The upcoming Golf Mk9 will be fully electric and is expected to coexist with the ongoing combustion-powered Mk8.5. Built on Volkswagen Group’s next-gen Scalable Systems Platform, the Golf Mk9 will come equipped with 800-volt electrical architecture, offering improved efficiency and faster charging. Likely to be marketed as the Volkswagen ID. Golf, the hatchback is expected to be offered in both single and dual-motor variants. 

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

Also read: Proton S70: Old vs New: What’s changed in the 2026 MC1 update?