Weekly wrap-up: Jaecoo J8, 2025 Honda HR-V launched, 2025 Proton X50 bags 5k bookings, Mitsubishi Destinator revealed, and more

The past week continued the busy momentum in the Malaysian automotive industry with one major event following another. On one hand, Honda introduced the new HR-V, while on the other, Proton announced the launch date for the new X50. Additionally, we witnessed the launches of the Jaecoo J8 and Lamborghini Temerario, along with confirmation of the BYD Atto 2’s arrival.

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

Jaecoo J8 launched in Malaysia at RM 178,000

Omoda Jaecoo has finally launched its premium off-road SUV, the J8, in the Malaysian market. The locally assembled Jaecoo J8 is offered in two variants - 5-seater 2WD and 6-seater AWD, priced at RM 178,000 and RM 198,800, respectively. Both are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine capable of generating 249 PS and 385 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels in the 2WD, or to all four wheels in the AWD. The new Jaecoo SUV features a bold and rugged styling and sets new benchmarks in terms of off-road manoeuvrability. 

All-new Honda HR-V facelift launched in Malaysia

The popular B-segment SUV, the Honda HR-V, received a subtle upgrade this week, adding new features, mild styling tweaks and new colour options (Phoenix Orange Pearl and Crystal Black Pearl) to the pack. The SUV features a new minimalist front grille, new 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels, updated 8-inch touchscreen supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Adaptive Driving Beam and Active Cornering Light. As for under-the-hood setup, it continues to offer three options as before - a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, a 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo, or the e:HEV hybrid. The new HR-V price ranges from RM 115,900 to RM 143,900.

Lamborghini Temerario sports car arrives in Malaysia

Lamborghini’s all-new entry-level sports car, the Temerario, also made its way to the Malaysian market this week. Now open for orders, the Temerario price tag reads RM1,350,000 before duties, taxes, and personalisation. It is powered by an 800 PS/730 Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 and three electric motors (each producing 150PS). The combined system output is rated at 920 PS, enabling the vehicle to the century sprint in just 2.7 seconds and clock a top speed of 343 kmph. Built on a new lightweight aluminium spaceframe chassis, the Temerario features a “pilot cockpit” layout and can accommodate drivers up to 2 meters tall wearing a helmet.

2025 Proton X50 secures 5k bookings, launch set for July 24

Set to be launched on July 24, the all-new Proton X50 has secured 5,000 bookings within 10 days after order taking began on 5 July. It represents a 50% take-up of the early bird offer that will be given to the first 10,000 customers. The test drive units of the upgraded SUV are now available at selected 3S/4S dealerships. Offered in three variants - Executive, Premium, and Flagship- the new X50 boasts a sharper and performance-inspired visual identity and significant cabin improvements, making our beloved SUV even more desirable.

BYD Atto 2 EV launching on July 24

After dropping a cryptic teaser last week, BYD Sime Motors has finally revealed the identity and launch date of its upcoming EV. As expected, it is none other than the Atto 2 (known as Yuan Up in China). Set to launch on July 24, the Atto 2 is a compact SUV, positioned below the Atto 3 in the brand’s local lineup. It features a sporty and sharp look, targeting youth and the young-at-heart consumers. The EV is offered in two single e-motor setups and battery pack options in China - 

• A 95 PS / 180 Nm e-motor and a 32 kWh Blade battery offering 301 km of driving range
• A 177 PS / 290 Nm e-motor and a 45.1 kWh Blade battery offering 401 km of driving range

Zeekr Space Sunway City opens in Malaysia

Zeekr has opened its flagship retail and service hub in Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, in association with its first official dealer partner, Sunway Marketing. Spanned across 11,000 sq ft, the Zeekr Space Sunway City showroom incorporates a wide display area for up to six vehicles. It also houses two delivery bays, a premium lounge, discussion areas and four units of 22 kW AC chargers for customers (DC fast chargers will be installed later). The 10,000 sq ft Zeekr Sunway Service Centre, located 1.1 km away, is equipped with the latest diagnostic tools and staffed by trained technicians.

Malaysia gets new Honda Transalp and Honda CB750 

Boon Siew Honda has officially launched the 2025 Honda Transalp and 2025 Honda CB750 for the Malaysian market. 

• The Transalp is an adventure-tourer, designed for thrill-seekers and mountain conquerors. Priced at RM 56,800, the bike is powered by a 755-cc parallel twin-cylinder engine, which churns out 90.5 horsepower and 75 Nm of torque. It features dual LED projector headlights, new windshield made from Durabio, 5-inch TFT display, Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity and so on.
• The Honda CB750 is a middleweight streetfighter, featuring a sharper attitude, updated suspension settings, and rider-focused features. It also houses the same  755-cc parallel-twin engine generating the same level of output. The price tag reads RM 49,999.

Chery Tiggo Cross grabs 1,000 bookings just days after launch

Chery’s new compact SUV, the Tiggo Cross, has become an instant hit in Malaysia. Launched on July 9, the model has secured over 1000 bookings within days of launch, and the credit goes to its value-for-money proposition. Touted as the most affordable hybrid SUV in the market, the Chery Tiggo Cross features a stylish design and smart technology features, appealing to younger drivers and urban families. The price ranges from RM 88,800 to RM 99,800, with an early bird promo offering two years of free service to the first 2,000 customers until September 30, 2025.

Grab the SoloEra Solo 1C for just RM 599 with special promo

Blueshark Malaysia has rolled out a special promotional offer for the SoloEra Solo 1C unveiled at MAS 2025. In collaboration with exclusive partners Mesra Rewards, Setel and MARiiCas EV rebate, the company is offering the e-bike at RM 599.The promotion runs from July 15 to September 16, 2025, or while stocks last, and is subject to terms and conditions.  Here’s a quick rundown of the SoloEra Solo 1C specs - 

Price	RM 2,999 (excluding battery rental or subscription plans) without the MARiiCas rebate
Powertrain	2.7-hp electric motor and a 2,000W 2nd-gen LFP battery pack
Range	101 km (on the NEDC test cycle)
Top speed	75 kmph
Charging	20% to 100% SoC in 3.5 to 4 hours (with 3-pin household socket)
Features	4 riding modes, Bluetooth smart key,  an anti-theft system, 12-inch wheels, CBS-based disc brakes, SoloEra mobile app connectivity
Colours	Nebula Green, Nova Orange, and Lunar White

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Tesla Model Y L teased ahead of launch in China

Tesla is set to launch a new iteration of the Model Y in China, named the Model Y L, where L stands for ‘Long.” As per MIIT (Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology) filings, it is a six-seater EV built on a stretched wheelbase. Compared to the 5-seater Model Y Juniper, it is 179 mm longer, 44 mm taller, and has a 150 mm longer wheelbase. It will feature an LG-sourced ternary NMC battery pack and an all-wheel drive dual-motor setup, delivering a combined system output of 462 PS and a top speed of 201 kmph. 

Mitsubishi Destinator makes its world premiere in Indonesia

Mitsubishi has pulled the wraps off its all-new SUV in Indonesia, called the Destinator. It is a 7-seater midsize SUV set to launch in three variants - GLS, Exceed, and Ultimate at the upcoming GIIAS event. Under the hood, there will be a 1.5-litre MIVEC turbo inline-four front-wheel drive engine generating a maximum power of 163 PS and a peak torque of 250 Nm. Notably, it’s the brand’s third global model born in Indonesia after the Xpander and Xforce. 

Geely Galaxy A7 PHEV launched in China

Geely has officially begun the presales for its new Galaxy A7 PHEV in China, which is built on the automaker’s advanced GEA (Geely Electric Architecture) platform. With a sleek fastback silhouette, the Galaxy A7 boasts a 110-hp 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine and a 235-hp electric motor under the hood. As for battery options, the company offers two options: 8.5 kWh (with 70 km EV range) and 18.4 kWh (150 km EV range). The PHEV will be available in five variants, priced between CNY 103,800 (RM 68k) and CNY 133,800 (RM 88k).

All-new 2026 Subaru Uncharted revealed in the US

Subaru has expanded its growing electric vehicle lineup with the introduction of the Subaru Uncharted in the US. It is a compact crossover that combines dynamic handling, exceptional drivability, and powerful performance with up to 338 horsepower and a 0-100 kmph time of less than 5 seconds. Set to go on sale in early 2026, the new Subaru EV will be offered with the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. It is expected to cruise over 480 km on a single charge, with fast charging from 10% to 80% taking approximately 30 minutes.

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

Also read: 2025 Honda HR-V variant explained - Which one should you pick?