Weekly wrap-up: Locally-assembled MGS5 EV launched, Toyota Yaris Cross bookings open, Auto China 2026 kicks off, and more

The past week continued the busy momentum in the Malaysian automotive industry, with MG Motor Malaysia finally launching the locally assembled MG S5 EV and UMW Toyota opening bookings for the Yaris Cross. In the meantime, the global auto industry also enjoyed some noteworthy reveals, with the kick-off of the Auto China 2026 event in Beijing. In case you missed out on any of that, here we bring a quick recap of all the major auto news of the week. 

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

MG S5 CKD launched in Malaysia at RM 117k

After rolling off the first S5 CKD unit from the assembly line at EP Manufacturing Berhad (EPMB)’s facility in Melaka last month, MG Motor Malaysia has now launched the locally assembled electric SUV. The MG S5 CKD is offered in a sole Lux variant priced at RM 117,528 (on-the-road without insurance). Powered by a rear-mounted electric motor, the locally assembled EV generates up to 202 hp and 350 Nm of torque, which is 34 hp and 100 Nm more than its CBU counterpart. The battery pack remains the same 62 kWh LFP unit, offering a WLTP-claimed range of 446 km.

Toyota Yaris Cross booking open in Malaysia, launch expected soon 

UMW Toyota has started accepting bookings for its upcoming compact SUV, the Yaris Cross. Expected to launch soon, the SUV is offered in two variants - 1.5 S and Hybrid Electric, with estimated price of RM 99,900 and RM 109,900, respectively. Based on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform, the Yaris Cross is the twin of the Perodua Traz. Two available drivetrain options are - 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol engine and 1.5-litre NA four-cylinder petrol engine paired with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. The feature kit includes - a 7-inch TFT LCD display, a 10.1-inch infotainment head unit, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charger, and adaptive cruise control.

New BMW XM Label arrives in Malaysia at RM 1,554,800

BMW has launched the all-new BMW XM in Malaysia, which is now offered in a single XM Label trim. This high-performance Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) from BMW M GmbH now features an expanded choice of exterior colours, enhanced standard equipment, re-tuned driving dynamics, and refined comfort. The XM Label is powered by a 4.4-litre M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine paired with an electric drive setup, generating a total system output of 748 hp and a peak torque of 1,000 Nm. It runs from 0-100 kmph in just 3.8 seconds and offers a pure electric range of up to 83 km. The price starts at RM 1,554,800. 

Two new Foton trucks set to launch in Malaysia 

Foton is set to launch two new mild hybrid diesel pick-up trucks in Malaysia, viz. Tunland V7 and V9. Set to hit the local shores next month, both models are powered by a 2.0-litre Aucan turbo-diesel engine combined with a 48V mild-hybrid system, generating a maximum power of up to 161 PS and 450 Nm. The estimated price tag reads RM 128,888 for the Foton Tunland V7 and RM 148,888 for the Foton V9. Equipped with a 76-litre fuel tank, the upcoming trucks are expected to offer a range of 950 km, with a fuel consumption of 8 to 100 litres per 100 km.

GWM Malaysia reveals Q1 2026 numbers, Tank 300 HEV launching soon

Great Wall Motors Malaysia has revealed its sales numbers for Q1 2026. During the first quarter of the year, the automakers sold a total of 1,295 vehicles in Q1 2026, retaining its position among the top 15 brands in the Malaysian automotive industry. The Wey G9 has emerged as the No.1 Chinese luxury MPV in Malaysia for Q1 2026. Among the company’s upcoming models is the Tank 300 HEV, combining the model’s rugged ladder-frame SUV image with a petrol-electric powertrain. It is expected to come with a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine combined with an electric motor and a 9-speed hybrid automatic gearbox. 

Perodua teams up with UTM for xEV engineering programme

Perodua and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) have signed a memorandum of understanding for the xEV engineering programme. This 5-year strategic collaboration will focus on human capital development and research, aimed at supporting the nation’s sustainability goals. Under this programme, 10-15 high-performing students from top engineering schools will undergo a 1.5-year training programme, including a 10-week industry training at Perodua. For hands-on training, Perodua will provide technical equipment and two units of its pure electric car, the QV-E. 

New Mitsubishi 4S centre opens in Miri 

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has opened the doors of a brand-new 4S centre in Miri. Operated by Auto Pacifica, the new facility offers a complete range of sales, service, spare parts and body and paint facilities under one roof. It features a spacious showroom, an inviting reception area, a comfortable lounge area, and a comprehensive after-sales setup with 13 service bays and 6 Body & Paint bays. It is located at Lot 4448, K.B.L.D. 17, Jalan Miri Bypass, Autocity Eastwood Town Centre, 98000 Miri, Sarawak.

New Isuzu 3S centre opens in Kuala Lumpur

In association with Autoexec Corporation, Isuzu has opened a new 3S centre in Kuala Lumpur, located on Jalan Tun Razak near the World Trade Centre. It offers sales, service, and after-sales support for both pick-up trucks and commercial vehicles. The new Isuzu facility features a modern showroom supporting the latest digital and virtual technology, a hero car display, a vehicle delivery bay, a customer lounge and a merchandise area. The well-equipped service centre can accommodate one pickup truck and one truck simultaneously.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Auto China 2026 event kicks off in Beijing

The Auto China 2026 began in Beijing this week, unveiling a range of exciting new cars set to hit the market sooner or later. Running from April 24 to May 3, 2026, the show previews the following models - 

Chery Tiggo V

Previewed as the T1TP concept at the 2025 Chery International User Summit, the Chery Tiggo V has now made its official debut. It is the brand’s new global SUV that is expected to launch in both petrol and PHEV options. 

Leapmotor Lafa 5 Ultra

The Leapmotor Lafa 5 Ultra has made its world premiere at the event. The sportier, high-performance version of the Lafa 5 (aka B05) hatchback, which targets young buyers who want sporty EVs. It features a powerful RWD electric motor (generating 241 hp), a sportier exterior body kit, and a performance-focused interior. 

Hyundai Ioniq V

Hyundai introduced a new China-focussed electric SUV at the show, called Ioniq V. It is one of 20 models the brand is set to launch in the country over the next five years, targeting annual sales of 5,00,000 units. The EV features advanced smart driving tech and offers a range of 600 km (CLTC cycle).

2026 Zeekr 009 facelift

First introduced in 2023, the Zeekr 009 premium electric MPV has received an upgrade for 2026. The Zeekr 009 facelift benefits from the new 900V electrical architecture, offering ultra-fast charging (EV can now charge 10 to 80% in just 7 mins). It also features a more powerful electric motor setup, advanced CATL Qilin battery tech, and smarter systems.

Denza Z Convertible

Shown as a concept in 2025, the Denza Z Convertible has now made its first public debut in road-ready form. It will be offered in three trims - coupe (hardtop), convertible and a track-focused version. The EV features aerodynamic styling and advanced technology, including a steer-by-wire system and DiSUs-M intelligent suspension. The high-performance EV boasts a combined output of over 1,000 hp, achieving 0-100 kmph acceleration in less than 2 seconds.

Lamborghini Urus SE “Tettonero” Capsule revealed, limited to 630 units

Lamborghini has introduced a new limited-edition version of the Urus at the 2026 Milan Design Week this week, called the Urus SE “Tettonero” Capsule. Limited to 630 units worldwide, the latest model features a unique design theme with a black roof and extensive carbon fibre elements inside and out. The automaker offers over 70 personalisation options for the model, including multiple exterior colours, liveries, and interior finishes. Under the skin lies a 4-litre twin-turbo V8 hybrid engine, delivering 800 PS and 950 Nm of torque and 0-100 kmph acceleration time of 3.4 seconds. 

Hyundai Ioniq 3 EV breaks cover in Europe, offers 496km range

Hyundai has unveiled a new electric hatchback in Europe, called the Ioniq 3.  Hailing from the brand’s Ioniq EV lineup, the latest model is an everyday EV featuring the automaker’s signature “Aero Hatch” design, a spacious cabin with a flat floor layout, a new Pleos Connect infotainment system and a comprehensive ADAS suite. Powered by a single FWD motor, the EV comes in two battery options - 42.2 kWh and 61 kWh, offering a range of 344 km or 496 km, respectively.

Changan aims to become a top 10 global car brand by 2030

One of the major Chinese automobile groups, Changan Group, announced its ambitious plans for global expansion at its Global Strategy Launch and Global Partner Conference in Chongqing. The company aims to become a top 10 global car company and hit RMB 600 billion in revenue by 2030. To achieve these targets, Changan Group will focus on building smarter cars with full-vehicle intelligence, move to EVs, hybrids and hydrogen, build a bigger ecosystem, and upgrade to a global-level management and talent. With a total sales of 2.913 million vehicles in 2025, Changan Group operates in 118 countries, with 1,124 outlets and 22 overseas manufacturing bases, having a combined capacity of 350,000 units.  

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

Also read: 500,000 cars, 1 million parts, what Is Geely really planning for Proton and Malaysia?