Weekly wrap-up: MG S5 EV launched, Proton EV roadshow kicks off, sixth-gen Toyota RAV4 revealed globally, and more

After a thrilling week at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025, things calmed down a bit in the Malaysian automotive world this week, but MG kept the buzz alive by launching its new electric SUV, the S5. In the meantime, a few major reveals and announcements held the excitement high in the global markets. Here’s a quick recap of all the top auto news of the week that you may have missed out on.

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

MG S5 EV launched in Malaysia at RM 115,900

MG has expanded its lineup in Malaysia with the launch of the S5 electric SUV. It is offered in three variants - Com, Com Long Range, and Lux Long Range, with a price ranging from RM 115,900 to RM 135,900. All the variants are powered by the same rear wheel drive motor, generating a maximum power of 170 PS and a peak torque of 250 Nm. As for the battery packs, two LFP options are available - a 49 kWh or 62 kWh, offering a WLTP-claimed range of 340 km and 430 km, respectively. Key features list includes - 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.8-inch infotainment unit, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and advanced driving-assistance systems.

Proton teams up with Continental Malaysia

With a commitment to continuously improving customer convenience and offering a seamless ownership experience, Proton has rolled out the tyre replacement at its service centres in association with Continental Malaysia. A total of 60 Proton outlets will be offering this new service to owners of all its models by December 2025. The tyres will be installed by certified Proton technicians, ensuring high-quality service and assurance.

QJMotor AX200S maxi-scooter arrives in Malaysia

QJMotor has introduced an affordable and sporty maxi scooter in Malaysia, called the AX200S. Priced at RM 7,988 (on the road, excluding insurance), the model is set to redefine your daily commute with style, performance, and practicality. It is powered by a 175-cc, single-cylinder, SOHC engine which delivers a maximum power of 17 hp at 8,500 rpm and a peak torque of 15.2 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Key features include - LED headlight, 14-inch wheels, LCD touchscreen display, dual USB ports, smart lock system and dual-channel ABS. Three available colour options are - Grey, Moon Blue, and Sand Brown.

2025 CFLite 250NK up for grabs in Malaysia 

The Chinese automaker CFMoto has introduced an all-new 250NK bike in Malaysia under its new sub-brand, called CFLite. It is an affordable yet capable naked motorcycle, targeting the needs of young urban riders. Priced at RM 9,888, the bike is powered by a 249-cc DOHC single-cylinder engine delivering 27 hp of maximum power at 9,750 rpm and 22 Nm of peak torque at 7,500 rpm. Other key inclusions are - a 6-speed MT, a full-colour TFT display, 17-inch wheels, USB Type-A and Type-C charging ports, and dual-channel ABS. Zephyr Blue, Bordeaux Red, Nebula Black, and Nebula White are four colour choices.

Chery Premier Supply Chain Synergy Programme launched

Chery Malaysia has joined forces with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) to launch the new Chery Premier Supply Chain Synergy Programme. It aims to strengthen Malaysia’s EV supply chain by fostering partnerships between 12 Chery suppliers from China and 23 local vendors, supporting localisation, technology transfer, and next-generation vehicle development.

Proton e.MAS 7 nationwide roadshow kicks off

The Proton e.MAS 7 nationwide roadshow kicked off at The Exchange TRX, Kuala Lumpur, this week. Running from 22 to 25 May, this event aims to bring Malaysians closer to the benefits and possibilities of electric mobility. The roadshow is designed to excite, educate, and empower the customers with the help of interactive test drives, motoring Key Opinion Leader (KOL) talks and immersive installations. Notably, the e.MAS 7 has been leading the Malaysian EV sales for the last four months with a total sales of 2,716 units.

New physical driving licence design revealed

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has introduced a new physical driving licence design in Malaysia for non-citizens and those Malaysians who are travelling abroad. Featuring several enhanced safety features, the new DL will be distributed in stages at selected JPJ outlets nationwide. The new design boasts the Sultan Abdul Samad building on the front and the Istana Negara with floral patterns on the back.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

2026 Toyota RAV4 makes global debut in Japan

Toyota has pulled the wraps off the all-new RAV4 in the Japanese market. Based on a new TNGA-K platform, the next-gen RAV4 is bolder, smarter and better than its predecessor. It features a robust exterior style with a striking, tough new logo and hammerhead headlight assembly. The interior benefits from a new “Island Architecture” layout with an advanced ARENE software platform. As for the drivetrain, it gets the next-gen PHEV system along with an improved HEV configuration. The new Toyota RAV4 will be launched in over 180 countries and regions globally.

Leapmotor C10 gets an upgrade in China

Leapmotor has rolled out the upgraded version of the C10 electric SUV in the Chinese market. While the new C10 looks almost identical in terms of appearance, it benefits from an advanced 800V high-voltage system, enabling faster and more efficient battery charging. The EV also comes with a more powerful 220 kW drive unit and a bigger 74.9 kWh battery pack, offering an estimated driving range of 605 km (on the CLTC cycle). The 2025 Leapmotor C10 price begins at CNY 122,800 (approx RM 73k).

2025 Chery Omoda 5 facelift arrives in Australia 

Chery has launched the Omoda 5 facelift with a new name, i.e. C5, in Australia. The SUV gets a new diamond-shaped grille and daytime running lights, and a new multi-link rear suspension for an enhanced driving experience. Also new for 2025 is a new six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission replacing the older CVT unit and an increased luggage capacity of 370 litres. The 2025 Chery C5 is offered in two variants - Urban and Ultimate, with a price ranging from AUD 29,990 (RM 82k) to AUD 34,990 (RM 96k).

Indonesia gets the all-new Mitsubishi Xpander MPV

The Mitsubishi Xpander has received a subtle upgrade in Indonesia amid growing competition. The exterior features a new front grille design with vertical slats, new LED fog lights, a new sturdy rear bumper and newly-designed 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the MPV benefits from a new 3-spoke steering wheel, a new 8-inch digital driver panel and a new 10-inch infotainment unit. As for safety, the Indonesia-spec Xpander gains six airbags (as standard) and a new AYC (Active Yaw Control) feature. It is offered in six variants, priced between IDR 270,100,000 (RM 71k) and IDR 337,800,000 (RM 88k).

BYD overtakes Tesla in Europe for the first time

China’s biggest electric vehicle manufacturer, BYD, has once again shaken the automotive world by overtaking Tesla in the European market. That’s right, BYD sold 7,231 pure electric cars (up 169% from last year), while the American EV-giant Tesla sold 7,165 (down 49%) in the month of April in the Old Continent. And if we included PHEV, BYD’s overall sales witnessed an impressive hike of 359%. 

Xiaomi YU7 SUV debuts in China

Xiaomi’s first electric SUV, the YU7, has made its official debut in the Chinese market. Built on the company’s Modena platform, the YU7 is a mid-to-large electric SUV featuring inward-folding electric door handles. It will be available in three variants - RWD, AWD, and Max AWD, equipped with a 96.3 kWh LFP or 101.7 kWh NCM battery pack, providing a cruising range of up to 835 km. Inside the Xiaomi YU7 EV, we can find a 1.1-meter-wide “HyperVision” comprising three Mini LED screens with 108 PPD retina-level resolution. 

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

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