Weekly wrap-up: Mitsubishi Xforce, new 8-Seater Kia Carnival launched, New Dongfeng EVs preview set for KLIMS 2026, and more

This week was a bit of excitement for the Malaysian automotive industry as Mitsubishi finally rolled out its much-awaited Xforce SUV, causing a stir in the highly competitive B-segment space. It was followed by the launch of the new 8-Seater Kia Carnival offering greater flexibility and practicality to customers. In the meantime, the global auto arena also witnessed a few major reveals and glimpses of upcoming models.

Here we bring a quick recap of all the top auto news of the week -

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

2026 Mitsubishi Xforce launched in Malaysia at RM 109,980

Mitsubishi Motor Malaysia has finally entered the highly competitive B-segment SUV in the local market, with the launch of the Xforce. The compact SUV is offered in two locally assembled variants, priced at RM 109,980 and RM 119,980, respectively. The Mitsubishi Xforce features a bold and elegant exterior design, an upmarket cabin, dynamic off-road handling, and advanced safety features. It is powered by a 1.5-litre DOHC 16-valve MIVEC engine that kicks out 105 PS of maximum power and 141 Nm of peak torque. The early bird promo offers a cash rebate of RM 5,000, 3 free labour services and entry into a “Buy 1 Free 1” contest, offering a chance to win a brand-new Xforce. 

Kia Carnival gets a new 8-seater variant 

Kia introduced a new 8-seater variant for the Carnival MPV in Malaysia this week. Positioned between the 7- and 11-seater variants, it features a 2-3-3 seating layout, offering increased practicality without compromising passenger space. The new variant comes with the same feature kit as the range-topping seven-seater and runs on a 2.2-litre Smartstream four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, capable of generating 202 PS and 440 Nm. Locally-assembled in Kulim, Kedah, the Kia Carnival 8-seater is priced at RM 238,888 (on the road, without insurance).

Dongfeng MHero II, Voyah Dream, and 008 set to preview at KLIMS 2026

Dongfeng Malaysia is set to preview three new electric cars at the upcoming 2026 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show. The upcoming Dongfeng EVs are - MHero II (or M817), Voyah Dream and 008. Here’s their brief introduction - 

• Dongfeng MHero II: Hailing from Dongfeng’s rugged sub-brand MHero, the MHero II is an urban-focused plug-in hybrid SUV that features strong off-road capabilities and a combined range of 1,365 km. 

• Dongfeng Voyah Dream: It is a large tech-loaded MPV that is offered in both EV and PHEV versions, offering a total range of 700 km and 1,530 km, respectively.
• Dongfeng 008: It is a large SUV that comes in both 6- and 7-seater layouts globally. Available drivetrain options include pure EV and REEV, offering driving ranges of up to 636 km and 1,300 km, respectively.

MINI 1965 Victory Edition and the MINI JCW GP Inspired Edition up for grabs in Malaysia

Celebrating MINI’s storied motorsport heritage, the MINI 1965 Victory Edition and the MINI JCW GP Inspired Edition are now available in Malaysia. Inspired by the brand’s legendary racing moments, these special models combine performance with distinctive design elements and advanced technology, offering Malaysians a chance to be part of a niche MINI ownership community. 

Models	Highlights	Price
MINI 1965 Victory Edition	It is based on an all-electric JCW model and  pays tribute to Monte Carlo Rally win The model features distinctive styling elements like the “52” racing number and heritage-inspired details	RM 230,888
MINI JCW GP Inspired Edition	Drawn from track-focused MINI GP legacy, this model features an aggressive aero kit and performance-oriented design cues It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 231 hp and 380 Nm	RM 333,888

Two special edition MINI Countryman models launched in Malaysia

Auto Bavaria also launched two exclusive MINI Countryman limited edition models - Shadowline and Stealth in Malaysia this week. Exclusively available at Auto Bavaria showrooms, these models are offered in a limited quantity with attractive festive offers. Key highlights include -

• MINI Countryman Shadowline Limited Edition features a gloss black exterior trim with striking bonnet stripes and comes with a Leica Special Edition camera as a complimentary gift. 
• The MINI Countryman Stealth Limited Edition boasts a sleek matte black exterior finish and comes with a range of complimentary gifts, including MINI Travel Luggage, MINI John Cooper Works premium apparel and Premium Solar Tint.

Quartz Black is now a standard colour option for the Proton X50

Following the strong demand for the limited-run X50 Black Edition (sprayed in Quartz Black hue), Proton has added Quartz Black as a standard option to the SUV’s colour palette. However, the automaker has dropped the Passion Red from the list, which now includes Armour Silver, Snow White, Teal Bayou Green, Jet Grey, and Quartz Black.

Chery Malaysia launches a new mobile app for Tiggo PHEV SUVs

Chery Malaysia has launched a new mobile app named ‘CarLinko,’ exclusively for its Tiggo 7 PHEV and Tiggo 8 PHEV owners, offering smarter monitoring, energy management, and everyday convenience. It enables PHEV owners to control their vehicle remotely, track its health, and manage its charging and maintenance, all from their smartphones. The app is offered as a complimentary feature for Chery PHEV owners. It will come activated and paired for new car owners, while the existing owners can visit their nearest authorised Chery dealership for its setup process.

New Leapmotor 3S outlet opens in Glenmarie

Leapmotor has opened the doors of its first full-fledged 3S outlet in Malaysia, in association with Cycle & Carriage. Located in Glenmarie, the facility spans 22,497 sq ft, with a built-up area of 14,120 sq ft, featuring a spacious showroom, a dedicated car delivery room, a fully equipped workshop with five service and repair bays, 18 parking bays, 2 AC chargers, and 1 DC fast charger. It is C&C’s second Leapmotor centre in the Klang Valley, after Pavilion Bukit Jalil. The dealership now operates four Leapmotor outlets in Malaysia and plans to open a 3S centre in Johor Bahru, along with new showrooms in Petaling Jaya and the Penang mainland. 

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Denza Z9GT revealed in Europe with FLASH charging tech

The all-electric Denza Z9GT has made its grand debut in the European market with the game-changing ‘FLASH’ charging tech that combines 1000V high-voltage architecture and Blade Battery 2.0, and achieves a maximum charging power of up to 1,500 kW. It delivers a 10%-70% SoC in just 5 mins, a 10%-97% refill in 9 minutes, and 20%-97% in 12 minutes, even in -30°C. The Euro-spec model is powered by a triple-motor setup and a 122-kWh Blade Battery that delivers 960 PS and a driving range of 800 km. It is now available for ordering in 7 European countries, including Germany, France, Italy, and Spain.

Dongfeng Nissan NX8 launched in China

Developed by Dongfeng Motor Group and Nissan Motor, the all-new Nissan NX8 has made its debut in China. It is offered in both battery electric and range-extended variants, with a starting price of CNY 149,900 (RM 87k). Based on the Tianyan Architecture 2.0, the SUV features an 800V silicon carbide platform, which enables high charging speeds and improves efficiency. The BEV version uses a 215 kW or 250 kW electric motor and an 81 kWh battery pack, with a driving range of 650 km. The REEV version combines a 1.5-litre engine with a 250 kW electric motor and delivers a combined range of 1,450 km.

2027 BMW i7 facelift debut set for April 22

Globally revealed in April 2022, the BMW i7 is up for an important upgrade. The facelifted i7 will make its debut at the 2026 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (Auto China 2026), starting later this month. Based on the brand’s new Neue Klasse architecture, the upgraded EV will be the first BMW model to get Rimac batteries. Developed under the BMW-Rimac JV established in 2023, the new battery system will deliver “significant improvements in energy, range, and charging performance.” Apart from new underpinnings and battery setup, the upcoming BMW i7 is also expected to get styling tweaks and additional features to further strengthen its position in the luxury electric car segment.  

Australia gets BYD Seal 6 PHEV in two body styles 

BYD has launched the plug-in hybrid version of the Seal 6 in the Australian market. It is offered in two body styles - sedan and touring, powered by BYD’s latest DM 5.0 Super Hybrid powertrain. The setup pairs a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine and an electric motor for a combined driving range of up to 1,400 km. As for the electric range, the sedan delivers 55 km of pure EV driving with a 10.08-kWh battery pack, while the wagon offers up to 100 km with a larger 19-kWh unit. The BYD Seal 6 PHEV Sedan is priced at AUD 34,990 (RM 98k) while the Seal 6 PHEV Touring costs AUD 39,990 (RM 112k).

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

Also read: Toyota Urban Cruiser EV: All you need to know — And is it worth the price?