Weekly wrap-up: New Honda City Hatchback, WEY G9 HEV launched in Malaysia, New Kia Sportage teased and more

The previous seven days were pretty busy in the world of cars. The Malaysian automotive industry saw the launch of the new Honda City Hatchback and GWM Wey G9 HEV, along with new Aveta scooters. In the meantime, the global auto industry also had several noteworthy reveals and updates. In case you missed out on any of that, here we bring a quick recap of top auto news of the week.

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

2026 Honda City Hatchback facelift launched in Malaysia

Honda Malaysia has introduced the all-new Honda City Hatchback facelift, with three variants - V, RS and e:HEV RS, priced from RM 95,900 to RM 112,900. The update brings revised headlights, new 16-inch alloy wheels, dashboard trim and ambient lighting, plus a 10-inch Display Audio screen. Blind Spot Information with Cross Traffic Monitoring is standard, while both RS variants get a 360-degree camera. The petrol models are powered by a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine producing 121 PS and 145 Nm, while the hybrid variant uses a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine and an electric drive motor rated at 109 PS and 253 Nm.

GWM WEY G9 HEV launched in Malaysia

After making 2,000 WEY G9 Hi4 PHEV successful deliveries, GWM Malaysia has expanded the G9 lineup, with the addition of a new hybrid variant. The latest model offers a luxury driving experience and all-wheel drive performance, with no need for external charging. Priced at RM 249,800, the G9 HEV is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and two electric motors, generating a maximum power of 358 PS and a peak torque of 782 Nm. It offers a fuel consumption of 6.5 litres per 100 km under the NEDC testing cycle and a combined driving range of up to 845 km. The MPV comes equipped with a 2+2+3 seating configuration, intelligent connectivity, premium entertainment and thoughtful convenience features.

New Kia Sportage hybrid teased ahead of launch

Kia Sales Malaysia has dropped the teaser for the Sportage facelift on its social media handle, confirming the arrival of the hybrid powertrain. While local specifications are yet to be announced, the hybrid model is expected to get a 1.6-litre inline-four turbocharged engine producing 180 PS and 270 Nm, paired with an electric motor that kicks out 65 PS and 264 Nm of torque. The new Sportage features refreshed styling with a more rectangular grille and new vertical headlights, ​​and a restyled dashboard with dual 12.3-inch screens powered by the brand’s latest 'ccNC' software, supporting over-the-air software updates.

Cycle & Carriage Leapmotor showroom opens in Setia Alam

Cycle & Carriage has opened a new Leapmotor showroom in Setia Alam to serve the brand’s customer base in Setia Alam and Shah Alam. Spanning 3,570 sq ft, the new centre has a spacious display area that can showcase up to four vehicles. It exudes a modern and premium vibe with dedicated consultation space and a customer lounge area with amenities. It is located at 23-1, Setia Avenue, Jalan Setia Prima S U13/S, Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor. Cycle & Carriage now has a total of 7 Leapmotor outlets in Malaysia, including showrooms in Setia Alam, Plaza 33 Petaling Jaya, Pavilion Bukit Jalil and Paradigm Mall JB, and 3S centres in Glenmarie, Johor Bahru and George Town.

Mercedes-AMG ONE service hub opens in Malaysia

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has opened a RM 2.2 million service hub for the Mercedes-AMG ONE at Hap Seng Star Bukit Tinggi. Being Southeast Asia’s first and only dedicated Mercedes-AMG ONE Service Hub, it acts as a dedicated servicing base for owners of the Formula 1-derived hypercar in the region. It features high-voltage tools, vehicle-specific diagnostic equipment, controlled working conditions and dedicated safety procedures. Its technicians have received specialised training and Mercedes-AMG certification, with technical support from the brand’s headquarters in Affalterbach, Germany.

BYD and Gentari explore Flash Charging rollout in Malaysia

BYD Malaysia and Gentari have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore bringing BYD Flash Charging to Malaysia. The technology is claimed to deliver approximately 400 km of driving range in five minutes, provided the EV is compatible and conditions are optimal. Under the collaboration, Gentari will work with BYD Malaysia to identify suitable locations for the high-power EV chargers, which could include routes connecting major population centres, where shorter charging stops would be useful for longer journeys.

Aveta Falcon 180 and Nova 200 Limited Edition launched in Malaysia

Aveta launched two new exciting models in Malaysia this week - Falcon 180 priced at RM 9,798 and Nova 200 Limited Edition priced at RM 8,788. Key highlights include - 

• Falcon 180: It features an adventure-inspired design, with a standing footrest for a standing riding posture. Power comes from a 174-cc single-cylinder, SOHC engine generating 18 hp at 8,500 rpm and 17.2 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Other features include - LED lighting, USB-A and USB-C charging ports, a smart key system, a front-mounted camera, a dual-channel ABS and a traction control system.

• Nova 200 Limited Edition: Limited to just 1,688 units, the special model features a striking Cyber Yellow bold colour scheme, a redesigned front windscreen, new gold-coloured rims, special graphics and a Limited Edition badge indicating the individual production number.

Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 APEX launched in Malaysia

Royal Enfield has expanded the Guerrilla 450 roadster lineup in Malaysia, with the launch of a new APEX variant. Priced at RM 28,000, the latest model is a sharper, more focused iteration of the Guerrilla 450 that features a lower, more committed riding posture, road-focused tyres, and design elements that enhance its sporty character. At the core lies the same iconic 452-cc, liquid-cooled Sherpa engine that delivers a maximum power of 40 PS at 8,000 rpm and 40 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. Available colour options are - APEX Red, APEX Black and APEX Green. Bookings for the APEX variant are now open at eight Royal Enfield’s authorised dealerships nationwide.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Omoda X makes global debut in China with electrified drivetrain options

Omoda & Jaecoo have pulled the wraps off a new off-road-focused crossover, the Omoda X, at an event held in China. Based on the T1QC concept, the Omoda X combines ‘CYBER MECHA’ design with geometric aesthetics and pronounced body surfaces. Despite being positioned below the Omoda 9 in the brand’s global lineup, the Omoda X is a fairly large SUV. It has a ground clearance of 200 mm, a water wading depth of, and a towing capability of 1,800 kg. The futuristic Mecha Starship cockpit features a geometric styling theme with a twin-wing dashboard, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 13.2-inch central touchscreen. It will be offered in fully electric and hybrid powertrains with two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.

iCAUR V25 revealed with EV and REEV options

iCAUR has unveiled the all-new V25 boxy SUV at the 2026 iCAUR International User Summit in Wuhu, China. Positioned between the V23 and V27, the V25 will be offered in fully electric BEV and a range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) version. The dual-motor AWD version produces up to 455 PS and 505 Nm of torque, while the REEV version is claimed to offer a combined range of more than 1,200 km under the CLTC testing cycle. The new iCAUR V25 boasts an upright, boxy silhouette with round LED headlights, flared wheel arches and a side-opening tailgate. The summit also introduced three customised vehicles - V23 Forge, V25 Game Changer and V27 Sun Roam.iCAUR says these three customised models are scheduled to begin rolling out to global markets from early 2027. 

New BYD Seagull goes on sale in China

The all-new BYD Seagull has officially launched in the Chinese market with several enhancements, including larger dimensions, a new five-seat layout, and the second-gen Blade Battery pack with Flash-Charging technology. It is powered by an electric motor producing 114 hp or 127 hp and 130 Nm of torque. Available battery options are 30.1 kWh and 39.2 kWh capacities, which offer WLTP-rated ranges of 259 km and 340 km, respectively. The bigger 39.2 kWh battery supports Flash Charging, which lets the EV charge from 10% to 70% in 5 minutes. The new Seagull is equipped with the DiLink 150 intelligent cockpit system, centred around a 15.6-inch touchscreen powered by a full-version DeepSeek AI.

Geely Xingyuan EV hits 1 million production milestone in China

Geely has rolled out the 1 millionth unit of its hot-selling Xingyuan (sold as the Proton e.MAS 5 in Malaysia) in China. The electric hatchback achieved this significant milestone in just two years. According to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), the Xingyuan's retail sales in China were 465,775 units in 2025, the highest of any model in China. Being a key model in the automaker's globalisation strategy, the EV entered the Malaysian market as the e.MAS 5 in October 2025. It is the best-selling electric car in the Malaysian electric vehicle market, with total sales of 10,665 units in the first half of 2026.

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

Also read: Hyundai Stargazer vs Mitsubishi Xpander vs Toyota Veloz - Which MPV should you choose?