Weekly wrap-up: New Honda WR-V, Jaecoo J5 EV launched, BYD Atto 3 Performance teased, and more

This week was packed with one marquee event after another. From Honda launching the all-new WR-V and Jaecoo introducing the all-electric J5 EV to BYD teasing the Atto 3 Performance, a lot went down. Adding to that, Ferrari previewed the Amalfi Spider while Mercedes-Benz launched the GLC 350e Coupé Nightfall Edition.  Meanwhile, the global auto arena also saw a few big reveals, including the all-new Mitsubishi Pajero and Range Rover EV.

Here’s a recap of all the top auto news of the week that you could have missed out on.

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

New Honda WR-V launched in Malaysia 

Honda rolled out the all-new WR-V in Malaysia this week. The upgraded SUV is offered in three variants - E, V, and RS, with the earlier S trim now discontinued; prices range from RM 94,900 to RM 104,900. In terms of upgrades, it gets a new black RS grille, new leather seats, a new dashboard design, along with new tech features such as a larger 10-inch infotainment unit, wireless connectivity, ambient lighting, a wireless phone charger, and a 360-degree view camera. The new Honda WR-V features the same compact proportions and familiar design as earlier. Underneath lies the same 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine, producing 121 PS and 145 Nm.

Jaecoo J5 EV launched in Malaysia at RM 118,800 

Omoda Jaecoo Malaysia launched its first pure electric model, the J5 EV, this week. Just like its ICE-powered counterpart, the Jaecoo J5 EV is also locally assembled at Chery Corporate Malaysia’s plant in Shah Alam and is offered in a single variant priced at RM 118,800 (on-the-road, without insurance). It runs on a 211 PS front-mounted electric motor and a 58.9 kWh CATL LFP battery pack, offering a WLTP-claimed driving range of 402 km. Thoughtfully designed to complement modern lifestyle, the new Jaecoo EV comes packed with a lot of advanced features such as pet mode, camping and karaoke modes, Level 2+ Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, an active grille shutter and a 540° HD Surround View Camera System.

BYD Atto 3 Performance teased for Malaysia

The BYD Atto 3 is ready to come in a new and exciting form in Malaysia, named the Atto 3 Performance. The upcoming variant of the EV will sit above the Ultra and Premium trims. Notably, the Ultra is FWD and Premium is RWD, whereas the Performance gets a dual-motor AWD setup, generating a combined system output of 449 PS and 570 Nm. Feeding the motors is a 74.8 kWh Blade LFP battery pack, which offers a range of 470 km (WLTP). BYD Sime Beyond Auto has dropped the teaser of the new BYD Atto 3 Performance ahead of its public debut on September 10 at selected showrooms, with limited units available.

Ferrari Amalfi Spider debuts in Malaysia

Ital Auto, the official distributor of Ferrari vehicles in Malaysia, previewed the convertible variant of the Amalfi coupe this week, the Amalfi Spider. It retains the same silhouette as the coupe, with the soft-top roof being the main distinctive feature. Made with five-layer fabric, the roof opens in 13.5 seconds and can be operated at speeds up to 60 kmph. Powering the Amalfi Spider is a 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 640 PS of maximum power and 760 Nm of peak torque, enabling the vehicle to hit the 100 kmph mark in 3.3 seconds. It is expected to be priced around RM 3,000,000 in Malaysia before factoring in additional options.

Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e Coupé Nightfall Edition launched in Malaysia

Mercedes-Benz has launched a special edition of the GLC Coupé in Malaysia, called the GLC 350e 4MATIC Coupé Nightfall Edition. Locally assembled at the Pekan plant in Pahang, the new GLC model is priced at RM 442,888 (on the road without insurance). While the powertrain, cabin and equipment list remain unchanged, the Nightfall Edition confirms its unique identity with the Night Package, in which the Mercedes-Benz pattern grille, radiator shell louvre, beltline trim strip, window frames, mirror housings, rear apron and diffuser are finished in high-gloss black, the door handles are in dark chrome, and the 20-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels are painted black.

GWM Tank 500 gets enhanced connected features in Malaysia

GWM Malaysia has rolled out an upgrade for the Tank 500 HEV, offering customers a greater ownership experience with enhanced smartphone connectivity across three key areas - remote vehicle control, vehicle monitoring, and location and alerts. Through the GWM Intelligent app, owners can prepare the SUV’s cabin before a journey by remotely managing climate, air purification, window closing and more. Along with that, they can check the vehicle’s condition and readiness remotely and can also locate the vehicle and manage authorised access. 

Proton records a historic sales milestone in August

Proton sold a total of 22,632 units in the month of August (domestic, export, Proton e.MAS and smart), recording its best overall monthly performance since January 2010. It represents an increase of 22.7% over July, while cumulative sales for the first eight months of 2026 are now 141,421 units, marking year-on-year growth of 40.2%. The Saga remains the top-selling model with 7,347 deliveries, followed by S70 with 3,235 units and X50 with 2,274 units. Proton e.MAS delivered 6,047 units in August, taking its year-to-date total to 27,860 units, with all three models (e.MAS 5, e.MAS 7 and e.MAS 7 PHEV) leading their respective segments.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia appoints Kevin Barbian as new COO

Kevin Barbian is the new Chief Operating Officer of Mercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia, effective from September 1, 2026. He succeeded Nadia Trimmel, who will now head to the UK as Sales Director for Mercedes-Benz Vans. Kevin Barbian started with Mercedes-Benz in 2011 as a business development consultant, moved into commercial telematics and B2B services, and founded Mercedes-Benz Connectivity Services GmbH in 2016. His IT and digital transformation work includes a stint as Digital Lead for Mercedes-EQ and building the Digital, Data and AI unit inside IT Customer Services.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

All-new Mitsubishi Pajero revealed 

After a hiatus of 5 years, Mitsubishi has introduced the all-new fifth-generation Pajero, featuring a ladder-frame chassis. The legendary off-road icon gets a fairly modernised exterior and interior design with dual 14-5-inch displays, ventilated front seats, three-zone climate control and a 12-speaker Yamaha audio system. The next-gen model is powered by a 2.4-litre diesel engine generating 480 Nm of peak torque, paired with an 8-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, a four-wheel-drive setup with seven drive modes, 230 mm of ground clearance and Active Yaw Control. The fifth-gen Pajero will first launch in Thailand, followed by Japan and Australia by March 2027, and approximately 100 countries worldwide.

Range Rover Electric unveiled globally with 598 km range 

Jaguar Land Rover has unveiled the highly-anticipated Range Rover Electric in the global market. Set to be offered in 7 grade levels (SE, HSE, Autobiography, SV, SV Ultra, SV Black and First Edition), the EV looks almost similar to the ICE-powered Range Rover inside out. Based on an 800V electric architecture, the Range Rover EV runs on two electric motors, fed by a 118.5kWh battery pack that offers a WLTP-claimed driving range of 598 km. Notably, the electric version retains the same off-road capabilities as its non-electric counterpart. The Range Rover Electric price begins at GBP 154,070 (approximately equal to RM 840k) in the UK.

New Lexus NX facelift breaks cover

Lexus has pulled the wraps off the all-new NX in the global market. The upgraded model gets refreshed styling, a cleaner cabin with upgraded technology, a new-generation hybrid system, and chassis and suspension revisions. There is a new Sensory Concierge system that coordinates lighting, music, climate control, seat temperature, and fragrance. The NX 450h+ now generates 307 hp (up by 15 hp) and gets a larger 23 kWh battery pack with an increased pure EV range of 100 km. Depending on the market, the new Lexus NX will be offered in four trims - Business, Executive, Luxury and F Sport.

Leapmotor makes record 103,129 deliveries in August 

Leapmotor has strengthened its presence in the global new energy vehicle market, with a record 103,129 deliveries in August, representing a year-on-year increase of 80.72%. The automaker broke the 100,000-unit mark for a second consecutive month and achieved a new delivery milestone for the fifth consecutive month. Leapmotor is now among the top four global passenger NEV brands and the top three for Chinese brands. The brand has sold a total of 560,883 vehicles in the first eight months of 2026, marking a 70.55% year-on-year hike.

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

Also read: Top 5 features of the Jaecoo J5 EV you should know about