Weekly wrap-up: New Mazda 3 High Plus, Ora Good Cat GT, Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8.5 launched, 2026 Proton Saga details out, and more

KUALA LUMPUR: Last week started with a full-fledged preview of the all-new Saga, giving enthusiasts an early look at the reimagined version of Malaysia’s most recognisable nameplate.  It was followed by a few other exciting arrivals, including the all-new Mazda 3 1.5L High Plus, the new Mazda BT-50, the new Volkswagen Mk8.5 Golf GTI, and the new Ora Good Cat EVs. In the meantime, the global auto industry also had several noteworthy reveals and updates about upcoming models. 

In case you missed out on any of that, we've got you covered in our quick recap of all the major auto news of the week. 

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

2026 Proton Saga previewed; bookings to open on Nov 10

Proton has revealed the all-new Saga, which is fully designed, engineered, and validated by Malaysian talent, with technical collaboration from Geely. The latest model is based on Proton’s newly developed Advanced Modular Architecture platform and runs on a new i-GT 1.5-litre engine paired with a CVT, promising an improved fuel efficiency of 4.9 litres per 100 km. The new Saga benefits from a front grille, new lighting units and a modern cabin with a 16-inch Integrated Dual Screen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As for safety, the sedan supports a Level 1 Advanced Driver Assistance System combining nine intelligent safety functions. The bookings for the new Saga will open on November 10.

2025 Mazda3 1.5L High Plus launched in Malaysia

Bermaz Motor has rolled out an all-new 1.5-litre variant of the Mazda 3 as a fully imported model from Japan, priced from RM 118,900 (on the road, without insurance). The upgraded model features refined styling and enhanced specifications, including a 10.25-inch infotainment unit, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, and a full suite of i-Activsense features. Under the hood lies the familiar 1.5-litre SkyActiv-G four-cylinder engine, which produces 118 hp of maximum power and 153 Nm of peak torque. 

2025 Ora Good Cat & Good Cat GT BEVs launched in Malaysia

Great Wall Motor has introduced the updated Ora Good Cat lineup in Malaysia, including two variants - Ultra and GT. The base-spec Ultra features a restyled exterior and improved interior materials, whereas the GT has a sportier styling with a distinctive bumper, yellow brake callipers, GT rear spoiler, GT-exclusive alloy wheels, GT sport seats, and suede leather upholstery. Both EVs are powered by a single electric motor (143 PS for the Ultra and 171 PS for the GT) and a 57.7-kWh LFP battery, offering a driving range of 480 km. The new Ora Good Cat Ultra is priced at RM 109,800, while the GT retails for RM 119,800. 

2025 Mazda BT-50 officially launched in Malaysia

Alongside the new Mazda 3 1.5-litre High Plus, Bermaz Motor has also launched the all-new BT-50 facelift in Malaysia. The upgraded pickup truck features sharp cosmetic tweaks, upgraded interior displays, improved seat comfort, and enhanced cabin insulation for a quieter, more premium drive. The Mazda BT-50 facelift is powered by the familiar 3.0-litre inline-four turbodiesel engine tuned to deliver a maximum power of 188 hp and a peak torque of 450 Nm. It is priced at RM 140,418 (on the road without insurance), making it RM 3,300 cheaper than before.  

New Volkswagen Mk8.5 Golf GTI launched, new Golf R-Line previewed

The all-new Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8.5 has finally made its way to the Malaysian market as a locally assembled model, priced at RM 257,012. The upgraded hot hatch boasts updated styling, smarter digital interfaces, and improved drivetrains. While the new GTI remains powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, it now delivers 265 PS of maximum power, up by 20 PS over the predecessor. Alongside the new Golf GTI, VPCM also previewed the all-new Golf R-Line variant, set to make a comeback after its discontinuation in 2023.

Leapmotor B10 EV teased in Malaysia; launching soon

Leapmotor Malaysia has dropped the first official teaser of its upcoming electric SUV, the B10. Positioned below the C10, the Leapmotor B10 is a C-segment SUV based on an innovative LEAP 3.5 architecture. It looks sleek and stylish with a dynamic silhouette and features an intuitive and customisable digital cockpit, appealing to younger customers. As for drivetrain setup, we can expect an RWD motor generating a maximum power of 218 PS and a peak torque of 240 Nm. Two available battery options are - 56.2 kWh LFP and 67.1 kWh LFP, offering a driving range of up to 516 km. The B10 will rival the likes of the Proton e.MAS 7 and BYD Atto 3 in Malaysia.

Leapmotor opens a new 3S centre in Malaysia 

Stellantis-backed Leapmotor has expanded its footprint in Malaysia with the launch of a new 3S Centre (Sales, Service & Spare Parts) in Ipoh, Perak. The new facility is equipped with state-of-the-art EV tools, advanced diagnostics, and highly trained staff dedicated to delivering top-tier EV care and customer experience. It is located at No. 6, Jalan Kamaruddin Isa, Persiaran Fair Park, Taman Fair Park, 31400 Ipoh, Perak.

Volvo Secret Sales to be held from 14 to 16 Nov 2025

The first-ever Volvo Secret Sales campaign is set to be held at all Volvo dealerships from 14 to 16 November 2025. This nationwide campaign offers customers exciting rebates on the purchase of the brand-new models, such as a rebate up to RM 40,888 on the Volvo EC40 Twin EV, a 1st-year complimentary insurance and a wall box charger on the Volvo EX90. Customers who book their preferred Volvo model during the campaign period and complete registration by November 30 can also win exciting prizes such as flight tickets to their dream destination and the latest electronic gadgets 

Alfa Romeo set to make a comeback in Malaysia

Alfa Romeo, known for its sports-oriented vehicles and auto racing heritage around the world, is all set to make a comeback in Malaysia. The Italian automaker has launched the official Malaysian website and social media pages, where it has started teasing the arrival of two models - the Giulia sedan and the Stelvio SUV. Both of these upcoming Alfa Romeo models run on a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 280 hp and 400 Nm. Alfa Romeo will rival the likes of the Mercedes-Benz and BMW models in the luxury segment.

2026 Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show dates announced

The 11th edition of the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show is set to be held next year in June (12 to 21 June 2026) at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre. Being one of the largest automotive industry events in the country, the KLIMS will be organised by the Malaysian Automotive Association in partnership with Qube Integrated Malaysia and Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute. The theme will remain the same, “Beyond Mobility” as last year, focusing on future mobility trends such as electrification, alternative energy, and smart mobility solutions. 

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Wuling Cortez Darion MPV launched in Indonesia

Wuling Motors, a joint venture between SAIC Motor, GM and Liuzhou Wuling, has introduced a new electrified vehicle in Indonesia, the Cortez Darion. It is a mid-size MPV available in both BEV and PHEV forms, priced at IDR 356 million (RM 89,298) and IDR 439 million (RM 110,123). Designed as the future of family mobility, the Cortez Darion features Autocomfort Sliding Doors, captain's chairs in the second row, Level 2 ADAS safety features, and supports Indonesian voice commands. In pure EV form, the MPV is powered by a 150-kW electric motor and offers a range of up to 540 km. The PHEV, on the other hand, combines a 1.5-litre mill, a 145 kW e-motor and Dedicated Hybrid Transmission.

Next-gen Toyota Hilux teased, global debut set for next week

The next-gen Toyota Hilux is set to make its official debut on November 10, 2025. Ahead of that, the automaker has dropped a teaser video of the upgraded pickup, offering a clear look at its revamped front and rear design, as well as a new pair of sporty 7-spoke black alloy wheels. While technical details are yet to be disclosed, the new Hilux is expected to get new underpinnings and a full electric drivetrain alongside the existing 2.4-litre and 2.8-litre turbocharged engines.

Xpeng introduced latest mobility and robotics advancements at AI Day

Xpeng has introduced a range of latest mobility and robotics advancements at its recently held AI Day. These groundbreaking innovations include - L4-level Robotaxis, navigation-free robo cars, the 6-seat modular A868 flying car, and a new-gen Iron humanoid robot. The company has also joined hands with Volkswagen AG for its second-gen VLA (Vision-Language-Action) system and Turing AI chips, required for autonomous driving, personal air mobility, and humanoid robotics. The pilot run of the navigation-free robo cars will be held in December 2025, with deployment expected in Q1 2026.

2026 GWM Tank 400 launched in China with intelligent driving tech

Great Wall Motor has launched the all-new Tank 400 SUV in the Chinese market. While the upgraded model retains the same ladder-frame architecture, it benefits from striking cosmetic tweaks, new interior features, multiple powertrain options (gasoline 2.0T + 48V mild hybrid, Diesel 2.4T, PHEV Hi4-T) and Coffee Pilot Ultra driver-assist system. The latter features roof-lidar and multiple exterior side cameras, and offers city/highway navigation on autopilot along with multi-type automatic parking. Other key features include a 15.6-inch centre touchscreen, “Coffee GPT” voice assistant, 15.6-inch rear entertainment screen, and a built-in fridge. The 2026 Tank 400 price begins at CNY 249,800 (RM 146,490) in China.

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

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