Weekly wrap-up: New Tesla Roadster EV revealed, Proton X50 Sport Edition, TQ Wuling Porta EV launched, and more

This week was exciting for automotive enthusiasts as Tesla finally pulled the wraps off the all-new Roadster EV, nearly nine years after its first announcement, and it took the automotive world by storm. Meanwhile, the local market gets the Proton X50 Sport Edition, Wuling Porta EV, and exciting two-wheeled models. 

Here, we bring a quick recap of all the top auto news of the week from Malaysia and around the world.

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

Proton X50 Sport Edition launched in Malaysia

Proton has officially launched the Proton X50 Sport Edition, a new version of the updated X50. Based on the range-topping Flagship variant, the special X50 features a much darker, more aggressive appearance, with 15 exterior and interior styling enhancements. These include: black exterior trim, red exterior accents, black 18-inch alloy wheels, Sport Edition front, side and rear skirts, and an SE emblem. Inside, Sport Edition is badging on the front seats, TPE floor mats, metal Sport Edition door scuffs, and red stitching on the steering wheel, armrest, door trims, and seats. The Proton X50 Sport Edition is priced at RM115,299 (on the road, excluding insurance).

TQ Wuling Porta EV launched in Malaysia

TQ Wuling has officially launched the new Porta EV in Malaysia. Designed for commercial use, the electric van is offered in two variants, the Porta EV 300KM and 400KM, with prices starting at an estimated RM 99,800 and RM 105,800, respectively. The sizable van has a spacious cargo compartment, offering 6.5 cubic metres of storage space that can accommodate a fair amount of goods. Both versions of the Porta EV share the same electric motor, producing 102 PS and 180 Nm. Power is sent to the rear wheels, while top speed is limited to 115 kmph. It promises a claimed driving range of 300 km or 400 km depending on the variant. 

Flying Tesla Roadster revealed; ROI opens in Malaysia as well

Tesla has finally revealed a pre-production version of the long-awaited Roadster EV, which will enter production in 2028. Bookings for the all-new Tesla Roadster are open across the globe, including Malaysia; it will be available in standard Performance trim and Thrust and Rocket packages. The reservation amount in the local market starts from RM 203,00 for Performance and RM 1.009 million for Thrust. The rocket version with a full flight system will be available by invitation only. The EV can run from 0 to 96 kmph in just 0.81 seconds and hit a top speed of over 370 kmph. It features SpaceX-developed compressed-air thrusters on the Thrust version and has a suction-based system designed to generate enough downforce to hold the car upside down.

GWM WEY G9 Hi4 HEV bookings open in Malaysia

GWM Malaysia has opened bookings for the WEY G9 Hi4 HEV, adding a conventional hybrid option alongside its existing plug-in hybrid model. It combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, two electric motors, a four-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) and a 1.67 kWh hybrid battery. GWM quotes a combined output of 358 PS and 782 Nm of torque.

MG ZS CKD launching in Malaysia this month

The locally assembled MG ZS will officially launch in Malaysia in late October 2026, with buyers getting a choice of turbocharged petrol or hybrid power. The MG ZS 1.5 Turbo is estimated at RM 105,000, while the MG ZS Hybrid+ is estimated at RM 115,000. SAIC Motor Malaysia is also offering the first 1,000 customers who book before 30 October 2026 early-bird benefits worth RM 3,000, alongside five years of complimentary maintenance.

BYD Malaysia appoints Inokom as CKD partner, opens 3S centre in Miri

BYD Malaysia has announced Inokom Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (Inokom), a subsidiary of Sime Motors based in Kulim, Kedah, as its local assembly partner. This marks an important step in BYD Malaysia’s plans to locally assemble completely knocked-down vehicles in Malaysia. Along with that, the company has also opened a new 3S Centre in Miri in northern Sarawak this week. Managed by Kah Progression Auto Sdn. Bhd, the centre features a five-vehicle showroom, customer lounge, bar counter, discussion room, dedicated vehicle delivery bay and EV charging facilities for BYD sales and service customers.

GWM Malaysia opens new centres in Johor and Selangor

Great Wall Motors opened two new centres in Malaysia this week - GWM Skudai in Johor and GWM Equine Park in Selangor. Operated by Auto Elegance, the GWM Skudai is a 3S centre with a spacious display area, three service bays, an EV charging station, and a dedicated vehicle delivery bay. Operated by Golden Admiral Motors, the GWM Equine Park is a 1S+2S sales and aftersales facility featuring two dedicated premises. The service centre incorporates four vehicle hoists, tyre balancing and wheel alignment facilities, and diagnostic equipment with capabilities to support the brand’s ICE, HEV, PHEV and EV technologies.

Perodua hands over 9 vehicles to police headquarters in Selangor

Perodua has contributed a total of 9 vehicles (7 Ativa and 2 Aruz) to two district police headquarters - IPD Hulu Selangor and IPD KLIA, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative that aims to support police personnel in carrying out their duties. The automaker delivered 3 Ativa to the IPD Hulu Selangor in April this year, while the remaining six units (4 Ativa and 2 Aruz) were handed over in a ceremony held at Kuala Kubu  Bharu on 12 October 2026. 

2027 Honda PCX160 launched in Malaysia

The Honda PCX160 has made its comeback in Malaysia after a hiatus of 6 years. The latest version features a more elegant and modern style with Honda RoadSync connectivity, a spacious footboard, a 30-litre U-box, Honda Smart Key, and front ABS. It gets an enhanced 157-cc single-cylinder, SOHC engine paired with eSP+ and PGM-FI systems, generating a maximum power of 15.8 PS at 8,500 rpm and a peak torque of 14.7 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Paired with a V-Matic automatic transmission and belt drive, the scooter offers a fuel consumption of 2.3 litres per 100 km. Priced at RM 12,998 (excluding road tax, insurance and registration), the 2027 Honda PCX160 is offered in two colour options - Grey and White.

VOGE DS800X Rally launched in Malaysia

Malaysia welcomed a new adventure tourer this week in the form of the VOGE DS800X Rally. Designed for long-distance touring on paved roads and off-road driving on rough terrain, the bike features a tall stance and an aggressive, rally-inspired design, a high ground clearance of 220 mm, and 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels. It is powered by a 798-cc liquid-cooled engine tuned to deliver a maximum power of 95 PS at 9,000 rpm and a peak torque of 81 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Priced at RM 39,888 (excluding road tax and insurance), the VOGE DS800X Rally is available in 3 colour options - Onyx Black, Zenith White and Flash Yellow.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Leapmotor B03 EV unveiled at the 2026 Paris Motor Show

Leapmotor has introduced a new all-electric hatchback, the B03, at the 2026 Paris Motor Show. Built on the LEAP3.5 architecture, the EV combines dynamic design, advanced intelligent technologies, and everyday practicality. Power comes from a 194-PS front-mounted electric motor mated to a 53-kWh battery pack that delivers up to 390 km of range. The EV offers segment-leading interior space with flexible seating configurations, innovative 30 storage spaces, and a modular boot design. Other key highlights include a 14.6-inch central display, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, and an impressive suite of 21 driver assistance systems.

BYD Atto 8 breaks cover in Europe with ‘Flash Charging’ tech

BYD has introduced the all-electric Atto 8  in the European market with its ultra-fast ‘Flash Charging’ technology that tops up the battery from 10-70 per cent in 5 minutes. It will be offered in both RWD and AWD drivetrain options - RWD and AWD, generating a maximum power of 462 hp and 775 hp. Both are powered by a 115 kWh battery pack that offers a range of up to 653 km. The cabin features a 2+2+3 configuration with a 10.25-inch digital driver display, 15.6-inch infotainment unit, heated, ventilated and massaging seats, 21-speaker DiSound audio system and dual 50-watt wireless phone chargers.

Bentley Torcal EV makes Asian debut in South Korea

Globally revealed in September this year, Bentley’s first-ever EV, the Torcal, has now made its way to the Asian market by making a regional debut in South Korea. Built on the PPE platform, the Bentley Torcal is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel-drive drivetrain, generating a combined output of 888 PS and 1,350 Nm, enabling the vehicle to hit the century sprint in just 2.9 seconds. The motors are paired with a 113 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which offers a WLTP-rated driving range of 600 km. The design combines traditional Bentley luxury with a much more modern, futuristic EV look. 

smart #2 mini EV revealed in Europe

The all-new smart #2 made its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show this week. Reviving the iconic ‘fortwo’ as an all-electric, two-seat city car, the new smart EV is designed for urban driving with a length of just 2,746 mm and a tight turning circle of 6.95 m. This mini EV is powered by a rear electric motor generating a maximum power of 82 PS and a peak torque of 130 Nm. Feeding the motor is a 35.8 kWh LFP battery, offering up to 290 km of WLTP range and supporting DC fast charging from 10% to 80% SoC in under 20 minutes.

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

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