Weekly wrap-up: Perodua P-Circle app launched, 2026 Volvo XC60 price announced, 2026 Ora Good Cat GT bookings open, and more

The past week continued the busy momentum in the Malaysian automotive industry with one marque event following another. On one hand, Perodua launched its new digital platform, while on the other, Proton captured much love and attention for its upcoming e.MAS 5 EV. Meanwhile, Hyundai kicked off local assembly operations, and MG revealed its own plans to follow suit. Truly, there was so much that went down this week. 

As for the international market, a few big reveals and major announcements kept the show running. Let’s check out a recap of all the important happenings of the week.

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

Proton e.MAS 5 bags 3,000 bookings in 1 week

Proton’s second electric car, the e.MAS 5 has caused a stir in the Malaysian EV market. Set to launch later this year, the EV has grabbed 3,000+ bookings in the first week of open bookings, reflecting its strong demand. The e.MAS 5 is touted as Malaysia’s most affordable EV with an estimated starting price ranging between RM 60,000 and RM 80,000. This compact electric hatchback boasts a sleek design, an up-to-date cabin equipped with modern bits, and a practical range of up to 325 km on a single charge.

Perodua P-Circle super app launched in Malaysia

Ahead of launching its first EV, Perodua has introduced an all-new digital platform for its customers, named P-Circle. This super app brings multiple lifestyle and mobility services under one platform such as P-Duit, P- Calendar, P-Reward, P-Health (Smart Watch), PAC Home, P-Charge, P Marketplace, P-Chat and P-Entertainment. The Perodua P-Circle is now available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Price confirmed for 2026 Volvo XC60 facelift in Malaysia

Volvo Car Malaysia has announced the official pricing for the facelifted XC60, which has been open for booking since September this year. The upgraded SUV is offered in two variants - B5 AWD Core and T8 AWD Ultra, priced at RM 328,888 and RM 362,888, respectively. Upgrades include cosmetic enhancements such as new diagonal mesh front grille, new wheels and new colour options. Also new for the 2026 model year is a new air suspension system, new seats, and a new 11.2-inch head unit running on Google's built-in system. The SUV is locally assembled at Volvo Car Manufacturing Malaysia’s plant in Shah Alam.

Mitsubishi Xpander reaches 50k sales milestone in Malaysia

Mitsubishi’s best-selling model in Malaysia, the Xpander, has achieved a sales milestone of 50,000 units, cementing its position as the No.1 non-national MPV in the country for five consecutive years. To celebrate this achievement, the automaker has rolled out the ‘XPANDER Step Up To Your Dream’ campaign, which offers savings worth up to RM 10,000, including low monthly instalments from RM 799, insurance subsidy and trade-in offer for a limited time only.

2026 GWM Ora Good Cat bookings open in Malaysia

Great Wall Motor Malaysia has started accepting bookings for the all-new Ora Good Cat and Ora Good Cat GT. The former is estimated to be priced below RM115,000, while the GT variant is expected to come in below RM125,000. Compared to the standard model, the GT features a more dynamic design with sporty touches inside and out. It also packs a more powerful motor, delivering 171 PS and 250 Nm of torque. However, it retains the same 57.7 kWh SVOLT LFP battery, which offers a driving range of up to 480 km (NEDC).

New iCaur centre opens in Damansara 

iCaur has opened its new flagship dealership in Damansara, said to be the brand’s most advanced outlet yet. Owned and operated by Carramax Luxe Sdn. Bhd., the new outlet is located at Lot 2814, Jalan Damansara, Kampung Sungai Penchala, Kuala Lumpur. It spans across 40,000 sq ft and incorporates a spacious display area, a well-equipped service centre with 8 fully equipped service bays, a Body and Paint (B&P) section, and a customer lounge with two Nintendo consoles, Wi-Fi, and refreshments.

SAIC Motor to roll out MG CKD cars in Malaysia

SAIC Motor Malaysia is set to begin the local assembly of MG vehicles in the first half of 2026. The production of the brand’s battery electric, hybrid and petrol models will be carried out under one roof at EPMB’s Melaka facility. The first MG car to undergo assembly will be the MG S5, a compact electric SUV with decent range and pricing. SAIC Motor aims to position Malaysia as MG’s ASEAN hub, assembling and exporting vehicles to neighbouring countries. 

Hyundai Staria now locally assembled in Malaysia

Hyundai Motor Malaysia has commenced local assembly of its models at Inokom’s assembly facility in Kulim, Kedah. The first Hyundai model to roll out from the assembly line is the Staria MPV, which retains the same specifications and pricing (RM 179,888 and RM 267,888) as before. To celebrate this milestone, HMY has rolled out a year-end campaign offering free parts and labour for eight services or a RM 6,000 cash reward, RM 5,000 discount on selected variants, up to RM 2,000 in Lifestyle Vouchers, and more.

Proton holds Penang One Tank Challenge with the S70

Proton recently held the Penang One Tank Challenge to highlight the fuel efficiency and real-world performance of the Proton S70 through a controlled driving challenge among owners. A total of 33 Proton S70 owners took part in the 110 km route, covering the island, mainland, and both Penang bridges and Abu Bakar Bin Mohd Yusoff was declared the winner with a result of 3.48 litres per 100 km (or 31.61 kmpl).

Budget 2026: Key takeaways for the automotive industry

The government has announced Budget 2026 with several key points impacting the automotive industry. These include -

• Import duty and excise duty exemptions announced in 2022 on fully imported EVs will end on January 1, 2026
• Rebates for the locally-assembled EVs will be continued till 2017 
• Up to RM 4,000 for those who scrap their old cars and purchase a new national car 
• Lemon Law, aims to bolster consumer protection, will be implemented
• A ceiling on tax exemptions for vehicles purchased in Langkawi & Labuan
• 100% excise duty and sales tax exemptions for taxi and private hire car drivers on the purchase of new Perodua and Proton cars

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Leapmotor B10 goes on sale in Thailand

Leapmotor has expanded its lineup in Thailand with the launch of a new electric SUV, the B10. Positioned between the C10 and T03, the new EV is offered in three variants with prices ranging from THB 688,000 (RM 89k) to THB 788,000 (RM 102k). The Leapmotor B10 underpins the innovative LEAP 3.5 architecture and is powered by a rear-wheel drive motor, producing 218 PS of maximum power and 240 Nm of torque. Two available battery packs are - 56.2 kWh LFP and 67.1 kWh LFP, which offer a driving range of up to 442 km and 516 km (NEDC), respectively. 

New Mercedes Vision Iconic concept breaks cover

Mercedes-Benz pulled the wraps off an all-new striking concept this week, named Vision Iconic. Said to be "the most beautiful, most prestigious kind of thing," the latest concept previewed the next-generation S-Class, slated to make its global debut in 2028. Key highlights include an illuminated front grille with 5-slats, a nanoparticle-based solar paint, a swept-back cabin, large aero-optimised seven-spoke wheels, a floating glass centrepiece called the Zeppelin, steer-by-wire and rear-axle steering tech, and enhanced Level 2 ADAS.

All-new 4th-gen Nissan Navara teased ahead of debut

Nissan has dropped a teaser of the all-new fourth-gen Navara, which is rumoured to be based on the Mitsubishi Triton. The teaser showcases the upgraded pickup’s design elements, including new headlights with a single light bar, larger C-shaped tail lights, and rounded wheel arches. The next-gen Navara is likely to underpin the same ladder frame chassis and powertrain as the Triton.

Leapmotor D19 SUV debuts in China with onboard oxygen generator

Leapmotor’s flagship full-sized SUV, the D19, made its official debut in China this week. Based on the automaker’s D platform, the Leapmotor D19 is scheduled to launch in the first half of 2026 in both EV and EREV variants. The former will deliver 720 km driving range and peak power output of 724 hp, while the EREV version using a range-extending engine and dual electric motors promises a pure electric range of approximately 500 km. The SUV is 5.2 m long and boasts the “Technology Natural Aesthetics 2.0” styling with a three-stage headlight cluster, lidar on the roof, and active grille shutters. It is equipped with dual Qualcomm Snapdragon 8797 chips and an onboard oxygen generator (producing up to 8 litres per minute), which is useful in high-altitude regions.

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

Also read: Proton e.MAS 5 first drive: Familiar, confident, and easy to live with