Weekly wrap-up: Proton e.MAS 5 est. price revealed, Golf GTI Sepang Edition launched Hyundai Staria CKD bookings open, and more

The past week was quite exciting for the Malaysian automotive industry, with Proton revealing the estimated price tag for Malaysia’s most affordable EV and Volkswagen launching the limited-edition Golf GTI Sepang Edition. As for the international market, a few big reveals and major announcements kept the show running.

In case you missed out on any of that, we have got you covered with this quick recap of important auto news of the week. So let’s get started.

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

Proton e.MAS 5 bookings open, est. price revealed

Proton has started accepting bookings for its second electric car, the e.MAS 5. This compact yet powerful EV is ready to take the local EV market by strom with an estimated price ranging from  RM 60,000 to RM 80,000. Within just 24 hours of opening for booking, the EV has bagged an impressive 1,607 bookings, reflecting its strong demand. The Proton e.MAS 5 is big on space and comes with a rear-wheel drive e-motor, a class-leading turning radius, and an integrated live charging status display. With the early-bird booking promo, one can book the upcoming Proton EV by paying just RM 99.

Volkswagen Golf GTI Sepang Edition launched in Malaysia

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia has launched the Golf GTI Sepang Edition, developed in collaboration with Sepang International Circuit (SIC). It is a limited-edition, locally assembled model featuring motorsport-inspired styling and exclusive emblems of the SIC track. Under the hood lies the same 245 PS/370 Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four cylinder petrol engine as the standard Mk8 Golf GTI. Priced at RM 264,012 (with Volkswagen Assurance Package), this special hot hatch is available in two colours - Atlantic Blue and King’s Red. The early bird 10.10 sales promo 0% loan interest for 10 months of financing to the first 10 buyers (T&C apply).

Proton reveals September 2025 sales numbers

Proton sold a total of 13,395 cars (including exports) in the month of September, bringing the year-to-date figure to 114,297 units. While month-on-month sales witnessed a dip of 12%, the automaker’s market share for the month is estimated to have risen to 23.4% with TIV shrinking by 21.7%. The Saga continues to be Proton’s best-selling model with 6,058 units, followed by the X50 with 3,438 units. The Proton e.MAS 7 held Malaysia's best-selling EV title with a total of deliveries of 845 EVs during the month.

Hyundai Staria CKD bookings open in Malaysia

Hyundai Motor Malaysia is gearing up to introduce its first locally assembled model in the country, the Staria CKD. Bookings for the locally-assembled MPV are now underway, with the pricing remaining the same as the CBU version (RM 179,888 - RM 267,888). It is offered in new exterior colour options - Jet Black, Snow Flake White Pearl, Meteor Grey and Stormy Sea. Notably, HMY aims at rolling out up to seven CKD models locally within five years, including ICE and hybrid electric vehicles.

100+ BYD Seal 6 EVs delivered in first week of launch

BYD’s newly launched EV, the Seal 6, has been receiving much love and attention from Malaysians. More than 100 units of the EV were delivered in the first week of launch, demonstrating the brand’s strong efficiency in deliveries. Malaysia is proud to be the first international market to welcome the BYD Seal 6; it is offered in two variants - Dynamic and Premium, priced at RM 100,000 and RM 115,800, respectively. The Seal 6 is powered by a rear-wheel drive e-motor paired with a 56.64 kWh Blade Battery pack, offering a driving range of 485 km (NEDC).

Omoda|Jaecoo hits a new milestone in Malaysia

Omoda|Jaecoo Malaysia achieved a key milestone this week with the delivery of its 20,000th vehicle, just 14 months after the automaker’s market debut in July 2024. The 20,000th vehicle handover was marked by an exclusive owner celebration, '20,000 and Beyond: A Celebration of Trust', held at Blossom Glass Mansion, Kuala Lumpur. This success is attributed to the strong performance of the brand’s four models - Jaecoo J7, Jaecoo J7 PHEV, Omoda C9, and Jaecoo J8, backed by a strategic dealer network, approaching 50 locations nationwide, a dedicated parts warehouse, and local assembly operations at its Shah Alam plant.

Mercedes-Benz opens a new charging hub in Malaysia

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has joined hands with DC Handal (a Malaysian provider of EV charging infrastructure) to launch a new EV charging hub at Bamboo Hills, Kuala Lumpur.. It features two Hap Seng Star-branded 22 kW AC chargers, bringing sustainable mobility closer to customers. Notably, the Bamboo Hills is Mercedes-Benz’s sixth branded charging location in the country. 

Two Kove Moto bikes launched in Malaysia 

The Chinese motorcycle brand Kove Moto made its Malaysian debut this week with the launch of two performance bikes - the 800X GT and 450R. 

• The Kove Moto 800X GT is an adventure-touring bike, powered by a 799-cc parallel-twin engine generating a maximum power of 97 hp and a peak torque of 80 Nm. Key highlights include - multiple riding modes, KYB suspension, electronic throttle, traction control, and a top speed of 180 kmph. The price tag reads RM 48,888.
• The Kove Moto 450R is a naked streetfighter, equipped with a 443-cc inline four-cylinder engine, which is good for making 65.3 hp and 40 Nm. Priced at RM 33,888, the bike offers a top speed of 205 kmph.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

New Tesla Model Y Standard, Model 3 Standard debut in the US

Tesla has launched the Model 3 Standard and Model Y Standard in the US to counter the market slow down. The Standard variants are value-focused options, with some luxury features trimmed and performance slightly reduced. Both EVs are powered by a rear-wheel drivetrain and priced almost USD 5,000 (RM 21,000) cheaper than their regular versions. The power outputs are slightly lower at 286 hp and 300 hp, respectively, while the battery capacity has been reduced to 69.5 kWh from 75 kWh.

Ferrari Elettrica EV debut set for 2026 

Ferrari is gearing to introduce its first-ever all-electric model, known as the Ferrari Elettrica (Electric) in Italian. Ahead of that, the luxury automaker has revealed the chassis and powertrain of the future EV, comprising four electric motors generating a total output of over 1,000 hp. It will enable the Ferrari Elettrica to run from 0-100 kmph in just 2.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 310 kmph. The motors will be paired with a 122 kWh battery pack, which is set to deliver a cruising range of over 530 km. 

New Lamborghini Manifesto concept revealed

Lamborghini has pulled the wraps off the Manifesto concept, in commemoration of 20 years of its Centro Stile design studio. While it is a design study with no set production timeline, the concept explores “the potential future of Lamborghini’s unique design DNA.” The vehicle features the brand’s signature cues with a sharp, hexagonal styling. Key elements include - shark-nose front end, Y-shaped lighting accents, double-bubble glass roof, a massive rear diffuser and a full-glass greenhouse.

Leapmotor B05 Ultra EV breaks cover in China

Leapmotor has rolled out a performance-oriented version of the B05 hatchback in China. Named as B05 Ultra (aka Lafa 5 Ultra), the latest EV targets younger, performance-minded buyers and will launch in China by late 2025. While full technical details remain under wraps, the EV boasts a sportier exterior with a reshaped front splitter, larger rear spoiler, and aerodynamic elements. It is also expected to get a retuned engineering for better handling. After its launch in China, the Leapmotor B05 Ultra is expected to expand to international markets.

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

Also read: First Impressions: Chery Tiggo 7 & Tiggo 8 PHEV – Malaysia’s most affordable Plug-in Hybrid SUVs Impress