Weekly wrap-up: Proton e.Mas 5 launch date revealed, Smart #5 bookings open, Jetour T2 teased, and more

The past seven days continued the busy momentum in the Malaysian automotive industry with Proton finally confirming the e.MAS 5 launch date and all-new striking two-wheelers making their debut. In the meantime, a couple of big unveilings and announcements remain in the headlines in the global market. 

Here’s a recap of all the major happenings from last week that you could have missed out on.

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

Proton e.MAS 5 launching on October 30, bags 4k bookings

Proton has finally revealed the e.MAS 5 launch date, i.e. October 30, 2025. Touted as Malaysia's most affordable EV, the e.MAS 5 estimated price ranges from RM 60,000 to RM 80,000. Bookings for the EV opened on October 4, and within just 20 days, it received over 4,000 bookings, which is a clear sign of the strong buzz it has generated so far. The Proton e.MAS 5 is a compact, practical EV, targeting daily urban users and first-time EV buyers. It is equipped with a rear-wheel-drive motor and a 30.12 kWh or 40.16 kWh battery pack, offering a cruising range of 250 km and 325 km (WLTP), respectively. 

Smart #5 bookings open in Malaysia, launch imminent

Smart’s largest and most advanced electric SUV, the #5, is set to hit the local shores soon. Bookings of the electric SUV can now be made via the Hello smart App or directly through the smart Malaysia website, with a RM 2,000 booking fee. The EV is offered in two variants - Premium and high-performance Brabus. The latter is powered by a dual-motor setup, delivering 639 PS and 710 Nm, with 0 - 100 kmph in just 3.8 seconds. The smart #5 is the brand’s first model to feature an 800V electrical architecture, offering ultra-fast charging from 10% to 80% in just 15 minutes. 

Jetour T2 teased for Malaysia, coming soon

Jetour Malaysia has recently dropped a new teaser of the T2 rugged SUV, built for off-road adventures. Previewed at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025, the Jetour T2 redefines outdoor driving with its rugged capability and refined aesthetics. It is a 5-door vehicle built on the automaker’s Kunlun unibody platform and has notable off-road capabilities, with 220 mm of ground clearance, a 28-degree approach angle, a 30-degree departure angle, and a 700 mm wading depth. Known as the Traveller in China, the Jetour T2 is expected to hit the local roads later this year.

WMoto Nexy+180 launched in Malaysia

Malaysia received a new futuristic scooter, the WMoto Nexy+180, this week. It features a modern, angular design, advanced features, and a 174-cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that generates a maximum power of 18.2 hp at 8,500 rpm and a peak torque of 17.2 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Key features include all-around LED lighting, front dash cam, 6-inch TFT-LCD display, disc brakes, two-channel ABS, traction control, telescopic front forks, and twin rear shock absorbers. The WMoto Nexy+180 price tag reads RM 8,988 (excluding road tax, insurance and registration). It is available in four colour options - Magic Blue, Midnight Black, Nardo Grey and Xtreme White.

2025 Yamaha YZF-R25 launched in Malaysia at RM 23,900

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor launched the all-new 2025 YZF-R25 on the eve of the MotoGP Malaysia Grand Prix weekend. The refreshed sportbike features a sharper design inspired by Yamaha’s R-Series racing DNA, an assist & slipper clutch system, and Y-Connect smartphone app connectivity. At the core lies the same 249-cc liquid-cooled, DOHC twin-cylinder engine producing 35.4 hp at 12,000 rpm and 22.6 Nm at 10,000 rpm. Priced at RM 23,098 (excluding insurance and registration), the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R25 is now available at all authorised Yamaha dealers nationwide in two colours - Pearl Blu and Racing Blu.

Aveta Nova 160 Signature Edition arrives in Malaysia

The home-grown motorcycle brand Aveta has introduced an upgraded version of its popular Nova 160 scooter, called the Nova 160 Signature Edition. The latest model is equipped with dual-channel ABS and a traction control system in line with the government’s new regulation mandating the anti-lock braking system for all motorcycles above 150 cc. Along with that, the Signature Edition also carries refreshed styling with new decals and three striking colour options - Teal Green, Copper Blaze and Dark Blue, while retaining the proven 160-cc powertrain. The Aveta Nova 160 Signature Edition is priced at RM 8,088 (introductory, until Dec 2025), rising to RM 8,388 thereafter.

Chery’s new Lepas sub-brand coming to Malaysia

Malaysia is ready to welcome Chery’s new sub-brand, Lepas, in the first half of 2026, confirmed the automaker after its local social media pages went live in August this year. Lepas is a newly established sub-brand under Chery International, offering premium, design-led SUVs for younger, image-conscious buyers. The first Lepas model to launch in Malaysia is the Lepas L8, a stylish D-segment SUV set to compete against the Hyundai Santa Fe and Proton X90.

Proton e.MAS 7 EV launched in Mauritius

Proton has launched the e.MAS 7 electric SUV in Mauritius, making it the fourth international market to receive the brand’s first EV. Distributed via Autonexx Group, the e.MAS 7 is offered in two variants in the island nation - Prime and Premium variants, priced at Rs 1,690,000 (RM 157,500) and Rs 1,850,000 (RM 172,100) respectively. To the first 30 customers, the company is offering a free wallbox charger and free e.motion card for Prime buyers, while Premium buyers will get a free wallbox charger, free e.motion card, and 5-year/150,000 km free servicing. The launch of the e.MAS 7 in Mauritius is a part of Proton’s ongoing strategy to expand its EV portfolio across global markets. 

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Volvo ES90 makes ASEAN debut in Thailand

Earmarked to launch in Malaysia next year, the Volvo ES90 made its regional debut in Thailand this week. The ES90 is a large sedan based on the brand’s modular SPA2 platform, which we can also find under the EX90. It is the first Volvo EV to use an 800V architecture, ensuring faster charging, a better overall performance and more efficiency. The Thai-spec model is powered by a single rear motor generating 333 hp of maximum power and 480 Nm of peak torque. The ES90 also features a dual NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin configuration, making it one of the most powerful cars in terms of core computing capacity. 

All-new 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ revealed globally

Toyota has pulled the wraps off the all-new Land Cruiser FJ, expected to go on sale in Japan around mid-2026. This compact off-roader revives one of the brand’s most recognisable nameplates and follows the same upright, squared-off silhouette that has defined the Land Cruiser for generations. It underpins Toyota’s IMV platform, the same base as the Hilux and Fortuner and power comes from a 2.7-litre 2TR-FE petrol engine, delivering 163 PS of maximum power and 246 Nm of peak torque. The engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic and a part-time 4WD system.

Omoda 4 SUV makes global debut in China

During the Chery International User Summit 2025, recently held in Wuhu, Chery previewed its upcoming subcompact crossover SUV, which will be marketed through the export-only Omoda brand. Named the Omoda 4, the new model is the production version of the Omoda 3 concept introduced in April. It targets the younger generation with a striking “Cyber Mecha” design philosophy and a sci-fi-inspired interior. Further details, including drivetrain, trim levels, and pricing of the all-new Omoda 4, are yet to be announced. 

Zeekr 7X gets an update in China

Zeekr has introduced the upgraded version of the Zeekr 7X in China. While the refreshed model boasts subtle cosmetic tweaks, it benefits from significant changes under the skin. The 2026 Zeekr 7X features the new 900V high-voltage platform and “6C” DC fast-charging rate, offering a 10% to 80% battery charge in just 10 minutes. The new Zeekr 7X also delivers a cruising range of up to 802 km (CLTC cycle) with performance figures including an output of 795 PS and a 0-100 kmph acceleration time of 2.98 seconds. 

BYD Atto 2 DM-i PHEV set to launch in Europe 

BYD has unveiled a new plug-in hybrid version of the Atto 2, powered by its “Super Hybrid with DM technology”. Named the BYD Atto 2 DM-i, the model is ready to launch in Europe in the first quarter of 2026. The “DM-i” (Dual Mode-intelligent) tech uses a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated inline-four petrol mill combined with an electric motor on the front axle. It will be offered in two different battery sizes, with the top-spec offering an all-electric range of up to 90 km and a combined range of more than 1,000 km. Along with a different mechanical setup, the BYD Atto 2 PHEV sets itself apart from the EV version with distinctive design elements and unique badging.

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

Also read: Toyota Hilux – Malaysia’s Undefeated Pickup Legend