Weekly wrap-up: Proton e.Mas 5 revealed, Perodua Aruz updated, New Jaecoo & Omoda models arriving soon and more

The week was full of excitement and surprises for Malaysian car enthusiasts. While Proton finally pulled the wraps off the e.MAS 5, Perodua rolled out the upgraded version of the Aruz and Omoda Jaecoo and Suzuki teased their upcoming models.  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 top auto news of the week that you could have missed out on.

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

Proton eMas 5 revealed; launch imminent

Proton’s second electric vehicle, the e.MAS 5 is finally here. It is an entry-level electric car in the B-segment category, incorporating a flat rear floor and a generous cabin layout. Just like its elder sibling e.MAS 7, the e.MAS 5 will also be offered in two variants - Prime and Premium, offering WLTP-claimed driving range of up to 225 km and 325 km, respectively. The EV is powered by a rear-drive motor delivering 114 PS and 150 Nm of torque and a 0–50 kmph time of 3.9 seconds. Other key highlights include -  14.6-inch high-definition touchscreen, 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, leatherette seats, integrated live charging map, six airbags and 12 advanced driver assistance systems. The Proton e.MAS 5 nationwide tour is set to begin from August 9, 2025.

Perodua Aruz gets an update - cosmetic tweaks, new exterior colour

Perodua launched the upgraded version of the Aruz in Malaysia this week. The upgraded model features a stealthier design and new Vintage Brown colour (replaces Electric Blue shade). It boasts a new matte black front grille, blacked-out 17-inch alloy wheels, and matte black interior trim. Also part of the upgrade is a side step, making entry and exit easier, particularly for children and elderly passengers. The 7-seater SUV continues to be offered in two variants - X and AV, priced at RM 72,900 and RM 77,900. Both trims are powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, generating 102 PS of maximum power and 133 Nm of torque.

Chery’s new sub-brand Lepas to enter Malaysia

Malaysia is ready to welcome a new car brand, called Lepas. It is a newly established sub-brand under Chery International, offering premium, design-led SUVs for younger, image-conscious buyers. The social media pages for Lepas Malaysia recently went live on Instagram, hinting at its soon arrival, possibly as early as Q4 2025. The first model under the Lepas brand is the Lepas L8; it is a stylish D-segment SUV set to compete against the Hyundai Santa Fe and Proton X90.

Suzuki Fronx teased for Malaysia; launching soon?

Suzuki has dropped a teaser on its social media handles this week, asking customers to guess its upcoming model. Going by the silhouette, the teased car appears to be the Fronx. Globally revealed back in 2023, the Suzuki Fronx is a compact SUV sized similarly to the Perodua Ativa and Honda WR-V. It recently went on sale in the Indonesian market at a price ranging from IDR 259 million (approximately RM 67,265) to IDR 321.9 million (approximately RM 83,601). The Indonesia-spec Fronx is offered in a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine and a mild-hybrid option. 

MG Cyberster EV achieves big in Malaysia

MG’s all-electric soft-top roadster, the Cyberster, has won the hearts of Malaysian customers, and the testimony is the recent announcement by the automaker. Malaysia is now the No. 1 market for the EV across the Asia and Oceania regions, with MG Motor Malaysia securing over 90 orders in just a few months since its launch. The Cyberster is offered in two variants locally - RWD and AWD, priced at RM 299,990 and RM 319,900, respectively. A series of exclusive test drive events for the EV are set to be held at several locations nationwide, starting from August 9, 2025.

Omoda Jaecoo Carnival to introduce new models in Malaysia

Omoda Jaecoo Malaysia is geared up to host an exciting event later this month, unveiling two new models - Jaecoo J5 and the Omoda C9 PHEV. Recently unveiled at the 2025 GIIAS show, the Jaecoo J5 is a B-segment SUV featuring a bold, boxy SUV silhouette and a refined level of luxury inside. Globally, it is offered in pure ICE and EV forms; the latter comprises a front electric motor and a 60.9 kWh battery, offering a range of up to 470 km. The Omoda C9 PHEV is the plug-in hybrid version of the C9 launched in Malaysia late last year. The “Omoda & Jaecoo Carnival” will be held at Desa Park City from August 21 to 24.

Keeway XDV 180 EVO launched in Malaysia 

MForce Bike Holdings Sdn. Bhd has expanded the Keeway lineup in Malaysia with the launch of the XDV 180 EVO. It is a lightweight adventure scooter featuring a bold and rugged design and a 174-cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, which delivers a maximum power of 18.2 hp at 8,500 rpm and a peak torque of 17.2 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Key highlights include - 7-inch TFT-LCD instrument cluster, LED tail light, smart key system, front Dashcam, USD front forks, twin rear shock absorbers, and single hydraulic discs with two-channel ABS. Priced at RM 9,388, the Keeway XDV 180 EVO is available in three colour options - Grey, Black and White. 

New Lexus 3S centre opens in Subang Jaya 

Lexus Malaysia has opened a brand-new 3S centre in Subang Jaya, in association with its dealer-partner PCM Group. Spanning across 4,680 sq ft, the store is located at Lot 61716, Jalan SS16/1, 47500 Subang Jaya. The fully integrated 3S centre is thoughtfully designed with personalised experience areas and four service bays equipped with the latest diagnostic tools and repair equipment. The new centre represents the brand’s continued commitment to bringing luxury innovation and exceptional service closer to Malaysian customers.

BYD’s Zhengzhou car carrier docks in Malaysia

A fresh shipment of BYD electric vehicles arrived in Malaysia this week. Instead of using a random commercial vessel, the EVs were transported on BYD’s very own car carrier – the BYD Zhengzhou. This move underscores the brand’s growing global logistics strength and its long-term commitment to Southeast Asia. The roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ship made its maiden trip to the region this week, with Malaysia as one of its key stops alongside the Philippines, Indonesia, and Singapore, before continuing on to Thailand and eventually returning to China.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

iCaur V27 makes its global debut in the UAE

Chery’s International’s sub-brand iCaur introduced its biggest-ever model, the iCaur V27, in Dubai this week. Built on a range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) platform, the boxy-looking V27 is an off-road SUV measuring approximately 5 meters in length. Under the skin lies a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine and an electric motor. Expected to launch in China later this year, the iCaur V27 will be offered in both rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions. The all-electric range is expected to be around 200 km (on the CLTC cycle).

One-off Bugatti Brouillard breaks cover

Bugatti’s bespoke Programme Solitaire division has revealed a one-off car, the Brouillard. Named after Ettore Bugatti’s horse, the car is designed as per the curves of a horse’s body using reflection-based surfaces to mimic athletic muscle. Inside, there are custom-woven tartan fabrics, green-tinted carbon fibre, embroidered horse motifs, and machined aluminium parts. Under the hood lies a W16 8.0 litre engine generating 1,600 PS of maximum power at 7,050 rpm and 1,600 Nm of peak torque from 2,250 rpm to 7,000 rpm. This masterpiece Bugatti will make its public debut at the upcoming Monterey Car Week.

Leapmotor achieves impressive sales numbers in July 

Leapmotor has been solidifying its reputation as a top-tier innovator and disruptor in China’s new energy vehicle market. After closing H12025 on a strong note, the automaker reached another milestone in the first month of the year’s second half. July 2025 marked the company’s best month ever, as it crossed the 50,000-unit threshold for the first time. So far this year, the company has sold a total of 271,793 units and appears to be on track to double its 2024 sales volume of 293,724 vehicles.

Xpeng P7 grabs over 10k orders within mins

Xpeng opened the order books for its second-gen P7 in China this week, and within six minutes and 37 seconds, it had bagged more than 10,000 orders for the EV. This highly demanded electric car is built on 800-volt electrical architecture and comes in RWD and AWD trims; the latter delivers a combined output of 594 PS and accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in 3.7s. Battery options include a 74.9-kWh LFP and a 92.2-kWh NCM, offering a range between 702 km and 820 km (CLTC standard). The Xpeng P7 has a drag coefficient: 0.201 (better than Mercedes EQS at 0.202).  

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

Also read: 5 Features the all-new Proton X50 gets over the Honda HR-V