Weekly wrap-up: Proton S70 Prime images revealed, Volvo EX30 Cross Country launched, Perodua Aruz price cut, and more

The past seven days continued the busy momentum in the Malaysian automotive industry, with Proton unveiling the official images of the S70 Prime and Volvo launching the EX30 Cross Country. The momentum continued with the launch of new bikes from ZXMOTO and Marshal Moto, adding further excitement to the country’s two-wheeler industry. 

In the meantime, a couple of big unveilings and announcements remain in the headlines in the global market. If you have missed tuning into Zigwheels, we have got you covered in our weekly wrap of top auto news.

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

2026 Proton S70 Prime official images revealed

Proton unveiled the images of the upcoming S70 Prime this week, offering us a clearer look at its upcoming sedan ahead of the official launch. For starters, bookings for the S70 Prime and the cheaper S70 Lite opened earlier this month, with prices estimated below RM 60,000. The Proton S70 Prime retains the familiar S70 bodywork with significant design tweaks, including a distinctive black grille and a simpler rear lighting arrangement without the full-width rear light bar. It is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder i-GT petrol engine, likely to produce 120 PS of maximum power and 150 Nm of peak torque.

Volvo EX30 Cross Country launched in Malaysia

Volvo Malaysia has introduced a rugged version of its compact electric SUV, the EX30. Dubbed as the EX30 Cross Country, the latest model features more ground clearance (+19 mm), twin-motor all-wheel drive, revised steering software and a tougher-looking exterior, including matte-black bumpers, wheel-arch extensions, skid plates and Cross Country-specific detailing. The drivetrain generates a maximum power of 428 hp and 543 Nm, with a claimed 0–100 kmph time of just 3.7 seconds. The 69 kWh NMC battery pack provides a claimed 437 km of WLTP range. The Volvo EX30 Cross Country is offered as a locally-assembled model, priced at RM 218,888.

First 300 units of Hyundai Stargazer arrive in Malaysia ahead of launch

The first 300 units of the soon-to-be-launched Hyundai Stargazer have arrived in Malaysia, covering the Style, Prime and X variants. While full specs, final pricing, and ownership details will be announced later at the launch, the automaker has revealed what buyers can expect. All three variants are powered by a 1.5-litre Smartstream petrol engine producing 115 PS and 143.8 Nm, paired with Hyundai’s Intelligent Variable Transmission or a CVT-type automatic, driving the front wheels. The differences are mainly in seating and equipment. Preliminary prices are RM 99,XXX for the Style, RM 109,XXX for the Prime and RM 121,XXX for the X. 

Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 and GLC EV previewed for Malaysia

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia showcased the locally assembled CLA 200 AMG Line and the fully electric GLC 300 4MATIC in Singapore, which are now available for pre-booking. The CLA 200 AMG Line starts at an estimated RM 275,000 and features a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 48V hybrid system, generating 184 PS of maximum power and 330 Nm of peak torque. The electric GLC 300 4MATIC AVANTGARDE starts at an estimated RM 389,000, while the AMG Line Plus starts at RM 399,000. It is powered by a 421 PS dual-motor AWD setup and an 85 kWh usable battery, offering a driving range of up to 616 km.

Hyundai Malaysia reduces Tucson prices by up to RM 8,088 

Hyundai has reduced the prices for the Tucson SUV in Malaysia, with no changes to specifications, equipment and safety features. The Tucson 1.6T Prime is now priced at RM 159,800 while the Tucson 1.6T Prestige AWD costs RM 179,800, with a price cut of RM 5,088 and RM 7,088, respectively. The Prestige HEV receives the largest cut at RM 8,088, now retailing at RM 189,800. The price revision aims to make the SUV more accessible to Malaysian buyers. 

New Suzuki 1S centre opens in Juru

Naza Eastern Motors has opened a new Suzuki outlet in Juru, operated by SMG Auto (MN) Sdn Bhd. Strengthening the brand’s presence in the northern region, the new sales outlet features a 1,600 sq. ft. showroom and a dedicated lounge. Notably, the Juru facility focuses on vehicle sales only, while after-sales support is handled by the Suzuki Bayan Lepas service centre at Jalan Sungai Tiram 7.

Perodua cuts Aruz price; rolls out Malaysia Day rebates

Perodua has slashed the Aruz price by RM 4,000 across the range. The X variant is now priced at RM 68,900, while the AV variant is RM 73,900. Along with that, the automaker has rolled out exciting Malaysia Day rebates for three models - Aruz, Ativa, and QV-E- available from September 15 to October 31.

• Aruz gets a rebate of RM 4,000, bringing the prices down to RM 64,900 and RM 69,900, respectively. 
• The QV-E gets a rebate of RM 10,000, bringing the price down to RM 53,499 under its BaaS subscription package. 
• The Ativa gets a rebate of RM 9,500 for the X, RM 5,500 for the H, and RM 5,700 for the top-spec AV trim, bringing the price down to RM 53,000, RM 61,800, and RM 66,900, respectively.

ZXMOTO 500F, 500RR and 820RR launched in Malaysia 

ZXMOTO has launched three new models in Malaysia, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the local motorcycle industry. The list includes - 

• ZXMOTO 500F: A naked bike tuned for comfortable ergonomics and a more relaxed riding experience. Priced at RM 28,888, it is powered by a 470-cc liquid-cooled, inline four-cylinder, DOHC engine that produces a maximum of 73.4 hp and a peak torque of 48 Nm.
• ZXMOTO 500RR: A lightweight sportbike that brings serious supersport performance to the streets. Priced at RM 29,988, the bike runs on a 470-cc liquid-cooled, inline-four-cylinder, DOHC engine that is tuned to deliver 84 hp and 46 Nm.
• ZXMOTO 820RR: It is a fully-faired high-performance supersport, powered by an 819-cc liquid-cooled, DOHC three-cylinder engine dishing out 135 hp and 80 Nm. The price tag reads RM 39,888.

Marshal Moto enters Malaysia market with two cruiser models

A new Chinese brand named ‘Marshal Moto’ has entered the Malaysian two-wheeler industry, with two exciting cruisers: the Marshal XS250 and Marshal Toughman 800.

• Marshal XS250: Priced at RM 18,800, it is an entry-level modern cruiser, tuned for smooth urban commuting and moderate highway capability. Key highlights include: 248 cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine (24.6 hp and 23.4 Nm), 6-speed gearbox, 690 mm seat height, 16-inch wheels, and two-channel ABS.
• Marshal Toughman 800: Priced at RM 38,800, it is a larger-capacity cruiser, designed for longer-distance riding. Key highlights include: a 799 cc V-twin liquid-cooled engine (46.9 hp and 61.9 Nm), 695 mm seat height, a massive rear tyre, dual straight exhaust pipes, and two-channel ABS.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Volkswagen Mission Efficiency Concept breaks covers

Volkswagen has introduced an all-new Mission Efficiency model as a new near-production electric car concept. The EV is designed to showcase how far efficiency can be pushed using technologies that could be used in VW’s upcoming mass-production EVs. It has made three world records: lowest drag coefficient for a road-approved vehicle, i.e. 0.158 Cd; lowest energy consumption (6.89 kW/100 km) on an ideal trip; and the most economical near-production e-vehicle. Based on the MEB+ architecture, the Volkswagen Mission Efficiency is a two-door coupé with a large boot lid, 2+2 seats, and a variable luggage compartment.

New Tesla Roadster finally ready for global premiere

After being previewed as a concept back in 2017, the second-gen Tesla Roadster is finally set to make its global debut in production form, approximately nine years later. The road-ready Tesla EV looks radically different from the concept, featuring sharper, Cybertruck-esque lines. The recent teaser reveals a glimpse of its rear design, showcasing a large rear wing, full-width LED tail lights, and four horizontally arranged nozzles. The global debut of the all-new Tesla Roadster will take place in Waco, Texas, on October 1, 2026.

Volkswagen ID.3 GTI unveiled with 601 km driving range

Volkswagen has pulled the wraps off the all-new ID.3 GTI, based on the ID.3 Neo. The electric hot hatchback is powered by a rear-mounted electric motor tuned to deliver a maximum power of 326 PS and a peak torque of 545 Nm, making it the most powerful series-production GTI yet. It is mated to a 79 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, with a claimed driving range of up to 601 km. Pre-sales of the new Volkswagen ID.3 GTI are scheduled to begin in early 2027.

Volvo XC40, EX40 and EC40 received an update for 2027

Volvo has rolled out upgrades for the XC40, EX40 and EC40 for the model year 2027. The latest versions get a refreshed styling, a bigger 11.2-inch infotainment display with new AI-powered features and upgraded safety hardware. Selected driver assistance and parking functions have also been improved. The order books are now open in selected markets, including for Black Edition versions, with production scheduled to begin later this year. 

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

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