Weekly wrap-up: Zeekr 7X, New BYD Seal, New Ford Ranger WildTrak launched, Jaecoo J5 previewed, Toyota Vios HEV debuts and more

This week was packed with one marque event after the other.  From Zeekr launching two new EVs – the 7X and 009 Executive – to Jaecoo previewing its upcoming models, the J5 and C9 PHEV, there was so much that went down. The global automotive world also stayed abuzz with news and exciting scoops throughout the week.

Here's our weekly news wrap of the top headlines this week -

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

Zeekr 7X electric SUV launched in Malaysia

Previewed at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025, the Zeekr 7X has finally made its way to Malaysian roads as the brand’s third electric car in the country. The Zeekr 7X is offered in three variants - RWD Standard, RWD Long Range, and AWD Performance, with prices ranging from RM 179,800 to RM 226,800. Built on an 800-volt electrical architecture, the EV is offered with either a 75 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery or a 100 kWh nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) battery, delivering a driving range of 480–615 km.

BYD Seal gets an upgrade in Malaysia

Sime Darby Beyond Auto, the official distributor of BYD EVs in Malaysia, has launched the all-new Seal, featuring several equipment upgrades. These include - redesigned set of 19-inch wheels with red-painted brake callipers, a new Shark Grey colour, a new powered sunshade for panoramic sunroof, a new sunglass holder, and a new adaptive DiSus-C continuous damping control system. The 2025 Seal is offered in two variants - Premium and Performance, priced at RM 171,800 and RM 191,800, respectively. 

Ford Ranger WildTrak 3.0L V6 turbo diesel launched in Malaysia

Ford Malaysia introduced a new and more powerful variant of the Wildtrak this week, the Ranger Wildtrak 3.0L V6. The latest pick-up truck is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel engine that kicks out a maximum power of 250 PS and an impressive torque of 600 Nm, making it the most powerful WildTrak variant offered here to date. The new Ranger WildTrak 3.0L V6 is priced at RM 192,888 (on-the-road in Malaysia), making it RM 21,000 dearer than the existing Wildtrak model that runs on a 2.0-litre turbodiesel mill.

Jaecoo J5, Omoda C9 PHEV previewed in Malaysia

The 4-day Omoda | Jaecoo Carnival kicked off this week at Car Park 3, Desa Park City, previewing the brand’s two upcoming models - Jaecoo J5 and Omoda C9 PHEV. 

• Jaecoo J5: The Jaecoo J5 is a B-segment SUV that competes directly with rivals like the Proton X50 and Honda HR-V. It features a bold, boxy SUV silhouette, refined level of luxury inside, and a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 147 PS and 210 Nm. It is estimated to be priced around RM 120,000.
• Omoda C9 PHEV: it is the plug-in hybrid version of the C9 SUV, launched in Malaysia last year. While the PHEV looks almost identical to its ICE-powered counterpart, it combines a 1.5-litre turbo engine with three electric motors and a 34.46 kWh LFP battery providing up to 150 km of pure EV range.

 Zeekr Centre KLCC store opens in Kuala Lumpur

Zeekr has expanded its footprint in Malaysia with the launch of a new flagship store, Zeekr Centre KLCC, in association with its authorised dealer, Preeminent Auto Sdn Bhd (“Preeminent Auto”). Strategically located within the prestigious Golden Triangle, it is spanned across 4,800 sq ft with a spacious display area and three AC charging bays to support EV customers.

Zeekr 009 Executive launched in Malaysia

Previewed at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025, the Zeekr 009 Executive has now made its way to the local roads. The new Zeekr 009 variant is priced at RM 299,800, making it approx RM 50,000 cheaper than the Luxury and Ultra Luxury trims. It is powered by a 335 hp/373 Nm front-wheel drive motor and a 116 kWh battery pack, offering an exceptional driving range of 604 km (on the WLTP cycle). On the purchase of the new 009 variant, Zeekr Malaysia offers a complimentary package comprising an 11kW wallbox charger, a portable charger, and free solar tinting. 

QJMotor SRK250R launched in Malaysia at RM 9,988

The Chinese automaker QJMotor has expanded its lineup in Malaysia with the launch of a new sportbike, the SRK250R. Priced at RM 9,988, it offers an ultimate blend of aggressive styling, dynamic performance, and cutting-edge features to modern riders. The bike is powered by a 249-cc single-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled engine generating a maximum output of 27.49 hp at 9,500 rpm and a peak torque of 22.5 Nm at 7,250 rpm. Key features include - full-colour digital speedometer, Bluetooth connectivity, LED lighting, USB Type-A & Type-C charging ports, upside-down telescopic front fork, hydraulic disc brakes and dual-channel ABS.

Malaysia gets a new e-scooter, the Yadea RS20

MForce Bike Holdings Sdn Bhd rolled out yet another Yadea EV this week, called RS20. Priced at RM 4,998, it is an affordable electric scooter featuring a distinctive European vintage design with an elegant and classic aura. At the heart lies a 2.45 kW motor and a 72-Volt 22 Ah battery, offering a driving range of up to 105 km. The motor and battery have an IPX7 rating, meaning they are water-resistant to a specific standard. Key features include - full LED lighting, digital instrument cluster, USB Type-A charging ports, riding modes, mobile app integration, smart unlocking system, telescopic fork front suspension, and Combined Braking System.

New Proton EV plant nears construction

Proton has provided an update on the progress of its EV plant construction in Tanjung Malim, which began in February. The facility is nearing completion, with the full-scale production process slated to begin in September. This state-of-the-art plant will be manufacturing several EVs based on the Global Modular Architecture platform, starting with the e.MAS 7 and e.MAS 5. Notably, the nationwide tour of the Proton e.MAS 5 began earlier this month, and the EV is slated to hit the roads in the fourth quarter of the year.

GWM Malaysia rolls out Merdeka 2025 campaign 

GWM Malaysia has rolled out the Merdeka Campaign 2025, themed “Gaya Wawasan Malaysia”, running nationwide from 16 August to 28 September. The campaign includes special August promotions, the Merdeka “Book & Win” contest, and a Grand Lucky Draw with prizes worth up to RM 120,000 (including iPhone 16 Pro and Nintendo Switch 2). It also comprises a roadshow tour in major cities, aimed at engaging Malaysians during the Independence season.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Tesla Model Y gets a six-seater version in China

Tesla has launched the six-seater version of the Model Y in the Chinese market. Named the Tesla Model Y L, the latest EV is 179 mm longer and has a 150 mm longer wheelbase as compared to the 5-seater version. With a redesigned roofline and a re-engineered rear spoiler, the Model Y L has a 2-2-2 cabin layout with individual captain chairs in the second row, a new 16-inch central touchscreen, and a three-row airbag system. The EV is powered by a dual-motor AWD powertrain and an 82 kWh ternary lithium battery, offering a CLTC range of 751 km.

Volvo XC70 production begins in China, pre-sales to open soon

Volvo has begun production of its all-new XC70 at its Taizhou plant in China, ahead of the grand preview at the Chengdu Auto Show on August 27, 2025. Based on the automaker’s SMA Super Hybrid Architecture, the XC70 is a luxury D-segment SUV, which sits between the XC60 and XC90 in the global lineup. Touted as Volvo’s longest-range plug-in hybrid to date, the SUV combines a 1.5T plug-in hybrid-specific engine, three electric motors, and a 3-speed DHT hybrid transmission. The combined driving range is rated at up to 1,200 km, while the all-electric range is up to 200 km.

Toyota Vios Hybrid makes world premiere in Thailand

Toyota has pulled the wraps off the all-new Vios HEV (aka Yaris Ativ HEV) in Thailand. The electrified sedan is powered by the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid mill found under the Yaris Cross HEV. Combined with an electric motor and 0.7 kWh lithium-ion battery, the sedan delivers a combined output of 111 hp, a top speed of 160 kmph and an impressive fuel consumption rate of 29.4 kmpl. In terms of design, it mirrors the ICE siblings; however, it gets new wheels, and stiffer suspension, and retuned steering for a sportier drive. The Toyota Vios Hybrid price in Thailand ranges from THB 719,000 (RM 93k) to THB 769,000 (RM 100k). 

Lamborghini Fenomeno hypercar breaks cover

The Italian luxury sports car manufacturer Lamborghini has unveiled its quickest and most powerful model yet, the Fenomeno. Based on the Revuelto, the all-new Lamborghini Fenomeno will be offered in a very low quantity of 29 units, each priced at EUR 3 million (approx RM15 million). The hypercar is equipped with a mighty 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 engine and 3 electric motors, delivering a combined output of 1,080 hp, 0-100 kmph acceleration of 2.4 seconds, and a top speed of 350 kmph. Inside, the Fenomeno houses three digital screens, bucket seats, 3D-printed vents, and a race-inspired steering wheel.

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

Also read: The Rise of the Jaecoo J7 — Malaysia’s new SUV darling