Weekly wrapup: 2023 Lexus RX 350, 2023 Audi Q8 e-tron, 2023 Renault Zoe EV, 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE in Malaysia

This past week was quite busy for the Malaysian auto industry as we saw quite a few car launches and updates. For instance, the 2023 Lexus RX 350 is now open for booking, while the 2023 Renault Zoe EV, and 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE in Malaysia are up for grabs at the dealerships. The premium car segment saw the arrival of the 2023 Audi Q8 e-tron.

Local auto news

Proton to soon cease Exora production

After 14 years of existence in the Malaysian market, Proton has finally decided to put an end to the MPVs life cycle. The car is expected to be replaced by a new MPV, however, there is no official statement from the automaker. The ongoing Exora model was updated last year and is RM 3,000 more expensive than before. It is powered by a 140 hp/205 Nm 1.6-litre turbo engine and gets ESC as standard.

Peugeot Roadshow from May 17 to 25

The official distributor of Peugeot cars in Malaysia, Bermaz Auto Alliance, is holding a roadshow at the 1 Utama Shopping Centre from May 17 to 25, 2023. Here, the onlookers can check out models like the Peugeot e-2008 BEV SUV, the 2008 SE SUV, and the Landtrek pickup.

2023 Lexus RX 350 open for booking

Lexus Malaysia has opened booking for the 2023 RX. The model will be offered in a single RX 350 Luxury variant and is priced at RM 468,88 (on the road without insurance). It will be powered by a 2.4-liter inline-four turbo engine making 279 hp and 430 Nm of torque. The drive is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in just 7.6 seconds.

GWM Malaysia opens its first flagship 4S Centre

To expand its dealer network base in the country, GWM Malaysia has opened its first flagship 4S Centre in USJ Subang together with Superhub Auto Services Sdn Bhd. Precisely located at Lot 61711, Plot A, Persiaran Subang Indah Kawasan Perindustrian Subang USJ 1, 47600 Subang Jaya, Selangor. The new center spreads over 3 acres of land and features a spacious customer lounge with discussion rooms along with body & paint facility, and 7 service bays.

GWM Cannon's preliminary specs revealed

GWM Malaysia has revealed preliminary specs for the upcoming Cannon pickup truck. The model will be offered in two variant options - the more passenger-focused P12 and the commercial workhorse P11. Both the variants are powered by a 163PS/400 Nm 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine. The drive is transmitted to all-four wheels via a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission.

GWM Haval H6 preliminary specs revealed

GMW Malaysia is out with preliminary details of the Haval H6 Hybrid ahead of its official launch. Competing with the likes of Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, and Proton X70; the Haval H6 is powered by a 150PS/230 Nm 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo mill with an e-motor.

2023 Audi Q8 e-tron up for sale

After opening the Q8 e-tron ordering books, the car has now reached dealerships and is up for grabs. Offered in ‘advanced 50 quattro’ spec, the EV is priced from RM 369k to RM 379k. Powering the Q8 e-tron is a pair of e-motors generating 340 PS and 664 Nm of torque. The drive is sent to all four wheels via a two-stage ratio planetary gearbox with a single-gear channel.

2023 Renault Zoe EV launch

The official distributor of Renault cars in Malaysia, TC Euro Cars, has launched the new Zoe EV in the country. The latest B-segment electric hatchback is offered in two variants - ZE50 R110 and ZE50 R135. They are priced at RM 165,000 and RM 179,000, respectively.

2023 Honda City facelift spied

It was only recently that Honda launched the all-new 2023 City in India and since then we are eyeing the car to come to us. And guess what, it all seems to be coming true as the 2023 City was spied on Malaysian roads recently.

2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE in Malaysia

Suzuki has introduced the updated version of its flagship adventure bike, the V-Strom 1050, in Malaysia. Priced at RM 88,888 (excluding road tax, insurance, and registration), the bike is powered by a 1,037-cc DOHC, liquid-cooled V-twin engine delivering a maximum power of 105.5 hp and a peak torque of 100 Nm.

International auto news

Lamborghini Urus Performante “Essenza SCV12” unveiled

We now have a special edition Urus, called the Performante “Essenza SCV12”. Limited to just 40 units globally, it can only be purchased by Essenza SCV12 owners. Key highlights of the limited edition model include - extensive use of carbon fiber, a dedicated Ad Personam livery, 23-inch high gloss black wheels, and black calipers, exclusive Nero Cosmus (black) Alcantara upholstery, and two celebratory carbon fiber plaques.

2023 Volvo EX30 safety specs revealed

 

Set to be the brand’s smallest SUV, the EX30 despite its compact size will come equipped with an impressive safety kit. Ahead of the car’s June 7 debut, the automaker has unveiled some early details about its safety profile. For starters, the car will come equipped with a door-opening alert. It even features a strengthened safety cage, roof, and pillar, and on the inside, it gets a far-side airbag which is designed to reduce head and thorax injuries.

2023 Range Rover updated

Land Rover has updated the 5th-gen Range Rover for the model year 2023. The car now gets a new fully-electrified powertrain lineup including two plug-in hybrids and two mild hybrid units. Also, part of the refresh is a 13.1-inch touchscreen information display with the latest-gen Pivi Pro software.

Volvo EX90 production delayed

Undoubtedly one of the most advanced Volvo cars of all time, the EX90’s production has been delayed till the first half of 2024. The reason the automaker says this is more time for the development of advanced software for the car along with conducting more testing.

Toyota Yaris Cross in Indonesia

The all-new Yaris Cross has been unveiled in Indonesia. Built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture, it is bigger than the Euro-spec model. It is available in two powertrain options - a 106hp/138Nm 1.5-litre naturally aspirated and a hybrid 1.5-liter mill paired with an e-motor.

Also Read: Mild-hybrid Toyota Fortuner and Hilux arriving next year