Category: Auto news

The Tesla Cybertruck has just showed up in Malaysia, marking its second appearance in the ASEAN region after Thailand and its third (at least) in a right-hand drive market in Asia.

Of course, the model displayed in this preview isn’t tailored to local specifications; it remains a left-hand drive (LHD) version imported directly from the Gigafactory in Austin, Texas. Clearly, however, the EV maker is taking the prospect of a right-hand drive version seriously given this world tour.

However, it will first embark on a nationwide tour. Given that Malaysia only has two Tesla ‘Stores’ as of the time of writing, we suspect the company has got some dedicated locations/events to show it off, so stay tuned for that.

The showcased variant here is the dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD), which sits in the middle of the Cybertruck range as it stands right now. Below this there will be a less expensive single-motor variant, though that’s only due out in 2025.

At the top of the heap, a very angular stainless steel heap, is the Cyberbeast variant that features a tri-motor setup akin to the Model S Plaid with a pretty ludicrous 857PS and 13,959Nm on tap.

Nevertheless, this mid-pack unit brought is no pushover, boasting a still-excessive 608 PS and a remarkable 10,080 Nm of torque, powered by a 123 kWh lithium-ion battery. The quoted range stands at 547km, expandable up to approximately 755 km with an optional range extender, although not equipped in this specific unit.

One of the standout features is the Cybertruck’s ‘exoskeleton’, a body constructed from a blend of different metals dubbed ‘Hard Freaking Stainless’ by Tesla, purportedly capable of repelling bullets and arrows within certain limits, while also being resilient and corrosion-resistant, eliminating the need for paint.

With a minimum kerb weight exceeding 3 tonnes and sizing up at 5,683 mm in length, 2,032mm in width, and 1,796 mm in height, the Cybertruck surpasses the industry standard HiLux by 358mm in length and 132mm in width, with an impressive wheelbase of 3,635 mm that’s a staggering 550 mm longer than the Toyota.

The Cybertruck also showcases a new 48V architecture throughout and employing a Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) network internally to manage various functions like sensors and lighting, significantly reducing the need for wiring compared to conventional vehicles, a first for production vehicles.

Charging is facilitated by an 800V system capable of reaching charging speeds of 250kW on a sufficiently rapid DC charger or Tesla’s own-brand Supercharger, allowing for a recovery of 219 km of range in just 15 minutes.

Internally, the Cybertruck follows Tesla’s signature starkly minimal design, highlighted by a large 18.5-inch static touchscreen at the center stack for accessing vehicle functions and information. It accommodates five passengers, with those in the rear benefiting from a 9.4-inch touchscreen.
Additional features include a 15-speaker setup with two dedicated subwoofers, a HEPA filter, 65W USB-C chargers, 240V outlets, and wireless phone chargers.

The Cybertruck previewed in Malaysia is a limited-run, early-access Foundation Series model, offering certain perks over the standard version, such as all-weather interior liners, a center console tray, glass roof sunshade, and Full-Self Driving (FSD) capability, alongside distinctive badges.

While American customers receive a bundled charging plan and expedited delivery schedule, the Cybertruck won’t be available for sale in Malaysia anytime soon. Aside from the obvious left-hand drive issue, it’s hard to know if it’s even receive certification in this part of the world given its size and controversial body shape that might pose a risk of extra injury to pedestrians.

The BHPetrol eCard App offers extra convenience and value solution to all motorists. And the best part is, Carlist is here to kick off your experience with the app on the right foot with some free cash! Here’s how.

By downloading and utilising this user-friendly app, you can access a range of benefits – such as checking the latest fuel prices and locating the nearest BHPetrol station – in a subtle yet effective manner – aimed at simplifying your journeys while maximising savings.

One of the key advantages of the BHPetrol eCard App is its ability to seamlessly and easily view the latest BHPetrol promotions while you earn and accumulate ePoints with each transaction.

Step 1: Download the App

The BHPetrol eCard app is available for free on both the App Store (for iOS) and Google Play (for Android), just hit the download button to install.

Step 2: Create an account

Upon opening the app for the first time, new users will be presented with the opportunity to Sign Up to create a new account. Simply fill in your information such as your name and email address to proceed. Once you’re done with that, hold off on hitting the bottom of the page for just a moment.

Step 3: Enter the referral code

Here’s the important part. Under the field “Referral Code”, simply enter BHPXCARLIST to receive your complimentary RM3 eVoucher, which will be accessible to you under the My Rewards tab once you have finished creating your account. Better hurry, this is only valid between April 1st and September 30th, 2024.

Step 4: Enjoy!

You’re done! Feel free to explore the BHPetrol eCard app and its many features!

To earn more ePoints, merely present the QR code (available on the eCard app main page) to the cashier at any BHPetrol fuel station and proceed to refuel your vehicle as you would normally.

Your accumulated ePoints can be redeemed not just for fuel, but products within the BHPetromart as well as BHPetrol exclusive merchandise, and even their selection of high quality engine oils.
Additionally, outside of the BHPetrol station, the eCard app even opens doors to enjoying promotions at various participating partners in F&B, hotels, and consumer electronics, among others. Just peruse the app’s Reward section to view all the offers currently available.

The BHPetrol eCard app transforms routine trips to the fuel station into opportunities to save and earn by seeking to make the most of your next stop at any of the 400 BHPetrol stations nationwide, helping you not only fuel your car but your savings conveniently and unobtrusively.

March + April 2024: BHPetrol Ka-Ching!

Downloading the BHPetrol eCard app also opens you up to participate in the exciting Ka-Ching Buy & Win contest happening throughout March and April 2024 where up to RM300,000 in prizes are up for grabs!

The best part is how easy it is for you to stand a chance to win. Once you have your account registered and set up, simply spend a minimum of RM40 on a single receipt at any BHPetrol station – that’s it! Click here to find out more.

This is also a great time to start collecting your ePoints as, until 30th June, BHPetrol are rewarding customers eCard users 2x ePoints with every 1 litre of petrol (Infiniti RON 95, Infiniti RON97) or diesel (Infiniti Diesel B10 and Infiniti Diesel B7).

Get started today by downloading the BHPetrol eCard app from the iOS App Store or Google Play.

Yes, it’s pretty much official: the Tesla Cybertruck is here in Malaysia. Or so the story goes. At the very least it will be here, uncovered, very soon with Tesla Malaysia teasing their ‘HFS’ stainless steel-bodied off-road-able EV on their social media accounts.

Interestingly, the teaser video they posted is the same one that cropped up a few days prior when the Cybertruck was announced to be making its ASEAN debut (appearance, not launch) in Bangkok starting this weekend, leading us to believe its next stop could be Malaysia.

As far as its market entrance goes, it’s hard to even speculate as there’s plenty of in-between work to do before that can happen – localisation and/or safety testing, for example, not to mention the concluded development of a right-hand drive version.

It was reported back in late 2023 that Tesla’s Gigafactory in Texas, currently the only location where the Cybertrucks are rolling out from, are focusing entirely on left-hand drive units. That said, it’s clear that Tesla sees plenty of demand in both Thailand and Malaysia, enough to preview it in the flesh and gauge the public’s response.

In early February, Tesla took a Cybertruck (a left-hand drive example, notably) out of North America for the first time for its first Asian appearance in Japan. While its quite likely that the unit being shown off in Bangkok and Malaysia will be of a similar spec, we’re open to being pleasantly surprised.

In the US, customers have the option to pre-order the entry single-motor (RWD) variant boasting an advertised range of 402km, although this particular configuration won’t be available until 2025.

For variants available for the 2024 model year, the Cybertruck is offered with a dual-motors (608PS, 10,081Nm) powered by a 123kW battery, providing a range of 547km. Meanwhile, the tri-motor Cyberbeast variant boosts power to 857PS and 13,959Nm while slightly reducing range to 515km. And yes, those are 5-figure torque outputs.

Pricing references will be based on US-spec models, which starts at USD 60,990 (approximately RM285k) for the RWD variant due in 2025, USD 79,990 (around RM347k) for the AWD variant, and USD 99,990 (RM467k) for the Cyberbeast option.

BYD has been on a role in the EV market and despite a slight setback in sales (and losing the best-selling EV brand title to Tesla), there’s no sign of them slowing things down.

In fact, they’re gunning for an entirely new segment – pickup trucks. BYD has teased us with a bunch of photos of a heavily camouflaged blue/orange pickup truck and BYD themselves have confirmed that this will be made available for several markets globally.

Judging by the looks, this pickup truck should have slightly bigger dimensions than most medium to large-sized pickup truck models like the Toyota Hilux as it will most likely be based on the Bao Leopard 5 by Fang Cheng Bao (or Formula Bao), one of the sub-brands under the BYD umbrella.

With that being said, it is also said that this BYD pickup truck will also share the same powertrain as the Bao Leopard 5 – a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine mated to electric motors (one on each axle) with a combined power output of 687PS and 760Nm of torque.

Fitted with a 31.8kWh Blade battery from BYD, the Bao Leopard 5 can travel up to 125km in all-electric mode or up to 1,200km when you consider the petrol engine into the equation.

And yes, it can be charged as it supports up to 100kW of DC fast charging which translates to just 16 minutes to get it juiced up from 10% to 80%.

Going back to the news of the BYD pickup truck being intended for the global market, it won’t be surprising if they have Thailand and Australia in their sights.

Since these two are right-hand-drive markets, perhaps it might also make its way into Malaysia as well? Or perhaps they’ll wait it out and just launch a fully electric version that is also said to be unveiled next year?

Stay tuned for more updates.

 

With Peugeot now being out from under the care of Bermaz, parent company Stellantis sees the French brand as a pivotal catalyst in the broader group official rollout into the Malaysian market. And it starts with the all-new 408, slated to launch in Q2 of 2024.

Even while Peugeot was under different distributorship, news of the 408’s arrival and localisation process would crop up from time to time. Stellantis Malaysia shares the optimism about the model, and has fast-tracked its local assembly for that second quarter launch window, specifically some time in May.

We can’t really point to a car that it definitely competes against, but its classification into the C-segment would technically mean it locking horns with the Honda Civic and Mazda 3, though the 408 does defy convention in terms of its styling and design.

Peugeot themselves term the car as a ‘Dynamic Fastback’. A quick glance at the car will probably tell you it’s quite a handsome thing, if unconventional, sporting cues from a sedan (its side silhouette), a hatchback (its roof-hinged tailgate), and a crossover (its black lower perimeter cladding and slight raised ground clearance of 189mm).

In terms of pricing, it’s clear that Peugeot has been making an upmarket push and therefore could likely be positioned higher than the Civic, so keep that in consideration when contrasting this against the previous generation 408 launched here.

Malaysia is actually quite late to the party in ASEAN, with the car having already been launched in multiple neighbouring countries. Unlike the PHEV-only range sold in Thailand, the Malaysian spread will more closely follow its Vietnam spec, and there’s good reason to believe the car will be offered here, as it is there, in 3 variants: Allure, Premium, and GT.

All are expected to be powered by the same engine, namely a 1.6-litre PureTech turbocharged four-cylinder petrol with 218PS and 300Nm mated to an 8-speed automatic driving the front wheels.

In Vietnam, the 408 starts at 1,019,000,000 VND (or around RM193k) for the base Allure, 1,119,000,000 VND (or ~RM212k) for the mid-tier Premium, and 1,269,000,000 VND (or ~RM241k) for the range-topping GT.

At those prices, the Peugeot 408 range will come (dangerously?) close to cars, albeit smaller ones, from German marques such as the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, which kicks off at RM219k. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan launched at the end of 2023, meanwhile, are at RM239k. Just food for thought.

Of course, it won’t be a 1-to-1 currency swap when it does arrive next month, and there are plenty of things we’re not aware of that Stellantis are doing to make the 408’s price as attractive as possible to Malaysians.

Equipment levels are fairly high with the Allure coming fitted with 18-inch alloys, LED headlights, leather interior upholstery, combination 10-inch digital instrument cluster and 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a suite of active safety features.

For the additional outlay, the GT receives goodies such as Matrix LED headlights, 20-inch wheels, Nappa leather trim, a 360-degree surround view camera system, and a premium 10-speaker sound system from Focal.

Of course, we’ll have more coverage of the 408 as it draws closer to that official launch. Stay tuned!

It is now a fact that Stellantis Malaysia is taking care of all businesses about Peugeot here in the country, but it seems that they have bigger plans for the local market.

Yesterday’s Iftar event with members of the media saw presentation slides that piqued our interest. Titled “Reviving Iconic Brands in Malaysia”, there were four brands listed below it (one of them being Peugeot marked under ‘Upper Mainstream’, of course).

On top of that list marked under ‘Recreational Lifestyle’ is Jeep. It’s not exactly a new brand but Stellantis Malaysia will reintroduce the brand into the local market this year.

No news on specific models yet, but if we look at our neighbours in Thailand, they’re currently selling the Gladiator Rubicon, Wrangler Rubicon, and the new Grand Cherokee PHEV.

Next up on the list labelled ‘Affordable EV’ is Leapmotor, which will also see its first official Malaysian debut in 2024. We’re not entirely sure what or how they meant by ‘affordable’, but Leapmotor has three core models starting with the compact T03, C01 sedan, and perhaps the nicest-looking out of the trio, the C11 SUV.

Last but not least, another brand that will see another round is Citroen. Positioned by Stellantis Malaysia as a brand under the ‘Mass Market’ flag with an entire plethora of SUVs big and small for ICEs to EVs.

One thing is for sure, we’re definitely excited to see the future of all these brands under the Stellantis Malaysia umbrella. Stay tuned for more details.

 

Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup car for the upcoming Hyundai N Festival motorsports event.

Signalling the start of a new era in sustainable racing, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup car is essentially based on the already very impressive production version of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N but dialled up to 11 for a very important purpose – intensive circuit driving.

According to Till Wartenberg, Vice President and Head of N Brand & Motorsport, “We are incredibly proud to unveil the Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup car, demonstrating our commitment to sustainable racing. This unique electric racing car demonstrates our cutting-edge technology and passion for pushing the boundaries of what EVs can achieve on the racetrack.” 

Power is still maintained at 650PS thanks to the Ioniq 5 N’s dual electric motor setup for both front and rear axles. Scheduled to compete in the eN1 class, it’s been fitted with some track-oriented goodies such as 18-inch forged wheels wrapped with motorsport slick rubbers where teams are allowed to run any tyre products that they see fit to race in the eN1 class.

For better handling and aerodynamics, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup car also features a redesigned body kit which includes:

Wide-style over-fenders
Wider wheel trajectories
Front lips and rear wings (for more downforce)
Fibreglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) bonnet
polycarbonate windows + more

Spectators of the eN1 races will also get to enjoy and experience a multitude of exciting sounds thanks to the car’s NGB overboost, virtual shift (N e-Shift), and amplified NAS+ (N Active Sound) which can be uniquely tuned and produced by the teams.

As far as EVs and EV racing are concerned, we believe that old-school petrolheads might be okay with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N eN1. What about you?

 

After its preview in mid-March, less than a month ago, GWM has now officially introduced its second ORA model in Malaysia, named the 07. The sleek four-dour coupe comes in two variants, Long Range Ultra and Performance, priced between RM.

The 07 joins the smaller, more urban-oriented Good Cat in GWM’s electric lineup. With its earlier debut in Thailand, we had anticipated a fair bit of consistency in specifications, which was ultimately true.

Sizing up at 4,871mm in length, 1,862mm in width, and 1,500mm in height, the 07 competes directly with sleek, sporty four-door EV sedans like the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal, though GWM’s aggressive pricing means that the 07 undercuts them significantly.

That said, time will tell if this was a bold enough move to sway customers away from its more established rivals into the ORA fold.

Built on GWM’s Lemon E platform, the 07 draws clear inspiration from the first-generation Porsche Panamera, the 07 boasts a stylish and swept back exterior design, though ORA’s aesthetic may not appeal to everyone.

Three exterior colours will be offered, at least initially: Crystal Purple, Amethyst Gray and Jade White. Visually, the main differentiator are the wheels: the Long Range Ultra receives 18-inch alloys while the Performance rides on a set of 19-inchers with a distinctly more ‘blingtastic’ design and finish. All wear Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres.

 

ORA 07 Long Range Ultra

ORA 07 Performance

Price 

RM 169,800

RM 189,800

Battery

83.5kWh

83.5kWh

Range

640km (NEDC)

550km (NEDC)

Motor

Single (FWD)

Dual (AWD)

Power

204PS

408PS

Torque

340Nm

680Nm

0-100km/h

7.9 seconds

4.3 seconds

Top Speed 

170km/h

180km/h

AC Charging

11kW (max)

11kW (max)

DC Charging 

88kW (max)

88kW (max)

V2L 

3.3kW (max)

3.3kW (max)

However, its aerodynamic shape has lead it to an impressively low drag coefficient of just 0.22, no doubt aiding its endurance over a single charge. Speaking of which, both the ORA 07 in Long Range Ultra and Performance guises are equipped with the same 83.5kWh ternary lithium battery.

The Long Range Ultra variant boasts a claimed range of 640km (on the NEDC testing cycle), boasting 204PS and 340Nm of torque from a single electric motor mounted at the front. By contrast, the equivalent Seal and Model 3 are rear-wheel drive (RWD).

On the other hand, the Performance variant boasts dual electric motors, delivering a combined output of 408PS and 680Nm spread across both axles for all-wheel drive (AWD). Despite a slightly reduced range of 550km (on the same NEDC cycle), it accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 180km/h.

That’s 0.5s off the sprint time of the BYD Seal Performance and the more recently launched MG4 XPOWER, but still neck-achingly quick nonetheless. Notably, it should beat what is currently the quickest Tesla Model 3 officially sold here by a nose, as that advertises a 0-100km/h sprint of 4.4 seconds.

 

BYD Seal Premium

Tesla Model 3 Standard

BYD Seal Performance

Tesla Model 3 Long Range

Price 

RM 179,800

RM 189,000

RM 199,800

RM 218,000

Battery

82.56kWh

57.5kWh

82.56kWh

82kWh

Range

570km (WLTP)

513km (WLTP)

520km (WLTP)

629km (WLTP)

Motor

Single (RWD)

Single (RWD)

Dual (AWD)

Dual (AWD)

Power

310PS

271PS

530PS

394PS

Torque

360Nm

422Nm

670Nm

458Nm

0-100km/h

5.9s

6.1s

3.8s

4.4s

Top Speed 

180km/h

201km/h

180km/h

201km/h

AC Charging

7kW (max)

11kW (max)

7kW (max)

11kW (max)

DC Charging 

150kW (max)

170kW (max)

150kW (max)

250kW (max)

Petty drag races aside, the 07’s interior features a minimalist yet luxurious design, including a T-shaped dashboard, leatherette upholstery throughout, frameless windows, and a choice of black or brown synthetic leather upholstery, the latter is an RM2,500 optional upgrade. We’re particular fans of its triple binnacle gauge cluster that, while still digital (collectively measuring 10.25-inches), at least attempts to mimic the functional elegance of analogue dials.

The dashboard layout is, at leas to our eyes, yet another nod to an iconic Porsche, but in this case the Carrera GT. There are a refreshing spread of physical buttons, too, as opposed to the overly minimal streak we’ve seen on so many other EVs. Build quality and finishing is also a notable upgrade over the ORA Good Cat, but that’s perhaps expected given the gulf in price.

Other cabin highlights include a large glass roof, dual zone climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a 50W wireless smartphone charger, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a premium 11-speaker sound system from Infinity, along with a comprehensive array of active safety features.

Both the Long Range Ultra and Performance variants of the ORA 07 are equipped with a bevy of driver-aids and active safety features that GWM claim it capable of Level 2 autonomous driving, including Front Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Parking, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Integrated Intelligent Parking, and Adaptive Cruise Control with intelligent cornering and Traffic Jam Assist.

In addition to the standard manufacturer’s warranty of 6 years (or 150,000km), each ORA 07 comes with 5 years of complimentary maintenance and an 8-year (or 180,000km) battery warranty. As we await its arrival in showrooms nationwide, it’s intriguing to consider how it will fare against competitors like BYD and Tesla.

Additionally, GWM will offer a 1-to-1 battery replacement should its State of Charge (SoC) fall below 70%. There’s also a 12 year rust and corrosion warranty. You’re free to make of that what you will.
Alongside all this, the first 500 ORA 07 customers will receive a complimentary home wallbox charger as well as an extra 2-years added to the warranty (making it 8-years or 180,000km).

The Tesla Cybertruck is apparently set to make its ASEAN debut in the Land of Smiles some time this month, with the pick-up truck loving country set to welcome the BEV on display in Bangkok.

Specifically, it’ll be shown off at Tesla Centre Ramkhamhaeng from April 6th, and in right-hand drive guise no less, starting on the penultimate day of the very much EV-charged Bangkok International Motor Show.

No doubt Tesla are interested in gauging response in Thailand, though very little else about their intention is known. In terms of specification, we can only surmise it will closely mirror the Cybertruck available in the US.

There, customers can choose either a single-motor (RWD) option with an advertised range of 402km, though this variant won’t be ready until 2025.

For the 2024 model year, the Cybertruck is available with a dual-motors (608PS, 10,081Nm – yes, that much torque) fed from a 123kW battery with 547km of range. The tri-motor Cyberbeast variant, however takes that to 857PS and 13,959Nm but reduces range to 515km.

We’ll also have to lean on the US pricing for any reference to how dearly it might be sold for when it does make its official Thai debut. The range kicks of at USD 60,990 (around RM285k) for the RWD variant, USD 79,990 (around RM347k) for the AWD variant, and USD 99,990 (RM467k) for the Cyberbeast option.

Fans of Tesla, geometry, and stainless steel should be happy to learn of this development, especially as it was teased on X by the company itself, but this certainly bodes well for the Malaysian market too, as it does increase the chances of it making its way down here as well, especially as Tesla faces increased competition from newcomers to the market.

Just like Tesla Thailand, you might also have noticed that the Cybertruck page is now live on Tesla Malaysia’s website, though all you’re able to do there is register you interest and wait for updates.

News of a potential right-hand drive Cybertruck had been quite murky in the past months with Australia receiving conflicting reports of its arrival despite widespread public interest.

We’d say the odds are in our favour, especially given that Tesla’s range is Thailand has been swiftly mirrored here in Malaysia.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is just around the corner and the federal roads’ speed limit nationwide will be lowered to 80km/h, just like how it was implemented during this year’s Chinese New Year.

This has been officially announced by the Works Ministry (KKR) which will see the speed limit for all federal roads across Malaysia to be dropped by 10km/h between 8-14 April 2024.

If you’re used to driving at 90km/h, be aware of your vehicle’s speed for these seven days in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri and lift off slightly to cruise at 80km/h instead.

What’s the purpose of lowering the speed limit? Amongst other things, it’s part of the government’s efforts to not only increase safety amongst all road users during this very busy period of travel, but also to hopefully reduce the number of road accidents.

In other efforts to ensure safer and smoother travels during Hari Raya, all maintenance works and non-critical construction will be suspended from 5-14 April 2024, including lane closures (except for emergencies, pothole repairs, and critical maintenance works).

Selamat Hari Raya in advance and have a safe journey ahead!