The first episode of the new season of The Grand Tour will air on September 4, 2026, Amazon Prime Video recently announced. As revealed back in February, the car show returns with new hosts in the form of Throttle House’s James Engelsman and Thomas Holland, along with social media star and trainspotter Francis Bourgeois.
This trio replaces the old guard of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, who have since went on to focus on other projects after ‘One for the Road’, the first and only episode of series six that aired back in September 13, 2024. In the spirit of the show, the promotional photos announcing the air date all feature the phrase: “Same show. New knobs.”
The upcoming series seven will launch with six episodes where the crew go on various adventures, including crossing the Angolan desert in track cars, a challenge involving fighter jets as well as heading to California to test America’s latest and greatest performance cars. Malaysia will also be featured in an episode exploring our vibrant car culture.
Given how popular Clarkson, Hammond and May are, it will be a challenge for the new trio to win over fans of The Grand Tour, some of which grew up with the original crew during their time at Top Gear.
Perodua is having a July 2026 promo for five models, valid from now till July 31. The usual suspects are the Aruz and the Ativa with a RM4,000 offer. Of this total, RM3,000 is a straight discount and you’ll get RM1,000 of service vouchers. They’re joined by the Myvi, Axia and Bezza with a RM1,500 discount, but note the ‘up to’ for the sedan.
Launched in March 2021, the Ativa is still the only Perodua with a turbocharged engine. The A-segment SUV – the first P2 to ride on the DNGA platform – is powered by a 1.0-litre downsized turbo triple with 98 PS and 140 Nm of torque from 2,400 to 4,000 rpm. It’s paired to the D-CVT gearbox that’s now a mainstay for the market leader. The Ativa is priced from RM62,500 for the base X to RM73,400 for the top AV with the black roof option.
Introduced in early 2019, the Aruz is seven-seat MPV with SUV styling and ground clearance that’s higher than most SUVs (220 mm). This is the Aruz’s biggest differentiator from P2’s other seven-seater, the Alza – that one is car-like and rides 60 mm lower. For those who want tall car visibility and peace of mind from minor flooding, the Aruz would be a good tool.
The powertrain consists of a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine with 102 PS/133 Nm, and a four-speed torque converter automatic sending drive to the rear axle. Passion Red joined the colour range in late 2021 and Elegant Black surfaced in late 2024. In August, Vintage Brown replaced Electric Blue and the seven-seater also received a blacked out look.
Aside from going to the showroom, you can also try Perodua Online Booking. If you have a car to trade-in, you can do so with Perodua’s POV used car division.
The government has no intention to retract its recently announced rules on the import of fully-imported (CBU) electric vehicles (EVs) that came into effect on July 1, 2026. This is according to a parliamentary reply by the ministry of investment, trade and industry (MITI) to Pang Hok Liong (PH-Labis), who asked if the rules would be reversed as it contradicts government policy to accelerate EV adoption among the public and consumers’ right to own affordable EVs priced below RM100,000 or RM150,000.
In its reply, the ministry said the measure aligns with the core principles of the National Automotive Policy (NAP), which aims to rationalise the influx of EV models to complement market product offerings, while also ensuring the development of a competitive and resilient local automotive industry.
“The government consistently adopts a balanced approach between safeguarding consumer interests and developing the local automotive industry. Consumers have the right to access affordable EVs, while the nation requires a robust automotive industry to create high-skilled job opportunities, develop local vendors, attract quality investments and strengthen the domestic supply chain,” it added.
Under the new policy, all CBU EVs are subject to two main conditions, which is to have a minimum declared cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value of RM200,000 as well as a minimum power output of 180 kW (which is equivalent to 245 PS or 241 hp).
On the matter of promoting EV adoption, the ministry said the government is not halting efforts in this regard. It cited the continued 100% exemption on import and excise duties as well as sales tax for locally-assembled (CKD) EVs until December 31, 2027. This is said to enable manufacturers to offer EV models at more competitive prices while encouraging local assembly activities, technology transfer and the development of local vendors.
At the same time, expansion of the local charging network is being accelerated by the government to ensure sufficient infrastructure to support EV ownership. The ministry ended its reply by saying the government’s goal is not merely to boost EV sales in the short term, but to develop a comprehensive and sustainable EV ecosystem.
Inspired by everyone’s friendly neighbourhood webslinger, the 2026 Honda ADV160 Spiderman edition is now in Malaysia, priced at RM14,149 (the standard ADV160 retails at RM13,249). Only 300 units will be produced for sale in Malaysia, and every unit comes with a two-year or 20,000 km warranty against manufacturing defects.
Every purchase of the ADV160 Spiderman edition comes with a premium gift box, LED thermos flask, and special edition fuel tank cap, edition specific emblem and owner’s certificate with edition number. The ADV160 Spiderman Edition will enter Boon Siew Honda Impian X and select dealers from 3 August 2026, and this edition will not be re-issued.
ADV160 Spiderman edition is distinguished by Spiderman inspired livery featuring the Spiderman logo and custom design stripes, reimagining theMarvel character’s signature motifs and elements for the road. No changes otherwise to the ADV160, power coming from a 156.9 cc eSP+ single-cylinder, liquid-cooled mill fed by PGM-Fi.
Power is rated at 15.82 hp at 8,500 rpm with 14.7 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm, going to the rear wheel via CVT gearbox and belt drive. Braking is done with single hydraulic disc front and back while suspension uses telescopic forks in front and twin preload adjustable shock absorbers in the rear.
Riding information is displayed on a. 5-inch TFT-LCD panel with Honda Roadsync connectivity to the rider’s smartphone. Riding aids include traction control and ABS, along with an adjustable windshield, 30-litre storage compartment and idling start-stop.
In an interview with German publication Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung earlier this year, Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume admitted that Porsche misjudged product planning for the Macan, and Blume said that plans at the time were based on market conditions that had changed since, according to the report.
Global sales figures for the Macan nameplate were 35,315 units for the first six months of 2026, of which 19,965 units were petrol-powered models, while 15,620 units were electric models, and this will result in the global discontinuation of the model before development of a direct successor has been completed, Autocar wrote.
The next ICE Macan is set to use the PPC platform from the third-generation Audi Q5
The discontinuation of the Macan has undergone several stages, having first ended sales of the ICE-powered Macan in the European Union after deciding that it will not update the model to comply with new General Safety Regulations (GSR2) which have cybersecurity requirements that would require a comprehensive redesign of the ICE Macan’s electronic architecture.
This was an investment that Porsche decided it could not justify, and so the production of the internal combustion-engined Macan will end for all markets this month, the report wrote.
Porsche however aims to offset the sales impact of the ICE Macan’s discontinuation by producing additional stock of the model, and this stock is expected to keep the model on sale well into next year in markets such as the United States, in order to reduce the gap between the discontinuation of the outgoing model and the arrival of the new, ICE-powered Macan.
The next-generation, ICE-powered Macan is understood to be codenamed M1, and will share the Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture with the third-generation Audi Q5, which means the use of a front axle-biased all-wheel drive system.
While they continue to occur, the rail service in the Klang Valley has seen less disruptions compared to previous years, with the number of train breakdowns having dropped significantly since 2022. According to transport minister Anthony Loke, excluding the monorail, there were 177 train failures in 2022, 111 in 2023, 64 in 2024, 28 in 2025 and 12 so far this year.
A measurement called the mean kilometre between failures (MKBF), which calculates a 12-month moving average distance a train can travel before experiencing delays more than five minutes long, also highlighted the improvement in operational performance.
He said the MKBF stood at 0.09 in 2022, followed by 0.16 in 2023, 0.33 in 2024, 0.79 in 2025 and 0.93 so far this year. “The latest MKBF reading as of May 31 shows a trend of improvement in overall performance compared with previous years,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat, responding to a question from Shaharizukirnain Abdul Kadir (PN-Setiu).
Loke said that this was the result of various initiatives by Rapid Rail to improve operational performance, as FMT reports “Nonetheless, this performance must still be improved, as even one disruption can cause great inconvenience to users,” he said.
He said Rapid Rail was carrying out a holistic mitigation plan to reduce service disruptions on the various LRT and MRT lines. This includes short, medium and long-term measures, from replacing faulty components to holding special engineering programmes and procuring new trains. “The implementation of this mitigation plan will continue to be monitored, evaluated and improved from time to time to ensure the public rail transport network remains safe, efficient and durable for the comfort of users,” he said.
The eighth-generation (XZ20) Lexus ES is estimated to be priced from RM366,888, which would make it more expensive than the outgoing seventh-generation model that starts at RM320,888. This is according to Lexus Malaysia’s official website, which was updated to include a page dedicated to the all-new ES to go along with teasers posted on social media.
Said page also contains more evidence that it is indeed the latest ES coming our way, with one of the highlighted features being the row of hidden-until-lit buttons on the dashboard for climate settings and certain vehicle functions – there’s also an accompanying media volume dial.
Another important bit of information on the page is confirmation that the ES will feature hybrid power, specifically Lexus’ sixth-generation system. When the sedan made its debut in Shanghai last April, two powertrains were announced for it.
The first is the ES300h that sports a M20A-FXS 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol engine making 152 PS (150 hp or 112 kW) and 188 Nm of torque. This is augmented by an electric motor rated at 113 PS (111 hp or 83 kW) and 206 Nm for a total system output of 197 PS (194 hp or 145 kW). Paired with an E-CVT driving the front wheels, the ES300h takes 9.4 seconds to get from 0-100 km/h, on to a top speed of 180 km/h.
Specifications for the ES300h differ depending on where it is sold. The figures mentioned above are for China but Australia’s version comes with an A25A-FXS 2.5 litre NA inline-four petrol engine serving up 143 PS (141 hp or 105 kW) and 227 Nm mated to an electric motor with 204 PS (201 hp or 150 kW) and 270 Nm for a total system output of 196 PS (193 hp or 144 kW).
The A25A-FXS is also used for the ES350h, which isn’t offered in China or Australia but is the base option in Japan and the United States. Referring to Japan’s specifications, the ES350h’s 2.5 litre engine makes 189 PS (186 hp or 139 kW) and 235 Nm, with the electric motor providing 162 PS (160 hp or 119 kW) and 272 Nm for a total system output of 247 PS (244 hp or 182 kW).
In addition to front-wheel drive, Japan also gets the ES350h with E-Four all-wheel drive, which adds an electric motor at the rear with 56 PS (55 hp or 41 kW) and 123 Nm. The ES can also be had as an electric vehicle (EV) with the front-wheel drive ES350e and all-wheel drive ES500e, although Lexus Malaysia did not hint at any form of EV powertrain on its website.
For a brief recap of the ES, it is now built on a revised version of the TNGA-K platform and is larger than its predecessor, measuring in at 5,140 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, between 1,555 to 1,560 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,950 mm. These figures bring the ES even closer to the aging LS, although the latter is longer still at 5,235 mm and its wheelbase spans 3,125 mm.
The newer ES also looks a lot more striking when compared to the outgoing model, with sharper lines and cues adapted from the LF-ZC concept from 2023. Highlights include the twin-L LED daytime running lights that sit above discreet main headlamps, with the seamless grille representing the brand’s “spindle body” approach to design.
Along the sides, there’s an L-shaped graphic connecting the shoulder line to the side sills, while the rear features a full-width light bar as well as L-shaped signature lights in the bumper corners. The comprehensive redesign extends into the interior, which is more minimalistic in look while leaning heavily into screens, with the hallmark being up to two displays on the dash, including an optional one for the front passenger.
For now, Lexus Malaysia isn’t painting the full picture for us, so it’s just the estimated pricing (RM366,888) and confirmation of hybrid power for now. Looking forward to this one?
Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) has released a statement following reports of a Taman Mutiara Gombak 2 resident filing a RM1.3 million lawsuit against MRL, China Communications Construction and the Selayang local council (MPS). The resident, Hishamuddin Jumat, said the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project poses a risk to his safety and home.
MRL said that it has taken note of the media reports and takes every complaint and public concern seriously, stressing that safety is always the priority for the ECRL project. The company will not comment on the case as it has already been brought to the courts, and it respects the court process.
“MRL will continue to give full cooperation to the court and all related authorities. The construction of ECRL continues in line with approvals, technical specifications and the need for regulatory and safety standards set by the authorities,” MRL said in a statement.
“MRL remains committed to complete the ECRL project according to schedule by focusing on safety, quality and public interest, so that this strategic national project can benefit the rakyat and support the development of the country’s economy,” it added.
Looks like the eighth-generation Lexus ES is on its way here, as Lexus Malaysia has posted a teaser on its official social media channels showing the rear end of the new executive sedan, its full-width taillight bar – complete with illuminated Lexus lettering – glowing in the dark.
That rear light signature is unmistakably that of the all-new ES, which made its global debut at Auto Shanghai in April last year. The teaser gives no date, but the messaging suggests a local introduction is imminent.
The eighth-generation ES rides on a “multi-pathway” platform – an evolution of the outgoing car’s TNGA GA-K architecture – engineered to accommodate both hybrid and fully electric powertrains for the first time.
It’s also grown substantially, now measuring 5,140 mm long, 1,920 mm wide and 1,555 mm tall, with a 2,950 mm wheelbase – that’s 165 mm longer, 55 mm wider and 110 mm taller than before, with an 80 mm longer wheelbase.
The design is a clean break from the outgoing XZ10, taking after the LF-ZC concept with a sleek fastback profile, slim twin L-shaped headlamps and, at the back, the full-width light bar seen in the teaser. The EV versions get a smooth, near-blanked-off nose, while the hybrid retains a lower air intake.
On the powertrain front, the ES 350h uses Lexus’ sixth-generation hybrid system built around a 2.5 litre four-cylinder engine, producing a total system output of 244 hp. All-wheel drive is available on the hybrid too.
The battery-electric variants are the ES 350e and ES 500e, both drawing from a 74.7 kWh lithium-ion pack mounted in the floor. The front-wheel drive ES 350e makes 221 hp, while the ES 500e gets dual motors and DIRECT4 all-wheel drive for 338 hp and a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time of 5.1 seconds.
Inside, the minimalist cabin features a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 14-inch central touchscreen running the latest Lexus Interface software, along with the Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 suite of driver assists. Flush electronic door releases and available reclining rear lounge seats with an ottoman round off the package.
Which version is Malaysia getting? That remains to be seen, though the current ES 250 – sold here in Premium, Luxury and F Sport guises priced from RM320,888 to RM371,888 – has always been a petrol-only affair. Right-hand drive production of the new car is ramping up, with the electric ES confirmed for Australia in the third quarter of this year, so the timing lines up.
Whether Lexus Malaysia goes hybrid, EV or both, we’ll find out soon enough – stay tuned.
We’re now in mid-July, which means that you have half a month more to try out the new LRT3 Shah Alam Line for free if you haven’t already went on a jalan-jalan cari makan trip. Launched on June 28 by prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Klang Valley’s third LRT line opened to the public on June 29. Rides are free till July 31.
You’ve read our launch report, now join us for a full end-to-end tour of the LRT3 Shah Alam Line, which has an east-west orientation connecting Klang, Shah Alam, Subang and Petaling Jaya. This alone makes it unique, as the typical train line is from the outskirts into Kuala Lumpur city centre.
The RM16.63 billion line is 37.8-km long, running from Johan Setia in Klang to Bandar Utama in PJ. There are 20 stations in total serving large population centres in Selangor – Prasarana says that two million people live along the route, and it is looking at ridership of 67,000 a day for the first year of operations, rising to 117,708 a day within five years.
How does LRT3 fit into the Rapid Rail network?
Click to enlarge map
The LRT3 stations are Johan Setia, Bandar Bukit Tinggi, Klang Jaya, Seri Andalas, Taman Selatan, Jambatan Kota, Jalan Meru, Pasar Klang, Bandar Baru Klang, Seksyen 7 Shah Alam, UITM Shah Alam, Dato Menteri, Stadium Shah Alam, Kerjaya, Glenmarie 2, Subang, Damansara Idaman, BU 11, Kayu Ara and Bandar Utama.
There are two connecting stations on this line – Glenmarie 2 is linked to the LRT Kelana Jaya Line’s Glenmarie station (covered elevated walkway), while Bandar Utama is a MRT Kajang Line stop. Of course, this is linked to 1 Utama. Both lines head to KL, and the LRT Kelana Jaya Line has many stops in PJ and Subang too.
En route to KL, the MRT Kajang Line serves Pusat Bandar Damansara and Semantan, while the LRT KJ Line passes Midvalley (Abdullah Hukum station), Bangsar South (Kerinchi) and Bangsar. Both have stops have KL Sentral. These are all major business districts with a high concentration of offices, so those who commute from Klang and Shah Alam now have a rail option aside from the KTM Komuter. LRT3 will also greatly benefit the students of UiTM Shah Alam.
The malls and offices of PJ
We started our tour at the Bandar Utama station, which is housed in the 1 Powerhouse building that’s integrated with the M World Hotel (previously called Avante Hotel, not to be confused with One World Hotel).
This terminus has a Park n Ride facility in 1 Powerhouse, which has allocated 500 parking bays for commuters. As always with Park n Ride, make sure you use the same Touch n Go card for both car park and train ride to enjoy the special rate, which is RM4.50 for the MRT and RM4.30 for the LRT3. Parking without riding will incur maximum rates.
Aside from the giant mall that is 1 Utama, the Plaza IBM, KPMG Tower and 1 First Avenue office towers are all within sheltered walking distance. Surely, early BU homeowners never expected their taman to be a transport hub!
The next station is Kayu Ara, which while located in the kampung, is actually of walking distance to both the Damansara Uptown/Starling Mall and Damansara Jaya/Atria commercial areas. The Park n Ride here has 350 bays, but unlike in BU, it’s an open carpark. As a student, I used to live in SS21 just next to where the Kayu Ara station now is – the train is over two decades late!
Clockwise from top: Views from Kayu Ara, BU11 and Damansara Idaman stations
Moving on, the BU11 (Bandar Utama 11) station is just next to the NKVE Damansara toll plaza, and there’s an office tower currently under construction there. Some might confuse this area for ‘Kayu Ara’ but that’s the kampung on the other side of the Sprint Highway.
Of more interest is Damansara Idaman – named after the posh landed homes skirting the NKVE, it serves the adjacent Ara Damansara township, which is now circled by train stations (Ara Damansara and Lembah Subang on the LRT KJL). There’s a jejantas across the highway to the Aman Suria area, so this station covers good ground. There’s even a Park n Ride here with 150 bays.
Not quite Subang, but very useful
The next station is called Subang, which is pretty misleading IMO. It’s actually located opposite the Persada PLUS building at the NKVE Subang toll, where all the Kelana Jaya condos are located. That area is SS7, which was the original name of the station. It might not be very Subang other than the fact that it sits next to the toll exit, but there’s no doubting its usefulness – this is high density area with many apartment blocks behind Paradigm Mall.
At the Glenmarie interchange, you have to tap out to switch LRT lines; there’s a covered walkway
A short distance away is Glenmarie 2, one of two interchange stations on the LRT3 Shah Alam Line. As mentioned, this one is a short walk away from the LRT Kelana Jaya Line’s Glenmarie station, and everyone knows about the popular car park here. Here, you can compare the LRT3’s sharp tanjak-inspired station design against the old rounded look. By the way, changing trains here requires a tap out-tap in as they’re technically two different stations.
From here, the train tracks Glenmarie’s main road, which is Persiaran Kerjaya. You’ll pass all the car showrooms in the Temasya area on your left before the next station, Kerjaya, which is 50m away from our Driven Studios. This light industrial area is known for a couple of things – workshops if you’re a car guy, or food spots if you’re a foodie. The Hicom Glenmarie Industrial Park, Utropolis and University of Wollongong (UOW) Malaysia are in the vicinity.
Modern trains for Shah Alam
The first station in proper Shah Alam is Stadium Shah Alam. If you don’t already know, the landmark stadium that was home to Selangor FC has been demolished, and it’s now a big brown patch that will become a new stadium within a sports complex. Management & Science University (MSU) students are well-served by this station, which is also near Aeon Mall and Giant.
Most of the LRT3 track is elevated, and the sole underground portion is a 2.5-km stretch from Stadium Shah Alam to Persiaran Dato Menteri. Technically, there are two separate tunnels here – one for each direction. Originally, there were plans for an underground station at Persiaran Hishamuddin in Shah Alam, but it was cancelled in 2018 and wasn’t reinstated in July 2024 along with five overground stations. More on this later.
We emerge from the tunnel and arrive at the Dato Menteri station, which serves the Pusat Bandaraya of Shah Alam – SACC, PKNS and UTC are all within walking distance. From the train, there’s a nice view of the iconic Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque in the midst of office blocks if you want to attempt a shot.
After Dato Menteri, the line will align itself with the Federal Highway. As mentioned, UiTM Shah Alam gets its own station and students here can now lepak at so many places without having to own a vehicle. Aeon Mall is two stations away, and there are lots of eateries in the bustling square of Seksyen 7, which is the next station. There’s a big Jakel here and the congestion in this area close to Hari Raya is epic to say the least.
Klang, the biggest beneficiary
Goodbye Shah Alam, hello Klang. At Bandar Baru Klang, we’re observed by a furry fellow perched on the steel frame of the station. Prasarana staff tell us that this beruk is an aggressive one who has attempted attacks on humans before, and asked us to keep our distance. It yawns and swings away, but will be back. BBK station is near KPJ Klang hospital while next station Pasar Klang is where the big wet market is. There are 100 Park n Ride bays here.
The line then tracks the major thoroughfare of Jalan Meru (there’s a Jalan Meru station too) before we reach Jambatan Kota. When we visited the LRT3 project in July 2024, Prasarana hosted transport minister Anthony Loke and the media at this station, but back then it was called Pasar Jawa after a famous bazaar next to the station. But the new name is apt as the station is right beside Klang town’s famous bridge, and there’s another ‘Pasar’ station nearby, which might confuse some.
For tourists (LRT3 has generated plenty of buzz among senior citizens, and our train had many aunty-uncle groups), Jambatan Kota is where you alight for Klang town. Check out Pasar Jawa and the Masjid Bandar Diraja Klang Utara before crossing the bridge for the famous Chong Kok Kopitiam. For the non-halal crowd, the OG ‘by the bridge’ BKT is in the same square – both eateries are near the KTM Komuter station. Slightly further afield, you’ll find Little India.
Johan Setia has a 550-bay Park n Ride carpark, Bandar Bukit Tinggi has 600 bays
Exiting town, the train serves major neighbourhoods in Klang such as Taman Selatan (Southern Park), Seri Andalas, Klang Jaya and Bandar Bukit Tinggi. The Taman Selatan station was originally called Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, and Klang’s GH is located between this and the Seri Andalas station, which has a huge 550-bay Park n Ride facility.
Moving on, Klang Jaya station is next to Lotus’s Bandar Bukit Tinggi while the Bandar Bukit Tinggi station is where Aeon Bukit Tinggi is, so don’t get confused. The Bandar Botanik township and GM Klang is just across the road from here, so while waiting for the reinstated station to be built, everyone here can use BBT, which has 600 Park n Ride bays, by the way.
Or they can head to the nearby Johan Setia terminus, which has another 550 parking lots. From a non-resident’s point of view, it does seem like Klang has no shortage of LRT3 stations, and all major neighbourhoods are catered for without the route having to detour too much (sorry, Setia Alam). By the way, the government is planning transit-oriented development (TOD) projects on these vast Park n Ride facilities, to better utilise the land. It will be affordable housing plus commercial elements – full story here.
The five reinstated stations
Click to enlarge map
In 2018, the Tropicana (previously called Lien Hoe after an office block), Temasya, Persiaran Hishamuddin, Raja Muda (previously called Sirim), Bukit Raja and Bandar Botanik stations were cancelled to slash costs. In July 2024, the cabinet agreed to reinstate the five overground stations (minus the underground Persiaran Hishamuddin), and work is slated to start at the end of this year.
Interestingly, they will be constructing the five reinstated stations while the line is operating, which adds to the complexity. Anyway, the budget for this is RM4.7 billion, which includes the purchase of seven extra train sets, additional support systems and the expansion of the Johan Setia depot. Another RM600 million has been allocated for the purchase of 150 electric buses and two bus depots.
Are all of the returning stations really necessary? Bandar Botanik is a stone’s throw away from Bandar Bukit Tinggi and Johan Setia is nearby too – both have huge Park n Ride facilities. Similarly, the affluent Tropicana has Damansara Idaman just outside its border, and the MRT Kajang Line’s Surian station is just a short drive away. There are some office blocks surrounding the proposed location, though.
It looks like Shah Alam’s most populous areas are well-served by the line, so perhaps chalking off the sole underground station – which is much costlier to build than an overground one – is the right move.
Nice new trains
The LRT3 Shah Alam Line currently has 22 three-car train sets made by CRRC Zhuzhou in China. The maximum operating speed is 80 km/h and maximum capacity is 624 passengers. An end-to-end ride will take around 70 minutes (more than half a day for us with all the filming) and the frequency is eight minutes for peak hours and 10-15 minutes non-peak.
Compared to its predecessors, LRT3 trains offer a smoother and more comfortable ride, as you’d expect from a newer model. Personally, I like to peer out of windows to see where the train is passing, and those on the LRT3 trains are sizeable enough (MRT Kajang Line is still the best with its long door windows), while the overall feel is bright and airy. Our return trip to BU was in a relatively empty train and it was freezing, so pack a jacket, night riders.
There are some green features (not literally, the trains have a purple cabin theme) for the LRT3 trains, including inverter air con systems and a smart control system for the AC that adjusts according to temperature and load. The train also uses LED lighting and its design (big windows) maximises natural lighting – all these work together to for improved energy efficiency.
Interestingly, there’s also a regenerative braking system that recuperates energy that will otherwise be wasted, just like in cars. The DC power is converted to AC before being fed back into the 33kV network to power the track and station. Speaking of stations, they are equipped with auto-start escalators (doesn’t move when not needed) and rainwater harvesting for toilet use.
Most of the stations are breezy and well-ventilated, partly because of an army of household-style wall fans on the platforms. Compared to industrial-style fans, they might look a bit simple and even odd, but they certainly do the job at a low cost. My home station is on the MRT Kajang Line, born before the era of austerity, so the lines that came after it (MRT Putrajaya Line is the biggest contrast) appear less fancy in design and fittings. They’re functional though, and that’s all that matters.
Substantial savings for daily commuting
Click to enlarge fare table
If you don’t want to drive to the station and take up one of the 2,300 available Park n Ride bays, the usual feeder bus and Rapid On-Demand vans are available for first- and last mile connection from all stations. As with everything else, you can’t possibly please everyone with stops at every street, but the Rapid On-Demand vans have massively increased reach in the past couple of years. Compared to e-hailing, it’s affordable too at RM2 per ride.
Note that Rapid On-Demand vans are not covered by the My50 monthly travel pass, which gives you unlimited rides on all Rapid trains and feeder buses for just RM50 a month. Even if you factor in an extra RM4 a day for the ROD rides or Park n Ride (RM20 a week, RM80 a month), it comes up to RM130 a month, which is probably the price of season parking in KL’s commercial areas.
We’re looking at substantial savings for Klang and Shah Alam folks here, and that’s before taking into account the costs of the Federal Highway gridlock (masa itu emas, they say) or the NKVE’s jam + toll (is Kesas better?). So, have you tried the LRT3 Shah Alam Line for your daily commute? Does the route ‘fall nicely’ for you? Watch our video below and if you’re already a regular, share your experience.
GALLERY: LRT3 Shah Alam Line
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GALLERY: LRT3 Shah Alam Line, Johan Setia station
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GALLERY: LRT3 Shah Alam Line, Jambatan Kota station and train
Rapid KL has issued a response to a video shared on TikTok by a user named prince_ahaks, in which it showed a minor explosion incident on track that occurred when the user was riding on the LRT3 Shah Alam Line last week, sparking public concern about the safety level of the newly-introduced rail service.
According to the rail operator, investigations into the incident – which involved a train at Shah Alam Stadium station at 7.05 pm on July 4 – were caused by a technical issue with one of the train components, which came into contact with a power conductor, resulting in the sound of a minor explosion and sparks.
In a statement, the company said that following the incident, the train was immediately removed from service. All passengers were disembarked at the next station and continued their journey using another train. No injuries were reported, while service operations on the Shah Alam Line continued as usual.
“The train was then taken to the depot for a detailed inspection. The train components that experienced the technical issue have been replaced and the train has been allowed to resume operations after undergoing inspection and being certified safe for service,” Rapid KL said.
The rail operator said it always prioritises passenger safety and views incidents involving service operations seriously. “Inspections and monitoring of other trains are also being carried out as a preventive measure. Passengers are advised to refer to Rapid KL’s social media pages or the MyRapid PULSE travel application for the latest status of Shah Alam Line services,” it said.
Transport minister Anthony Loke said under the proposed amendments, the court would be empowered to order offenders convicted of serious offences under the act to pay compensation to victims or their next of kin based on the facts and merits of each case. Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, he said among the factors to be considered are the severity of the injuries or loss of life, the losses suffered and the offender’s ability to pay, Bernama reports.
“This reflects the government’s commitment that drivers who cause deaths through dangerous driving and illegal racing will not be treated as ordinary traffic offenders. Instead, they will face the heaviest legal action commensurate with the circumstances of the case,” he said in response to a question from Datuk Yusuf Abd Wahab (GPS-Tanjong Manis).
Mention of this was made last month during the special media briefing by the ministry outlining the changes that were set to be introduced with the amendments. Back then, Loke had indicated that there would be two transfers to the act this year, the first being that which was introduced.
“Another amendment that we want to include, but didn’t have time for this parliamentary session, is regarding compensation to accident victims, whether it’s caused by drink driving, while under the influence of drugs, or speeding.”
“I think there’s a lot polemic or talk in the community about justice for victims, and we see that there is precedence in our law that there is indeed a space or a legal provision in other acts that provides compensation to victims, so we want to include this in Act 333 as well. We didn’t have time for it this round, but we will bring it about at the end of the year parliamentary session,” he said in June.
iCaur Malaysia has released a teaser depicting the V23, stating that “a new local player is arriving”. The V23 electric SUV is already on sale in Malaysia, having been launched last November.
This indicates the arrival of the locally assembled (CKD) version of the V23, which first emerged on the Malaysian market as a fully imported (CBU) model. This will join the iCaur 03 CKD that was launched in May this year, also in two variants of the 2WD and iWD (all-wheel-drive) variety.
As its stablemate the 03 transitioned from CBU (fully imported) to CKD (locally assembled) form with identical specifications, there is a chance that the same could be true of the upcoming, locally assembled V23 as well. The V23 was launched in two variants, featuring the single-motor 2WD at RM119,800, and the dual-motor iWD (all-wheel-drive) at RM132,800; both figures are OTR without insurance.
2026 iCaur V23 2WD
The V23 2WD packs a single 136 PS/180 Nm rear-mounted motor that propels the vehicle from 0-100 km/h in 11 seconds, and on to a top speed of 140 km/h. Energy is stored in a 59.93 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that offers 360 km of range on the NEDC cycle, or around 306 km on the WLTP standard. This is rated for DC charging at up to 85 kW, and AC charging at up to 6.6 kW.
The second variant is the V23 iWD, which adds a 75 PS/112 Nm front motor to the same 136 PS/180 Nm rear motor for a combined 211 PS and 292 Nm, enabling a 0-100 km/h time of 7.5 seconds and the same 140 km/h top speed.
This gets a larger, 81.76 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery offering 430 km of range (NEDC), or around 366 km on the WLTP standard. The iWD takes up to 104 kW of DC charging, and the same 6.6 kW of AC charging.
For reference to the CBU version launched in November, standard kit on the 2WD includes 19-inch wheels, five drive modes, LED headlamps with auto high beam, side steps, faux leather seat upholstery, powered and ventilated front seats, keyless entry and start, NFC smart key, seven speakers as well as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. The iWD variant steps up to 21-inch wheels, and six drive modes.
Safety equipment on the V23 includes six airbags, a 540-degree around view monitor, driving recorder, ESC, vehicle dynamic control, hill descent control, hill hold control, ABS, electronic parking brake with auto hold, brake assist, EBD, traction control and tyre pressure monitoring system.
Meanwhile for ADAS, the V23 received AEB, ACC, blind spot detection, door opening warning, driver attention alert, front collision warning, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, lane change warning, rear collision warning, rear cross traffic alert and traffic jam assist.
GALLERY: 2026 iCaur V23 iWD
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GALLERY: 2026 iCaur V23 2WD
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GALLERY: 2026 iCaur V23 iWD on an off-roading course
Australia has finally welcomed the Geely EX2, which we know here as the Proton eMas 5. At launch, two variants of the EX2 are offered down under, including the Complete priced at AUD26,490 (about RM75k) and Inspire at AUD30,990 (RM88k) before on-the-road costs.
Across the range, the EX2 comes with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack powering a rear-mounted electric motor. In the Complete, the battery has an energy capacity of 35.35 kWh for up to 252 km of range following the WLTP standard, while its electric motor is rated at 82 PS (80 hp or 60 kW) and 150 Nm of torque.
Meanwhile, the Inspire maintains the same peak torque but power is increased to 116 PS (114 hp or 85 kW). The top-spec variant also comes with a larger 47.14-kWh battery for up to 345 km of range. This figure mirrors that in China where the EX2 (known there as the Xingyuan) got an update in May this year with the bigger battery, although the capacity bump for the smaller battery appears to be exclusive to export markets. Both represent a marked improvement over our eMas 5.
For context, the eMas 5 in its base Prime guise gets a 30.12-kWh LFP battery, 225 km of range and its rear electric motor makes 79 PS (78 hp or 58 kW) and 130 Nm. Above that, the Premium offers the same outputs as the Inspire but has a 40.16-kWh battery for less range at 325 km. Should the eMas 5 receive an update in the future, the updated EX2’s figures are likely what we will get.
Getting back to the Australia-spec EX2, AC charging is capped at 6.6 kW (same as our eMas 5) and both variants come with a vehicle-to-load (V2L) output of 3.3 kW. DC fast charging peaks at 60 kW for the Complete, while it is 80 kW for the Inspire, which are improvements over our Prime’s 53 kW and Premium’s 71 kW.
In terms of performance, Geely has finally listed a 0-100 km/h time for the EX2, which is 14.2 seconds for the Complete and 11.5 seconds for the Inspire – top speed for both is 130 km/h. This is different from here, where Proton only provides a 0-50 km/h time – presumably more relevant for city driving – of 4.3 seconds (Prime) and 5.9 seconds (Premium), with no top speed listed in its brochure.
The EX2 arrives in its latest 2026 guise already teased in the UK, now with a active grille shutter, a new 16-inch turbine-style alloy wheel option and a mildly re-profiled rear bumper. Inside, there’s a steering column-mounted gear selector, revised centre console switchgear, redesigned dashboard decor and uprated map lights from the larger EX5 (i.e. the Proton eMas 7).
Australian models get the same retuned chassis as those in Europe, honed in Germany in collaboration with Geely Technology Europe (formerly the Lotus Tech Innovation Centre, which developed the Lotus Eletre and Emeya). The cars are shod with Yokohama tyres instead of the Linglong Comfort Master rubber found in other markets such as Malaysia.
Standard equipment for the Complete include 16-inch steel wheels (with 205/60 profile tyres), automatic LED headlamps with high beam assist, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, keyless entry and start, powered front seats, leatherette upholstery, automatic air-conditioning (with rear vents), an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.6-inch central infotainment touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, four speakers and connected services (available from August 2026).
The Inspire improves upon the base variant by having the aforementioned alloys, a powered tailgate, exterior decorative metallic accents, a black roof, rain-sensing wipers, a heated steering wheel, 256-colour ambient lighting, heated front seats, a 15-watt wireless charging pad and six speakers.
All EX2 variants get active safety systems like hill descent control, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign information, door open warning, blind spot monitoring, emergency lane keep assist, evasive manoeuvre assist, occupant detection alert and driver fatigue alert, lane keep assist, auto lane change assist, front and rear collision warning as well as front and rear cross traffic alert with auto brake for the latter.
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2026 Geely EX2 Australian spec sheet
These are in addition to seven airbags and the usual array of passive systems (EBD, ABS, ESC, traction control) that come as standard, with the Inspire having the advantage of a surround view monitor as opposed to the Complete’s basic rear-view camera. Compared to the current eMas 5, the Australian-spec EX2’s safety specifications are higher, with things like a a front centre airbag, auto brake for the rear cross traffic alert, lane change assist and rear collision warning being some of the improvements.
Customers will have to pay more for a Star Silver, Comet Grey, Nebula Beige, Aurora Green or Nova Pink exterior finish, as Moon White is the default colour on the EX2. As for the interior, upholstery is in Horizon Grey by default, with the Inspire being the only one offered with a Skyline White theme as a no-cost option.
JPJ has announced JB-J as the next number plate series to go up for bidding on its online auction platform, JPJ eBid.
Yes, Johor’s latest running number series is ‘JB-J’, and it will open for tender tomorrow, July 15. The bidding period on JPJeBid is five days, ending 10pm on July 19. As usual, the results will be out the following day. The whole process is online now, as it has been for some time, and bidders will get the good (or bad) news via email.
Doesn’t look familiar? This is a fresh series for Johor’s number plates after the normal arrangement ended with JYY. JPJ decided to go with J-J (eg. J 1234 J), followed by JA-J (eg. JA 1234 J) and now we have JB-J (eg. JB 1234 J). Next up will be JC-J (eg. JC 1234 J). For reasons unknown, J-J and JA-J were not publicised.
Like the look of this new arrangement? WP Kuala Lumpur plates had a similar look before JPJ selected the current V heading. But KL’s sequence was different, starting with W-A to W-Y, and proceeding to WA-A to WA-Y, WB-A to WB-Y and so on. It probably ended at WD before the shift to V.
New car coming soon and want a nice number plate for the new ride? Why not DIY and skip the reseller’s markup and runner fees? If you have never bid for a number yourself, check out our step-by-step guide on how to navigate JPJ eBid and the techniques needed to get your preferred number at “retail price”.
Malaysian prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has said that fuel prices in Malaysia are now lower than those in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, reported New Straits Times.
Anwar said that the price of fuel in Saudi Arabia stood at 50 sen per litre when he called for fuel price reductions before becoming prime minister, and that RON 95 petrol in Malaysia now stands at RM1.99 per litre (through the Budi Madani RON 95 (Budi95) petrol subsidy programme), whereas the price of petrol in Saudi Arabia has since risen to over RM2.40 per litre, he said.
The statement by Anwar was in response to Hulu Terengganu member of parliament Rosol Wahid, who recalled Anwar’s remarks criticising then-prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak regarding fuel prices.
“The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a major oil and gas producer, also raised its fuel prices two months ago. So these are the economic realities that have changed. If it is said that my earlier promise was that fuel prices must be lower than Saudi Arabia’s, that promise has been fulfilled,” the prime minister said.
Earlier this month, Anwar said that the Malaysian government’s spending on fuel subsidies will approach RM40 billion this year, or more than double the RM15 billion that has been allocated under Budget 2026. The increase in subsidy allocation had allowed the government to continue offering RON 95 petrol at the present subsidised rate of RM1.99 per litre, the prime minister said.
Having indicated that it could cut its model line-up by up to half, decrease the number of options offered by up to 75% and reduce production capacity from 10 to nine million vehicles a year, the Volkswagen Group has now confirmed it is now looking to cut up to 100,000 jobs, which is twice that as previously stated.
Previously, the group, which includes the Porsche, Audi, Seat and Skoda brands as well as its Volkswagen mainstay, had indicated it would axe some 50,000 posts in Germany by 2030. Now, in a widely-reported memo sent to staff that was sighted by Reuters, Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume said that calculations showed that the group’s costs were 20% higher compared to rival businesses, and so it would need to reduce its spend even further.
This, he said, would mean a ‘theoretical deduction’ of another 50,000 jobs worldwide. “We are currently assessing across all brands, companies and regions how many adjustments are actually necessary and feasible. We need to become more efficient, more robust and simpler. We must reduce our costs,” he said in the memo.
The company had previously declined to comment on reports that it was considering up to 100,000 job cuts, but now has. The memo follows on angry calls from workers for management to explain the company’s restructuring plans that Blume had presented to the company’s supervisory board. Sources told the news agency that labour representatives on the committee blocked the proposals, which were understood to include job cuts and the possible closure of four factories.
In the memo, Blume said the company had been unable to present alternative uses for four factories in Germany which have previously been threatened with closure. “As of today, we still cannot confirm competitive use cases for the plants of Emden, Hanover, Zwickau and Neckarsulm in the 2030s,” he stated in the memo. Two of the plants, in Zwickau and Emden, are used for electric car production, but, like Hanover and Neckarsulm, they are seen as expensive to run, as news reports indicate.
The automaker has suffered a steep decline in profits over the past few years. In 2023, it made an operating profit of €22.6bn ($25.8bn, £19.3bn), but this fell to €19.1bn in 2024 and then to €8.9bn last year. The drop in profits is the result of stiff competition from Chinese carmakers and falling sales in key markets, including China, where sales for the first six months of the year were 26% lower compared to 2025. In the United States, sales have also dropped by seven percent.
While the number of job cuts sounds drastic, some industry analysts have suggested to Agence France Presse that the automaker had deliberately publicised a 100,000 figure as a negotiating tactic, and that the final number of layoffs is likely to be lower.
The Leapmotor C10 is now a locally-assembled (CKD) electric vehicle (EV) in Malaysia, so here’s a gallery of the 2026 model year SUV that rolls off the line at Stellantis’ plant in Gurun, Kedah.
Priced at RM129,000, the CKD MY2026 C10 is RM4,000 more than the previous fully-imported (CBU) version, which, in MY2025 guise, retailed for RM125,000 (itself a promo price, down from its original RRP of RM159,880). We should point out that the CKD C10 is priced the same as the fully-imported (CBU) C10 Plus, although limited MY2025 units of the latter are available.
In terms of specifications, the CKD C10 is identical to the CBU version that received an update in June 2025. As such, it comes with the same upgraded onboard AC charger capable of handling up to 11 kW instead of 6.6 kW, which sees a 30-80% state of charge (SoC) be achieved in 3.9 hours rather than six. DC fast charging stays the same at a peak of 84 kW, with a 30-80% SoC needing 30 minutes.
The C10 features a 400-volt electrical architecture and 69.9-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack delivering up to 424 km of range following the WLTP standard. This powers a rear-mounted electric motor rated at 218 PS (215 hp or 160 kW) and 320 Nm of torque to enable a 0-100 km/h time of 7.5 seconds and top speed of 170 km/h.
If you’re curious what the C10 Plus packs, it gets an 81.9-kWh LFP battery for more range at 510 km WLTP. The C10 Plus is also built on an 800-volt electrical architecture that enables a higher DC charging rate of 180 kW, which gets the battery from a 30-80% SoC in 22 minutes. AC charging stays the same at 11 kW, with a 30-80% SoC requiring 4.5 hours.
In addition to the higher-voltage electrical system and larger LFP battery, the C10 Plus’ rear electric motor serves up more power at 299 PS (295 hp or 220 kW) and 360 Nm. The added grunt slashes the century sprint time down to 6.19 seconds, while the top speed increases to 190 km/h.
Standard equipment for the C10 include LED headlamps with automatic high beam, LED daytime running lights, 20-inch ‘Trident’ aluminium wheels (with 245/45 profile tyres), a panoramic sunroof with electric sunshade, a powered tailgate, dual-zone climate control (with rear vents), Oeko-Tex silicone textile upholstery, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.6-inch 2.5K central infotainment touchscreen, a wireless charging pad, NFC key card access an a 12-speaker, 840-watt sound system.
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As per last year’s update for the CBU version, the CKD model also gets a tyre pressure monitoring system and a motorised tyre inflator kit, while the boot gains a tonneau cover for some privacy. Cargo space continues to be 435 litres, expandable to 1,410 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear bench seat down – there’s also a frunk with 32 litres of space.
The C10’s safety and driver assistance kit remain untouched in CKD form, with seven airbags, hill descent control, hill start assist, auto vehicle hold, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, lane centring control, front collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, door opening warning, emergency lane keeping, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, rear collision warning, rear cross traffic alert with braking assist, speed assist and drive monitoring.
One revision for the CKD model involves colour options. The CBU hues care carried over, so Lightning White, Canopy Grey and Tundra Grey continue to be paired with a black interior, while Glazed Green is with a Camel Brown cabin. New here is Violet, which comes with a black interior. As before, the C10 comes with a six-year/150,000-km vehicle warranty, while the battery pack is covered for eight years or 160,000 km (whichever comes first).
A number of Porsche models could become casualties of planned cost-cutting by the Volkswagen Group, including the next-generation successors to the Taycan and petrol-powered 718 models, reported Road & Track.
While the Volkswagen Group has managed to reduce factory-related costs by an average of 20%, further reduction of costs is a main goal for increasing profitability, Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume told German publication Bild. “Our products are very popular; we just don’t make enough money from them. That is why we have to cut costs further, across the board,” he said.
Going the ICE route would require significant re-engineering as the PPE platform of the electric models use their battery packs as a stressed, load-bearing part of the structure, and these battery packs would be absent in ICE models.
The 911 is also being considered for a reduction in the number of variants offered, according to the report. “In the future, we want to increase sales volume per model. To achieve this, we are systematically streamlining our product portfolio,” Blume told Bild.
The Sultan of Selangor today said the LRT3 Shah Alam Line should have been completed according to its original schedule, although he believed there was “wisdom” behind the delay of the rail project.
His remarks were made in a statement issued by the Selangor Royal Office after His Royal Highness travelled on the line, which opened to the public on June 29, from Bandar Utama station in Petaling Jaya to Johan Setia station in Klang, the Malay Mail reports.
“It would have been preferable if the LRT3 line had been completed according to its original schedule, as I view the rail service as an essential public transport facility for the convenience of the people,” Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said. Accompanying His Royal Highness on the train ride were the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, and Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah.
His Royal Highness was grateful the long-awaited rail line had finally become a reality, describing it as a project that would improve the quality of life, ease traffic congestion and provide a more efficient, comfortable and sustainable public transport system. “I believe there was wisdom behind the delay.”
Sultan Sharafuddin also thanked Prasarana Malaysia, MRCB and everyone involved in delivering the project, noting that more than 13,000 people contributed to its construction over 10 years and nine months. “While the stations, tracks and trains are the visible outcome of the project, its true success reflects the dedication, professionalism and commitment of more than 13,000 individuals who devoted their time and expertise throughout its construction.”
Praising the patience of Selangor residents throughout the project’s construction, he said he looked forward to the completion of the five previously deferred stations — Tropicana, Temasya, Raja Muda, Bukit Raja and Bandar Botanik, and called on the public to make full use of the service to encourage wider public transport use.
