As revealed previously, the old guard comprised of Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond are succeeded by James Engelsman and Thomas Holland of Throttle House, and trainspotter Francis Bourgeois.
This succeeds ‘One for the Road‘, which was the sole episode of series six that aired on September 13, 2024. Series seven of The Grand Tour will be comprised of six episodes, in which the show’s three new hosts take on adventures in a fashion that has become a signature of the show’s type.
Among these are exotic machinery tested, road trips, and Malaysia is featured in this series as well. Comedy is a common thread throughout, of course. For fans of the previous trio, it bodes well that the new cast has the endorsement of Clarkson. Excited?
Having lived in relative anonymity for over a decade, Hyundai’s premium offshoot Genesis is pulling out all the stops to establish itself as a serious competitor. It has already made its mark in the racing world with its fledgling Magma endurance racing programme and entered the performance EV market with the GV60 Magma.
Now, it’s trying to conquer the other end of the market with a new, ultra-luxurious flagship, the GV90. Previewed by the Neolun Concept in 2024, it’s a very different take on the full-sized SUV and will take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW X7 and the new Audi Q9, as well as more rarified models like the Bentley Bentayga and even the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
To do so, the GV90 will be offered in standard and Neolun (i.e. “new moon”) variants, the latter offering heightened appointments and a veritable party piece that we’ll get to later. Unlike all the aforementioned competitors, however, the Korean upstart is fully electric, which means it’s really a rival for the forthcoming Bentley Torcal.
Road presence is a very important factor in this market, the better for intimidating the proletariat into getting out of your way. Genesis has sought to do that not with a massive look-at-me grille, but with a sleek design and restrained detailing – inspired by Korea’s white porcelain moon jars – that almost seems to emphasise the GV90’s sheer size.
At the front, Genesis’ signature Two-Line light graphic diverges towards the centre to form a triangle in lieu of an open grille, forming the first production application of the Wing Face. The company managed to squeeze the jewel-like Micro Lens Array (MLA) headlights into the slim apertures through a laser engraving process. A large bumper aperture with a three-dimensional, dual-layered G-matrix patterned chrome grille provides a hint of menace.
The rear end, meanwhile, is rather round and almost entirely devoid of additional ornamentation, not even a rear spoiler (although a wiper is thankfully included). Instead, you get flush Two-Line taillights, an engraved Genesis script and tasteful chrome fillets. The subtly accented wheel arches house rollers that measure either 22 or a massive 24 inches.
But it’s at the side where the Neolun distances itself from the rest of the herd. Whereas the standard model comes with conventional doors, this car comes with suicide doors (powered, of course) with integrated B-pillars, making these the first to be individually openable front or rear (no, the Zeekr Mix‘s quad sliding doors don’t count).
To afford the GV90 such airy, unimpeded access to the cabin, Genesis has had to reengineer the extruded and cast aluminium structure to more rigidly lock the doors to the body, as well as incorporating dual high-strength steel beams and a robust roll cage. The latter utilises high-strength steel tubes and structural foam in a frame 1.5 times thicker than a conventional car, all to improve crash safety.
Further aiding entry and egress are dual-motion hinges that push the rear doors slightly rearward before opening them wider. You’ll be able to spot a Neolun through the anodised aluminium B-pillars in place of the usual black flush glazing.
Make no mistake, the GV90 is properly vast. Measuring 5,285 mm long, 2,030 mm wide and 1,815 mm tall, it’s longer than the GLS, the X7 and even the Bentayga, although those cars are fairly long (pun not intended) in the tooth. It is, however, shorter than the Q9 and the Cullinan, although its 3,245 mm wheelbase knocks all but the Roller into a cocked hat.
The generous dimensions provide ample space for up to seven people, and here is where the Neolun completes its transformation – when parked, its front seats can be rotated 180 degrees to face the rear seats (yes, just like that Mix), creating a lounge of sorts.
As you can imagine, the interior is exceedingly plush, with a layered dashboard that allows for interesting colour combinations and hides indirect ambient lighting, while the almost flat door panels seem to provide extra space for occupants. The placement of the seats, centre console and the almost TV-like infotainment touchscreen are said to be inspired by luxury furniture, and buyers can specify wood, stone or even cashmere decor.
Speaking of the touchscreen, it’s a massive 23.6-inch OLED panel that runs on the Hyundai group’s Android Automotive-based Pleos Connect operating system – and that’s when you’re driving. Park up, press a button and it extends by 90 mm to a 24.6-inch display for you to watch all the content you want to your heart’s, well, content. Taking the place of the usual instrument display is a 25-inch head-up display.
The technology on board also includes generative AI-assisted Gleo AI voice control, as well as a 25-speaker Bang & Olufsen Premier 3D surround sound system with tweeters that rise from the dashboard. Unfortunately, it appears that you are paying more for fewer physical controls, with those for the air con and even the vents themselves moving to the screen. However, the centre knob – with a display that doubles as an analogue clock – does allow you to adjust media, temperature and airflow settings.
Elsewhere, every seat features 15-point massage and a pulse vibration feature, and for the ultimate in luxury, the GV90 Neolun is also offered in four-seater Executive Suite trim. This adds semi-aniline leather seats and a tower rear centre console with a built-in fridge and fold-out tables, while a rear partition blocks off noise and intrusion from the boot. There’s also an electrochromic panoramic glass roof that can be frosted in sections.
The GV90 is the first Hyundai group model not to come with a start button, and once the doors close, the (rather odd-looking) steering column-mounted gear selector moves from the 12 o’ clock to the 2 o’ clock position, with the crystal sphere on the centre console also rotating to reveal an integrated controller. The car starts by pressing the brake pedal, just like on a Tesla.
Built not on Hyundai’s e-GMP architecture but on a bespoke Electric Mobility Prime (eMP) platform, the GV90 utilises a relatively modest dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain, albeit with the group’s most powerful motor. The one at the front makes 326 PS (240 kW) and 350 Nm of torque, while the rear churns out 340 PS (250 kW) and 450 Nm, resulting in a sum total of 666 PS (490 kW) and 800 Nm.
The GV90 also uses the group’s biggest battery yet, at 123.5 kWh; even so, its sheer size and weight means it only achieves around 500 km of range during internal R&D testing. It also continues to utilise an 800-volt electrical architecture; frustratingly, Hyundai continues to not quote a specific DC fast charging capacity, only saying that at a 350 kW charger, the car can be topped up from 10 to 80% in 22 minutes.
Helping to give the GV90 respectable road manners are electronic limited-slip differentials at the front and rear, matched with multi-chamber air suspension, adaptive dampers and up to five degrees of rear-wheel steering. Large-capacity brakes with four-piston front callipers haul the car down to a stop, while five-millimetre-thick acoustic glass all around, high-expansion soundproofing foam, reinforced insulation and modified sealing cut out external noise.
Safety-wise, the GV90 comes with no less than 12 (!) airbags, including the world’s first roof airbag that deploys in a rollover to prevent occupants from being ejected out the glass roof. There’s also an airbag built into the seat cushions to prevent submarining, while an in-cabin monitoring system recognises each passenger’s seating posture and adjusts the airbag and seat belt deployment to suit. It will even alert you if you’re not seated properly.
So there you have it, the Genesis GV90, a car aimed at providing the ultimate in Korean excess. What do think – has the brand finally made its mark in the luxury space, and does this thing put it on a par with its Anglo-Saxon counterparts? Let us know in the comments.
At the same time, road users must also be vigilant and extend full cooperation by giving way if there are enforcement vehicles or vehicles moving in an emergency state while carrying out official duties, he said.
“When at traffic lights, drivers of government vehicles equipped with such devices must ensure that other road users are in a safe condition first before proceeding with their journey,” he told a press conference yesterday.
Additionally, any road user approaching, obstructing the duties of, or tailgating an escorting enforcement team vehicle operating in emergency mode is committing an offence under Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing a public servant in the discharge of their public functions.
Tokyo Auto Salon Malaysia (TAS Malaysia) is the new name for the event formerly known as Tokyo Auto Salon KL (TAS KL), the latter ending after a three-year run from 2023 to 2025 after Element X Strategies announced earlier in June that it would not renew its license for the event.
In an official release, San-Ei, the owner the Tokyo Auto Salon, said TAS Malaysia will take place across three days from October 2 to 4 this year. Details are scarce for now but the company says the event will move to a new venue and expand in scale, which means visitors won’t be heading over to Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) as with TAS KL.
Additionally, it was noted that the event will “evolve into a festival where people can not only see cars but also experience them, with a vast outdoor area for demonstrations and live events complementing the indoor exhibits. The latter will continue to include the latest concept cars joined by new product announcements by aftermarket companies as well as activities.
Details such as the event venue, ticket pricing, list of exhibitors and special guests in attendance will be announced in due course. At present applications for exhibitors and vehicle displays from Japan are currently being accepted.
“The Tokyo Auto Salon is more than just a car exhibition. It is a festival that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, innovation and community. We are delighted to be able to hold it in Malaysia with an even larger and more dynamic experience than ever before, reflecting the remarkable growth of automotive culture throughout the region,” said Junichi Fukui, director-general of the Tokyo Auto Salon Federation.
“The evolution of TAS Malaysia is more than just a name change. This marks the beginning of a new era for this event. The transition from Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo Auto Salon Malaysia reflects our vision to build a true automotive festival with international influence. Our goal is to create an event that represents Malaysia on the global automotive stage, while remaining true to the traditions and standards of the Tokyo Auto Salon,” added the TAS Malaysia organising committee.
Puspakom has announced that it will be holding a two-day GiCheck Auto Weekend 2026 event this September 5 and 6 at Aeon Bukit Tinggi, Klang. The two-day Merdeka-themed initiative is set to bring together vehicle safety education, roadworthiness awareness and family-friendly experiences in a more engaging manner, in one convenient location.
The GiCheck Auto Weekend will be held at the outdoor car park area near the mall and Bandar Bukit Tinggi LRT station. Operating hours on both days are from 10am to 10pm, while vehicle inspection activities available on site will run until 6pm.
The vehicle inspection provider said that the event aims to educate motorists to recognise potential issues early, understand the importance of roadworthy vehicles and adopt safer driving habits through hands-on demonstrations, educational activities and real-world automotive experiences.
The company added that it would also provide the opportunity for it to connect more closely with the public and various stakeholders. Besides interactive safety demonstrations and family-friendly activities, visitors will be able to explore a pre-loved car marketplace, discover automotive innovations and bring eligible vehicles for inspection available through its mobile truck service (MTS).
It added that further details on the full programme, participating partners, lucky draw prizes and special announcements will be revealed in the coming weeks.
JPJ has announced that JF-J and VRM are the next number plate series to go up for bidding on its online auction platform, JPJ eBid.
Johor’s latest running number series is ‘JF-J’, and it will open for tender on August 27. The bidding period on JPJeBid is five days, ending 10pm on August 31. 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.
Also available on JPJ eBid is the Kelantan series ‘DFS’. The bidding period starts on August 26, and will close at 10pm on August 30. Results will be out the day after the auction closes.
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”.
Originally scheduled for completion in 2030 under its four-year construction contract, AFA Prime assured that the highway widening works could be completed by 2029, the works minister said.
The project is fully funded by AFA Prime, and involves the widening of a 45.3 km stretch of the KL-Karak highway between Gombak and Bentong, along with the construction of a 999 metre-long third tunnel at Genting Sempah, according to the report.
Traffic on the KL-Karak Highway has increased significantly, from around 41,000 vehicles daily in 1997 to more than 135,000 vehicles daily in the present day, the Malaysian Highay Authority (LLM) stated.
“That is very encouraging because it means the project will be completed ahead of time. This is not simply about building a bigger tunnel. It is about closing the gap between east and west, between potential and opportunity, and between what exists and what the people on the East Coast deserve,” Nanta said.
The highway would be widened from three to four lanes between Gombak and Genting Sempah, while the stretch between Genting Sempah and Bentong would be widened from two to three lanes.
The new tunnel will be constructed using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), which is more suited to the physical conditions of the site, Nanta said.
In terms of toll fare, Nanta said there would be no immediate increase following the completion of the project. “It’s not immediate. There will be an increase later, but we do not know when yet. The terms are provided for in the contract, but there will be no increase in the next two or three years,” the works minister said.
Bermaz Xpeng has announced a recall campaign for the Xpeng X9 for a potential issue involving the electric MPV’s front air springs. According to the company, this follows a similar recall made in China for certain X9 vehicles produced before August 11, 2025.
A Reuters report from July this year provides more information on the Xpeng recall, which involves 33,473 X9 vehicles made between August 8, 2023 and August 11, 2025. Affected units are said to have front air springs with reduced airtightness that could cause a gradual air leak with extended use in hot and humid conditions. This can trigger malfunction alerts or, in extreme cases, affect vehicle handling, Xpeng said in a statement.
In Malaysia, vehicles confirmed to be affected will have their front air suspension assembly completely replaced. This will be done at no charge to owners, and the replaced front air suspension system will have its warranty coverage extended to eight years or 160,000 km (whichever comes first), commencing from the vehicle’s registration date – this is transferable to the next owner.
Bermaz Xpeng said in its release that is coordinating closely with regional partners and relevant authorities to ensure that parts supply, technical procedures and service capacity are ready for the recall. The company also notes that vehicles from other production batches are not affected – meaning the facelifted model isn’t involved – but it did not state just how many older X9 vehicles are involved in the recall.
Customers may contact the Xpeng Malaysia customer service hotline at +603 7627 3883 for enquiries, and those with affected units may schedule an appointment with an authorised service centre through the Xpeng mobile app.
Those who take the Causeway Link bus between Singapore and Johor Bahru, take note. Drivers of the yellow smiley buses will no longer accept cash payments at Newton and Queen Street in Singapore from today, August 20.
It’s fully cashless payments from now, and passengers can pay by tapping their Visa and Mastercard cards, or Singapore’s EZ‑Link card. One can also opt to pay via ManjaLink or the Lugo app, or purchase a single journey e-ticket.
For those who insist on paying with cash, you can technically still do so by purchasing your ticket before boarding the bus. At Queen Street, buy the ticket from a ManjaLink kiosk. At Newton, purchase a ManjaLink card from the ground staff.
Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) will launch a new Honda Racing School & Scholarship programme in 2027, aimed at developing young motorcycle racers capable of climbing the international racing ladder towards MotoGP. The overseas, race-based programme will focus primarily on competition in Europe, giving riders international racing experience from a young age while helping them develop the skills required to compete at the highest level.
Under the new programme, HRC will establish a scholarship scheme covering part of the costs of competition. This is intended to make international-level racing more accessible to promising young riders and allow them to compete at a global standard earlier in their careers.
The move comes as the pathway to MotoGP continues to change, with young riders increasingly expected to gain international experience and results early on. Under the new programme, HRC will be covering part of the costs of competing in Moto4 and Moto3 Junior.
The modern route typically begins with Moto4, an entry-level category that includes the Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup for riders aged 14 and above. Successful riders can then progress to the FIM Moto3 Junior World Championship before moving into the Moto3 and Moto2 classes of the FIM Grand Prix World Championship, ultimately targeting MotoGP.
The Honda Racing School & Scholarship will become a central part of HRC’s rider development programme, building on Honda’s existing efforts in Japan and Asia. HRC president Koji Watanabe said the changing international racing environment has made early overseas experience increasingly important for riders targeting MotoGP and other premier categories.
Honda Racing School Suzuka (HRS), which operates the Moto class in Japan, has been developing young riders since 1992, initially established as Suzuka Circuit Racing School Junior. Teaching alumnus comprises of current and former professional racers from Japan and overseas, with the school also expanding categories available to graduates as they progress through their racing careers.
Like other legacy carmakers, Toyota has had to adapt to the ever-changing Chinese car market, and this is most evident in the latest Camry. The updated D-segment sedan, launched ahead of tomorrow’s Chengdu Motor Show, looks practically unchanged from the current model, but its interior has been completely redesigned to suit modern customers’ tastes.
As you can see, the car, made by GAC in Guangzhou, is identical from the outside – the regular LE still gets the body-colour honeycomb grille that is unique to China, while the SE and XSE has more aggressive bumpers and a locally-fitted bodykit.
But the interior has gone through a rethink, and Camry is now much more comparable to the its latest domestic rivals. The Chinese model has always had a different dashboard architecture compared to the rest of the world, but the swooping asymmetric design and capacitive touch air-con controls have been entirely dispensed in favour of a sleeker, straighter, more minimalist aesthetic.
The new tech has had much to do with it. Out goes the 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, in favour of a massive 15.6-inch panel. This not only has a very Chinese car interface but also incorporates the air-con controls and an agentic AI-assisted voice control. The instrument display has been made slightly smaller at 8.8 inches, but you do now get an optional augmented reality head-up display to compensate.
Elsewhere, the six-way power-adjustable front seats now feature heating, ventilation and ten-point massaging functions, and even the rear seats are heated and cooled; they can also be reclined electrically up to eight degrees. Available trinkets such as 64-colour ambient lighting, a crystal gearknob, an increased use of soft-touch leather trim and a panoramic glass roof with a faux suede headlining help lift the cabin’s atmosphere.
Other technologies include a digital key function, a 50-watt Qi wireless charger, an air fragrancing system, a digital rear-view mirror and a 14-speaker JBL sound system. Toyota has also adopted Xiaomi’s accessory interfaces, allowing items such as a rear tablet to be fitted.
Beyond that, however, not much has actually changed. You still get a 173 PS/206 Nm 2.0 litre M20C-FKS VVT-iE direct-injected, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine mated to a Direct-Shift CVT, as well as 197 PS 2.0 litre M20F-FXS and 230 PS 2.5 litre A25D-FXS hybrids. Toyota claims fuel efficiency as high as 23.8 km per litre.
The company has also seen fit not to include the highly-autonomous city and highway driving functions that are almost de rigueur in China, maintaining the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of driver assists. This essentially means you get the usual Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features, with only the addition of autonomous lane changes being notable.
One benefit of changing literally nothing apart from the interior is that the Camry is relatively cheap, starting from only 171,800 yuan (RM103,200). Even the flagship 2.5 litre hybrid model with all the bells and whistles costs just 259,800 yuan (RM155,900), which is a far cry from what it costs over here.
The third-generation Mazda CX-5 has gone on sale in the Philippines, which gets the SUV in a sole 2.5L AT AWD HEV Premium Plus variant priced at PHP2.495 million (about RM164k).
This variant features Mazda’s e-Skyactiv G powertrain that consists of a 2.5 litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol engine running on the Miller cycle to make 181 PS (178 hp or 133 kW) and 242 Nm of torque.
The ‘HEV’ in the name points towards a 24-volt mild hybrid system assisting the engine with its integrated-starter generator motor rated at 6.5 PS (5.4 hp or 4 kW) and 60.5 Nm. This serves to provides torque assist when setting off as well as smoother i-Stop (idling technology) functionality.
Mated to the engine is a six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission and i-Activ all-wheel drive system, with the driver able to choose from Normal, Sport and Off-Road drive modes. Also included are Off-Road Traction Assist and G-Vectoring Control Plus.
This setup is similar to what’s offered in Japan but differs from Indonesia, which gets a petrol-only powertrain without the mild hybrid system. The sole Skyactiv-G 2.5 powertrain available for the Sport and Kuro variants there features a 2.5 litre NA inline-four engine making 179 PS (177 hp or 132 kW) and 240 Nm, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. Pricing starts from Rp599 million (RM136k) for the Sport, while the Kuro goes for Rp689.9 million (RM157k).
The latest CX-5 hasn’t gone on sale in Malaysia yet, but we’re told by Bermaz Motor that the estimated price is from RM170k. The SUV, when it arrives sometime in Q3 this year, is said to only be offered with a 2.5 litre engine, although it wasn’t told to us if it will be hybridised or be coupled to an all-wheel drive system.
Getting back to the Philippines-spec CX-5, standard features listed include 19-inch aluminium alloy wheels in a black metallic finish (225/55R19 tyres), glossy black exterior trim, adaptive LED headlamps, a powered panoramic sunroof, a hands-free powered tailgate, Nappa leather upholstery, powered front seats, a 15-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a windshield-projected head-up display and dual-zone climate control with rear vents.
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On the safety front, six airbags, the usual array of passive systems (DSC, EBD, ABS, etc.), front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree view monitor are included by default. The suite of driver assistance systems is also comprehensive and includes Mazda Radar Cruise Control, front and rear Smart Brake Support (AEB), lane departure warning with lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring with exit vehicle warning, front and rear cross traffic alert as well as driver monitoring and alert.
As for colours, customers can choose from Rhodium White, Navy Blue Mica, Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Aero Gray and Jet Black exteriors. The interior upholstery only comes in a Sport Tan and Black colour scheme, paired with Japanese sen wood trim. Included in the purchase price is a three-year bumper-to-bumper warranty and a complimentary five-year service plan.
Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMY) has announced the opening of a new 4S centre in Juru, Penang. The new outlet continues HMY’s nationwide network expansion strategy as it works towards its goal of establishing 25 outlets nationwide by the end of 2026.
Operated by dealer principal Goh Brothers Motor, Hyundai Juru GBM is located at 1874, Lorong IKS Bukit Tengah, Taman IKS Bukit Tengah, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang. Operating hours are from 9am to 5.30pm daily.
The full-fledged 4S dealership offers sales, service, spare parts and body & paint services. With a built-up area of 1,432 sq metres, the outlet will showcase Hyundai’s full core line-up of products, namely the Santa Fe, Tucson and Staria.
It will also provide customers in the northern region direct access to products under the Hyundai N high-performance sub-brand, with Goh Brothers Motor being an exclusive Hyundai N dealer. Meanwhile, the service area has eight bays, allowing servicing and maintenance to be done promptly.
“Penang is one of Malaysia’s most important economic and innovation hubs, making it a strategic hub for Hyundai. Goh Brothers Motor has deep roots in the northern region and a proven track record of delivering quality customer experiences. Their strong market understanding and expertise make them an important partner in our network expansion journey,” said Hyundai Motor Malaysia MD Jahabarnisa Haja Mohideen.
To celebrate the outlet’s opening, Hyundai Goh Brothers is introducing its GBM grand iopening total care campaign, which runs until August 31. Campaign benefits include a complimentary 26-point vehicle health check, u to 10% off genuine Hyundai parts and up to 20% off labour charges for service invoices above RM500.
Deputy investment, trade and industry minister (MITI) Sim Tze Tzin has revealed that some Chinese companies have approached the ministry about using Malaysia as a testing ground for urban air mobility technologies, including flying cars, reports The Sun.
“Some Chinese companies have already engaged with MITI, and they want to make Malaysia a testing ground for urban mobility, meaning flying cars,” he told reporters at the kick-off of the Malaysian Aerospace Roadmap Development for low-altitude economy (LAE) and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) digitalisation.
Discussions are still at an early stage, but the companies are also interested in potentially establishing manufacturing and service operations in Malaysia, Sim said.
Malaysia is developing a national LAE roadmap, benchmarking China, the UK, Japan, Germany and Singapore, and encompassing unmanned aircraft systems, drones, urban air mobility and autonomous flight. The roadmap is expected to be completed by year-end ahead of implementation next year.
“It’s a very exciting time because LAE is very new. Malaysia is among the first few countries to start this study and roadmap. We want to capture the future trend. We don’t want to be left behind,” he said.
“There’s a lot of regulatory work to be done. If you want to send all these deliveries, they have to be safe. You don’t want suddenly something drop from the sky and hit you, right?” he said.
“We can make projections and be very optimistic, but realistically, we need industry and the regulator to come together,” he added.
The latest news on the project was in November 2019, when it emerged that the flying car in question was in fact the EHang 216, a passenger drone made by Chinese company Beijing Yi-Hang Creation Science & Technology Co. However, a day before its supposed first test flight, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) announced that the EHang 216 had not been cleared for flight.
Zeekr Intelligent Technology Malaysia (Zeekr Malaysia) has announced its collaboration with charge point operator JomCharge, which grants Zeekr vehicle owners complimentary JomCharge Platinum membership until December 31 this year.
This provides JomCharge Platinum members a 25% discount on charging at over 1,000 JomCharge-owned charging points nationwide, Zeekr Malaysia said in a statement.
To activate the complimentary JomCharge Platinum membership, Zeekr vehicle owners will need to complete the registration form here; vehicle owners will need to ensure that the e-mail address in the form submission matches that of their JomCharge account.
Then, JomCharge will verify the Zeekr owner’s membership, and activate the complimentary Platinum membership upon successful verification.
“As our community of more than 5,000 owners continues to grow, we want to keep finding meaningful ways to enhance the ownership experience for everyone who drives a Zeekr, whether through strategic partnerships, aftersales support or other privileges that add value to their daily lives,” said Zeekr Intelligent Technology Malaysia GM Eddy Lu in a statement.
This announcement of Zeekr Malaysia’s collaboration with JomCharge follows the carmaker’s partnership with DC Handal, which enables Zeekr owners to charge at any DC Handal charging point at a rate of RM1.20 per kWh, compared to the rate for just selected outletss prior to that.
Earlier this month, JomCharge announced JomChargeX, which is its branding for ultra-fast DC chargers with outputs above 200 kW.
As of this month, JomChargeX has two locations; at the Sepang International Circuit within the SIC Motorsport Park compound where three chargers dispense 360 kW across six nozzles, and Xpark Sunway Serene, supplying 480 kW across two nozzles.
If you’re shopping for a pre-owned BMW, here’s some great news. Wheelcorp Premium Setia Alam is offering a number of fully certified pre-owned BMW vehicle models at incredibly attractive prices this August 21-23, from 9am to 6pm daily.
A wide selection of BMW Premium Selection (BPS) units are up for grabs, with a number of them priced under RM100k. Besides the attractive prices, you’ll also find event-exclusive deals, with the first 31 bookings enjoying up to RM3,888 in rebates*. Refreshments await as you browse through the selection, with rojak and cendol on the menu.
Quality is assured via the BPS, which is the official certified pre-owned vehicle program by BMW Malaysia. It offers verified second-hand luxury cars that pass strict quality controls, complete with certified service records, attractive financing, and comprehensive warranty coverage. All the cars available at the event come with a one-year extended warranty (with 24/7 nationwide towing) and one free service.
Here’s what you can expect to find at the event. A wide range of BPS units priced below RM100k are available, with prices starting from as low as RM58k for a 2018 BMW 330e M Sport and a 2016 BMW 318i. There’s also a 2015 BMW 320i Sport, which goes for RM69k.
If you fancy a 1 Series, there’s a 2018 BMW 118i M Sport, going for just RM63k. Had your eyes on a BMW 428i Gran Coupe when it was new? Here’s the chance to get one at a steal, with a 2014 example going for just RM69k. Want an SAV? Grab a 2017 BMW X5 xDrive 40e M Sport for just RM65k, or alternatively, there’s a 2016 BMW X4 xDrive28i, priced at RM95k
A number of BPS models over the RM100k mark will also be available, among them a 2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i, which goes for RM118k, and a 2019 BMW 740LE xDrive Pure Excellence, priced at RM180k. Fans of the BMW Z4 will want to check out the 2020 example available at the event, and that goes for RM198k. In the mix is also a 2021 MINI Clubman S, which is priced at RM158k.
The prices sound very attractive, but checking out the cars in the metal is surely the way to find out how great a deal they are. For that, you’ll have to head on to Wheelcorp Premium Setia Alam this August 21-23. Be quick, or that deal may slip away from you!
Find out more about the event via Wheelcorp Premium’s website, or visit its Facebook or Instagram pages. Alternatively, you can drop a WhatsApp for more details.
An immigration department (JIM) lorry driver has claimed trial at the magistrates’ court to five charges, including three counts of causing death by reckless or dangerous driving under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. This comes following a fatal accident on Wednesday (August 19, 2026) where one of the department’s lorries driven by the accused, 43-year-old Mohd Akbar Zainol, allegedly ran a red light and struck a Proton Saga that then hit a group of pedestrians along Jalan Sultan Ismail in Kuala Lumpur.
During the incident, a Saga driven by a 50-year-old man was travelling straight through the intersection after the traffic light turned green but was unable to avoid a collision with the immigration department vehicle, the latter then veering off course into four pedestrians who were members of the same family. This resulted in the deaths of 53-year-old Shaik Mohd Firdaus Shaik Yahya as well as his two daughters aged 25 and 12, while the man’s wife suffered head, hand and leg injuries, NST reports.
Soon after the incident, prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim ordered the department to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into the fatal crash. “I have ordered the immigration department to carry out an immediate and comprehensive investigation. If negligence or any breach of the law is found, appropriate action must be taken without compromise,” he wrote in a Facebook post that also conveyed his condolences to the family of victims.
The three charges under Section 41(1) carry a jail term of between five and 10 years and a fine of between RM20,000 and RM50,000 upon conviction. In addition to these, the lorry driver is also charged under Section 43(1) for driving without due care and attention, resulting in injuries to a pedestrian.
This carries a fine of between RM5,000 and RM10,000, or imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. Meanwhile, the fifth charge, under Section 79(2), alleged that he failed to obey a red traffic light at the Jalan Sultan Ismail intersection, which carries a fine of between RM300 and RM2,000. As per a report by NST, Akbar pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him, with the court setting a bail of RM60,000 for all charges.
Did you know that Touch n Go has an LPR Parking feature that lets you breeze through parking at over 140 locations without having to take parking tickets, queue at the autopay machine or find a QR code to scan to pay. Drive in, drive out, that’s it.
We didn’t know till now too. LPR stands for license plate recognition and TnG’s LPR Parking works pretty much like Setel’s version and 1PAY at 1 Utama. Basically, your number plate is recorded when you enter the carpark, and it’s the same when you exit. The parking fee is then automatically deducted from your TNG eWallet balance.
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To sign up, look for the LPR Parking mini-app in your TNG eWallet app and select ‘add vehicle now’. You’ll only need to input your number plate, with vehicle brand, model and colour being optional. Follow the prompts and you’re done. You can register up to 10 cars. Note that if you’re doing this after you’ve entered a parking lot, LPR will only work the next round.
If you’re worried that should your phone run out of battery, or if there’s ‘no line’, it’s OK, LPR Parking doesn’t depend on your phone’s connection and will auto deduct the fee anyhow. If your eWallet has insufficient funds, you can exit using an alternative payment method, such as a physical TNG card. While there’s no minimum balance required to use LPR Parking, please ensure that you have sufficient credit to avoid inconvenience.
There’s also an on/off toggle next to the number plate in your app, should you want to turn off LPR Parking temporarily for a particular vehicle. By the way, there’s an ongoing campaign giving away RM50 TNG eWallet reload PINs. Activate LPR Parking for one entry and gain more entries as you use the function.
How useful is this will depend on whether your favourite spots are included. TNG says that its LPR parking is now at 140 locations and growing. We checked and couldn’t find top malls such as KLCC, Pavilion, Mid Valley, 1 Utama, Sunway Pyramid and IOI City Mall; but there are quite a few hotels and hospitals on the list.
Perlis is set to get its own motorsports circuit, with construction of the RM20 million facility scheduled to begin next month. Perlis Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah said the 1.3 km circuit will be built at the Chuping Valley Industrial Area (CVIA), with a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for September 15.
The project is being developed through a partnership between the Perlis state government and ESR Motors. According to Abu Bakar, the 1,3 km long circuit is expected to give a boost to motorsports in the state while generating wider economic benefits for local businesses.
“With this circuit, we can not only raise the profile of motorsports, but also boost the local economy and the state of Perlis as a whole,” he said following a site visit to the planned facility. The new circuit is also expected to strengthen Perlis’ position as a border tourism destination, particularly by attracting visitors from neighbouring Thailand.
Abu Bakar said Thai motorsports enthusiasts travelling to the circuit would likely spend time and money in Perlis, benefiting local traders and businesses. “Visitors from Thailand, especially motorsports enthusiasts who come to the circuit, will certainly stop and spend in Perlis. This will help strengthen the local economic chain and provide spillover benefits for local traders,” he said.
The RM20 million project will add another motorsports facility to Malaysia’s northern region and could provide a venue for motorcycle and other motorsports activities once completed, as reported by Harian Metro.
Previewed in Indonesia earlier this month, the iCaur V27 has now made its way to Thailand, where it was shown to the media ahead of its launch in September. Autolifethailand reports that the rugged range-extended electric SUV will be offered in Standard 2WD, Top 2WD and Top 4WD variants. Interestingly, this will be the first iCaur model in Thailand to be fitted with that brand’s badges; there, the 03 is sold as the Jaecoo 6, while the V23 is a Chery.
The specs are familiar by now, with the single-motor rear-wheel-drive version making 252 PS (185 kW) and 300 Nm of torque and the dual-motor all-wheel-drive car producing a sum total of 455 PS (335 kW) and 505 Nm. Helping to juice the motor(s) is a 1.5 litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder turbo petrol engine making 156 PS (115 kW) and 220 Nm.
Unlike in China, where there is just a single CATL LFP battery option, here the capacity is different depending on the number of drive motors. The 2WD uses a 20.4 kWh pack for a pure electric range of 95 km, while the 4WD uses the same 34.3 kWh unit as the Middle Kingdom and can travel up to 150 km on electricity alone. These figures are on the outdated NEDC cycle; expect closer to 80 km and 130 km respectively on the WLTP cycle.
Image from Autolifethailand
Interestingly, while the AWD model has more EV range, it’s actually the 2WD that can travel further when petrol power is added to the equation. With a 60 litre fuel tank, it has a combined range of up to 1,100 km (again, NEDC), while the AWD returns slightly less at 1,000 km. The V27 supports up to 100 kW of DC fast charging – topping the battery up from 10 to 80% in 17 minutes – as well as 6.6 kW of AC charging.
Despite the 4×4 styling, the V27 uses a unibody construction and rides on independent MacPherson strut front and multilink rear suspension. The 4WD version gets nine drive modes (selectable on the centre console knob and includes five off-road modes), 224 mm of ground clearance and even a “tank turn” function.
Car-like construction aside, the V27 looks every bit like the off-roaders it’s inspired by, with its tall and upright body and squared-off wheel arch flares. The square headlights with round LED internals and separate side markers are pure Toyota Land Cruiser 70, while the front fender appliqués mimic a Defender’s vents; there are also actual (if rather small) rear quarter windows for a modicum of over-the-shoulder visibility versus the V23.
Image from Autolifethailand
The 4WD model you see here comes with the same external spare tyre as the Chinese version, mounted on the sideways-opening tailgate. Other models will likely get a storage “backpack”, reducing overall length by ten millimetres to a still considerable 5,045 mm. Also visible here are the snazzier 21-inch two-tone aero wheels.
Inside, you get a bluff dashboard and an abundant usage of chunky horizontal and vertical elements for a more rugged appearance. Unlike the V23, there is a slimline 8.8-inch digital instrument display, complementing the 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen running on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 processor.
Just like the V23, there are toggle switches on the roof (including auxiliary switches for wiring up accessories); on the V27, these extend to the air-con controls, sitting below the centre air vents and above the dual smartphone holders (one of which is a Qi wireless charger). A large drive mode selector is nestled next to the cupholders, while the corner air vents hide an air fragrancing system.
Despite measuring over five metres long, the V27 is a strict five-seater, with those at the back getting air-con vents (unlike the V23) and BMW-style mounting points on the backs of the front seats for attachments such as an tablet holder.
Thanks to the 69.9% of its footprint being used for cabin space, iCaur claims a generous 950 mm of knee room, 50 storage spaces dotted throughout the interior and a 715 litre boot – the latter is extendable to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded.
Only the equipment of the AWD model have been confirmed thus far and includes the dual roof portholes that span the entire length of the roof, which was missing on the right-hand-drive show car in Beijing earlier this year.
There’s also dual-zone auto air-con, six-way power-adjustable front seats with ventilation and driver’s side memory, cooled front armrest storage, a 6 kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, a 15-speaker Pioneer sound system and a 360-degree camera system with transparency. Seven airbags (including a centre airbag) and the usual complement of Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assists are fitted as well.
With the V27 slowly making its way through Southeast Asia, it’s likely that the car will be launched in Malaysia this year, having already been spotted on local roads. Its debut could coincide with the start of CKD local assembly at Chery’s new 1,280-acre plant in Lembah Beringin; expected to be operational this year, the factory has received RM3.6 billion in investments over the past two years.
