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Omoda 3 planned for 2026 with aggressive styling
To say that Chery moves at a breakneck pace would be a complete understatement. Having just launched the Omoda 5 last year and the electric E5 this year, the crossover sub-brand – yes, it’s technically separated from the main Chery brand – unveiled the larger Omoda 7 this week. Now we know there’s going to be an Omoda 3 soon too!
Expect it to have “mega” styling, said Shawn Xu, Omoda & Jaecoo global CEO in a press session in Wuhu, China. The image (above) used at the dealer conference is clearly of an early design sketch/concept, but it’s certainly a wild looking crossover worthy of that description. We’ll have to wait and see to find out how much of it will filter through to the production version.
As for when that would be, we should be looking at 2026 at the very earliest, as the Omoda 3 is not listed on the 2024/2025 launch table (above) presented to dealers here. What is listed however, is the Omoda 7 PHEV as well as the Omoda E5 facelift, both scheduled for 2025.
Also unknown is how the Omoda 3 will actually fit into Chery Malaysia’s range. With the Omoda 5 priced to take on the Proton X50 and the upcoming Tiggo 4 slated to rival the Perodua Ativa and Honda WR-V, your guess is as good as ours as to where the new O3 will be positioned.
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2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 AMG Line facelift now in Malaysia – 3.0T mild-hybrid, 381 PS/500 Nm, RM529k
Six months after the local debut of the facelifted GLE Coupe, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has announced the introduction of the refreshed GLE, which arrives here as in the same GLE 450 AMG Line guise as seen on the pre-facelift. The locally-assembled SUV is priced at RM528,888 on-the-road without insurance, inclusive of 10% sales tax.
As it is with the Coupe, the exterior rework on this one is minor, led by a new front bumper and revised Multibeam LED headlamps with a new daytime running light signature. The AMG Line exterior brings about a diamond grille with Mercedes-Benz pattern in chrome, an AMG front apron with chrome trim element and AMG side sill panels.
Also going on is a new AMG rear apron with diffuser-look insert as well as 21-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, aluminium-look illuminated running boards with rubber studs and a panoramic sliding sunroof. The GLE is also fitted with an Airmatic air suspension system with adaptive damping system ADS+.
Inside, the cabin receives a few revisions, but the general presentation in the interior – which is presented in an AMG Line trim – is otherwise unchanged. New bits include air vent surrounds that are now ringed with chrome accents instead of black and a Nappa-wrapped sports steering wheel incorporating touch sensors on the horizontal spokes.
The specification also includes Artico faux leather, which dresses up the upholstery as well as the dashboard and door belt lines, black fabric roof liner, anthracite open-pore oak wood trim elements, AMG floor mats and wireless charging, among others.
The digital screens remain dual 12.3-inch units, but the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) has been updated to the automaker’s second-gen NTG7 system, and this offers improved voice recognition and support for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Audio duties are handled by a Burmester surround sound system.
As before, motive power is provided by a M256 3.0 litre turbocharged inline-six, now delivering 381 PS (375 hp or 280 kW) at 5.800 rpm and 500 Nm of twist from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm. Equipped with a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox and 4Matic all-wheel drive, the facelifted GLE 450 gets from zero to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, a fraction faster than the pre-facelift. Top speed is 250 km/h.
Like the GLE 53 Coupe, the GLE 450 also gets a 48-volt mild hybrid system, which features a second-gen integrated starter-generator (ISG). The ISG, which enables functions such as coasting and comfortable engine start-stop, provides the car with an extra 23 PS (20 hp or 15 kW) and 200 Nm.
As for driver assistance and safety equipment includes a Driving Assistance Package Plus, Distronic active distance assist, window bags/rear sidebags/knee airbag and Pre-Safe Impulse Side as well as a parking package with 360° camera and Parktronic active parking assist.
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Chery developing M-series 7-seater MPV/SUV and pick-up truck models, plus new Tiggo 3 and 5 by 2026
Click to enlarge How aggressive is Chery? Let me illustrate – we’re looking at a new model at the ongoing 2024 Chery International Business Conference and the facelift of that same model was just publicly announced, for next year! China’s top auto exporter and most international carmaker is showing off real ‘China Speed’ with its SUVs, but is also eyeing new segments.
The segments we’re talking about is MPV and pick-up truck. According to Zhang Guibing, EVP of Chery International, Chery is currently developing a seven-seat MPV, a seven-seat SUV and a pick-up-truck. These three vehicles are in the new ‘M-series’ and are set to surface by 2026. All three will be designed to accommodate ICE, PHEV and EV powertrains from the start, giving Chery high flexibility.
The MPV and SUV seven-seaters could well be sisters with a different top hat – think tougher-looking three-row MPVs popular in ASEAN such as the Honda BR-V and Toyota Rush/Daihatsu Terios/Perodua Aruz triplets. Or they could be higher end – Chery is showing the Exeed E08 luxury EV MPV at Auto China Beijing.
Click to enlarge All Chery M-series bodystyles are important in the ASEAN market – three-row people carriers are big in Indonesia (luxury MPVs are favoured by the rich in our region too) and pick-up trucks are a staple in Thailand – so these new Chery models should be set for our part of the world. Sounds a bit like Toyota’s IMV?
Also in the works are new members to the Tiggo SUV family – a Tiggo 3 and a Tiggo 5. At present, both numbers are unaccounted for, but Chery’s plan could be renewing and ‘bumping up’ the current Tiggo 2 and Tiggo 4 into 3/5. The Tiggo 4 – which we just reported will be coming to Malaysia next year – is one of the older models in the family, although it recently received a big facelift to align with the rest of the range.
Click here for what’s new on the Omoda and Jaecoo front.
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BMW Malaysia and Gentari launch EV charging station at The Exchange TRX – 13 AC chargers; RM0.25/min
BMW Group Malaysia has partnered with Gentari (through its subsidiary Gentari Green Mobility) to launch a new electric vehicle (EV) charging station located at The Exchange TRX. Located in the basement carpark of the shopping mall, the station features 13 AC chargers that are capable of delivering up to 22 kW each.
Of the 13 AC chargers available, five are located at the Premium Parking level while the remaining eight units can be found at Level B1. The chargers are accessible from 10am to 10pm daily and you’ll be charged by the time being plugged in at RM0.25 per minute.
The growth in regard to Malaysia’s reception of electromobility, especially in the most populated areas of the country, has been thriving – and to this end it is more vital than ever to ensure robust EV charging infrastructure is in place to accommodate this heartening maturation,” said Benjamin Nagel, managing director of BMW Group Malaysia.
“Through our partnership with Gentari, we are thrilled to be able to reaffirm our dedication towards advancing this need by establishing more cutting-edge charging technology in strategic urban locations to meet the evolving needs of our valued customers,” he added.
“We are pleased to expand our continued collaboration with BMW Malaysia in supporting Malaysia’s energy transition journey. This effort underscores our commitment in advancing the growth of green mobility and energy transition within the nation. Having deployed over 335 EV charging points with over 100 DC fast chargers nationwide, Gentari proudly operates the largest DC charging network aimed at enhancing accessibility to low carbon transportation options across the country,” commented Shah Yang Razalli, deputy CEO of Gentari and CEO of Gentari Green Mobility.
To date, BMW Group Malaysia has set up over 2,020 charging facilities through strategic partnerships with various EV charging providers in Malaysia. Additionally, over 100 BMW i and MINI charging facilities are also available at most authorised dealerships.
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Jaecoo J5 hybrid and EV models to debut in 2025; flagship J9 in EV and PHEV forms to arrive later
Chery International has just confirmed an all-new Jaecoo J5 model for 2025. Set to form the premium brand’s smallest offering, it will slot in right under the upcoming J6 EV.
Unlike the electric-only J6, however, the new J5 will be built in both HEV (petrol hybrid) and pure EV forms. The image given shows a crossover with similar styling to the J7, but with even more resemblance to the latest monolithic Range Rover designs.
Given that the J6 is already relatively compact at around 4,400 mm long, the J5 being a size smaller would bring it closer to the BYD Dolphin and MG4 class, albeit with a taller SUV body and a pseudo-premium badge. If priced attractively, the stylish J5 should be fairly popular among the young and trendy.
Well, that’s assuming it will make its way into Malaysia, of course. But considering Chery International’s recent track record of bringing everything it has to our local market – and quickly, at that – it’s pretty much a shoe-in that the Jaecoo J5 will eventually arrive back home too.
At the opposite end of the Jaecoo range, a new J9 flagship model has been announced too. Not much in the way of details for this one other than that it will be made in plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and EV forms. Busy years ahead for the fledgling premium brand, then!
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Mercedes-Benz partners with Tencent and EA – Need for Speed: Assemble coming to MBUX cars in China
At this year’s Auto China in Beijing, Mercedes-Benz announced it is working with Tencent and EA (Electronic Arts) to improve the in-car gaming experience. Through this collaboration, Need for Speed: Assemble will be made available in Mercedes-Benz vehicles in China by the end of 2024.
This is made possible with the third-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), which is a precursor to the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) set to debut with the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) sometime next year.
“Your Mercedes-Benz is more than just a car; it’s your personal arcade. With our cooperation with Tencent and EA, we’re driving the future of in-car entertainment, where luxury meets adrenaline. Tailored to our customers, every journey is now a personalized adventure. Get ready to unlock worlds of excitement,” said Markus Schäfer, CTO and member of the board of management at Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
Previously known as Need for Speed Mobile before being renamed to Need for Speed: Assemble, the game will be sent out to Mercedes-Benz vehicles with the third-generation MBUX via an over-the-air (OTA) update. Players will be able to use their Bluetooth gaming controller to play the game when the vehicle is stationary.
We managed to try out the game in a long-wheelbase E-Class during our time in Beijing and found the game to run smoothly with proper controller support. Additionally, the experience was rather immersive as the car’s ambient lighting system and massaging seats were synced with the game to provide further feedback.
According to members of the development team, any progress made in the game is reflected in the version of game playable on mobile phones thanks to cloud support. This allows players to continue where they left off after they’re doing gaming in their Mercedes-Benz.
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Beijing 2024: Radar Horizon – RD6 pick-up EV with AWD, new interior, RHD-ready; new Proton Arena?
At Auto China 2024, Geely’s pick-up truck brand Radar revealed its newest model, the Horizon. This is an upgraded dual-motor all-wheel-drive version of the RD6, launched back in November 2022.
The big news is the addition of a front motor to complement the 272 PS/385 Nm rear motor, resulting in a total system output of 428 PS (315 kW) and 590 Nm of torque. That’s enough to shave one and a half seconds off the zero-to-100 km/h acceleration time, which it completes in just 4.5 seconds – on its way to a top speed of 190 km/h.
On the Horizon, you get the choice of either a 73 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery or an 86 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) unit, delivering a range of 460 and 520 km respectively on China’s lenient CLTC cycle.
Radar is touting the Horizon’s renewed go-anywhere ability – the truck is able to switch from rear- to all-wheel drive in as little as 600 ms, and it also comes with seven drive modes, including the new snow, mud, cross-country and water wading settings. Speaking of which, the Horizon has an impressive maximum water wading depth of 815 mm.
Elsewhere, the payload – the RD6’s Achilles heel – has been upgraded and is now rated at over 800 kg across all variants. In fact, Radar has beefed up the payload rating for the rear-wheel-drive RD6 as well – it used to be around 400 kg, but now even the base model can carry up to 790 kg. Towing capacity for the Horizon, meanwhile, is rated at 3,000 kg.
As per the RD6, the Horizon (despite looking like half a Proton X90) is based on Geely’s electric Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA). Measuring 5.26 metres long, 1.9 metres wide and 1.88 metres tall, the double-cab truck is slightly shorter than the 5.33-metre-long Toyota Hilux. Surprisingly, however, its bed is exactly the same length and almost as wide, at 1,545 by 1,450 mm.
Radar claims the Horizon can fit up to 1,200 litres of cargo at the back, and there’s also a 70 litre front boot. One unique advantage is up to 22 kW of vehicle-to-load (V2L) output, including 15 kW through the charging port, 6 kW through a 230-volt outlet in the bed and another 2.2 kW through two more 230-volt sockets in the front boot and cabin.
On the outside, the Horizon looks almost identical to the RD6 – yes, that includes the X90-style front end – with the only changes being the massive illuminated Radar badge on the grille and a black roof option. But that all changes on the inside.
Here, the X90/Geely Okavango-derived interior has been swapped out for a brand-new dashboard and door cards, the former incorporating a full-width air-con vent design, a 10.25-inch digital instrument display and a massive 14.6-inch freestanding infotainment touchscreen. You also now get a “floating” centre console with a Qi wireless charger.
The right-hand-drive version of the Radar/Riddara RD6 Other features are an eight-speaker surround sound system, Alipay payment integration and Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features. The latter includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane centring assist, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring with collision prevention, rear collision warning and rear cross traffic alert with auto brake.
While Radar is currently a China-only brand, it’s preparing to enter overseas markets soon, using the Riddara brand name due to trademark issues. The company has even gone through the trouble of engineering the RD6 for right-hand drive (likely using X90 interior parts), clearly with an eye to exporting it to big pick-up truck markets such as Australia, Thailand and the rest of ASEAN.
This raises the possibility of the RD6 coming to Malaysia, possibly with Proton branding. What do you think – should the national carmaker bring this in as the spiritual successor to the Arena? Sound off in the comments after the jump.
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Jetour to make public debut in Malaysia next month – Dashing and X70 Plus launch set for H2 2024; CKD
Jetour Dashing Chinese automaker Jetour will make its public debut in Malaysia next month at the Malaysia Autoshow, with the Dashing and X70 Plus set to be put on display. According to a local Jetour representative, both SUVs are still on track to be launched here in the second half of the year as locally-assembled (CKD) offerings.
If you haven’t heard of Jetour before, it is one of two Chery sub-brands that have been announced for Malaysia, with the other being Jaecoo. Jetour had set up office in Malaysia a few months ago as a separate company from Chery Malaysia with an independent management team, so it will compete against Chery (together with Jaecoo) here.
Focusing on the Jetour cars we’re bound to see in Malaysia soon, the Dashing is a five-seat SUV that is the first to be built on the company’s Kunlun architecture. Measuring 4,590 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, 1,685 mm tall and with a wheelbase of 2,720 mm, the Dashing is sized between a Honda HR-V and CR-V.
In China, the Dashing is offered with a choice of two turbocharged inline-four petrol engines. The first is a 1.5 litre unit rated at 156 PS (154 hp or 115 kW) and 230 Nm of torque mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission driving the front wheels. Meanwhile, the second option is a 1.6 litre unit making 197 PS (194 hp or 145 kW) and 290 Nm which is paired with a seven-speed DCT, also driving the front wheels.
Jetour Dashing The SUV is also available with a i-DM (intelligent-Dual Motor) plug-in hybrid system that uses the 1.5 litre turbo-four engine as a base. This is augmented by an electric motor rated at 170 PS (168 hp or 125 kW) and 315 Nm for a total system output of 326 PS (322 hp or 240 kW) and 545 Nm.
Power for the electric motor is supplied by a ternary lithium battery with an energy capacity of 19.27 kWh, which is good for an electric-only driving range of up to 80 km following the WLTC standard. Like the non-PHEV variants, the i-DM model is front-wheel drive but it uses a three-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT).
As for the X70 Plus (not to be confused with Proton’s SUV), it is a three-row SUV with seating for up to seven people. It is a much larger car than the Dashing at 4,749 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, 1,720 mm tall and having a wheelbase spanning 2,745 mm – the CR-V is smaller by comparison.
Jetour X70 Plus Like its smaller sibling, the X70 Plus is offered with a selection of powertrains in China, the first being a 1.5 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine making 156 PS (154 hp or 115 kW) and 230 Nm. This is paired with either a six-speed manual or DCT to drive the front wheels. The second option is the Dashing’s 1.6 litre turbo-four and seven-speed DCT pairing with the same output figures. There’s also a 2.0 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol with 254 PS (251 hp or 187 kW) and 390 Nm, which remains front-wheel drive and with a seven-speed DCT.
As previously reported, the Dashing and X70 Plus were chosen for Malaysia first because they are already available in right-hand drive form – both are currently produced and sold in Indonesia. Moving forward, the T2 (also known as the Traveller) will be added to the local line-up when right-hand drive production begins sometime in July or August.
The T2 has a more rugged, off-road look and is offered with two powertrains in China, including a 1.5 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine with 184 PS (181 hp or 135 kW) and 290 Nm, paired with a seven-speed DCT driving the front wheels. There’s also a 2.0 litre turbo-four making 254 PS (251 hp or 187 kW) and 390 Nm, which gets all-wheel drive and a seven-speed DCT.
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Tesla Cybertruck on display to public at Pavilion Damansara Heights showroom until May 17
Tesla Malaysia has announced that the Tesla Cybertruck will be on display to members of the public at the Tesla Experience Centre Pavilion Damansara Heights starting from tomorrow (April 30 2024) up to May 17 2024. Viewing hours will be 10am to 10pm.
The Cybertruck has been in Malaysia since the second week of April, and has been used in various teaser campaigns. This massive stainless steel electric pick-up truck is in the midst of its Asian tour that has already visited China, Hong Kong and Japan.
The Cybertruck has made waves thanks to its extremely angular wedge design, formed by tough stainless steel panels (dubiously claimed to be “bulletproof”) that continues to drop jaws five years after it was first shown.
@paultancars #Tesla #Cybertruck ni, kereta paling gila! Setuju ke tak? #paultancars #paultan #carsoftiktok #cartok #cartiktok #ev #teslacybertruck #malaysia #viral #trending #fyp #foryou #foryoupage ♬ original sound – Paul Tan's Automotive News There are three variants available, starting with the base rear-wheel-drive model can get from zero to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 180 km/h.
Stepping up to the all-wheel-drive model (which this Foundation Series is) adds a front motor that pushes power to 600 hp (441 kW), slashing the century sprint time to 4.3 seconds. Torque is claimed to be an insane 10,080 Nm, although that figure is at the wheels, multiplied by the ratio of the single-speed transmission. The actual figure, divided by a ratio of 15.02:1, is 671 Nm.
But the one you’ll really want is the triple-motor Cyberbeast, which pushes out a stratospheric 840 hp (630 kW) and gets to 100 km/h in just 2.7 seconds (with the rollout subtracted, as is typical for Tesla these days), on its way to a top speed of 209 km/h. Wheel torque is bumped up to 13,959 Nm, or 929 Nm at the motors.
Range is quoted at 402 km for the RWD model, 547 km with AWD and 515 km for the Cyberbeast. Payload capacity is 1,134 kg for the dual-motor model and 1,030 kg for the Cyberbeast, while towing capacity is rated at 4,990 kg.
What do you think – would you buy a Cybertruck if it were sold in Malaysia?
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Beijing 2024: Audi SQ6 e-tron EV – 516 PS, 0-96 km/h in 4.2 seconds, 230 km/h top speed, 598 km range
The Audi SQ6 e-tron that made its debut last month – alongside the regular Q6 e-tron – has been shown at Auto China 2024 in Beijing, and here’s our first look at live images of the performance electric SUV.
Performance sets the SQ6 e-tron apart from the regular Q6 e-tron, and on this front the SQ6 e-tron is rated to produce 489 PS, or up to 516 PS with launch control activated; for commparison, the US-market version of the Q6 e-tron outputs 428 PS, or up to 462 PS with launch control.
Thus equipped, the SQ6 e-tron will do 0-96 km/h in 4.2 seconds, and a top speed of 230 km/h. Energy is stored in a 100 kWh battery pack with 94/9 kWh usable, enabling the SQ6 e-tron to travel up to 598 km on a full charge.
Using the manufacturer’s PPE architecture, the Q6 e-tron, which the SQ6 e-tron is based upon, features an 800-volt electrical system that enables fast charging at up to 270 kW DC, which can recharge the battery from 10-80% in 21 minutes with a compatible charging station.
Meanwhile in terms of AC charging, the SQ6 e-tron takes 11 kW as standard, while a 22 kW option will be added at a later date for a quicker charge, the carmaker stated at the model’s debut. In terms of brake energy regeneration, up to 220 kW can be recuperated, which should cover around 95% of common braking practice.
The model that the SQ6 e-tron carries over much of the Q6 e-tron’s cabin including its dashboard architecture, which can be seen in our live images to feature the 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and the 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, as well as the 10.9-inch MMI front passenger display with an active privacy mode in order to prevent driver distraction.
Other Q6 elements include the new E³ 1.2 electronic architecture with five high-performance computers to cover all vehicle functions, as well as providing the basis for quick software updates and upgrades.
The Q6 e-tron has been confirmed as early as March last year that it will be coming to the Malaysian market this year. Would you be interested in this performance version of the Q6 that is already heading this way?
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Beijing 2024: BYD Ocean-M concept – EV hot hatch with RWD; production version launching this year
BYD showed off its new Ocean-M concept at the ongoing Auto China in Beijing, which serves to preview a production model reportedly set to launch in the third quarter of this year. The sporty-looking hatchback looks to be the company’s answer to the Volkswagen ID.3, and is expected to be positioned between the Dolphin and Seal.
The Ocean-M looks properly aggressive with a prominent split bumper lip around the front air intakes as well as a power hump on the bonnet. The sides feature Lamborghini-esque wheels, cameras in place of traditional mirrors as well as large side skirts, the last of which continues to meet with a large diffuser element at the rear.
A split wing on the roof further underscores the sporty aesthetic of the concept. The body kit is certainly striking to look at but there is a possibility that it won’t make it to the production vehicle, or it may be offered as an option. No interior to be seen for now, as evident by the heavily blacked-out windows.
Powertrain details are limited for now but it has been reported the Ocean-M will be built on a new BYD platform (said to be called e-Platform 4.0) and uses the company’s second-generation Blade battery launching this year. The Blade 2.0 battery is claimed to offer up to 1,000 km of range and boasts 25% higher energy density than the Blade 1.0 battery used in current BYD models like the Seal, Dolphin and Atto.
Chinese media outlets say the Ocean-M will come with rear-wheel drive with all-wheel drive being an option. BYD officials have provided estimated pricing for the production Ocean-M, which is said to be between 150,000 and 200,000 yuan (about RM99k and RM131k).
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Jaecoo J6 EV confirmed for Malaysia – RHD version to be put on public display at Malaysia Autoshow in May
We recently brought you coverage on the Jaecoo J6 while in China, and it’s now been confirmed that the fully electric SUV will be making an appearance here in right-hand drive form at next month’s Malaysia Autoshow.
The J6 is also known as the iCar 03, with iCar (like Jaecoo) being a sub-brand in Chery’s portfolio. For export markets, it is called the J6 and joins other ‘J’ models such as the J7 and J8. If you’re looking for an SUV with a boxy and rugged look that is somewhat “compact,” this is something to look forward to.
On that mention, the J6 measures 4,406 mm long, 1,910 mm wide and 1,715 mm tall. Its wheelbase is relatively long for an SUV this size, at 2,715 mm. The dimensions make it just slightly shorter than the J7 (4,500 mm), though the J6 is a touch wider (+45 mm) and taller (+35 mm).
As mentioned in our previous post, the J6 has a slightly different look compared to the 03, with the former getting its own grille design, no illuminated ‘i’ logo on the lighting units and no storage box at the back. The RHD version set to debut in Malaysia will come with said storage box and the iCar 03’s grille at the front.
In China, the iCar 03 is available with a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive electric motor configurations. According to local Chinese reports, the dual motor version is rated at 279 PS and is capable of getting from 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds on its way to a limited top speed of 150 km/h. With a CATL-supplied 69.8-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, the range is up to 501 km following the CLTC standard.
Other highlights of the J6 include a side-hinged tailgate, pop-out door handles, a large infotainment touchscreen, a dash integrated digital instrument cluster, electric door poppers and even a crystal drive mode selector. Also available is a set of roof-mounted solar panels that can help add charge to the battery pack, as well as ADAS cameras from popular drone-maker DJI.
GALLERY: Jaecoo J6 and iCar 03 in China
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Chery Omoda 5 axle issue – vehicle being inspected and investigated, recall for small batch of customers
Chery Malaysia has issued an official statement following the circulation of a social media post regarding a customer’s Omoda 5 that apparently had its rear axle detach from the vehicle.
The owner of the vehicle involved alleges that the rear axle of the Omoda 5 had broken whilst being driven, without hitting any bumps or potholes, nor being involved in any accident.
This is the second case of a customer-unit Omoda 5 that had been publicised in viral social media content, the prior case being an alleged brake issue, for which Chery Malaysia issued an official statement earlier this month.
Statement by Chery Malaysia:
29 April 2024
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
Chery Auto Malaysia is committed to providing safe and reliable transportation solutions, and we are dedicated to ensuring that all our vehicles meet the highest safety standards.
We wish to provide an update on the recent matter regarding the axle of an OMODA 5 vehicle. Chery Auto Malaysia has contacted and is in communication with the customer. The vehicle has been brought to our service centre for a thorough inspection and investigation.
As a proactive measure and in line with our safety protocols, Chery Auto Malaysia is currently reaching out to the affected customers. For additional peace of mind, all customers who are concerned can book an appointment at their nearest service centre for a thorough inspection, all inspected vehicles will receive a full report.
In addition, and for added assurance to all Chery and OMODA customers who may have questions, the Chery Malaysia Customer Careline can be contacted at +603- 2771 7070.
Our sincere thanks to our customers and followers for your patience. We are committed to transparency and assure you of our unwavering dedication to quality and satisfaction.
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Beijing 2024: Neta L launched in China – pure EV later, REEV variants first; 1,300 km hybrid range; fr RM86k
The Neta L has been launched in China during this year’s Auto China currently ongoing in Beijing. The new SUV is priced from 129,900 to 159,900 yuan (about RM86k to RM105k) and will initially be offered in four variants, all of the being range extended electric vehicles (REEVs) – a pure electric vehicle (EV) version will be introduced in the future.
The base option features a 30-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that powers a rear-mounted electric motor rated at 231 PS (228 hp or 170 kW) and 310 Nm of torque, which is good for a 0-100 km/h time of 7.3 seconds and top speed of 180 km/h.
All other variants come with a larger 40-kWh LFP battery and the same electric motor, although they are slightly slower in the century sprint at 8.2 seconds – the top speed remains unchanged. Neta claims all variants require 19 minutes to get the battery from a 30-80% state of charge via DC fast charging. There’s also a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function that can deliver up to 3.3 kW to power electrical devices.
The range extender aspect of the powertrain comes in the form of a 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol engine running on the Atkinson cycle. With this and a 50-litre fuel tank, the hybrid mode range is as high as 1,300 km (CLTC standard) for the 40-kWh variants and 1,250 km for the sole 30-kWh option. Without the internal combustion engine serving as a range extender, the 40-kWh variants will do 310 km in EV-only mode, or 220 km for the 30-kWh variant.
In terms of dimensions, the Neta L measures 4,770 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, 1,660 mm tall and has a wheelbase spanning 2,810 mm. The design is reminiscent of the Neta X, albeit with distinguishing cues such as integrated headlamps (with DRLs), pop-out door handles and H-shaped taillights.
Inside, the dashboard is dominated by two 15.6-inch touchscreens, the central one being the main access point to the infotainment system while the other is for the benefit of the front passenger. A third display is a small instrument cluster integrated into the dashboard. Powering the infotainment system is Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155P chip, which also enables digital voice assistance, telematics, various connectivity options as well as over-the-air (OTA) updates.
Depending on the chosen variant, available equipment include a 64-colour ambient lighting system, powered front seats (with heating, ventilation and massaging functions), a refrigerator, a 16-speaker sound system, 60W USB-C ports, dual-zone climate control (with rear vents) and a powered tailgate.
A Horizon Journey 3 chip powers the Neta L’s driver assistance systems and is linked to up to 12 ultrasonic sensors, five long-range millimeter-wave radars, four surround view cameras and one forward-facing camera. Functions include a 360-degree camera, autonomous emergency braking, full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, lane change warning, cross traffic alert (front and rear), automated parking and more.
Deliveries of the Neta L to the first customers in China have already begun during the ongoing Auto China, and the model will be rolled out to 20 countries worldwide in the second half of this year. Would you want this to come to Malaysia?
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Tesla FSD to expand outside North America – LHD focus, some time to go for RHD markets like Malaysia
Tesla looks to be gearing up to expand the availability of Full Self Driving outside of North American markets, based on a few developments that have happened recently.
Swedish Transport Administration senior advisor Rikard Fredriksson recently posted on his Linkedin that he experienced a demo of FSD in a Tesla Model Y in Germany, where it is currently unavailable. This suggests there are talks with European regulators to have it approved.
FSD V12 in Germany 🔥 https://t.co/c4mlrA2t9s pic.twitter.com/3V79Io77dc
— Timmy (@elektrotimmy) April 27, 2024
There are also reports that suggest Tesla has partnered with Baidu to provide map and navigation data to allow FSD to work in the Chinese market.
However, it might take some time for FSD to ever be available in Malaysia. If you notice, the above two are both LHD markets, which is something they have in common with North America.
On April 27, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said in a tweet that Tesla believes FSD v12 is ready for LHD countries but RHD will take a bit longer.
We believe version 12 is ready for supervised FSD in LHD countries. RHD will take a bit longer.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 26, 2024
FSD is currently available for purchase in Malaysia for RM32,000 which when converted to USD is one of the cheapest prices in the world at this time. At today’s exchange rate it is around USD6,700, compared to USD8,000 in the US.
FSD is currently unavailable to use in Malaysia for those who have paid for it. Would you buy FSD at RM32,000 if it was available for use in Malaysia? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
