As we step into 2024, let’s round up the cars that are set to be launched in Malaysia by the end of this year. There are quite a few, so we’ll be splitting this up into electric vehicles (EVs) and combustion engine cars, starting with the latter.
Let’s dive straight in.
The facelifted 2024 BMW X5 first made its global debut in February last year, and it appears the locally assembled (CKD) BMW X5 xDrive50e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant is getting ready for its Malaysian launch soon, based on production data from the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).
The PHEV 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e gets a new generation 3.0-litre straight-six turbocharged engine, coupled with a more powerful electric motor that makes 197 PS/450 Nm on its own, making a maximum combined output of 490 PS/700 Nm.
The high-voltage battery's capacity has been increased to 25.7 kWh (usable), allowing the X5 PHEV to have an EV driving range of between 94 - 110 km. Charging capacity has also increased to 7.4 kW.
The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro was part of a preview event held by Chery Malaysia last year, along with the Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro. It’s a B-segment SUV that’s just a hair smaller than the Omoda 5.
The Tiggo 4 Pro features a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with 147 PS and 210 Nm, paired with a CVT. There’s also an entry-level combo with a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine that’s also paired with a CVT.
Also earmarked for a Malaysian launch is the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, a C-segment SUV that rivals the Proton X70 and Toyota Corolla Cross.
Like the Tiggo 4 Pro, power comes from a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with 147 PS and 210 Nm that spins the front wheels via a CVT.
Also read: Gunning for X70, Chery Tiggo 7 Pro confirmed to launch in Malaysia in 2024
Great Wall Motor (GWM) Sales Malaysia Sdn Bhd announced the opening of bookings for the GWM Cannon in august last year, with prices expected to start at RM 127,800.
The GWM Cannon features a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel unit (163 PS/400 Nm), paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission produced by ZF.
Preliminary specs include a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an electronic parking brake (EPB) with auto-hold, and rear air vents.
Also read: GWM Cannon now open for booking in Malaysia - The best-equipped Chinese pick-up?
Another brand from Great Wall Motor is the Haval series of SUVs and trucks. Perhaps the most successful yet in international markets is the Haval H6.
Powertrain comes in the form of a petrol-electric 1.5-litre hybrid that does 243 PS and 530 Nm, paired to what the company calls Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT).
Joining the highly competitive segment that includes the Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross, the Chery Omoda 5, and more, is the Haval Jolion.
It’s only 181 mm shorter than the H6 sibling, and both are built on GWM’s Lemon platform. The same powertrain found in Thailand is expected here - a petrol-electric hybrid that does a combined output of 243 PS and 530 Nm, mated to the DHT.
Built from the ground up on GAC's latest GPMA (GAC Global Platform Modular Architecture) platform, the GAC GS3 Emzoom promises substantial improvements across its exterior, cabin, and powertrain over its predecessor.
Powering the GS3 Emzoom is a turbocharged 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine delivering 177 PS and 270 Nm, coupled with a wet-type dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
Also read: First Drive Review: GAC GS3 Emzoom, bringing the fight to Proton X50 next year, CKD
The GAC Emkoo is a C-segment SUV that goes against the like of the Honda CR-V, Proton X70, Mazda CX-5, etc. Like the GSC Emzoom, it’s based on the GPMA (GAC Global Platform Modular Architecture) platform.
In China, the Emkoo is available with a few powertrains including a turbocharged 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine (177 PS/270 Nm), a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine (252 PS/499 Nm), and a 2.0-litre hybrid (Combined: 238 PS) system which is co-developed with Toyota.
Also read: Coming to Malaysia - GAC Emkoo, here's what you need to know about the CR-V rival
Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has previewed the locally-assembled (CKD) 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe facelift, and bookings are currently open. Three variants will be on sale: Hybrid Plus, Hybrid Max, and Diesel Max.
Jaecoo is entering Malaysia, with the first two Jaecoo J7 AWD units for road tests and previews before this year’s launch. For those unfamiliar with Jaecoo, it is a sub-brand under the Chery Group, primarily focused on the export market.
In China, the J7 has a 1.6L turbocharged engine (186 PS, 275 Nm), a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, and AWD. Specifics for the Malaysian model are yet to be revealed.
Also read: Chery's Jaecoo brand to launch in Malaysia in 2024, first units of RHD J7 AWD begin testing here
The Kia Sportage was one of the models earmarked to be locally assembled (CKD) at the Inokom plant in Kulim.
Worldwide, there are nine powertrain options available for customers to choose from. Three internal combustion engine (ICE) options, two diesel options, two hybrids (HEV), one mild-hybrid (MHEV), and one plug-in hybrid option (PHEV).
Malaysia will likely receive two options: a 2.0-litre Smartstream MPi petrol engine (156 PS and 192 Nm) and a 1.6-litre T-GDi petrol engine (179 PS and 265 Nm), mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission respectively.
The facelifted Mazda CX-5 features revised suspension and a slightly refreshed exterior. Since it's a facelift, there won't be significant changes to the engine lineup. It's expected that the current range of 2.0- and 2.5-litre petrol engines will continue to be offered, along with the 2.2-litre turbodiesel.
The Mazda CX-60 is the first Large Product Group model, which uses rear-wheel drive (RWD) underpinnings and a range of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and mild hybrid (MHEV) in-line 6 engines.
Dimension wise, the Mazda CX-60’s length measures at 4,740 mm (190 mm longer than the CX-5), while the width is 1,890 mm (50 mm wider than the CX-5), and height is 1,675 mm (identical to CX-5). The wheelbase stretches at 2,870 mm, which is 170 mm longer than the CX-5.
Globally, there are three powertrain options are available - a 3.3-litre e-SkyActiv-G turbocharged direct injection six-cylinder (in-line) petrol engine, 3.3-litre e-SkyActiv-D turbodiesel, also 3.3-litre in-line 6 engine and is a 48V mild hybrid, and a 2.5-litre e-SkyActiv PHEV.
Also read: Malaysians can look forward to the Mazda CX-60, here's what you need to know
The all-new W214 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class marks a significant step towards electric drive as it represents the bridge between electric vehicle (EV) and internal combustion engine (ICE) cars for the company.
At its European launch, half of the engine variants featured plug-in hybrids (PHEV), with the remaining ones being mild hybrids (MHEV). The MHEV E200 has a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine 204 PS and 320 Nm.
The E400e 4Matic PHEV generates a combined system output of 381 PS and 650 Nm, with the electric motor contributing 129 PS and 440 Nm, while the E300e offer a combined output of 312 PS and 550 Nm. All powertrains feature a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Following its debut in Thailand, the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton has gone on sale there with prices of the (184 PS / 430 Nm) 2.4-litre turbodiesel variants ranging from THB 699,000 to THB 1,027,000 (~RM 93k-136k). Prices have yet to be announced for the entry-level 150 PS / 330 Nm versions and range-topping 204 PS / 470 Nm versions.
Thai dealers have indicated that the range-topping 2024 Mitsubishi Triton Athlete 4WD variant will go on sale with an estimated price of around THB 1,300,000. That’s around 8 percent more expensive than before, setting a sombre mood for what’s to come in Malaysia. But we shall wait and see what Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia’s final price will be.
Also read: 35 photos to show off the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton's 'Beast Mode' style
The all-new C28 Nissan Serena was spotted testing at Genting Highlands last year though as of now, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has not provided any information on the launch of the C28 Nissan Serena in Malaysia.
That being said, we remain optimistic about its introduction in Malaysia this year. Powertrain is likely to be a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre MR20DD 4-cylinder petrol engine that does 150 PS and 200 Nm, mated to a CVT-type automatic transmission.
Signs of the 2024 Proton X70 facelift launching in Malaysia are becoming more apparent, as recent manufacturing statistics from the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) reveal a gradual decline in the production of the existing model.
Not much is known about the 2024 Proton X70 facelift yet, but we’re expecting the 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine that Proton produces in its Tanjung Malim engine plant.
The Nexis name, alongside Traz, were trademarked back in 2022. Though a trademarked name doesn't necessarily lead to it being used. But we do know that it is codenamed D66B, whether it turns out to be the Nexis remains to be seen.
Details are still scarce about the upcoming model, but the ASEAN Toyota Yaris Cross, is built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform, offers a preview.
Depending on market, choices of powertrain include a 1.5-litre petrol powerplant that makes 106 PS and 138 Nm, or a 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid system that combines a 91 PS/121 Nm 1.5-litre naturally aspirated 2NR-VEX four-cylinder engine with an 80 PS/121 Nm electric motor.
It's only a matter of time before the Peugeot 408 heads to Malaysia. An interview with Stellantis' Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the ASEAN region, Daniel Gonzalez, confirmed its arrival here along with other Peugeot models too, which will happen this year.
The Peugeot 408 was spotted here a couple of times recently, presumably for local on-road tests. In our region, the model has gone on sale in Vietnam and has been previewed in Thailand and Singapore.
Powetrain options include a 1.2-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine with 130 PS/230 Nm and 225 PS/360 Nm plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
Also read: Set to pounce: All-new Peugeot 408, e-2008 BEV, and CKD Landtrek confirmed for Malaysia in 2024
The Peugeot Landtrek is currently available in Malaysia as a model fully-imported (CBU) from China, priced from RM 120,072 for sole 1.9D Allure variant.
Late last year, COO of Stellantis for the ASEAN region Daniel Gonzalez, said, "We will also launch our built-in-Malaysia Peugeot Landtrek pick-up with upgraded suspension next year as it was earlier introduced as an imported vehicle to test the market.”
Also read: Review: Can the Peugeot Landtrek conquer the left-field pick-up segment?
The third-generation 2024 Porsche Panamera was unveiled globally late last year, and Porsche Malaysia’s website now displays the upcoming model, suggesting that it’s coming sooner rather than later.
The Panamera and Panamera 4 variants get an improved 2.9-liter V6 turbocharged engine that generates 353 PS and 500 Nm, which is 23 PS/50 Nm more than before. Meanwhile, the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid, featuring a revised 4.0-litre V8 turbo engine and a new 190 PS electric motor, achieves a combined output of 680 PS and 930 Nm.
Also read: Old vs New: 2024 Porsche Panamera, new generation or major facelift?
The 2024 Toyota Camry (XV80) debuted at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show with hybrid-only powertrains, including the fifth-generation hybrid system with a 2.5-litre engine (combined 232 PS) mated to an all-wheel drive setup.
While Toyota considers this a new generation, it's closer to a major facelift, underpinned by the same TNGA-K platform as its predecessor.
Meanwhile, the Chinese XV80 Camry gets a petrol powerplant and two petrol-electric hybrid powertrains. The sole petrol unit consists of a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre unit while the two hybrid powertrains have 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre displacements.
It remains to be seen which powertrain(s) will be introduced here in Malaysia, we'll have to wait and see what's in store for Thailand to get a better idea.
Also read: New 2024 Toyota Camry (XV80) debuts in USA; no more ICE, only hybrid, Crown-inspired looks
Toyota filed trademarks for the Yaris Cross in Malaysia, registered last year under Class 12 for 'Automobiles and structural parts thereof.' This is the ASEAN-spec model introduced in May 2023, which means it’s related to the Perodua version, codenamed 'D66B' or 'Perodua Nexis.’
The ASEAN Yaris Cross sits on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform, offering various hybrid and non-electrified powertrains, including a 1.5-litre petrol engine (106 PS/138 Nm) or a 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid system combining a 91 PS/121 Nm engine with an 80 PS/121 Nm electric motor.
Previewed last year with an estimated price range between RM 330,000 – RM 350,000, the CKD Volkswagen Golf R Mk8 has yet to receive an official price.
Under the bonnet lies the EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that develops 320 PS and 400 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission.
New additions to the Golf R include the standard “R Performance Package” which features a (7-kg lighter) titanium Akrapovič exhaust system, a new rear spoiler, 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels and the new “Drift” and “Special” driving modes.
Another update for the Golf R is the inclusion of the VW IQ Drive ADAS suite, with features such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Travel Assist, Side Assist, Front Assist (FCW and AEB), Lane Assist, and Emergency Assist.
Also read: 2023 VW Golf R (Mk8) CKD previewed - Only Golf Rs assembled outside Germany, est RM 330k
For now, these are the cars we can expect to be launched in Malaysia by the end of 2024. This isn’t an exhaustive list as we will likely get surprises and announcements along the way. In any case, there’s still quite a few to look forward to.
We’ll cover the EVs launching in Malaysia this year in the next part of this series. Stay tuned to WapCar.my.
Shaun
Senior Writer
The quest for automotive knowledge began as soon as the earliest memories. Various sources information, even questionable ones, have been explored including video games, television, magazines, or even internet forums. Still stuck in that rabbit hole.
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