Tag Archives: crossover

NEWS

Our X-Series lineup remains strong despite stiff competition, says Proton

National automaker Proton in a statement said that its X-Series SUV lineup remains resilient in the market despite facing stiff competition from other brands vying for the same customer base.

X50

According to the automaker, the X50 has emerged as its best-selling SUV, with total sales of 23,647 units last year. The 2024 version, launched on 4 June, received an overwhelming response with a total of 8,000 bookings in the first month. A total of 13,780 units of the 2024 X50 were sold last year, accounting for 58.3% of the model’s total sales.

Meanwhile, the X50 Sport Edition (SE) received 941 orders, with 299 units registered in less than a month after its debut.

A recent survey of over 1,300 customers revealed that X50 owners were drawn to the vehicle primarily due to its combination of features, engine performance and spacious cabin.

X70

Proton’s first SUV, the X70, recorded sales of 5,628 units for the 2025 version. This makes up 62.6% of the total 8,992 units sold in 2024.

From the same recent survey, key reasons for purchase included fuel efficiency, features and engine performance.

Launched in August last year, the 2025 X70 is a comprehensive update to its predecessor, featuring revised exterior styling, new interior equipment and upgraded ADAS level 2 safety technology.

X90

 

The X90, Proton’s entrant in the D-segment SUV space, ended 2024 with 3,553 units delivered, maintaining its position as a market leader since its launch two years ago.

Proton reported that buyers were drawn to the X90’s driving performance, storage capacity and value for money. About 30% of buyers preferred the car for its strong driving performance, while 27% liked it because of its large storage compartments, good value for money and number of features compared to competitors.

The automaker added that X90 owners have families with children with a similar buying profile as X50.

“Thanks to our intelligent models, we have managed to raise the overall level of sophistication in cars offered to Malaysian buyers and while the strong market response to our current model lineup is testament to the trust and loyalty we have earned from our customers. Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to delivering vehicles that offer outstanding performance, features, and value,” said Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar.

NEWS

ETCM announces Nissan Kicks e-Power deliveries to begin in the coming weeks

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has announced that the new Nissan Kicks e-Power crossover will be delivered to its customers in the upcoming weeks.

According to Khoo Cheng Pah, CEO of Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd, “We are excited to share that the Nissan Kicks e-Power is on track for delivery in the coming weeks.

“Our team is committed to accelerating this process to ensure our customers can experience the e-Power technology as soon as possible.”

Officially launched at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) 2024, the Nissan Kicks e-Power features a second-generation e-Power system that offers improved fuel efficiency (21.7 km/l) and a driving range of up to 900 km on a full tank.

The e-Power system consists of a 129 PS/280 Nm electric motor, a 1.2-liter HR12DE engine (82 PS/103 Nm) that serves as a power generator, and a 2.06 kWh battery pack.

The all-new Nissan Kicks e-Power is now available for booking in two variants, VL and VLT, with a starting price of just RM113,800.

NEWS

2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid arrives with new generation hybrid powertrain, 194 hp

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The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek, now in its third generation, is available with a variant equipped with a new generation hybrid powertrain.

As previously reported, the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid features a hybrid system consisting of a 2.5-liter boxer engine (158 hp, 209 Nm), two electric motors, and a 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, producing a total output of 194 hp.

Interestingly, the Crosstrek Hybrid retains Subaru’s pure Symmetrical AWD system, meaning the addition of the hybrid system does not compromise its responsive on-road or off-road driving capabilities.

In terms of exterior design, there are not many differences in this hybrid model compared to the standard model, except for the Hybrid emblem featuring the horizontal engine logo and the dark gray 18-inch alloy wheels.

The ground clearance of the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid remains at 220 mm.

Inside the cabin, this crossover is equipped with a 12.3-inch digital cluster screen, alongside an 11.6-inch central infotainment screen, with wireless support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

All variants of the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid will come with advanced safety features, including the EyeSight system that offers functions such as pedestrian and cyclist detection, advanced adaptive cruise control, and other active safety features like automatic reverse braking, blind-spot detection, and rear cross-traffic alert.

There are two new colors available for the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid: Sand Dune Pearl and Citron Yellow Pearl.

More details will be announced in the lead-up to the official launch, which is scheduled to take place this fall.

NEWS

2024 Subaru Outback XT launched, 2.4L turbo boxer engine, 249 PS, 350 Nm, starting from RM310,390

After a long period of silence, TC Subaru, the official distributor of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia has finally introduced the new crossover wagon model, the 2024 Subaru Outback XT Touring EyeSight.

The Subaru Outback XT is powered by a 2.4-liter turbo flat-four-cylinder engine capable of producing up to 249 PS and 350 Nm of torque.

Power is transmitted to all wheels through the Subaru Lineartronic Transmission (SLT) Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, with acceleration from 0-100 km/h achievable in 7.5 seconds.

Owners can choose between two driving modes, Intelligent and Sport, with an additional off-road X-Mode with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud options.

In terms of dimensions, the Subaru Outback XT measures 4,860 mm in length, 1,680 mm in height, 1,855 mm in width, with a wheelbase of 2,745 mm. As a crossover wagon, the Outback XT offers a ground clearance of 213 mm.

External features of the Outback XT include 17-inch rims, XT emblem, LED headlights, LED fog lights, roof rails, body cladding, and a rear spoiler.

In the cabin, the Outback XT offers analog meters with a small MID screen, an 11.6-inch infotainment screen, support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Nappa leather-upholstered seats, and the use of soft-touch materials in some areas.

The cargo space of the Outback XT is 561 liters, and expandable to 1,848 liters when the 60:40 split-folding rear seats are folded.

As standard, the Subaru Outback XT is equipped with Subaru EyeSight 4.0, which includes functions such as pre-collision braking, autonomous emergency steering, adaptive cruise control, lane-centering function, and lane departure prevention.

Fully imported from Japan, the Subaru Outback XT Touring EyeSight is sold at a starting price of RM310,390, while the Outback 2.5-T (2.5L NA engine, 185 PS/245 Nm) is sold at a price of RM280,390.

 

 

EV, NEWS

2025 smart #5 debuts, offers a driving range of 740 km

Several months after the unveiling of the Concept #5 model, smart has finally introduced the new crossover model #5 2025.

At its core, the smart #5 is a mid-size premium SUV, sporting a boxy body shape with dimensions that rival those of the GLC-Class SUV.

Here’s what you need to know about the smart #5:

Dimensions


The smart #5 measures 4,705 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width, 1,705 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,900 mm. In comparison, the smart #5 boasts larger dimensions than the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class, but slightly smaller than the GLC-Class.

 

Storage Space

Due to its larger size compared to the smart #1 and #3, the smart #5 offers more storage space within the cabin, with a cargo capacity of up to 1,530 liters. Additionally, there is also a ‘frunk’ space at the front suitable for storing smaller items.

Premium Cabin

Luxurious features loaded into the cabin include zero-gravity seats, premium leather upholstery, oak wood trims, a Sennheiser audio system with 21 speakers, and ambient lighting system with 256 color options available.

The dashboard houses a 10.3-inch digital cluster screen, along with two 13-inch screens displaying the AI avatar Leo, and a 25.6-inch augmented reality heads-up display.

Furthermore, the rear seats come with heating and adjustable recline functions, power sunshades, first-class cabin-style LED reading lights, and a special comfort mode that provides extra legroom. The rear seats can also be folded down to provide a comfortable sleeping space.

 

Can travel up to 740 km

The smart #5 comes equipped with a 100 kWh battery pack, providing a driving range of 740 km (CTLC data). The 800-volt charging technology enables fast DC charging, allowing the battery to be charged from 10-80 percent within 15 minutes.

According to information from the Chinese ministry’s website, the smart #5 will be offered in RWD versions with 335 hp or 358 hp, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version combines a front electric motor with 221 hp with options for rear electric motors of 358 hp or 416 hp.

 

Exterior Features

Unlike the more rounded appearance of the smart #1 and #3, the smart #5 presents a more rugged and robust look. The main headlights feature a more angular shape, complemented by body protection cladding, integrated door handles, and aerodynamic rims with floating center caps.

Owners seeking a more rugged version can opt for the Summit Edition, which adds roof-mounted light bars, side step boards, a ladder, underbody protection, more aggressive rims, a trailer hitch, and storage boxes that can be mounted on the C/D pillars.

NEWS

2024 Lexus LBX Officially Launched in Malaysia, Two Variants, Prices Starting from RM238,888

Say hello to the 2024 Lexus LBX, a compact SUV freshly launched for the Malaysian market.

The Lexus LBX (Lexus Breakthrough X-over) is positioned as the entry-level Lexus vehicle designed for younger consumers and those seeking a vehicle that caters to an active lifestyle.

 

 

It is the first Lexus vehicle built on the global TNGA-B platform, meaning it shares the same platform as the Yaris Cross model in the European market.

The Lexus LBX is designed based on the Lexus Next Chapter Design approach, retaining the signature Lexus identity with a more casual and relaxed character.

 

 

At the front, the Lexus LBX features a frameless spindle grille structure that is more aerodynamic, along with a single projector headlamp unit with Auto High Beam function integrating cornering lamps and LED daytime running lights (DRL).

The LBX’s bold appearance is also heightened by its wide shoulder structure, complemented by a sleek rear lamp design connected by a thin LED bar.

 

 

For the Malaysian market, the Lexus LBX is only offered with a 1.5-liter hybrid electric powertrain (code M15A-FXE), producing a high output of 136 hp and 185 Nm of torque paired with an 8-speed eCVT transmission. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h is around 9.2 seconds.

The Lexus LBX’s cabin adopts the Tazuna concept approach where the layout of the dashboard and controls are positioned around the driver to create a more focused driving space. Available features include a 12.3-inch digital cluster screen (7 inches for the Premium model), a 9.8-inch center screen, support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound audio system with 13 speakers (6 units for the LBX Premium).

 

 

The Lexus LBX also benefits from comprehensive safety features, thanks to the Lexus Safety System+ which includes Pre-Collision Warning, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Sign Assist, Safe Exit Assist, Lexus Teammate Advanced Park, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Blind Spot Monitoring System.

There are two variants offered for the Malaysian market, namely Premium and Luxury, with prices starting from RM238,888.