10/05/2026

theSunday Special XVI ON SUNDAY MAY 10, 2026 BMW X3 steps up

SHORTS IONIQ 5N, 6N OPEN FOR BOOKINGS

Hyundai Motor Malaysia has announced that order books of the award-winning Ioniq 5N and the Ioniq 6N are now open. The 2024 World Performance Car winner, the Ioniq 5N, and the Ioniq 6N, form Hyundai’s N line-up in Malaysia and estimated pricing for the duo are around RM450,000 and RM460,000 respectively, with each booking including official Hyundai N merchandise worth RM2,000. The cars will be built-to-order and bookings can be placed through authorised Hyundai N dealers Sime Darby Auto Hyundai Sdn Bhd (Central), Goh Brothers Motor Sdn Bhd (Northern) and Heng Lian Enterprise Bhd (East Malaysia). A world winner, the Ioniq 5N challenges the notion that EVs cannot deliver a truly visceral driving experi ence, as demonstrated by its 2024 award. It runs a track-tuned chassis and bespoke N-specific hardware producing. Making 650PS, it does the century sprint in just 3.4 seconds and maxes out at 260kph. On the other hand, its sibling, the Ioniq 6N, is not one to be let out, being awarded World Performance Car of 2026. Its 650PS shortens the century sprint to 3.2 seconds though the top speed drops a smidgen to 257kph. HONDA EXTENDS HYBRID COVER Honda Malaysia has introduced a 10-year hybrid bat tery and components warranty for its e:HEV models, effective 1 May 2026. The new warranty comes with unlimited mileage and applies to all newly purchased Honda e:HEV mod els, including the Honda City e:HEV, City Hatchback e:HEV, HR-V e:HEV, Civic e:HEV and CR-V e:HEV. The update also extends to existing customers. Owners of current e:HEV models as well as previous generation i-DCD hybrids (Jazz, City and HR-V) will see their hybrid battery warranty extended from 8 years to 10 years, while selected hybrid components are now covered for up to 10 years, up from the pre vious 5-year coverage. Honda Malaysia has also confirmed that the extended warranty applies to second-hand owners. Subsequent owners will remain eligible for hybrid bat tery and components coverage, valid up to the 10 year warranty period. This move comes as part of Honda Malaysia’s “Hybrid Done Right” campaign, which runs from April 1 to June 30 2026 and focuses on the durability and long-term performance of its hybrid systems. DUNLOP RETURNS TO MALAYSIA Dunlop is making a return to Malaysia with a new direction, appointing Toyotsu Binter Malaysia (TBM) as its exclusive distributor in the country. This marks a reset for the tyre brand locally, with a focus on improving supply consistency, expanding its dealer network, and introducing a refreshed product line-up. TBM is supported by the wider Toyota Tsusho Corporation network and works closely with Dunlop’s principal, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, which acquired the brand in 2025. The company currently works with over 190 authorised wholesalers, trade partners and direct dealers nationwide, with plans to further expand its network over the next two years. As part of its product push, Dunlop has introduced models such as the Blue Response TG, alongside per formance-oriented tyres including the Sport Maxx Lux and SP Sport Maxx 06l0+. An EV-focused tyre, the e.Sport Maxx, is also expected to be launched soon. These tyres are designed to meet evolving demands, including the growing shift towards electri fied vehicles, with Dunlop positioning itself to support both replacement and OEM segments. On that front, Dunlop tyres are already fitted as original equipment on selected models from brands including Toyota, Lexus, Isuzu, Mazda and Leapmotor.

New variant sits above existing model with added punch

OMODA & Jaecoo Malaysia has also said that the Omoda C7 will be launched in Malaysia this year, following its earlier preview and multiple road sightings. Positioned in the C-segment SUV category, the C7 is expected to be offered with both petrol and hybrid powertrains. The petrol variant is likely to use a 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 197PS and 290Nm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. A plug-in hybrid variant is also expected. This setup in the Jaecoo J7 Phev combines a 1.5 litre turbo engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined out put of around 360PS and 530Nm. The system is paired with a dedicated hybrid transmission and an 18.3kWh battery, offering around 100km of electric-only range and a total combined range of up to 1,300km. In terms of design, the C7 adopts a cleaner and more pre mium look compared to the C4, BMW MALAYSIA has just intro duced the BMW X3 30 xDrive M Sport here, positioned above the existing X3 20 xDrive M Sport launched in June last year. As the larger numeric suggests, this vari ant has a higher-tuned version of the mild-hybrid powertrain. The numbers are 258PS and 400Nm of torque from the familiar 2.0-litre inline-four turbocharged mill. It is sent to all four wheels via the also familiar eight-speed auto matic transmission. That is a cen tury sprint time of 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 240kph. It also rides on larger 20-inch Style 1036 M bicolour alloy wheels with a staggered tyre setup. However, there is no M Sport sus pension here, though the brakes

Safety comprises the Driving Assistant Plus package that consists of lane change warning with active steering intervention, front colli sion warning with brake interven tion and the evasion assistant for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. Also included rear cross traffic alert with brake intervention, rear collision prevention, active cruise control with stop-go and attentive ness assistant. The X3 30 xDrive M Sport is priced at RM358,800 or RM386,800 if you add on the BMW Service & Repair Inclusive that includes a five-year servicing and warranty package. Colour options include Black Sapphire, Dune Grey, Alpine White and Tanzanite Blue.

are M Sport calipers in the signa ture shade of dark blue. The cabin gets the M Anthracite headliner, a flat-bottom, tri-spoke M Sport steering wheel and front ventilated sports seats. BMW labels the upholstery Veganza per forated synthetic leather and is a classy black colour. There are two screens as part of the BMW Curved Display that combines a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment central piece with the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. With a bigger price tag comes more speakers, comprising a 15 speaker, 765 W surround sound system by Harman Kardon over the lower variants six-speaker setup.

After multiple sightings, Omoda C7 set for launch

system, and advanced driver assistance systems. No specific timeline was given for the Omoda C7’s Malaysian launch, but we are expecting a Q3/Q4 launch. We are also expecting a slight price premium over the Jaecoo J7. For refer ence, J7 starts at RM138k.

with a sculpted front end, slim lighting elements, and a full-width rear light bar. Inside, the cabin features a minimalist layout with dual screens, a large infotainment dis play, and a high centre console. Other features include premium materials, a multi-speaker audio