25/05/2025

theSunday Special XVI ON SUNDAY MAY 25, 2025

Get smart#5

Jetour eVT5 makes quiet debut WHILE Jetour’s spotlight was firmly fixed on the national launch of its VT9 seven seater SUV and the prominent display of the rugged T2 SUV at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025, an intriguing third model made a more discreet appearance in the background – the all-electric Jetour eVT5. Positioned as a compact electric SUV, the eVT5 comes equipped with a 53.6kWh lith ium iron phosphate (LFP) battery supplied by CATL. Under the now-outdated NEDC testing cycle, the SUV claims a driving range of 356km on a full charge. Charging capabilities are also notable, with the battery able to replenish from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes via a charging port located at the front of the SUV. The eVT5 rides on MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link suspension setup at the rear. Power is delivered through a front mounted electric motor producing 163PS and 280Nm of torque. Stopping power is provided by front ven tilated disc brakes and solid discs at the

Inside, the eVT5 presents a straightfor ward yet contemporary cabin. The preview unit showcased leather seat upholstery and a centrally mounted 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display. Safety is not overlooked either, with six airbags and a 360° camera system included as standard. Additional driving aids comprise conventional cruise control and auto brake hold. In terms of dimensions, the eVT5 closely resembles the Tiggo Cross recently unveiled by Chery, although Jetour’s model offers a slightly longer overall footprint, potentially granting it greater interior space. The SUV’s blend of familiar practicality and electric drive may resonate well with Malaysian buyers, especially as the nation continues its steady shift towards electrifica tion. Jetour’s eVT5 remains in the shadows for now, but with its balanced mix of range, fea tures, and performance, it could well find itself in the spotlight should the brand decide to introduce it formally to the Malaysian market in the near future.

SMART Malaysia has unveiled the highly anticipated smart #5 at a pub lic preview, setting the stage for a new chapter in premium electric mobility. Simultaneously, bookings are now officially open for the smart #1 Brabus Limited Edition, signalling the brand’s commitment to deliver ing electric vehicles that are both per formance-driven and intelligently designed. The arrival of the smart #5 marks the brand’s foray into the premium mid-size electric SUV segment. Designed with a bold, adventure ready aesthetic, the vehicle combines robust styling with refined luxury and advanced technology, catering to Malaysians seeking a versatile and sophisticated EV experience. The SUV carries forward smart’s latest design language, characterised by a panoramic halo roof and frame less doors that accentuate its modern profile. Inside, the emphasis is on comfort and adaptability. The one-button Comfort Mode reconfigures the co driver and rear seats for optimal relaxation, while the interior show cases oak wood accents and ambient lighting with 256 colour options. A unique “king-size in-car suite mode” is made possible by fold-flat rear seats. With 1,530 litres of boot space, a 72-litre frunk, and 34 clev erly integrated compartments, prac ticality remains a core attribute of the vehicle. Underpinning the in-cabin tech nology is the AMD V2000 processor powering the smart OS built on Unreal Engine. This system supports a 25.6-inch augmented reality head-up display (AR-HUD) and twin 13-inch Amoled screens, creating a high-resolution, immersive interface. Voice interaction is enabled via the

AI-powered assistant “Leo”, while audio is delivered through a 20 speaker Sennheiser Signature Sound System, featuring a retractable ambi ent speaker for added depth. The smart #5 rides on an advanced EV platform and houses a 100kWh battery, enabling a range of up to 590km (WLTP). The vehicle’s 800V fast-charging capability allows for a 10–80% top up in just 15 minutes, adding to its convenience for long-distance travel. For those inclined toward off-road exploration, the SUV is equipped with five terrain modes – Sand, Snow, Mud, Rock, and Adaptive – and includes a 3.3kW Vehicle-to Load (V2L) function for powering external appliances, making it an ideal companion for outdoor adven tures. In tandem with the smart #5 pre view, smart Malaysia has com menced bookings for the exclusive smart #1 Brabus Limited Edition. The car boasts a bespoke aerody namic kit, complete with front and rear spoilers, fascia inserts, and a rear diffuser. It is equipped with sport springs that lower the ride height by 35mm for enhanced handling. Striking 19 inch Brabus Monoblock Z wheels with a 10-spoke design further rein force its aggressive stance. Inside, the cabin receives special treatment with red stitching, piping, exclusive trim accents, illuminated scuff plates, and aluminium pedal covers. The pricing for this limited edition is expected to be announced by June 2025. Suv debuts as bookings opens for smart #1 Brabus LE pants will receive a one-year free road tax as a contribution from the govern ment towards this initiative. To qualify, vehicles must be 15 years or older and deemed uneconomical to repair for continued road use. Accepted vehicle types include sedans, MPVs, vans, 4x4s, lorries, and buses. Participants are required to pro vide proof of ownership and must com plete a full deregistration process, which includes obtaining a Vehicle Ownership Certificate (VOC) for the new vehicle, a JPJK1KD form from JPJ, and a Certificate of Destruction (COD) issued by Car Medic. Car Medic facilitates the deregistra tion through its e-Dereg service, which includes door-to-door support in selected areas and group deregistra tions within two days for more than five vehicles. The company ensures all necessary checks, towing, deregistration and safe disposal procedures are properly han dled.

rear, all housed within 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 215/55 Giti Comfort 520 tyres.

Xchange ageing vehicles with safer, greener models

IN a decisive move to promote road safety and sustainable mobility, Proton has officially launched the Proton Xchange Programme, an initiative encouraging owners of old and unroad worthy vehicles to trade them in for brand-new Proton models, including the highly popular Proton e.MAS 7. The launch, held at the Proton Centre of Excellence in Subang Jaya, was officiated by the Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke, with key Proton figures including Chairman Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar and Chief Executive Officer Dr Li Chunrong pre sent. The event also welcomed represen tatives from Car Medic Sdn Bhd, the Road Transport Department Malaysia (JPJ), the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), and the Malaysian Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii). As part of the initiative, Proton is working in collaboration with Car Medic Sdn Bhd, a Department of

Environment (DOE)-certified and JPJ appointed authorised automotive treatment facility (AATF), to manage the safe deregistration and environ mentally responsible disposal of old vehicles. The programme is open to all car brands, not just Proton owners. To make the programme viable and attractive, Proton has allocated RM4.8

million for the pilot phase, which runs until the end of December 2025. Eligible participants will receive RM2,000 in overtrade support towards the purchase of a new Proton vehicle. This includes the Proton e.MAS 7, which currently holds the title of Malaysia’s best-selling electric vehicle. Loke also stated that eligible partici