28/09/2025

theSunday Special XV ON SUNDAY SEPT 28, 2025

Proton e.MAS 7 lands in Singapore

Honda took it all a step further when it introduced the CR-V e:FCEV last year. The plug-in hybrid model com bines electric power with hydrogen fuel cells, making it one of the most envi ronmentally friendly cars on the road today. This is the result of Honda’s 30 plus years of hydrogen fuel cell research and development. So, this brings me back to my ques tion, why are we only talking about electric power in Malaysia? I understand that it is much needed now as the country moves towards its net zero emissions goal by 2050, but there are obviously more ways to achieve that goal than focusing on electric power alone. Sarawak has shown the nation that hydrogen powered mobility is possible, now all we need is to start talking up about it like we do electric power. In fact, if we start now Malaysia could just be the regional leader in hydrogen power, and I believe that it could hap pen given the right political will. It includes a 10-year unlimited mileage battery warranty, five years of complimen tary cross-border data roaming, and road side assistance available in both Singapore and Malaysia. This arrangement ensures that Singaporean owners facing issues in Malaysia can have their vehicles towed to a Proton service centre across the border. Pricing has been set at SGD175,988 (RM576,380) for the Prime and SGD179,988 (RM589,481) for the Premium, inclusive of COE. These launch prices are exclusive to the first 99 units, making the early allocation particularly attractive. PROTON has launched its first electric vehi cle, the e.MAS 7, in Singapore, making the brand’s third overseas market for its debut EV. The event also signalled Proton’s return to the city-state after an absence of more than a decade. The launch brought together senior rep resentatives from Proton and its distributor Vincar Group, including Proton CEO Dr Li Chunrong, Vincar CEO Vincent Tan, Proton International Corporation CEO Edmund Lim Meng Thong, Pro-Net CEO Zhang Qiang, and Proton Deputy CEO Ainol Azmil bin Abu Bakar. Officials from the Malaysian High Commission, members of the Singapore media, and Vincar customers were also present. The e.MAS 7 has already shown strong results in Malaysia. Nearly 6,000 units were delivered in the first eight months of 2025, giving Proton a 24% share of the EV market and making it the nation’s best-selling elec tric vehicle. Despite having only one EV in its line-up, Proton has established itself as a competitive force in a crowded segment. For Singapore, the e.MAS 7 will be sold in two versions, Prime and Premium, with a choice of six exterior colours: Platinum Silver, Lithium White, Turquoise Green, Slate Grey, Quartz Rose, and Obsidian Black. Interior finishes include Indigo Blue and Alabaster White, offering customers a degree of customisation. To mark the debut, Proton has introduced a Founders Edition package limited to the first 99 buy ers.

Mitsubishi prepares for Europe Introduction of all-new Eclipse Cross BEV to Europe before the end of 2025

FOR better or for worse, electric vehi cles have long dominated headlines. In a time where environmental factors played a big role in pushing the change from internal combustion engines to electric power, the shift was a neces sary one. But it seems like the industry has been focusing on electric as the only sole saviour. Though good for the atmosphere, electric power has other environmental costs that arise from lith ium mining. So, have we been solving one prob lem only to create another? The data may suggest that, and time will tell how severe the impact of lithium mining is, so now is good time to look at other sources of energy to power our vehi cles. Sources such as hydrogen. The Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Toyota Australia, Sean Hanley, was recently quoted as saying that diesel “may only have another ten years left before hydrogen technology begins to take over”. “It’s (diesel) not going to die off any Drivers will also benefit from four selectable levels of regenerative braking via paddle shifters and a one-pedal driv ing function for effortless city commutes. Charging options include AC charging up to 22kW and DC fast charging at MITSUBISHI MOTORS is gearing up to introduce the all-new Eclipse Cross battery electric vehicle (BEV) to Europe before the end of 2025. Production will take place at Renault’s ElectriCity Douai Plant in France, the EV hub of the Renault Group, under the company’s existing OEM agreement. This latest model follows the ASX compact SUV, Colt hatchback and Grandis SUV, all of which were also developed with Renault. Built on the CMF-EV platform, the new Eclipse Cross has been designed as a pure BEV, com bining Mitsubishi’s familiar design iden tity with the performance and efficiency required by European buyers. The SUV promises a driving range of around 600km on a single charge, aided by an 87kWh battery pack. Its electric motor produces up to 214hp and 300Nm of torque, delivering the instant pull EVs are known for.

150kW. A medium range version, aimed at more cost conscious buyers, is scheduled to follow in 2026. Mitsubishi has adopted the “Smart Armor” design con cept for the new Eclipse Cross. The Dynamic Shield front end has been

highlighted

by

satin accents.

silver

Technology plays a central role in the cabin. The SUV comes with a 12.3-inch vertical Smartphone-link Display Audio sys tem and features Google built-in, giving drivers

further evolved with a honeycomb grille and distinctive LED headlights, giving the SUV a robust yet modern face. J-shaped light signatures at the front and a strong side profile lead to a rear end defined by Mitsubishi’s “Hexagonal Stability” motif, emphasising width and stance. The package is completed by 20 inch alloy wheels that lend a sophisti cated edge to the SUV’s muscular pro portions. Inside, the Eclipse Cross is aimed at being both practical and premium. It adopts a two-row, five-seat layout with supportive, diamond-stitched seats, plenty of space and a modern finish

direct access to Google Assistant, Google Maps and the Play Store. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also supported wirelessly. Four drive modes – Personal, Eco, Comfort and Sport – allow the car to adapt to different driving situations. Remote vehicle access is available via the Mitsubishi Motors app, letting owners control charging, check the car’s location or lock and unlock the doors. The system also supports over-the-air software updates. The arrival of the all-new Eclipse Cross BEV is Mitsubishi’s next step in its European electrification strategy.

Get serious about hydrogen

time in the next decade, but in 10 years we will see hydro gen take over.” That’s an interesting obser vation from someone who obviously has all the data and insights needed to make such a bold statement. Toyota is no stranger to hydrogen fuel cell technology and has been working on it

BMW is another company that believes in the power of choice. The next generation X5 will be available in more driv etrain options than ever before. When launched, buyers will be able to choose between battery electric, plug-in hybrid, petrol, diesel

WRITTEN BY KESHY DHILLON

for years rather than banking on one option as what some car makers have done. Some of its hydrogen powered cars include the Mirai which we have seen in Malaysia, as well as experimental Hilux prototypes. Toyota has always maintained its multi-pathway approach and this steadfastness has rewarded the com pany as sales data show car buyers around the world to be shifting towards hybrids.

and hydrogen fuel cell. It will make the X5 the first model in BMW’s line-up to feature the full range of propulsion technologies in a single series. And it won’t be the last. In fact, BMW is pushing forward with its Hydrogen Mobility at Scale (HyMoS) programme, which aims to expand hydrogen refuelling networks in large cities. The pilot phase is already starting in Germany and will later move to France with other markets soon to follow.