28/09/2025

theSunday Special XVI ON SUNDAY SEPT 28, 2025

GWM to launch new MPV

Premium energy WEY G9 model set to enter Malaysia

GREAT WALL MOTOR (GWM) is preparing to launch the WEY G9 in Malaysia, mark ing the brand’s first premium new energy MPV for the market. It also becomes the first Chinese premium MPV of its kind to be locally assembled, with pricing confirmed to come in below RM300,000. Beyond Malaysia, right hand-drive versions of the G9 will also be exported to regional markets including Thailand and Indonesia. The arrival of the G9 expands GWM’s Malaysian line-up, which already features the Haval H6 HEV, the rugged Tank 300 and 500 HEVs, and the fully electric ORA Good Cat and ORA 07. The MPV fits neatly into the company’s “All Scenarios · All Powertrains · All Users” strategy, bringing a mix of advanced safety, practicality, and luxury aimed squarely at Malaysian families. The model’s name is steeped in meaning. The “G” represents generational love, while “9” stands for unity and wholeness within the family. “WEY” itself pays tribute to brand founder

is designed to cope with extremes. Performance has not been overlooked. Under the bonnet sits a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine working with a dual-motor hybrid setup and a 4-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission. Together, the sys tem generates 442PS and 642Nm, enabling the G9 to sprint from 0–100kph in just 5.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 200kph. The G9 measures 5,050 mm long, 1,960 mm wide, and 1,900 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3,085 mm, which makes this bigger than a Toyota Alphard. Customers can choose from exterior colours of grey, black, or white, paired with inte rior trim in either brown or black. Bookings are already being taken at selected dealerships nationwide, with the official launch set to take place soon. By pricing the WEY G9 below RM300,000 and combining safety, technology, and genuine luxury, GWM looks ready to raise the bar in Malaysia’s MPV segment.

Jack Wey. True to its “mobile living room” tagline, the G9 aims to transform family journeys into experiences that are both comfortable and connected. Safety has been built into the very core of this MPV. It recently secured a 5-star C-NCAP safety rating thanks to a series of robust measures. The MPV employs a triple high-strength steel safety cage with more than 81% high

a n d remain inflated for six sec onds during severe collisions or rollovers. Impact energy is chan nelled through a clever four-lon gitudinal, seven-cross chassis structure, while the battery pack goes through no fewer than 89 test scenarios. With four-layer side impact protection, six-layer underbody shielding and advanced thermal and water resistance, the system

strength steel, ultra

high-strength 2000 MPa A- and B-pillars, reinforced third-row seatbacks, and innovative adhe sive blocks to boost rigidity. The roof alone can withstand 12 ton nes of pressure. To further protect occupants, side curtain airbags stretch over 3.1 metres to cover all three rows

New Toyota EV in the works in China TOYOTA has finally stepped fully into China’s fast-growing electric car market, and it’s doing things differently this time. Instead of working alone, Toyota has

the infotainment, offering smooth con trols and smart connectivity. The bZ7 also links directly with Xiaomi’s smart home devices and per sonal tech, making it very appealing to China’s tech-loving customers. What makes this car even more important is Toyota’s new strategy in China. Instead of all decisions coming from Japan, local engineers in China are now leading development, designing cars that match the country’s fast-chang ing market trends. According to Toyota’s EV chief in China, Yoshiaki Konishi, the bZ7 is the first real product of this new approach. It’s built for China, by China, but still car ries Toyota’s global reputation for quality. The bZ7 could be the start of a big shift, showing how Toyota plans to stay competitive in the world’s biggest EV market.

partnered with local tech giants Huawei and Xiaomi to build its latest model, the GAC Toyota bZ7. The bZ7 is a large electric sedan, measuring over five metres long with a very spacious interior – something Chinese buyers value highly. While the design looks familiar to Toyota fans, the real changes are under the skin. Toyota is using Huawei’s electric motor, which produces 278hp and pushes the car to a top speed of 180kph. It’s not about being the fastest, but about being reliable and practical for families. Inside, the car is packed with tech. The HarmonySpace cockpit system from Huawei runs

Subaru goes bold with WRX, BRZ series

SUBARU has decided to add some colour, quite literally, to its performance line-up with the introduction of two striking special editions: the 2026 Subaru WRX Series. Yellow and the 2026 Subaru BRZ Series.Yellow. Limited to just 350 units each, these models celebrate the brand’s rally-bred heritage while blending in modern tech and performance tweaks designed to thrill on both road and track. Rarity is the name of the game here, as both cars are based on their hard core tS trims, making them highly desir able collector’s items from day one.

has had its hands on the suspension too, fitting adjustable dampers that promise flexibility between sharp han dling and everyday comfort. Grip comes courtesy of 19-inch matte black alloys wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza S007 tyres, while the cabin adds a dash of exclusivity with Recaro front seats finished in black with yellow stitching and perforated detailing. For those who prefer their driving pure and unfiltered, the BRZ Series. Yellow delivers a different kind of thrill. Staying true to its rear-wheel-drive nature, it runs on a naturally aspirated 2.4-litre Boxer engine producing 228hp and 249Nm, also matched with a close ratio six-speed manual. Like its sibling, there’s no automatic option here, keeping things firmly in enthusiast territory. Together, the WRX and BRZ Series. Yellow editions underline Subaru’s com mitment to performance enthusiasts who value rarity, heritage and a proper connection between driver and machine.

The WRX Series.Yellow sticks to the Subaru for mula of all-weather per formance. It’s pow ered by a 2.4-litre tur bocharged Boxer engine delivering

271hp and 350Nm of torque, paired exclu sively with a six speed manual gearbox. Subaru Tecnica International (STI)