23/11/2025

theSunday Special XVI ON SUNDAY NOV 23, 2025

SIME DARBY Auto ConneXion-Ford, the sole distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia, has launched the Ford Ranger Raptor Sport 3.0, a new addition to the Ranger Raptor fam ily created to celebrate the model’s third anni versary in the Malaysian market. The latest variant builds on the Raptor’s performance-focused reputation with a series of enhancements in power, design, and off road capability. At the core of the Ranger Raptor Sport is a 3.0-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 petrol engine, tuned by Ford Performance. The engine produces 397PS at 5,650rpm and 583Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm, making it one of the most powerful pickup offerings in its class. Complementing the powertrain are FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shock absorbers, which feature race-proven Bottom-Out Control for better composure on rough terrain while maintaining comfort on the road. The Raptor Sport rides on beadlock-style wheels that come with threaded holes to support true beadlock rings for serious off road use. These wheels arrive with stylish “beauty rings” as standard, with owners New Raptor on the prowl Jetour T2 set to rule JETOUR MALAYSIA has revealed that its upcoming all-terrain SUV, the Jetour T2, will be priced at an estimated RM178,888, mark ing another major step in the brand’s expan sion in Malaysia. The announcement follows the model’s earlier right-hand-drive debut and reinforces Jetour’s growing presence in the premium SUV segment. Visually, the Jetour T2 commands atten tion with its bold and boxy styling. It wears a strong, upright stance accentuated by LED headlamps featuring Jetour’s distinctive light signature, flared wheel arches and rugged body lines that convey both durability and refinement. Available in several striking colours – including Khaki White, Aviation Silver and Carbon Black – the T2 projects a premium yet adventurous person ality that fits right in among Malaysia’s diverse driving environments. Under the bonnet, the T2 packs a 2.0-litre TGDi turbocharged engine producing 245PS and 375Nm of torque, paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The drivetrain is complemented by Jetour’s X-Intelligent Drive Mode, which auto matically adjusts power delivery and traction depending on surface conditions. This gives the T2 flexibility to move effort lessly between city roads, highways and unpaved terrain without sacrificing control or efficiency. able to purchase beadlock rings separately if they plan to run low tyre pres sures for improved grip during heavy off-road activities. Visually, the Raptor Sport introduces a new Raptor decal design and a Sport Hoop that rein forces its muscular stance.

These styling cues build on the Raptor’s established identity as a performance pickup created for drivers who want capability with a strong visual presence. The launch of this new variant marks another milestone for the Next-Gen Ranger Raptor line-up, which has steadily expanded since arriving in Malaysia in 2022. Ford sees the Raptor Sport as a continua tion of its ambition to offer pickups that merge strength, technology, and versatility. To celebrate three years of the Ranger Raptor in Malaysia, Auto ConneXion recently held Raptor Rev, an event that drew over 500 Raptor enthusiasts who came together to mark their shared passion for the model and its off-road spirit. The Ford Ranger Raptor Sport is available in Arctic White and Meteor Grey, priced at RM273,888 (Peninsular Malaysia, on-the-road without insurance). Every purchase includes a 5-year warranty, a free 2-year service package, and an exclu sive ‘Live The Ranger Life’ cooler bag upon delivery. With limited units offered, the Ranger Raptor Sport will be on display at Ford show rooms nationwide from this week. Interested customers are encouraged to visit early, as availability is expected to be tight. Inside, the T2’s cabin takes a functional yet luxurious approach. The layout is driver focused, combining modern design with long term comfort. A 15.6-inch infotainment display anchors the dashboard, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster delivers clear, cus tomisable driving information. Premium materials and soft-touch finishes contribute to a refined atmosphere, enhanced further by a 12-speaker Sony sound system that fills the cabin with crisp, immersive audio. Passenger comfort has clearly been priori tised, with generous legroom and supportive seating that make long-distance trips more enjoyable. Despite its rugged image, the T2 maintains a sense of sophistication through out, showing Jetour’s intent to blend practi cality with class. Safety is also a major focus. The T2 comes equipped with six airbags, ADAS Level 2 driver assistance, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and a 360° camera to help drivers navigate Malaysia’s often unpredictable traffic and road conditions. Bookings for the Jetour T2 are now open nationwide at authorised dealerships with a booking fee of RM1,000. The model is set for an official launch in the first quarter of 2026, bringing Jetour’s latest all-terrain premium SUV one step closer to Malaysian roads.

smart #5 officially launched – priced from RM199,800, 636hp, 0-100kph in 3.8 seconds Premium EV SUV

THE smart #5 has officially been launched in Malaysia, joining the #1 and #3 but sitting above both as the brand’s largest and most capable model to date. With its focus on space, long-dis tance travel and performance, the new SUV steps directly into the pre mium EV battleground. Two variants make up the local line-up: the Premium and the high output Brabus. The Premium variant features a 100kWh battery capable of up to 590km on a full charge. Power output is at 358hp, 373Nm of torque, and the 0–100kph sprint improves to 6.5 sec onds. The cabin gets Nappa leather, a 20-speaker Sennheiser system with Dolby Atmos, and an augmented reality head-up display. It further adds illuminated flush door handles, two wireless charging pads and 22kW AC charging for quicker top-ups. Sitting at the peak of the range is the Brabus edition, engineered for drivers who want genuine perform ance. Dual motors generate 636hp and 710Nm, enabling a blistering 3.8-sec ond dash to 100kph and a top speed of 210kph. The SUV gains sport-tuned sus pension, 21-inch wheels, red brake callipers and even simulated engine sound for added theatre. It also uses an 800-volt architec ture, unlocking rapid charging that takes the battery from 10 to 80% in only 15 minutes when paired with a 400 kW DC charger. All versions benefit from smart’s latest technology suite, built around 26 sensors – including radars, cam eras and ultrasonic units – driven by Nvidia’s OrinX processors. This setup supports L2+ driver assistance features such as Smart Pilot

Assist, Auto Lane Change Assist and fully autonomous parking. Safety has been placed at the fore front, with the body engineered to meet both European and Chinese 5 star NCAP requirements. The structure uses 82% high strength steel and achieves a torsional rigidity figure of 42,300 Nm/deg, comfortably surpassing typical class standards. Inside, a 2,900mm wheelbase ensures ample room for passengers. The rear seats recline and can be con figured into nap or bed mode for longer journeys, while luggage capac ity remains generous at up to 1,530 litres, supported by an additional 72 litre frunk. Real wood trims, Nappa leather upholstery, laminated glass and a panoramic roof with a powered shade all help create a more premium environment. The Premium variant is priced at RM199,800, and the Brabus at RM249,800. The smart all inclusive premium ownership includes a complimentary wallbox charger worth RM3,000, a complimentary V2L adaptor worth RM800, a complimentary 3-year internet data of 3GB/month (total 108GB) and a free accessories pack age with six items worth RM2,000. Warranty includes an 8-year or 200,000km high voltage battery war ranty, 8-year or 150,000km high volt age component warranty, 4-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty, 2-year unlimited mileage spare parts warranty and 24/7 roadside service assistance. With its arrival, the smart #5 enters a highly competitive EV seg ment in Malaysia. It will go up against the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7, Zeekr 7X and Xpeng G6, while the BRABUS version eyes buyers consid ering performance choices such as the BMW iX3 and Mini Countryman SE.