01/02/2026

theSunday Special XVI ON SUNDAY FEB 1, 2026

Made for the city First CKD TQ Wuling Bingo rolls off assembly line

SHORTS

PROTON EMAS 7 FINALLY HOME-MADE Not only is the 2026 Proton eMas 7 now assembled locally (CKD), but it also comes with a little price revi sion for more affordability coupled with a limited time rebate that fur ther drives the price down. The CKD eMas 7 pure EV vari ants are still available in two trims, the Prime at RM103,800 (previ ously RM109,800) and the flagship Premium at RM119,800 (previously RM123,800). However, for a limited time only, Pro-Net is offering a RM4,000 rebate that reduces the prices to RM99,800 for the Prime and RM115,800 for the Premium. Not only is the eMas 7 now more affordable, it has also received some minor updates to make it even more competitive. Further sweetening the deal, Pro-Net has introduced a Welcome Benefit package worth RM4,000 that includes a compli mentary 7kW home charger (RM1,500), a complimentary V2L adaptor (RM500), five years of unlimited internet data (RM1,800), a six-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty coupled with an eight year/160,000km high voltage bat tery warranty and a Proton owner trade-in rebate worth RM5,000. MAA RESOLVES OMV/402 ISSUE, NO PRICE INCREASE Following a deferment in December 2025 to the middle of this year, the expected increase in prices of locally-assembled (CKD) cars in the country, by up to 30%, has been permanently resolved that will result in no increase or if any, negligible, increase in prices. The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) clarified that the PU(A) 402/2019-Excise Tax Regulations (Determination of Value of Locally Produced Goods for Excise Tax Purposes) will be calculated using a new method that results in no to little increase in the taxation of CKD cars. The regulations were to kick off in 2020 but we all know what hap pened then. It kept getting deferred multiple times with the last supposedly set for Dec 31 2025, prior to the final delay of six months till June 2026. Many feared that an increase of up to 30% would simply lead manufacturers to abandon CKD operations and just run on a CBU model like Singapore. While it would see the govern ment coffers fill up more, the industry would collapse as sales might drop due to high prices and job opportunities would cease. After all, the automotive ecosys tem in Malaysia is extremely extensive and a drop would create a cascading domino effect. At long last though, all parties involved have to an agreement permanently, allowing the industry to move forward and plan for the long run.

LOCAL ASSEMBLY (CKD) of the TQ Wuling Bingo BEV has begun and the very first unit has rolled out of the assembly line located in Tan Chong Group’s manufacturing facility in Segambut. The launch of CKD operations for the compact BEV creates a more solid foundation for the brand in terms of supply and delivery times for local customers. Additionally, local vendors benefit as well and aftersales gains stability. Two variants

a bid to maintain stable supply keep operational efficiency up. The brand sees the combination of its global EV capabilities with Tan Chong’s decades of strong manufac turing heritage as a platform to nur ture sustainable growth by building up the local ecosys

for the Bingo Max nets you a 37.9kWh pack with 410km of range (both are CLTC-rated). Both variants have the same charging rate, up to 50kW of DC fast charging, capa ble of

tem and instilling trust in consumers through qual ity products. The first 500 owners will enjoy the Bingo’s “Fabulous 5 Perk” offer worth up to RM 12,000. This includes a RM5,000 cash rebate, extensive battery and drive motor warranty coverage, affordable

are available, the Bingo Pro priced at RM 67,800 and the Bingo Max that goes for RM 72,800.

monthly instalments from RM625, a complimentary 7kW home charger, a portable 3-pin charging cable and many more. To sum it up, the first 500 buyers will have the prices reduced to either RM62,800 for the Pro or RM 67,800 for the Max. Three exterior colours will be available, Milky White, Neon Blue and Lavender Purple.

In terms of the motor, both run an identi cal single electric motor at the front axle delivering 68PS and 150Nm of torque. The only difference is, you guessed it, the battery capac ity of the LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) packs. For the Bingo Pro, the capacity is 31.9kWh that is good for a claimed 333km of range. That little extra coin

getting both packs from 30-80% in 35 minutes. On the other

hand, AC charging till maximum capacity takes 4.5 hours for the Pro and 5.5 hours for the Max. During the initial production stages, TQ Wuling will adjust the plant’s output based on demand and Malaysia’s BEV market expansion, in

Blast from the past

The kit itself is made up of a roof frame with ladder, front fender garnish, front grille with a trim strip, front and rear chrome bumpers, front and rear wheel arches as well as side steps. iCaur went to town with the chrome plating on the front grille and its trim strip, the bumpers and wheel arches. Already present on the standard V23, the parts from the kit are slightly redes igned and chromed. A roof frame and ladder allow easy access to the top for mounting a camp or taking in the sights. The side steps are all combination of form and function as they are 40mm wider than the standard pieces for easier ingress and egress. Finally, cer tain pieces like the sidesteps and front fender garnish get real hardwood trim to

NOSTALGIA always has a certain way of tugging at our heartstrings and the new Retro Edition customisation package for the iCaur V23 is one hard RM 22,000 yank on those cords. The deeply retro-inspired kit will be available for existing owners and new owners as well. Nonetheless, in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year festivities, iCaur is offering the Retro Edition kit at a promotional price of RM 18,888. However, the offer is only limited to the first 88 buy ers, so you better hurry if you want one. On its own, the V23 is already a very unique looking SUV and the Retro Edition kit just elevates that to the next level by combining period-correct retro vibes with its rugged design.

complete the throwback. There are two variants of the V23, a 2WD priced at RM119,800 and a iWD that is listed at RM132,800. Interestingly, the retro kit would per fectly complement the entry-level V23 2WD variant with its 19-inch kompang style steely wheels. You can order the kit with every new v23 purchase or for existing owners, you may do so at all authorised showrooms. All kits will be professionally fitted at the venue as well.