22/02/2026

theSunday Special XVI ON SUNDAY FEB 22, 2026

Cat out of the bag

SHORTS

Lepas L4 spotted ahead of launch

PEUGEOT 408 CKD BEGINS EXPORT TO TAIWAN Production of the locally-assem bled (CKD) Peugeot 408 at the Stellantis Gurun plant in Kedah will now see the stylish fastback be exported to a third country in the region, Taiwan. The Gurun plant has under gone a manufacturing line upgrade, including specialised research and development for powertrain calibration and local ised parts development. Taiwan is the third market to receive the Malaysian-built model, after Thailand in 2024 and Cambodia in 2025. Furthermore, additional markets across the Asia-Pacific region are being evaluated for the export of the 408. The 408 was the first model launched under the Stellantis Malaysia entity and sports a com pletely redesigned aesthetic packed with advanced engineering and technology. Stellantis has long viewed the Gurun plant as a key point in its regional expansion plans by serving as an export hub. The group will gradually increase production capacity with the aim to achieve full capacity of export ing 280,000 vehicles to 20 coun tries across the Asia-Pacific region by 2028. Shell Malaysia marks its 135th anniversary this year with RM1.35 million worth of prizes through a nationwide contest, designed to enhance customers’ everyday journeys. Shell has also expanded its high-performance Electric Vehicle (EV) charging network with Shell Recharge to support Malaysia’s growing EV commu nity, while Shell claims its lubri cants has been named the world’s No. 1 Global Lubricants Supplier for 19 consecutive years. To mark its anniversary, Shell Select will be introducing a refreshed lineup of value-for money offers across its range. Leading this is the “Shell Select Ganjaran Water2Go Berjuta”, which brings an exciting “open and win” experience. Running from March 16 to May 10, customers stand a chance to win a grand prize of RM135,000, alongside consolation prizes of up to RM 13,500, and other exclu sive rewards. Winners will be selected weekly and monthly throughout the contest period, giving cus tomers multiple opportunities to take home prizes with every bot tle of Water2Go purchased. BIG PRIZES UP FOR GRABS FROM SHELL MALAYSIA

THE Lepas L4 has been sighted in Malaysia ahead of the brand’s expected local debut in the first half of 2026. The SUV was seen undergoing what appears to be a video shoot without camouflage, suggesting preparations are underway ahead of its official introduction. Lepas is a Chery sub-brand. Across the L8, L6 and L4, com mon cues in their design lan guage include

Depending on the market, the Lepas L4 is offered with a 1.5-litre turbo charged petrol engine producing 145hp and 225Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmis sion. Market-specific specifications for Malaysia have yet to be confirmed. Lepas Malaysia has previ

design with a lower intake incorporat ing diagonal and vertical slats. Unlike the L6 and L8, the L4 does not feature black wheel arch cladding. Dimensionally, the L4 measures 4,406mm in length, 1,820mm in width and 1,635mm in height, riding on a

ously confirmed plans to debut the brand in the first half of 2026, with an initial network of 20 sales and serv ice outlets

slim daytime r u n n i n g

nationwide, expanding to 30 outlets by the end of the year. Three SUVs – the L8, L6 and L4 – have been announced for Malaysia, with the larger L8 expected to

lights and clean body surfacing, although e a c h model car ries its own dis tinct front end treat ment. In the

launch first. All models are based on Chery Group’s new global New Energy Vehicle (NEV) platform, which sup ports multiple powertrain configura tions including internal combustion, hybrid and electric propulsion. Further details regarding Malaysian specifications and pricing are expected closer to launch.

2,700mm wheelbase. In terms of overall length, it is longer than models such as the Honda HR-V, Proton X50, Mitsubishi Xforce, Chery Omoda O5 and Tiggo Cross. While the Toyota Corolla Cross is longer overall, the L4 offers a longer wheelbase (2,700mm vs 2,640mm).

case of the L4, it can be identified by its front grille featuring chrome pins radi ating outward from the central Lepas badge. The grille surround also carries patterned detailing near the main headlamps. Compared to the larger L6, the L4 adopts a more angular lower bumper

Hyundai Stargazer teased

a wheelbase of 2,780mm. Pricing in Indonesia ranges from RM63,000 to RM 92,000. Once it arrives here, expect it to be priced closer to the Xpander that starts at RM100,000. Local assembly is a matter of when rather than if, as Hyundai Malaysia could start with CBU units to bridge the gap until CKD operations are up and running, much like it did for the Santa Fe and Tucson.

niche in the segment. You will find a Smartstream MPI 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline four engine powering the three-row MPV with 115PS and 144Nm of torque. It feeds the front wheels via a CVT. Dimensionally, the Stargazer outweighs the Xpander and Alza in every aspect except for height. The Stargazer measures in at 4,575mm long, 1,780mm wide and 1,717mm high with

Mitsubishi Xpander and Toyota Veloz. Indonesia has already tasted the Stargazer, where it takes on the Mitsubishi and second-gen eration BR-V, the latte not available here. The Stargazer is available in two variants in Indonesia, the regular Stargazer and more rugged Stargazer X. It looks like Hyundai Malaysia will bring in the latter, it could very well introduce the X variant and carve a new

THERE will always be strong demand for an affordable MPV but that does not always translate into a wealth of options, especially in Malaysia. However, a new player is about to enter that market as Hyundai Malaysia teased a “B-segment MPV” to be launched in Q4 2026, and the only model that fits the bill is the Hyundai Stargazer. Currently, choices are lim ited to the Perodua Alza,