08/03/2026

theSunday Special XVI ON SUNDAY MAR 8, 2026

THE 2026 Leapmotor C10 Plus has been officially introduced in Malaysia, bringing a signifi cant mechanical upgrade over the previous model year. The D-segment electric SUV now adopts an 800V platform, a larger battery and higher output, priced from RM148,000, up from RM 125,000 previously. Also introduced is the lim ited-run C10 Plus Night Edition, restricted to 50 units. The Night Edition adds visual enhancements including a blacked-out roof, aerody namic bodykit elements and 20-inch matte black “Trident” wheels. The variant com mands an additional RM 8,000 over the standard C10 Plus. The biggest change lies underneath. The 2026 Leapmotor C10 Plus moves to an 800V electrical architecture paired with a larger 81.9kWh Harrier with a big heart Leapmotor C10 Plus launched – 800V platform, 299hp

Giant leap

Grey and Tundra Grey paired with a black interior, while Glazed Green is matched exclusively with a Camel Brown interior. Equipment levels carry over from the out going model. The 2026 Leapmotor C10 Plus comes with a six-year or 150,000km vehicle warranty, comprising a four year/100,000km manufacturer warranty plus a two year/50,000km extended warranty. The battery is covered for eight years or 160,000km, whichever comes first. To recap the prices, the 2026 Leapmotor C10 Plus is priced at RM148,000, while the Night Edition is available at RM156,000. Customers are cur rently eligible for a RM 9,000 rebate, with early bird buyers receiving an addi tional RM4,000 insurance sub sidy, bringing total savings to up to RM13,000. The promotion runs until March 31, 2026. The reason is simple, the MMA is capable of supporting both electric and hybrid powertrains. As for the former, it has been reported that all-wheel drive will be courtesy of a pair of eATS2.0 electric motors, one on each axle. Given the platform, it could also run the same 85kWh NMC battery from the CLA and GLB. In the GLB, it delivers 614km (WLTP) of range but do not expect the same in the Baby G due to its barndoor design lan guage. It is no surprise why Stuttgart has decided to commit to some thing as radical as a platform switch smack in the middle of development. Sales of the G Class EV are not promising despite its performance and capabilities. On top of that, the European Union’s reversal of its combus tion engine ban in 2035 has made it feasible to maintain combus tion powertrains in models for longer. Many carmakers are making a 180° turn on their of a traditional ladder chassis and the MMA platform used in the new CLA and GLB.

quoted at 15.1Wh/km. DC fast charging capability has also been upgraded to 180kW, reducing the 30 to 80% charging time to 22 minutes. AC charging specifications were not detailed in the announcement, but it should

battery pack, delivering a WLTP-rated range of 510km. Output increases to 299hp and 360Nm of torque, up from the previous 215hp and 320Nm. The 0 to 100kph sprint is now rated at 6.2 sec onds. Energy consumption is

remain 11kW as before. Inside, the C10 Plus retains its minimalist cabin design, featuring Oeko-Tex uphol stery. Exterior colour options include Pearly White, Canopy

Combustion engine for Baby G? THAT Mercedes-Benz is making a smaller baby version of its iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class Gelandewagen is not news and should launch in 2027.

However, the Baby G was supposed to be all-electric (EV) but apparently Stuttgart is now having second thoughts and is considering a combustion engine in a hybrid setup just in case. The Baby G slots in below the full-sized G-Class and is report edly around 30% smaller. If you are wondering what it would look like, perhaps the Suzuki Jimny with a G-Class conversion kit would give you a rough idea. What underpins though has been changed, being swapped due to the powertrain expansion. Previously, it was to sit on the same platform as the new elec tric GLC. However, Mercedes Benz boss Markus Schafer shared with Autocar that the Baby G will now be built on a unique one that is a combination

tures black leather upholstery and a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory, along with a four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. Both front seats are ventilated and heated. The Harrier also receives dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents and air purification. Driving information is displayed via a 12.3 inch digital multi-information display comple mented by a 10.5-inch colour head-up display. Infotainment is handled by an eight-inch Display Audio system supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, paired with a six-speaker audio setup. Additional con venience features include a Qi wireless charger, five USB-C ports and a digital rear-view mirror. Safety is provided by Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which integrates the Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Lane Tracing Assist, Adaptive High Beam and Road Sign Assist. The vehicle is also equipped with blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, Parking Support Brake, a panoramic view monitor, sta bility control, traction control, hill start assist, ABS, EBD and brake assist. Passive safety includes seven airbags and Isofix anchors for the outer rear seats. Buyers can choose from Platinum White Pearl, Grey Metallic and Precious Black, with the first two colours carrying an RM800 premium.

UMW TOYOTA MOTOR has introduced the 2026 Toyota Harrier 2.5 HEV in Malaysia, priced at RM289,000 on-the-road without insurance. The hybrid now replaces the previously offered 2.0-litre petrol variant, making it the sole Harrier model available locally. The Harrier 2.5 HEV is powered by Toyota’s A25A-FXS 2.5-litre Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine, producing 178PS at 5,700rpm and 221Nm between 3,600 and 5,200rpm. It is paired with an electric motor rated at 88kW, equivalent to 120PS, and 202Nm of torque. Combined system output stands at 218 PS, delivered to the front wheels via Toyota’s fourth-generation hybrid system. Claimed fuel consumption is 4.7 litres per 100km. The SUV continues to ride on the TNGA-K platform, featuring MacPherson strut front sus pension and a double-wishbone rear setup. Braking hardware consists of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, while 18 inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/60R18 tyres are fitted as standard. On the exterior, the Harrier 2.5 HEV is equipped with automatic bi-LED projector headlamps, LED daytime running lights, LED fog lamps and LED combination tail lamps. Auto-folding side mirrors with integrated indicators and puddle lamps are included, along with a kick-sensor powered tailgate and a fixed panoramic sunroof. Inside, the cabin fea

decisions to go fully elec tric, instead opting to take the path Toyota said would always be the answer, to provide multiple propulsion methods and let the con sumer decide. Never doubt the Big T.