15/03/2026

theSunday Special XVI ON SUNDAY MAR 15, 2026

AFTER some teasing and previews, the 2026 Jaecoo J5 2WD has officially been launched in Malaysia by Omoda Jaecoo Malaysia and is priced at RM 108,000. As previously covered, the J5 is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 147PS and 210Nm of torque. The mill incorporates intake inte grated intercooling and integrated exhaust manifold (IEM) cylinder head technologies to enhance ther mal efficiency. Sending all that power to the front wheels is a CVT. With all that tech in the engine, the J5 achieves a combined fuel con sumption rate of 6.4 litres/100km on the Malaysia Driving Cycle (MDC), earning it the Malaysian Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV). The J5 measures in at 4,380mm in length, 1,860mm in width and 1,650mm in height with a 2,620mm wheelbase. It integrates high-tensile steel in key areas and the body struc ture is designed to provide robust impact absorption in the event of an accident. Handling is courtesy of a

inch LCD digital instrument cluster. There is also a 50W wireless charg ing pad with active ventilation to keep your device cool. Lastly, the J5 is also equipped with a built-in in-car mixer with app con trol that transforms the cabin into a private karaoke lounge while dou ble-glazed front windows work to reduce cabin noise. Safety comprises a comprehensive Level 2+ Adas with 19 features, made up of Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Prevention, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Vehicle Departure Alert, Integrated Cruise Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Rear Cross- Traffic Braking, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Traffic Jam Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Door Opening Warning, Active Speed Limiter, Rear Collision Warning, Multi-Collision Braking and Emergency Lane Keeping Assist. All J5 models are backed by a 7 year/150,000km vehicle warranty, whichever comes first. information system (BLIS) that illumi nates an indicator in the side-view mir rors, leaving the infotainment screen as is to run navigation uninterrupted. Infotainment is via a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There is also Google Audio Services integrated for the driver to enjoy hands free Google Assistant, real-time naviga tion through Google Maps, and access to a variety of applications via Google Play. The rest of the safety kit comprises seven airbags, Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM) and a Honda Sensing Adas tech. For the first time, Honda has also introduced a digital key feature, allow ing owners to lock and unlock their vehicle, and start the engine via a mobile device. Together with the update, Honda Malaysia also made available a striking new colour option – Blazing Red Pearl, that joins Canyon River Blue Metallic, Platinum White Pearl and Meteoroid Grey Metallic. The wheels are 18-inch pieces in Berlina Black (with resonator) on the hybrids and Sparkle Silver for the turbo variant.

Jaecoo J5 rolls out at RM 108,000 Karaoke on wheels

with a 480-litre boot that expands to 1,284 litres when the 60/40 split-fold rear seats are lowered. Sitting front and centre is a 13.2 inch 2K central infotainment display system featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and displays the 540° surround view camera sys tem. The driver is fed info via an 8.0 HONDA MALAYSIA has updated the 2026 Honda CR-V range by trimming the variants to three, two hybrids and a turbocharged petrol model. Furthermore, some of the equipment has also been updated. The locally-assembled (CKD) CR-V is now available in three variants, starting with the CR-V 2.0 e:HEV E at RM178,200, followed by the CR-V 1.5 Turbo V AWD for RM181,900 and topping out with the CR-V 2.0 e:HEV RS at RM195,900. Unfortunately, the entry-level S vari ant, previously priced at RM159,900, has been dropped, raising the owner ship fee for the CR-V club. The 2.0-litre e:HEV powertrain pro duces 184PS and 335Nm of torque, mated to a beltless e-CVT that drives the front wheels. An exclusive feature to the hybrid is the Individual Drive Mode that allows drivers to personalise their driving dynamics according to their prefer ences. Meanwhile the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol variant sandwiched between the two hybrid makes 193PS and 243Nm of torque, with a CVT automatic sending power to all four wheels. Following the entry-level S variant is the divisive LaneWatch. It is replaced by a tradi tional blind-spot

MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension sys tem. Grip comes from the 18-inch dual-tone wheels wrapped in 235/55 R18 Chaoyang Aggressor tyres. On the inside, the five-seater cabin is upholstered in leatherette with distinctive white seat piping, com plemented by ventilated front seats. Practicality is equally impressive

Two hybrids and turbocharged CR-V

Rally inspired special edition Triton

ing bar, a front lower bumper garnish and distinctive Championship Edition decals. The interior also receives themed head rest covers. Customers who book either variant will also receive an exclusive key fob cover and a motorsports-themed sticker pack. Mechanical specifications remain unchanged from the standard Triton range. The Triton AT Premium Championship Edition continues with a 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine producing 184PS and 430Nm of torque. The Triton Athlete Championship Edition uses the more powerful 2.4-litre Mivec two-stage turbodiesel delivering 204PS and 470Nm. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic trans mission driving all four wheels. The Athlete variant retains Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD-II system, allowing drivers to switch between 2H (rear-wheel drive), 4H (full-time four-wheel drive), 4HLc (locked centre differential) and 4LLc (locked centre differential with low range). Safety equipment on the Triton Athlete includes Mitsubishi Motors Safety Sensing (MMSS) suite of Adas, comprising Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning,

MITSUBISHI MOTORS MALAYSIA has introduced the 2026 Mitsubishi Triton Championship Edition, a limited-run vari ant commemorating the brand’s victory at the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) 2025. The special edition will be offered in two variants, which are the Triton AT Premium Championship Edition and Triton Athlete Championship Edition. Both are priced RM 10,000 higher than their respective standard models, putting the Triton AT Premium Championship Edition at RM155,980 and the Triton Athlete Championship Edition at RM169,980. Both are limited to 270 units combined. The Triton Athlete Championship Edition will be limited to 150 units and fin ished exclusively in Jet Black Mica. Exterior changes include rally-inspired body decals and the addition of all-terrain tyres. Inside, the variant receives Championship Edition headrest covers and a nine-inch infotainment system with an All-Round Monitor camera system. Meanwhile, the Triton AT Premium Championship Edition will be limited to 120 units and is offered solely in White Diamond. Additional equipment for this variant includes 18-inch black sport rims, a styl