05/04/2026

theSunday Special XVI ON SUNDAY APR 5, 2026

Toyota Land Cruiser FJ launched in Thailand, Malaysian next? ‘Playful Dice’

BRIEFS

PROTON OFFERS RM120 SERVICING

Proton has introduced a nationwide after-sales service campaign targeting out-of-warranty vehicles, offering main tenance packages from as low as RM120. The campaign runs from March 30 to June 30 2026 and is open to selected Proton models including the Iriz, Persona, Exora and Saga. It is specifically aimed at vehicles registered between January 2018 and January 2021 that have not been serv iced for more than 12 months. Under the campaign, owners can opt for a basic service package that includes engine oil replacement, oil filter, labour, as well as a complimentary 40-point safety inspection. The inspection cov ers key components such as brakes, tyres and battery condition. Prices start from RM120 for the Iriz, Persona, Exora and Saga using semi-synthetic engine oil, while X-series models are offered packages from RM216 onwards. SONY, HONDA PULL PLUG ON EV PROJECT Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) has offi cially cancelled the development and launch of its Afeela electric vehicle programme, including the Afeela 1 that was scheduled to enter production. The decision follows discussions between both parent companies after Honda’s recent reassessment of its electrification strategy. According to SHM, the change in direction means certain technologies and assets that were originally planned to be supplied by Honda will no longer be available. As a result, the joint venture said it no longer has a viable path to bring the Afeela models to market as initially planned. The Afeela 1 was previously unveiled as the first production model under the Sony-Honda joint venture, with plans to launch in the United States in 2025 and begin deliveries by mid-2026. Reservations had already been opened, with customers placing deposits for two variants which are the Origin and the higher-spec Signature. A teaser posted on the Seres Malaysia Facebook page hints that the Seres E5 Plus seven-seater Phev SUV is about to be launched in Malaysia. If the brand does not sound familiar, you might be more familiar with its previous moniker, DFSK Motors. Like most other cars from the middle kingdom, the E5 Plus goes by many names. Some may know it as the Landian/DFSK E5 Plus as well as being a sister model for the Aito M7 sans the Huawei tech side. Some of the sister brands under the Seres Group do partner with Huawei. Apart from the teaser of the E5 Plus under covers with its DRLs illuminating through the fabric, details are non-exis tent. However, a quick browse online led us to Car News China and some figures that would be representative of the E5 Plus that reaches our shores. Under the hood sits a 1.5-litre petrol engine with 95PS that functions as a generator, feeding the electric motor that delivers 218PS and 330Nm of torque. All in, it is good for a century sprint time of 7.8 seconds and the top speed is 180kph. In terms of dimen sions, the E5 Plus measures in with a footprint just under that of a Leapmotor C10, making it quite a size able SUV. SERES E5 PLUS 7-SEATER PHEV SUV IN MALAYSIA?

THE 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ has been officially launched in Thailand. The Kingdom will serve as the production hub, with the model set to be exported to around 60 countries. For now, the FJ is offered in a single variant, priced at THB1,269,000 (RM153,000, introductory), rising to THB1,289,000 (RM156,000). Underpinning the Land Cruiser FJ is the IMV0 ladder-frame platform shared with the Hilux Champ. Power comes from a 2.7-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine producing 166PS and 245Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The drivetrain features a part-time 4WD system with low range and a rear differential lock, while the chassis is rein forced with additional weld points, strengthened cross-members, a rein

seat and one-touch power windows. Boot space is rated at 765 litres and expands to 1,522 litres with the rear seats folded, which feature a 55:45 split with sliding and recline function. The boot area also features Molle panels for mounting outdoor equipment. Safety equipment includes 7 airbags, a panoramic view monitor with underfloor view and blind spot monitoring. Toyota Safety Sense is also included, featuring Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre Collision System, Lane Departure Alert and Adaptive High Beam System. Toyota Thailand is targeting 5,000 units annually, with the majority allo cated for export markets. Given its Thailand production base and IMV plat form, the Land Cruiser FJ presents a strong possibility for a Malaysian intro duction.

forced rear axle, an under-engine skid plate and a reinforced towing hitch. Suspension setup consists of double wishbones at the front and a 4-link rear, with hydraulic power steering. In terms of size, the FJ measures 4,610mm in length, 1,855mm in width, 1,890mm in height and has a 2,580mm wheelbase, positioning it below the Fortuner with a shorter wheelbase aimed at improving agility both on- and off-road. The design follows what Toyota calls a “Playful Dice” concept, featuring a boxy silhouette with modular bumpers, body cladding, a rear-mounted spare tyre and a side-opening tailgate. Inside, the FJ is a 5-seater equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch multi-information display with clinometer, an 8-way powered driver’s

Updated Denza focuses on the right stuff

THE 2026 Denza D9 has been updated in China, with pre-sales this week, as reported by CarNewsChina. The EV MPV continues to be offered in both plug-in hybrid (Phev) and battery electric (BEV) variants in China, with updates focus ing on performance, bat tery technology and charg ing speeds. Visually, changes are minor and centred around the front end, with a redes igned grille featuring a more layered look. For the BEV, both front wheel drive (FWD) and all wheel drive (AWD) configu rations continue. The FWD version now gets a signifi cantly more powerful 340kW (462PS) front motor, while the AWD vari ant adds a 70kW rear motor, bringing total system output to 410kW (557PS). The Phev variant retains its 1.5-litre turbocharged engine paired with dual electric motors. Output has been increased, with the

The Advanced FWD is priced at RM299,000, while the Premium AWD is priced at RM355,000 (nett, without insurance). The current Malaysian spec D9 features a

takes just five minutes, while a 10 to 97% charge can be completed in around nine minutes under typical conditions. The updated D9 also gains the latest generation

engine now producing 156PS (115kW), while the front electric motor delivers 272PS (200kW). The rear motor remains at 45kW. Both variants adopt BYD’s new Blade 2.0 bat tery. For the BEV, this enables a claimed CLTC range of between 750km and 8 0 0 k m , wh i l e t he

P h e v offers over 400km of pure electric range, along with a reported fuel con sumption of 6.35 L/100km. While full specs have yet to be released, Denza claims a 10 to 70% charge

103.6kWh battery, offering a WLTP-rated range of 520km (FWD) and 480km (AWD), with outputs of 313PS and 374PS respec tively.

of BYD’s “God’s Eye” 5.0 advanced driver assistance system (Adas). In Malaysia, the Denza D9 is currently offered as a fully electric model.