17/05/2026

theSunday Special XVI ON SUNDAY MAY 17, 2026

Crosstrek takes over Third-gen model debuts with new branding direction

SHORTS

JAECOO GROWTH SURGE CONTINUES In under two years, Omoda Jaecoo has reached a significant milestone in Malaysia, surpassing 30,000 units in cumulative sales, solidifying its position among the fastest-growing automotive names both locally and globally. Since entering the Malaysian market in July 2024, Omoda Jaecoo’s line-up has rapidly expanded and currently com prises the newly launched Jaecoo J5 and Omoda C9 Phev alongside the established Jaecoo J7, J7 PHEV and J8 as well as the Omoda C9. The milestone also cements the marque’s foothold in the local automotive scene, maintaining a top three position among non national automotive brands here year-to-date. This Malaysian success mirrors exceptional international momentum. In less than three years, Omoda Jaecoo has expanded into 64 markets and recently surpassed the one-mil lion unit cumulative sales mile stone globally. Such growth across Europe, Asia and the Middle East reflects rising confi dence in the brand. JPO EV CHARGING HUB GOES 24 HOURS Johor Premium Outlets (JPO), home to southeast Asia’s largest fast-charging electric vehicle (EV) hub, has announced that its charging facilities will now oper ate 24 hours. Last year, JPO announced plans to build up to 500 EV chargers and Southeast Asia’s first publicly accessible 1MW fast charger. As of now, the dedi cated charging zone has 50 chargers, enabling seamless access for EV users around the clock. This enhancement is designed to better support the growing community of EV drivers who require reliable and accessible charging beyond the standard retail hours. Additionally, it strengthens JPO’s long-term commitment to sustainability and future-ready infrastructure. Beyond infrastructure, Johor Premium Outlets continues to reinforce its sustainability initia tives through broader ecosystem services such as EV shuttle serv ices and EV car rental. The charging area has been designed with both safety and convenience in mind. The prem ises are supported by on-ground security personnel, CCTV moni toring and well-lit surroundings to ensure visibility and safety. Additional amenities include restroom facilities and vending machines that are accessible 24 hours a day.

THE 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is now officially on sale in Malaysia, priced at RM190,788 on the-road without insurance. Previously known as the Subaru XV, the third-generation model now adopts the Crosstrek name globally. For Malaysia, it is offered in a sole 2.0i-S EyeSight variant and is fully imported (CBU) from Japan. In terms of size, the Crosstrek measures 4,480mm in length, 1,800mm in width and 1,580mm in height, with a 2,670mm wheel base. Boot space is rated at 291 litres, expanding to 883 litres with the rear seats folded. Under the skin, it contin ues to use the Subaru Global Platform, now with a chas sis that is said to be 10% stiffer than before. Power comes from a 2.0L naturally aspirated boxer engine pro ducing 156PS and 196Nm, paired with a Lineartronic CVT. As expected from Subaru, drive is sent to all four wheels via its Symmetrical All Audi Q5 arrives in Malaysia THE third-generation 2026 Audi Q5 has offi cially landed on Malaysian shores courtesy of Audi Malaysia and its official distributor here, PHS Automotive Malaysia. There will be two variants of the luxury SUV here, the Q5 Advanced priced from RM 352,990, and the sportier coupe-inspired Q5 Sportback S line from RM421,990. While both get a 2.0-litre TFSI turbo charged engine, outputs differ. The Q5 Advanced makes do with a 199 PS and 340 Nm of torque, while the Q5 Sportback S Line runs more power at 272PS and 400Nm of torque. A 7-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission sends drive to all four wheels via Quattro, that is standard for both, as well as Audi Drive Select for different driving modes. From a vis ual perspective, the Q5 Advanced keeps a more traditional SUV side profile with the boxier rear end and rides on 19-inch wheels. On the other hand, the Q5 Sportback S Line has a more sloping coupe-inspired rear roof portion and larger 20-inch wheels. It also has sportier S Line trim and red brakes. Up front are Matrix LED headlights with digital light signatures and welcome/leaving func tions. The cabin is equally special with a 14.5-inch curved OLED infotainment display at the cen tre, flanked by an 11.9-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit, or fluff talk for a digital instrument display. Extra kit for the Q5 Sportback S Line includes ventilated seats, a heads-up display and a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system. Owners will be able to remotely access their Q5 via the Audi Connect app to lock or unlock it, check the vehicle status, track the SUV and receive theft alerts. The app also doubles up as a digital key for smartphone access without a physical key. All new Q5s sold will come with a 2-year unlimited mileage warranty (extendable to 5 years with Audi Assurance Package), 5 years of maintenance / 75,000km and 5 years roadside assistance.

leather upholstery, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charger, paddle shifters and an 11.6-inch portrait infotainment display. Safety kit includes eight airbags, steer ing-responsive headlights, multi view monitor, reverse automatic braking and Subaru’s latest EyeSight system with stereo cameras and an additional wide-angle monocular camera.

Wheel Drive system. Dual-function X-Mode, SI-Drive, hill descent control, active torque vectoring and vehicle dynamics control are also included. Standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and fog lamps, pow ered sunroof, powered tailgate,

Adas features include autono mous emergency braking, emer gency steering, adaptive cruise control, lane departure preven tion, lane centring control, blind spot monitoring, driver monitor ing and high beam assist. Each Crosstrek comes with a five-year or 100,000km vehicle

warranty. Eight colours are offered: Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Sapphire Blue Pearl, Pure Red, Sand Dune Pearl and Citron Yellow Pearl.

Saga cross to take on the Ativa

PROTON has confirmed that its Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA) currently underpinning the Proton Saga will be used for a number of new models moving forward and a supplier for the next model has revealed that production of AMA02 will begin in October 2026 with it likely being a Saga Cross variant to take on the Perodua Ativa. The announcement comes from long-time (since 2012) Proton supplier Feytech Holdings Berhad, who announced the approximate of RM96.8 million seat cover supply con tract for the upcoming Proton model. Manufacturing will be handled by the group’s leather trim manufacturing arm, Gosford Leather Industries. More importantly, the information also disclosed that it will be a compact SUV/Crossover sporting the Saga Cross name but be in the mould of a replacement for the Iriz Active. It will have its crosshairs firmly on the Cherry Tiggo Cross, Honda WR-V and the aforementioned Ativa. A notable aspect of the AMA is that

all models built on the scalable plat form will share up to 60% of part. This will allow Proton to drastically reduce development time. Expect the new model to be pow ered by the same powertrain in the Saga, the BHE15PFI 1.5-litre i-GT inline four with a 120PS and 150Nm of torque and the Aisin four-speed auto matic. However, in this case the AMA02 might also be a hybrid system for a lit tle more power and to keep pace with the Tiggo Cross whilst also keeping track with Geely’s latest i-HEV models. Proton is determined to reclaim its market share by focussing on models in the sub-RM80,000 segment and will follow up on the AMA02 with the AMA 05 and AMA 06 in 2027. The latter duo will include an MPV to replace the discontinued Exora. All the AMA-based models will play a crucial role in Proton achieving its tar get of 200,000 units in 2026, which the Saga has already vastly contrib uted to with over 70,000 bookings thus far.