Tag Archives: preview

VW Golf R-Line previewed in Malaysia – now with 1.5L MHEV engine, 150 PS, 250 Nm

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced the return of the VW Golf R-Line hatchback variant for the local market.

This unit, assembled locally at the Pekan plant in Pahang, is equipped with a 1.5-liter eTSI mild hybrid (MHEV) engine that delivers 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque.

The engine is paired with a seven-speed DSG transmission featuring shift-by-wire technology.

Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in just 8.6 seconds, with fuel consumption rated at approximately 5.2 liters per 100 km.

In terms of exterior features, the Golf R-Line sports a design that enhances its sporty image, including:

  • 17-inch Coventry alloy wheels
  • R-Line front bumper and grille
  • R-Line rear bumper
  • R-Line side skirts

 

Inside the cabin, highlights include:

  • R-Line black headliner
  • Stainless steel pedals
  • R-Line sporty steering wheel with physical function buttons
  • Carbon Grey R-Line trim on the dashboard and door panels
  • R-Line fabric upholstery for the front seats
  • Artvelours trim on the rear seats

Additionally, the Golf R-Line comes with a 12.9-inch infotainment screen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a seven-speaker audio system, IDA voice assistance, paddle shifters, a three-zone automatic climate control system, and Type-C USB charging ports.

The IQ.Drive safety features include:

  • Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection
  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Travel Assist
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
  • Vehicle Exit Warning
  • Driver Attention Monitoring System
  • Park Distance Control, Emergency Assist, Side Assist, and Lane Assist

Currently, VPCM has not announced the official retail price for the Golf R-Line.

iCaur V23 previewed in Malaysia – expected launch in Q4 2025, from RM145,000

iCaur Malaysia has unveiled its second electric SUV model, the iCaur V23, which is set to launch in the fourth quarter of this year (Q4 2025).

The estimated starting price ranges from RM145,000 to RM155,000.

Here are some key facts you should know:

 

Variants

Two variants will be available: 2WD and iWD.

The 2WD variant is powered by a single rear-wheel electric motor, producing 136 PS and 180 Nm, paired with a 59.9 kWh LFP battery.

The iWD variant features a dual-motor setup with an intelligent all-wheel-drive system, delivering a total power of 211 PS and 292 Nm, supported by an 81.8 kWh NMC battery.

The range can reach up to 401 km for the 2WD version and up to 501 km for the iWD variant.

 

Charging

The iCaur V23 supports standard AC charging of up to 6.6 kW.

Fast charging capabilities vary, with the 2WD variant supporting DC fast charging of up to 85 kW and the iWD variant up to 104 kW.

This SUV also includes a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function of up to 3.3 kW, making it suitable for outdoor activities.

 

Chassis

In terms of dimensions, the iCaur V23 measures 4,220 mm in length, 1,915 mm in width, and 1,845 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,735 mm.

This means it is actually shorter compared to the previously launched iCaur 03.

The suspension features a MacPherson strut in the front, supported by a multi-link setup in the rear.

The V23 employs a unibody chassis influenced by the design of several iconic off-road SUVs from earlier eras, including the Land Rover Defender, Toyota Land Cruiser, and Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

Notable features include round headlights, 19-inch wheels (21 inches for the iWD variant), side steps, and a side-opening rear door equipped with a small storage box.

 

Cabin

The V23 cabin presents a minimalist design but is equipped with several large, easily accessible physical buttons and knobs.

It also features a 15.4-inch display screen with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 540-degree transparent chassis camera and a dedicated button for driving mode selection.

Safety

The V23 is equipped with an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) Level 2, which includes features such as adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane departure warning (LDW), and autonomous emergency braking (AEB).

Proton e.MAS 5: Five things you need to know

Introducing the second electric SUV that Proton will be launching in the coming months, the Proton e.MAS 5.

This model was first showcased at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025 in May.

Upon its launch, the Proton e.MAS 5 is expected to challenge competitors in the B-segment SUV market, such as the BYD Atto 2, and another electric SUV from Perodua.

Here are five things you need to know:

 

1. Dimensions

As a B-segment SUV, the e.MAS 5 measures 4,135 mm in length, 1,805 mm in width, 1,580 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,650 mm.

Its ground clearance is 160 mm.

The cargo space offers 375 liters and can expand up to 1,320 liters with the second-row seats folded down.

There is also a front cargo space of 70 liters available.

 

2. Variants

Two main variants will be offered to consumers.

The e.MAS 5 Premium variant is equipped with a 40.16 kWh LFP CATL battery pack, providing a range of 325 km on a full charge (WLTP data).

The battery supports AC charging at 6.6 kW, and fast DC charging at 71 kW, enabling a charge from 30% to 80% in just 21 minutes.

There is also a Prime variant with a 30.12 kWh battery and a range of 250 km (WLTP data) or 310 km according to CLTC data.

 

3. Performance

The Proton e.MAS 5 is equipped with an 11-in-1 drive unit powering the rear wheels (RWD).

It produces a maximum power output of 114 hp and a torque of 150 Nm.

Acceleration from 0 to 50 km/h takes just 3.9 seconds.

The driving experience is enhanced by a MacPherson strut front suspension setup, followed by a multi-link setup at the rear, as well as an electric steering system.

 

4. Features

On the exterior, the Proton e.MAS 5 comes with LED lighting units, aerodynamic 16-inch rims, a dual-tone color scheme with a black roof, and neatly integrated door handles.

Interior features of the e.MAS 5 include a two-spoke steering wheel (with a two-tone finish), a central gear selector, an 8.8-inch digital display, and seats upholstered in faux leather.

The main screen measures 14.6 inches and includes the ATLAS Auto operating system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support, a mapping system with built-in charging station locations, and voice command support in both Malay and English.

 

5. Safety

The Proton e.MAS 5 is equipped with six airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a 360-degree camera, rear parking sensors, and the following Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS):

  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
  • Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
  • Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
  • Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
  • Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)
  • Front Vehicle Departure Warning (FVD)
  • Blind Spot Detection (BSD)
  • Lane Change Assist (LCA)
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
  • Rear Collision Warning (RCW)
  • Door Open Warning (DOW)

At this time, Proton has not yet disclosed the actual selling price of the e.MAS 5.