So, now that the dust has settled on the Hari Raya festivities with everyone getting back into the groove, car manufacturers will be looking to get things up and running again in terms of introducing more new vehicles to the market.
Just days ago we received an invitation to catch the launch of the all-new 2015 Mazda MX-5 on the 21st of August, and days before that, TC Euro Cars previewed its B-segment SUV, the Renault Captur.
But with several more months left to go in the year, there’s still lots more to come. So if you’ve been saving up for a new car this year, here’s a few of our favourite things coming.
Without a doubt, the all-new Mazda CX-3 has to be one of the most-anticipated vehicles of the year. We’ve long been waiting on its arrival, speculating the months of June for its showcase, but now, it looks like Bermaz Motor could be settled on a November debut.
Powered by a SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre petrol engine with a SkyActiv-DRIVE six-speed torque converter automatic transmission, the CX-3 dishes out 150hp and 204Nm of torque – but that, isn’t of course the Mazda’s best or only traits, were sure. If you fancy it, be sure to place a booking right now.
Slated for a debut sometime this Q4 2015, the all-new BMW X1 is going to properly shake up the market. Having reviewed a left-hand drive version of the car already in Austria, the new compact SAV from BMW is a remarkable leap forwards from its predecessor.
It may be front-wheel driven now, but from our reviews of the 2 Series Active Tourer and 2 Series Gran Tourer (all common platforms), we know BMW has a stonking chassis underneath them all to deliver the driving dynamics and comfort we know the brand for.
Stay tuned for this very handsome improvement come Q4.
Currently, Lexus Malaysia only offers it IS range in two powertrain variant: a Lexus IS 250, and a Lexus IS Hybrid. Come later this year, a third option will come, and it will be no other than the brand’s first turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine – with, a lot more horsepower.
Paired with an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift torque converter automatic transmission, 241hp and 350Nm of torque is a far more comparable figure to what its German rivals, the BMW 3 Series (328i) and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (C250), are capable of. The Lexus IS 200t will become the most potent variant in the model’s local line-up.
Ever since we first spotted the mildly updated Isuzu D-Max at the launch of the MU-X (it was on display only at the time), we haven’t heard a beep out of Isuzu Malaysia about any actual launch. But, we do expect to hear something in the near future about this.
A raft of new exterior upgrades were previewed, with the rugged pick-up showing new 17-inch alloy wheels, new front bumper, new side steps, and a new roll bar design. We were told then that these upgrades would only be reserved for a Premium 3.0-litre Automatic 4×4 version of the car. No details on pricing were provided, and we’re still in the dark about it.
2015 Ford Ranger & Everest
Sime Darby Auto Connexion’s top seller, the Ford Ranger, has been teased by its local distributors again and again, but we’ve still got no official launch dates to share with you. Thailand has been enjoying the vehicle for some time now, with even the Ranger Wildtrak making its debut there. Given how much SDAC has teased it though, 2015 has to be the year they officially introduce it in the market.
The Ranger’s sibling, the Ford Everest, is one model that we have already driven, and do know of its coming to Malaysia sometime in the fourth quarter of the year. While many of the components here are shared with the Ranger, this seven-seater SUV boasts significant upgrades to its architecture and underpinnings, leaving us very impressed during our first outing with it in Thailand. Stay tuned for the full review of it on Carlist.my.
With the order books already open for the three variants, Lexus Malaysia is moving ever closer towards officially launching its facelifted ES sedan. Prices for the ES has also been disclosed, ranging between RM260k to RM356k.
From the outside, the ES largely benefits from styling updates all around, with a new spindle grille, new LED projector headlights, and stylish ‘L motive’ LED light pattern. There are several interior updates as well, but sadly, the impressive ‘Shimamoku’ steering wheel doesn’t look like a feature that Malaysians will get their hands on.
Leaving it till very late in the year, Ford, who previewed its all-new Mustang much earlier in March, will finally be launching its latest ‘Stang. Two variants of the vehicle have already been opened for bookings, including the 2.3-litre EcoBoost Fastback (RM435k est.) and the awesome 5.0-litre V8 Fastback (RM550k est.).
In its most potent form, the American muscle car will deliver 435hp from its naturally aspirated V8, while the turbocharged four-cylinder engine is capable of 310hp and 434Nm of torque.
Mercedes-Benz ‘Dream Cars’
On the back of a very successful first half of the year, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia will soon be introducing its latest range of what it calls ‘Dream Cars’ to the market. Apart from the all-new Mercedes-AMG C 63,we can’t say for sure exactly what cars would be coming because as you can see, the blurred image above is all we have to go on.
If we had to guess, it’d be a few new CLS-Class variants, and E-Class Coupe, and maybe the S-Class Coupe. Could there also be a non-S version of the AMG GT? Who knows.
2015 Volvo XC90
Is it coming? Is it not? This is another one that’s very hard to tell at the moment, but the order books are open for the all-new Volvo XC90, and the last we heard, August 2015 was on the table. Of course, things are never easy to firm up, especially when you’re trying to provide indications a whole year in advance, as Volvo Car Malaysia’s Keith Schafer tried to for us.
When it does come our shores, the XC90 will be out to steal some of the market share from the BMW X5 and Audi Q7. The variant that’s expected to show up will also be none other than the range-topping T8 Drive-E Plug-In Hybrid, which from a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor, will deliver a massive 400hp and 640Nm of torque.
Keyword: Most Exciting Car Launches Still To Come This 2015