What To See At The 2016 Malaysia Autoshow

The 2016 Malaysia Autoshow is happening now (from 10 – 13 November) at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC), organized by the Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) which has also set up a pavilion to create awareness of Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV) and share its vision of turning Malaysia into a regional base for EEV production.

Displayed at the Autoshow are vehicles that were recently launched and vehicles that are expected to be launched. Some of the highlights include:

1st Malaysian-made Electric Car & 1st Right-hand Drive BAIC D20

The joint-venture between Chinese automaker Beijing Auto International Cooperation (BAIC) and Amber Dual Sdn Bhd will yield a couple of firsts i.e. the first Malaysian-made electric car and the first right-hand drive BAIC D20 compact car.

The electric car is based on the BAIC EV200 which is powered by a permanent magnet motor that produces approximately 71 hp and 180 Nm, and has a running distance of 200 km and top speed of 125 km/h. It has a fast charging port in the front grille and a secondary charging port in the rear fender

Also on display is the 1st right-hand drive D20 compact car which will also be assembled locally. The D20 uses the Smart Forfour chassis technology and has a choice of 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter engines. The D20 is expected to receive EEV incentives.

Kia Carnival

The new Kia Carnival is being previewed at the Autoshow. This 7-seater MPV is powered by an R 2.2-liter common rail direct injection diesel engine with variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) with an output of 193 PS and 440 Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

The new Carnival is equipped with stability control, traction control, brake assist, hill start assist, ABS, EBD and 6 airbags.

The Kia Carnival is open for bookings at the Autoshow as well as Kia showrooms. Like all Kia vehicles sold here, it will come with 5 years unlimited mileage warranty. Naza Kia Malaysia also recently introduced the Kia Value 5 scheme which guarantees the future value of Kia vehicles to provide peace-of-mind to Kia owners.

Also of note is the Kia Lucky Drive to Melbourne contest running in conjunction with the Australian Open 2017. You will stand a chance to experience the Australian Open 2017 live when you test drive any Kia this November.

Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid

The all-new Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid will be launched at the end of November and Hyundai Sime Darby has the car on display and is accepting bookings. Designed on an all-new platform dedicated to electrification, with 3 distinct models – hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full electric, the IONIQ will make its debut in the Malaysian market in hybrid guise. The plug-in hybrid version is likely to follow at a later date.

The IONIQ hybrid is powered by the 1.6L GDI 4-cylinder Kappa engine coupled with a 32kW (44 PS) electric motor, which is fed by a Lithium-ion polymer battery to give a combined output of 104kW (141 PS) and 265Nm of torque, put to the wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (6DCT). With an active aero grille, wheel air curtains, rear spoiler and smooth underbody cover, the IONIQ boasts a 0.24 coefficient of drag, making this hybrid model one of the most aerodynamic vehicles on sale.

Mazda CX-9

The new generation Mazda CX-9 spied earlier, is expected to make its official debut in the first half of 2017. As mentioned before, the 7-seater CX-9 will sport Mazda’s first turbocharged 2.5-liter SkyActiv petrol engine with 228  hp from 5,000 rpm and 420 Nm of torque from 2,000 rpm.

As Mazda’s flagship SUV, the CX-9 will most likely include the new Mazda Active Driving Display (head-up display), MZD Connect with 8″ touchscreen display, 12-Speaker Bose Surround Sound System, powered sunroof, remote operated power tailgate, LED headlights and 3-zone climate control, among others.

Honda BR-V

Honda Malaysia also had something to show – its 7-seater BR-V crossover prototype, to the surprise of the show attendees. The BR-V uses a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine which produces 120 PS, which is the highest output in its segment. There’s no mention of transmission option in its press release but it’s expected to be the CVT (continuously variable transmission) also used in the Civic and HR-V.

The BR-V wears the signature ‘solid wing face’ and is equipped with daytime running lights and 16″ alloy wheels, not unlike the popular 5-seater HR-V. The 2nd row seats have an easy one-touch tilt and tumble in 60:40 configuration while the 50:50 split 3rd row seats are full tumble and increases boot space to 539 liters from 223 liters.

At the Honda pavilion is also a corner for you to try the UNI-CUB ß personal mobility vehicle as well as a prototype hatchback with the i-DCD Sport Hybrid technology. Additionally, Honda Malaysia is giving up to RM 8,000 in bonuses for bookings made on the Accord, Civic and City.

Other notable mentions on display at the Autoshow are the Subaru Levorg and Forester, Mazda CX-5 SkyActiv-D, Toyota Sienta, Chevrolet Colarodo, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Mercedes-Benz CLA.

Aside from this, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and Volvo Car Malaysia are offering live demonstrations and taxi rides of their locally assembled plug-in hybrid models. There are also test drives and various deals on offer to show visitors, up to RM 200,000 worth of prizes to be won (including Treeletrik T-70 electric bikes) and a Kia Rio X sedan worth RM 78,000 for the ‘Buy A Car, Win A Car’ contest.

Food trucks are on-hand in the exhibition center to ensure you don’t go hungry.

The entrance fee is RM 10 for adults but FREE for students in uniform or with valid student cards (the latter applicable on 10 – 11 Nov).

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