Cruise Control

The BMW X3 30 xDrive M Sport is perhaps the brand's most refined Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) yet, as it builds on the nameplate's core strengths while embracing a thoroughly modern aesthetic. Daniel comes away thoroughly impressed, and shares more about it on the show.In our discussion segment, we talk about Holden, Australia's now-defunct national car brand, and ponder why no manufacturers, especially from China, are interested in reviving the brand.In our news segment, we provide updates from Jaecoo, Mitsubishi, Hongqi, GAC and Jetour, and their next moves in the industry.Photo credit: dsf.my

Recently, Subaru shifted its approach for the Malaysian market by bringing in a fully imported model of the Crosstrek, formerly known locally as the XV. Consistent with the brand's reputation, the car has all the bells and whistles that you would expect from a Subaru, but does this new approach come with its own set of compromises? Daniel shares his thoughts.In our discussion segment, we talk about semi-knocked down cars and why this method of assembly might soon be phased out in the local market.In our news segment, we share updates from the industry, including from Honda, Mitsubishi, Isuzu, Toyota and others.Photo credit: dsf.my

In conjunction with the upcoming Merdeka celebration, this episode of Cruise Control takes a look back at Malaysia's automotive landscape post-independence and before the emergence of our national brands, Proton and Perodua. What cars were available on Malaysian roads, and how did they fare? Daniel walks us through this fascinating period, drawing from his research and personal experience.In our news segment, we discuss updates involving Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Jardine Cycle & Carriage and others, and how they're affecting the automotive industry.Photo credit: TY Lim / Shutterstock.com

Dongfeng is a brand that's still struggling to make its presence known in the market, amidst tight competition with other brands in a very crowded space. Regardless, we should not sleep on them, especially in the used car market. Daniel highlights the value that can be found with the Vigo SUV, if you're in the market for one and don't mind exploring the second-hand market.In our discussion segment, we highlight another fire involving an EV in the Klang Valley, and call for more transparency with regard to the actual cause.In our news segment, we discuss developments involving Mitsubishi, SOCAR, Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin, Porsche and Maserati, and their influence on the industry.Photo credit: gracethang2 / Shutterstock.com

The Tiggo 9 is another strong offering from Chery, providing both the premium luxury that is now almost standard from this company, and the ability to go off-road in various conditions. Daniel took the car out in challenging conditions and survived the trip to tell you more about it.We also spend time talking about the emergence of kei cars in our market, why they're becoming more prevalent here and whether manufacturers could officially import them.In our news segment, we highlight updates from Chery, Kia, Tata Motors, Honda, Volvo and Nissan, and their influence on the automotive industry.Photo credit: dsf.my

The Ford Everest Sport embraces the rugged, boxy SUV design language that's fashionable now, and after taking the car out for a weekend drive to Ipoh, Daniel thinks it's highly competitive in its segment. The only stumbling block? Tune in to find out.In our discussion segment, we unpack Thailand's decision to replace their aging commercial vehicles with EVs, and whether this is a move Malaysia can follow.In our news segment, we highlight announcements made by BYD, GWM, Proton, Perodua, Audi and BMW and how they're affecting the automotive industry.Photo credit: dsf.my

Daniel returned from his test drive trip to Kemaman with the Jetour T1 full of rave reviews and beaming with smiles, as he wonders whether this is as good as it gets when it comes to a well-priced SUV in the Malaysian market. Tune in to hear his full thoughts on the car.In our discussion segment, Daniel looks at the investments made by automotive companies in neighbouring countries and wonders whether this is a missed opportunity for Malaysia to attract them instead.Our news segment is packed with SUV news, as we cover new announcements by Jetour, Ford, iCaur, and Jaguar Land Rover.Photo credit: dsf.my

This episode of Cruise Control discusses two closely related topics — car depreciation and the used car market. Daniel shares some of the cars that depreciate the most in the Malaysian market, after speaking to used car dealers for his research.We also spend time talking about used European plug-in hybrids in our market and whether they're worth a punt. Hint: it's better to stay away.In our news segment, we talk about Denza's new Grand Tourer, the Z9GT, whose price is set to shake the market, BMW's first M3 Touring here in the country, as well as Maserati's return to the official Malaysian market, among other things.Photo credit: IZWAN IS / Shutterstock.com

MPVs are practical choices for families who want to travel in comfort, and luxury MPVs seem to be the preferred choice among those who can afford them. Despite the rise in the number of luxury MPVs from China, consumers in Malaysia seem to still prefer Japanese MPVs - to the point where they would rather pick used Japanese MPVs in the grey market. Why is this the case? Daniel shares his thoughts and theories.In our discussion segment, we speak about the potential return of physical knobs, buttons and levers in vehicle cabins, as Audi plans to bring them back. Is this the right move, as the industry grows tired of using touchscreens to control everything in the car?In our news segment, we talk about Jaecoo's new J5 EV, Volkswagen launching the Tayron SUV at a competitive price point here in Malaysia and both Xiaomi and Chery announcing their new Extended Range EV (EREV) over in China, among other news items.Photo credit: Harazaki Ananta Hondro / Shutterstock.com

With the 007 moniker, sharp design and a "Combat Mode", Dongfeng's second model in Malaysia truly has a licence to… thrill. Tune in to hear how impressed Daniel was with this car and whether he thinks it can compete with its key rivals, the BYD Seal and the Tesla Model 3.In the discussion segment, we talk about legacy carmakers' position in China, as they struggle for market share amidst the rise of local EV and ICE manufacturers, whose vastly improved quality and value are reshaping the market.In the news segment, we highlight the completion of the first phase of Chery's Smart Auto Industrial Park in Lembah Beringin, the new BMW X5 Neue Klasse, Polestar's precarious position in America, Honda and Nissan potentially collaborating, and other news items.Photo credit: dsf.my

If you're in the market for a used EV supercar, the Audi e-tron GT is a very sleek alternative to the popular Porsche Taycan. Sure, the brand name may not be as prestigious as Porsche's, but if you don't care about status, an Audi is still solid, reliable and trustworthy. There are caveats to this though, as our automotive expert, Daniel Fernandez, shares in this week's episode.In our discussion segment, we talk about removable sunshades and the online chatter surrounding them recently.In our news segment, we discuss updates involving Suzuki and their new e-Vitara, Honda and their new City variants that were launched in Thailand, as well as Chery's new Tiggo 9, among others.Photo credit: Vivid Brands / Shutterstock.com

The Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show, or KLIMS 2026, was the platform for many manufacturers to showcase their latest cars. Daniel shares some of the biggest launches that caught his attention when his team was there, from Mazda with a new, slightly different CX-5, Hyundai releasing performance variants of their IONIQ 5 and 6, as well as Honda with their new Prelude, among many others.In our discussion segment, we talk about some of the brands that were missing from the showcase, and why they weren't there.Photo credit: dsf.my

The new Toyota Corolla Cross HEV GR Sport comes with the cosmetic updates that you expect from a "sport" upgrade, but does it drive like it's supposed to? Daniel shares his experience after spending a weekend with the car.In our discussion segment, we talk about the Ferrari Luce and the industry's reaction to it. Are people overreacting?In our news segment, we talk about WTC Automotif's milestone achieved with the GAC G3 Emzoom, BYD Atto 3's new model for this year, Ford Everest Platinum's debut in Malaysia, as well as other industry updates.Photo credit: dsf.my

The Jaecoo J5 is another SUV in the market that offers a few differentiating factors that are unique, at a very competitive price. At this rate, will these factors, coupled with its price, turn people away from conventional brands? Daniel shares his thoughts on the show.In our discussion segment, we talk about the Advanced Driving Assistance System or ADAS and how, despite its sophistication, the system can be… annoying to some? Should we learn to live with it?In our news segment, we discuss Denza, GWM, Chery, and Stellantis, as well as Ferrari and its new EV, the Luce.Photo credit: Al Qadri Zul / Shutterstock.com

Diesel prices are on the up now, due to the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region, but for those looking to get a pick-up truck out of necessity, the new 2026 Isuzu D-Max is perhaps a good choice as it improves on the cabin comfort, while retaining the model's other iconic traits. Daniel shares more on the show, after taking the truck out for a full-day test drive.In our discussion segment, he shares his thoughts on European hybrid cars and the lack of progress European carmakers have made since introducing some models to the market in the early 2010s.In our news segment, we highlight new releases from Xpeng, Land Rover, and Audi, as well as talk about Stellantis' rumoured restructuring of its portfolio.Photo credit: dsf.my

The fallout from the controversial decision by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to raise the floor price of CBU EVs to effectively RM300,000 (after taxes and other costs) continues, with most voices out there criticising the decision. Daniel decides to share a different perspective on the topic, after digesting most of the conversations out there.In our news segment, we gush over new releases elsewhere, with BYD, Lexus, Lynk & Co, and others all revealing their latest vehicles to the market.Photo credit: Allora Empire Art / Shutterstock.com

The local EV industry woke up to a shocking development today, as the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) is reported to be planning to raise the floor price of fully imported EVs to effectively RM300,000 (inclusive of taxes and other costs), as well as set a minimum power output limit for imported models. Daniel shares his thoughts on this development and what it means for the local auto industry and consumers.In our news segment, we go back to new car launches, including Audi with their brand new Q5s, Jetour with the T1, GAC with a new look GS3 EmZoom, and others.We also review the 2025 Honda HR-V e:HEV RS and ponder whether the HR-V can continue its popularity in its segment.Photo credit: Abdul Razak Latif / Shutterstock.com

Daniel returned from the Beijing Auto Show 2026 with plenty to share! Due to the limited time spent there, he decided to focus on the most interesting showcases relevant to the Malaysian market. Some of the models that he will be highlighting in this episode include Denza's rugged compact SUV, the B3, Huawei's luxury wagon, the Stelato S9T, Lotus's foray into the world of plug-in hybrids with a redesigned Eletre, and Hyundai's China-only release, the Ioniq V, among others. Tune in for a peek into what's next in the automotive world.Photo credit: dsf.my

As EV sales across the world slowly plateau due to various factors, manufacturers are now ramping up production of plug-in hybrids as alternatives to both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicles. China leads the way again, overtaking traditional big name manufacturers in this department. Will this mean we'll see more plug-in hybrids in the market in the future? What will this mean for the growing EV market, as well as conventional ICE cars? Daniel shares his thoughts on the matter.In our used car review segment, Daniel talks about the problematic Proton Perdana V6 and why it might be appealing to enthusiasts out there, despite its troubled track record.In our news segment, we talk about the latest Porsche Cayenne, as well as discuss the vehicles that appeared in the Allianz DSF Vehicle of the Year 2026 list.Photo credit: Rathaphon Nanthapreecha / Pexels.com

Perodua launched its latest model, the Traz, in an environment that is vastly different from what it once was. The landscape has become much more competitive, with various SUVs flooding the market at similar prices. Despite sitting at the lower end of the price spectrum, does the Traz offer enough for prospective buyers? Daniel shares his thoughts after taking the car out for a ride.In our discussion segment, we talk about the importance of maintaining a tidy driving cabin and what you can do to achieve that.In our news segment, we talk about Mitsubishi's new Xforce, the MINI 1965 Victory Edition, Quartz Black Proton X50, Tom's Racing Toyota AE86 and Kia's plans for the future.Photo credit: dsf.my

The TQ Wuling Bingo is another affordable compact EV in the Malaysian market that's meant to give Malaysians an alternative to the Proton eMAS 5 for those looking for a small electric car. But how do the two compare? Daniel shares his thoughts on this cheap and cheerful car after taking it out for a spin.In our discussion segment, we talk about the state of the used car market now, and whether it's wise to buy or sell your car in this space.In our news segment, we talk about the Allianz Malaysia Motorcycle of the Year Awards 2026 as well as Toyota's three new cars - the bZ4X, the Hilux BEV and the Urban Cruiser EV.Photo credit: dsf.my

The world of off-road-capable SUVs is being shaken up, as Jetour enters the market with the T2 - despite being dubbed the "Baby Defender," the SUV is aiming to face its competition head-on, with a competitive price, without compromising on quality. Tune in to hear Daniel's thoughts on the car.In our discussion segment, we forecast EV sales this year after they've enjoyed a great year in 2025. Will the industry replicate its performance in 2026, taking into account the rising oil prices caused by the conflict in the Gulf region?In our news segment, we talk about SAIC's two new upcoming EVs that have a promised range of up to 905 km, Mercedes-Maybach retaining its V12 variant, the return of Freelander, as well as the demise of AC Schnitzer Tuning.Photo credit: dsf.my

The Toyota Vios Hybrid has finally entered the market, giving long-time fans of the model, or those looking to upgrade to a modern and economical sedan, an option. But did they take too long to bring this model to the country? Daniel shares his thoughts on the Vios Hybrid after spending a weekend with the car.In our discussion segment, we talk about clone cars and the threat that they pose to consumers and the local car industry, after the Malaysian authorities recently seized cloned cars across Malaysia worth approximately RM1.1 million.In our news segment, we talk about the recently launched Omoda C9 Plug-In Hybrid, BMW's upcoming i3, as well as the new Honda Freed and whether it's coming to Malaysia, as well as other news items.Photo credit: dsf.my

Daniel got the chance to review another luxury MPV this week, as he took the GAC M8 out for a spin, both as a driver and as a passenger. Priced above RM300,000, the GAC M8 is looking to challenge the more established players in the luxury MPV segment. Is it able to do so? Daniel shares his thoughts.In our discussion segment, we react to ASEAN NCAP's decision to give the new Proton X90 a 1-star rating, after Proton removed its Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) safety feature, consequently lowering the price of the car. For context, the previous version of the Proton X90 was given a 5-star rating by ASEAN NCAP. Was this a fair move by ASEAN NCAP?In our news segment, we talk about the new Jetour T2, Ferrari Amalfi's debut in Malaysia, as well as Honda's decision to cancel its EV plans in North America, among others.Photo credit: dsf.my

The new Nissan Serena e-POWER enters the market with its unique technology that's not only economical, but also surprisingly powerful for an MPV with a relatively small engine. It's also comfortable to drive and ferry passengers around, according to Daniel, who took the MPV out for a test drive. Tune in to hear more about the car.In our discussion segment, we remind listeners to be more responsible when it comes to allowing underage and unlicensed children to drive their vehicles.In our news segment, we talk about Jaecoo's new car, the J5, limited edition releases by Mitsubishi, as well as the collapse of Australia's CarConnect, among other topics.Photo credit: dsf.my

We feature another hybrid car this week, albeit from a totally different price bracket. The Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS is a supercar that, compared to its direct competitors, the McLaren Artura and Ferrari 296 GTB, is relatively cheaper. More importantly, it is a supercar that can be driven every day, unlike the other two. That's what Daniel thinks after taking the car out for a quick test drive. Tune in to hear more of his thoughts.In our discussion segment, we highlight the rise in cases of luxury cars caught not having a proper road tax, or worse, using a fake road tax.In our news segment, we talk about BYD's new hybrid car, the Seal 5 DM-i, the new Volvo EX30, Lamborghini's decision to go full PHEV, and crashes involving Tesla's Robotaxi.Photo credit: dsf.my

Daniel finally got his hands on the plug-in hybrid version of the Proton e.MAS 7, and while it was only for a short while, he thinks it's a better alternative compared to the fully electric version of the model. He shares his impressions of the car on the show.But before that, we talk about parking etiquette in residential areas, as yet another case of inconsiderate parking happened in one of the neighbourhoods recently.In our news segment, we talk about Proton's great performance at the start of the year, driven by the sales of the Proton e.MAS 5, Triumph's new motorcycle, the Trident 800, Mazda topping the vehicle safety list, and Rolls-Royce's status in Malaysia, among others.Photo credit: dsf.my

As a purist, it's rare for Daniel Fernandez to be genuinely impressed by an electric car, yet that's exactly the vibe we got when he spoke about the smart#5 BRABUS. He tells us why in our car review segment.Before diving into the car, we discuss the rebates and discounts being offered on the majority of new cars in the market. While consumers welcome these deals, what are the long-term negative effects for the wider industry?In our news segment, we cover Dongfeng's market debut with the launch of the 007 sedan and the Vigo SUV. Volkswagen introduced the new Golf R-Line following their GTI update, while Mitsubishi announced the new Xforce crossover coming to the local market soon. All this, and more, on another episode of Cruise Control!Photo credit: dsf.my

After much fanfare, the new Proton Saga MC3 is finally out on the roads. Daniel got his hands on one, and while he generally has no complaints about the way the car drives, he brings up a bigger, important conversation about where the Saga model is now, its position in the market and what it's supposed to be for customers.Before we get to his thoughts on the Saga, we discuss China's latest move to ban flushed electric door handles and why this is ultimately a good thing.In our news segment, we talk about the new HEV version of the Toyota Vios, the GWM Wey G9 officially launching in the country, Malaysia's car scrapping initiative, and the Jaecoo J5 being assembled at the Mercedes-Benz factory in Indonesia, among others. Photo credit: dsf.my

EVs are becoming more and more visible on Malaysian roads, with the market being flooded by new options every other week. But do these translate into a tangible adoption rate among Malaysians? We unpack where we are at the moment, especially as we head towards 2030, hoping to hit the target of EVs accounting for 20% of new vehicle sales.In between, we talk about the latest news in the automotive market, including the launch of the locally assembled Volvo ES90, TQ Wuling Bingo beginning its production here in Malaysia, and Ford purchasing Suzuki's factory in Thailand, among other developments.We also pit two luxury sports sedans against one another — the Alfa Romeo Giulia against the BMW 5 Series. Taste is subjective, but which one would be a more desirable choice for you, especially as they're both priced almost the same? Daniel chimes in with his preference.Photo credit: Mentary Merah / Shutterstock.com

The new Subaru Forester is an upgrade over its predecessors, but for the model that was brought in to Malaysia last year, the upgrade came with a significant change—the once locally assembled model is now fully imported. That resulted in a more solid car for consumers, but at a significantly higher price. Daniel shares his honest thoughts on the car and its competition in the market.But before we review the Forester, we unpack the situation that Volvo and its parent company, Geely, are currently facing, having to recall a few models of their electric cars due to a battery problem.There's a flurry of new car launches, with a lot of companies starting the year with a bang. Chery announced a new variant of its Tiggo 8 lineup, with Xpeng doing the same with a Rear Wheel Drive version of its popular G6 line. Kia announced a facelift version of the popular Carnival, while BMW and Mercedes got in on the act with the i5 eDrive40 M Sport Pro and the CLA 250+ EV respectively.We talk about motorcycles in this episode too, highlighting Thunder Motorcycle's debut here in Malaysia, as well as giving a nod to the Royal Enfield owners here in Malaysia as they gathered at the Sepang International Circuit recently, setting a new Malaysia Book of Records along the way.Photo credit: dsf.my

The new Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8.5 might look like an incremental upgrade from its predecessor, the Mk8. But it turns out, the 0.5 difference is a big difference. After taking the car out for a spin, Daniel insists that people who are interested in the car should take it out for a test drive to truly understand the difference between the two.In our discussion segment, we try to make sense of the recent rise in cases of cars catching fire across the city. What's triggering these incidents? Will the findings be made public to everyone?In the news slot, we talk about the Mitsubishi XForce, the HEV edition of the Toyota Vellfire, the Toyota GR Corolla Auto, Chery's Prosperity Deal for the new year, as well as the all-new Peugeot 408.Photo credit: dsf.my

The iCaur V23 reminded Daniel of the MINI - a car that, according to him, is worth challenging MINI's iconic status as a brand that's quirky, unique, and distinctive. He finally got his hands on one for a test drive and was totally enthralled by it.But before he shares more about the iCaur V23, we discuss charging stations in Malaysia and why, despite the progress we've made, we're yet to hit the target we set for ourselves by the end of last year under the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint (LCMB): 2021 to 2030.In our news segment, we talk about the launch of the Perodua Traz and TQ Wuling Bingo, Kia's new strategy for 2026, used car prices going down, as well as the Open Market Value, or OMV, calculation for CKD vehicles, which was delayed again until the middle of this year.Photo credit: dsf.my

Recently, Daniel got the chance to test drive the Ferrari 12Cilindri—a beast of a car that signifies Ferrari's attempt at combining both their heritage and tradition with modernity. Just like the Prancing Horse, he came back from the test drive neighing with excitement. Tune in to hear his thoughts on this wonderful piece of machinery and what makes it special.In our discussion segment, we unpack why, despite the convenience it offers, wireless smartphone chargers included in modern cars are still not the most efficient way to charge your smartphone.In the news segment, we talk about Mercedes' new GLC 200 4MATIC, the GWM Wey G9 MPV, Xpeng's partnership with EPMB, Hyundai Motor Malaysia's collaboration with EON Berhad, as well as Kia's new Seltos and whether we'll see it in Malaysia soon.Photo credit: Ital Auto & dsf.my

The Suzuki Fronx, a compact crossover with a very unique name, joins a market that's pretty saturated and also price-sensitive. The car is fully imported with all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a high-quality modern car. But with its relatively higher price, can it compete with the rest? Daniel Fernandez shares his thoughts on the car and whether it has a chance here in Malaysia.But before we get to that, we discuss China's decision to pull more subsidies for EVs in their market and how this will affect the smaller, burgeoning companies over there, and more importantly, across the world.In our news segment, we discuss Nissan's 6th Gen Serena, Chery's end-of-year deals, Naza Italia ending their relationship with Maserati, as well as the Lotus Encor 1, a Lotus Esprit-inspired model.Photo credit: dsf.my

Daniel has just returned from the Guangzhou Auto Show 2025, so naturally, we’re going to be talking about what he saw there. There were brands that may or may not make their way here, in the form of ROX and IM Motors, but there were also other brands that showcased their latest models, including Xiaomi, JAC, Chery and Zeekr, among others. Daniel highlights some of the cars he thinks made the biggest impact during the auto show.In the second part of the show, we chronicle Alfa Romeo’s journey in Malaysia so far, as they reenter the country again for the third time. With the Giulia Veloce and the Stelvio Veloce in tow, will their third entry into the country be the charm this iconic Italian brand has been waiting for?Photo credit: dsf.my

A situation familiar to many Malaysians, a runner is a paid middleman who manages vehicle paperwork and bypasses the queue by going straight to specific counters where officers readily accept their documents. This slows the regular queue and raises concerns about fairness and integrity, leaving many people in line feeling frustrated but unable to object. This prompts questions about whether runners are a practical response to inefficiency or an unethical shortcut, and whether JPJ should regulate the practice or create dedicated counters to prevent queue-cutting.Also, we break down a whole bunch of car launches during the week & then pit two Chery cubes together - the Jetour T2 and iCaur V23.

In Japan, BYD revealed the Racco electric kei car, the first electric kei car designed specifically for the Japanese market, featuring a compact, boxy body, sliding doors, and a tall roof ideal for tight urban environments. Powered by a 20 kWh LFP battery, it offers an estimated 180 km WLTC range and supports up to 100 kW DC fast charging, making it practical for daily city use. Will it make its way to Malaysia? In the news, Proton launched Malaysia’s first affordable EV, the e.MAS 5, while the government expanded the Budi95 fuel subsidy to 800 litres monthly for high-mileage e-hailing drivers. Touch ’n Go unveiled its Titan Flow RFID toll system for smoother, barrier-free travel by 2027, and Rolls-Royce is seeking a new Malaysian distributor after parting ways with Quill Motorcars, leaving after-sales support in transition.

In this week's condensed episode, we dive into the all-new BYD Seal 6, the electric sedan that’s turning heads. Unlike BYD’s earlier high-performance EVs, the Seal 6 shifts gears toward accessibility and comfort, offering a big-sedan feel, smooth power delivery, and premium features at a surprisingly attainable price. Tune in as we break down what sets the Seal 6 apart from its siblings, how it fits into Malaysia’s fast-growing EV scene, and why it might just be the electric car that converts traditional ICE owners once and for all.photo: dsf.my

From Nissan bringing back the Teana in China and introducing the PHEV-powered N6, to BYD’s huge battery recall, we look at the latest moves and challenges shaping the global car scene. We also take a closer look at Toyota’s new Land Cruiser FJ 2026, a smaller 4×4 that keeps the Land Cruiser spirit alive, and dig into Porsche’s EV journey, including leadership changes aimed at speeding up their electric plans.But the spotlight this week is on the Hyundai STARIA, now locally assembled in Malaysia for the first time. We explore what this means for buyers — from its roomy, comfortable interior and advanced safety features to the launch perks like free servicing, rebates, lifestyle vouchers, and extended warranties. Local assembly not only makes the STARIA more accessible but could give Hyundai an edge over its competitors. Tune in to see why this MPV is turning heads and what it could mean for the future of family cars.

It was a pretty positive Budget 2026 for the automotive industry, as the government finally announced measures to tackle some of the things the show has been talking about for quite some time, including a vehicle scrapping incentive and a lemon law. A glowing Daniel Fernandez shares his reactions to these, and other announcements made.After talking about the Budget, Daniel talks about his experience driving the Chery Tiggo Super Hybrid SUVs - the Tiggo Cross, 7, & 8 - at the Sepang Driving Experience Centre. The event was meant to showcase the cars’ handling, and boy, was he impressed.In our news segment, we discuss Perodua’s new super app, the P-Circle, GWM’s new Ora Good Cat that comes in two versions, a Sepang Edition Volkswagen Golf GTI and Hyundai launching the CKD version of their MPV here, the Staria.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance LifePhoto credit: EROS ATTILIO - Photo / Shutterstock.com

The saturation of new cars in the market has led to this inevitability - a price war! Manufacturers are slashing prices of their cars left, right, and centre, with established brands joining the Chinese manufacturers. We break down some of the discounts currently available in the market.But first, we talk about the rising numbers of cars catching fire and what might cause them. Tune in for a quick reminder on what we can do to prevent them.In our news segment, we highlight the brand new cars entering the market, from GAC with their new Emkoo SUV, to Chery with two new plug-in hybrids - the Tiggo 7 and 8. We also cover Xpeng with their brand new G6, as well as Proton teasing the market-disrupting price of the new e.MAS 5.Photo credit: Mayy Contributor / Shutterstock.com

The competition in the luxury MPV segment is heating up, with Zeekr now throwing its hat into the ring with the 009 Executive. While another EV from China continues the threat to the traditional, mainstay brand and models in this segment, how will Zeekr fare against similarly priced competitors from its own country? Daniel shares his thoughts on this, as well as his experience driving the MPV.But before we talk about that, we unpack the issue of unpaid road tax involving luxury cars in Malaysia, that's reportedly costing the country RM35.7 million. Why are these luxury car owners refusing to pay their road tax, despite being able to afford these cars?In our news segment, we talk about BYD releasing another variant of its sedan, the Seal 6, with a price that's highly disruptive to the local EV market. At the other end of the spectrum, Porsche launched the latest iteration of its iconic 911 GT3. The car industry in China continues its boom this year, with 4.2 million units already exported as of August. German manufacturer, BMW, meanwhile, had to deal with a ransomware threat from a group called Everest.Photo credit: Teddy Leung / Shutterstock.com

Another week, another value-for-money vehicle released for the mass consumers out there looking for a car that’s worth their money. Chery Tiggo Cross entered the market aiming to disrupt the popular players, and with the kind of offerings that they have, can they finally sway consumers? Daniel Fernandez had the chance to take the turbo variant of the car out for a ride, and he’s here to share his thoughts and recommendations.But as always, before we get to that, we talk about the luxury car market and how the use of something called “carnet” has allowed for abuse in this segment of the industry.In our news segment, we talk about the Budi95 petrol subsidy rationalisation, GWM’s new MPV, the Wey G9, as well as problems affecting Tesla and the Xiaomi SU7.Photo credit: dsf.my

By now, Chinese brands are gaining a larger share of the market, especially in the SUV segment, with Malaysian consumers beginning to trust them more and more. But what's the landscape like in the pickup truck segment? Daniel Fernandez gives us the lowdown on consumers' preferences here, and whether a brand like JAC with its T9 truck is able to challenge a veteran like Isuzu with its highly reputable D-Max. But before we unpack that, we discuss some of the latest announcements and releases in the Malaysian market, including Mercedes-Benz launching two models from their AMG line, Chery launching the new O5 to replace the outgoing Omoda 5, and iCaur announcing its official arrival with the rugged-looking 03. Over in the global market, Leapmotor announced the B05, a hot hatch EV, while Hyundai unveiled the IONIQ Concept THREE. Photo credit: Pavel Dorogin / Shutterstock.com

The SUV market is getting more saturated day by day, but that means more options for consumers. The Jaecoo J8 is another alternative for buyers seeking a premium SUV with high-end features at a competitive price point. Daniel took the car out for a spin, both on- and off-road, and shares his thoughts on the show.However, before diving into this Chinese success story, we examine the slow decline Germany's automotive industry is currently facing, as more workers continue to be laid off. Will they, and the broader European market, recover from this?In our news segment, we talk about Proton’s new EV plant in Tanjung Malim, Perak, Mazda’s new SUVs in the form of the CX-60 and CX-80, as well as both Mercedes-Benz and BMW building new platforms for their upcoming EVs.Photo credit: dsf.my

BYD’s latest model, the Atto 2, is hitting all the sweet spots in terms of its price, features, and driving experience. So, should you get one? Tune in to hear Daniel’s thoughts on the car. Before we get to that, we talk about Nissan’s latest pickup to hit the Malaysian market, the Navara X-Tremer. We also report on the bookings made for the newly launched Zeekr 7X, as well as two new cars that were released globally - the Peugeot 308 and the BYD Leopard 3. Which one will come to Malaysia and which one won’t? Photo credit: dsf.my

Chery Tiggo Cross came into the Malaysian market with a very aggressive pricing strategy of below RM100,000 for both its Turbo and Hybrid variants. Not only that, the car also includes all the bells and whistles that you expect from a car that’s usually above that price range. So, does the Chery Tiggo Cross represent the best value your money can buy for a car in this segment? Daniel Fernandez shares his thoughts after taking the car out for a spin. While we discuss Chery’s latest car in the market, we also talk about another car company from China that’s already here, but has yet to release any model in the market. BAIC came to Malaysia last year, but their cars have yet to hit Malaysian roads. What happened? In our news segment, we talk about the new Omoda C9 PHEV, the latest BYD Seal, the Ford Ranger WildTrak 3.0L V6 Turbodiesel as well as the Mercedes-AMG Concept GT XX. Photo credit: dsf.my

Daniel got his hands on the new, electric John Cooper Works MINI, and after taking it out for a ride, he has some things to say about the whole experience. Are they positive or negative? Tune in to hear his full thoughts on the car. Before we get to the review, we talk about a recent practice by manufacturers that buy cars that are defective and sell them back to customers again. Is this appropriate? Should this solidify the need for a lemon law here? In our news segment, we talk about hyper-GT cars and supercars - with Lotus releasing the new variants of their iconic Emeya line, and BYD’s super luxury arm, Yangwang showcasing a new supercar called the U9 that’s reportedly able to compete against the best supercars from Europe. We also discuss Grab’s investment in WeRide and what this means for the future of mobility in the region. Photo credit: dsf.my

Honda's first EV in Malaysia, the e:N1, was highly anticipated, and now that it’s officially here, what’s the verdict? Daniel shares his thoughts after test driving the car, and contextualising its existence with its competitors here. But before we get to that, we also unpack why Honda and its peers from Japan and Europe are now struggling to compete with the Chinese brands that are thriving all across the globe. What went wrong, and how can they compete again? In our news segment, we preview the Proton e.MAS 5, ahead of its official launch anytime soon, as well as talk about MG Cybersters’ success here, and Mercedes GLC’s new front grille that has been teased. Photo credit: dsf.my