Proton SUV
It is expected to make its debut in the second half of 2018 and two variants are likely to be offered, including a turbocharged version.
The Boyue sold in China is powered by a choice of powertrain options: a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine with 161hp paired with a 6-speed manual and a 1.8L Turbo Direct Injection engine (181hp) mated to a dual clutch automatic transmission. READ MORE
Kia Picanto
The all-new Kia Picanto, which made its global debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, is confirmed to arrive soon. It might just be the first new launch of the year.
Created in collaboration by Kia’s design centres in Namyang, Korea and Frankfurt, Germany, it boasts a high-tech cabin featuring a "floating" 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. New in-car technologies and connectivity features including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and a wireless smartphone charger.
With 255l of boot space, the new Picanto has the largest boot capacity of any A-segment car. It's also the first car in its class to offer Autonomous Emergency Braking. A performance-inspired GT-Line model is available for the first time. Engine options are 1.0- and 1.25-litre petrol engines as well as a new 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol direct injection mill making 99hp. READ MORE
BMW M5 x-Drive
If it's a fire-breathing chariot you are after, then the new BMW M5 x-Drive is your weapon of choice.
The new 4.4-litre V8 block spews an unforgiving 600hp and 750Nm of torque which gets you from 0 to 100kph in just 3.4 seconds.
Watch this space for the latest news of the official release and price. READ MORE
Range Rover Velar
This luxury SUV will be coming to Malaysia in the second quarter of 2018.
In Britain, it is offered in seven variants no less. There is a choice between the 2.0-litre and 3.0-litre petrol and diesel engines with outputs ranging from 178hp to 375hp. All variants use an 8-speed automatic transmission. Malaysian customers are likely to get the top specifications to justify the high asking prices. A diesel and petrol variant would do nicely to kick off the Malaysian debut.
The Velar is now open for booking at all Land Rover showrooms nationwide. READ MORE
Toyota Harrier
The new Toyota Harrier will come in two variants - Harrier 2.0T Luxury and Harrier 2.0T Premium - with a starting price of RM238,000 (on-the-road without insurance).
The Harrier, imported from Japan, and distributed by UMW Toyota Motor will offer the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with D-4ST and VVT-iW technology variant.
Bookings is open at all authorised showrooms. READ MORE
Toyota C-HR
The stylish, compact crossover is another highly anticipated model from Toyota. So far, all we know is that its due to launch next year and is offered in the 1.8 litre Dual VVT-i engine mated to a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) with sequential shifter.
It comes with a range of safety features including Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Other features include side mirror puddle lights, follow-me-home headlights and a premium interior. READ MORE
Volvo XC60
Celebrate the new year with a bang and grab yourself the new Volvo XC60 which is due to be launched in early 2018. The compact SUV from the Swedish marque continues to offer its award-winning T8 Twin Engine petrol plug-in hybrid engine delivering 407hp and acceleration from 0-100kph in 5.3 seconds.
It's not surprising then that the new XC60 is one of the safest cars ever made, and comes loaded with new technologies. READ MORE
MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4
Who wants an electrified MINI? Well, the wait could be over as it is set to arrive in 2018.
The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle comes with a 3-cylinder petrol engine and a synchronous electric motor, producing an output of 224hp.
It boasts a 0-100kph time of just 6.9 seconds. READ MORE
Hyundai KONA
Hyundai has a ace up its sleeve with its all-new KONA compact crossover. It's anticipated to make its Malaysian debut in 2018 and what we know so far is speculative but it's already launched in Britain.
Over there, the KONA comes in two variants: two turbocharged, small-displacement petrol powertrains with high low-end torque and excellent fuel efficiency in the form of a 1.0-litre T-GDI with a 6-speed manual transmission (MT) and 120PS and a high-power 1.6-litre T-GDI with 177PS and Hyundai’s self-developed 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT) and four-wheel drive.
We're betting the larger 1.6L variant may be making its way here. READ MORE
On a related note, we reckoned some car companies would use the KL International Motor Show as a platform to introduce new models in the last quarter of 2018. Yes, the show is making a comeback after an absence of five years. More details to follow when we have them.
