Cruise Control

Used luxury hybrids can look like a bargain in the classifieds, but are they worth the risk once the warranty is long gone? We put the 2012 Audi A6 Hybrid up against the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class BlueTEC Hybrid, two German sedans that promised luxury with lower fuel bills. Daniel Fernandez gives his verdict, along with the easier alternatives to live with.In our discussion segment, we unpack "sambung bayar", the practice of taking over someone else’s car payments, and whether it is a safe way to buy a used car.In our news segment, we highlight GWM’s first locally assembled Ora 5 HEV rolling out of Melaka, Nexen’s push to grow its tyre presence in Malaysia, and new moves to speed up the removal of abandoned vehicles, along with a handful of other stories from across the industry.Image Credit: TonyV3112 / Shutterstock.com

The Volvo EX30 Cross Country is quite a mouthful of a name, and a rugged makeover of the compact electric EX30. Daniel traces the heritage of the Cross Country badge and weighs up whether this tougher crossover is for everyone or strictly for enthusiasts. Listen in for his verdict on who should actually buy it.In our discussion segment, we revisit the long-awaited Lemon Law, check where it stands in Malaysia, and ask what it could mean for buyers of both new and used cars.In our news segment, we cover the new Mercedes-AMG One service hub in Bukit Tinggi, Honda’s upcoming pickup truck based on the Mitsubishi Triton, and the rugged Omoda X with its thermal camera, along with a few more stories that point to what’s coming next.Image Credit: dsf.my

The BYD Sealion 7 is a roomy, family-sized electric SUV, and Daniel takes the entry-level rear-wheel drive variant at around RM163,000 up against rivals ranging from Tesla and the Zeekr 7X to the Proton eMas 7. Is the simplest version all the EV most buyers really need? Listen in to find out.In our discussion segment, we look at the rise of boxy SUVs on Malaysian roads, how Chinese brands have made the style affordable, and whether the trend will last or give way to sleeker designs.In our news segment, we cover BYD’s local assembly plans in Kulim, Kedah, Isuzu’s 1,605 km D-Max run from Sandakan to Kuching, and Porsche’s mid-engine Mission S concept, with a couple more surprises thrown in for good measure.Image Credit: dsf.my

The Jaecoo J5 EV keeps the boxy, Range Rover Evoque-style looks of its petrol sibling for just RM8,800 more, in a crowded field of Chinese EVs that mostly look alike. Daniel spent time with it, dog in tow, and reveals what makes it stand out and the one cabin quirk that bugs him.In our discussion segment, we unpack what Budget 2027 means for the automotive industry, and what Daniel feels was left out.In our news segment, we cover the Omoda 5 recall and the JPJ’s sales halt, the third-generation Mazda CX-5 at just under RM170,000, and Jaguar’s 1,000 PS electric Type 01 GT, plus a few more headlines from the week.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.Image Credit: dsf.my

The new entry-level Proton S70 i-GT 1.5L 2026 arrives below RM60,000 with a naturally aspirated engine, aimed squarely at Myvi owners ready to step up to a sedan, but is simpler really better? Daniel took it on a one-day drive to Sekinchan and shares what impressed him and where the lack of power shows. In our discussion segment, we discuss whether Honda Malaysia should bring back the Freed compact MPV, and why Daniel sees room for it against rivals like the Mitsubishi Xpander and Hyundai Stargazer. In our news segment, we highlight the all-electric Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4-door coupe, the local assembly of the JAC T9 pickup in Kulim, and JPJ's suspension of MyEG services, plus a look at whether ASEAN's car market can absorb the wave of new Chinese assembly plants.Image Credit: dsf.my