With 2020 way behind now, the automotive industry in Malaysia is set to head into some form of revival. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a lot of problems in every sector and there have been several initiatives to get more people to buy cars like discounts and promotions.
Much more effort needed
Car manufacturers have been quite badly hit in 2020 with some recording low volume sales due to the Movement Control Order. The government announced the sales tax exemption and the extension was met with a very positive response. So what does 2021 brings in terms of vehicle sales? The MPV segment is surely brimming with confidence especially with some great and exciting new models coming along.
Mazda Biante – The practical option
With a 2.0-liter, inline-four transverse, naturally-aspirated engine, this is one functional MPV. Among the others in this segment, the price is not too high up which is slightly less than RM150k. Packed with a 6-speed automatic transmission gearbox, it boosts out some 149 horses. As an MPV, the safety features are quite standard with 2 airbags (although more would have been better), DSC, TCS and ABS with EBD. What you get in Malaysia is a fully-imported model. One thing for sure, the Mazda Biante is not entirely new where it was first introduced in 20008. Now it comes with the refreshed SkyActiv-G system. For its tall-roof, this surely goes against the Nissan Serena while you get some extra space when you need where the second and third row of seats can be kept away.
Toyota Innova – New and sporty look
To kickstart 2021, Toyota Malaysia unveiled its latest Toyota Innova. This will be a CKD model which now comes with a way, sportier look than any of its predecessors. What you get now is one of the mirrors the more heavy-duty Hilux front. Functions are the main attractions for most MPVs and with this one, you get the 3D all-around (360 degrees) camera and USB charging ports around. Depending on which model you choose, they even pack in a wireless charger too. Under the hood, it comes with a 2.0-liter, naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox and priced between RM111 and RM130k.
Mitsubishi Xpander 2021 – The one everyone is talking about
News that a sub-100k MPV was set to be launched by Mitsubishi Malaysia late last year and true enough, they did that. This 7-seater got many people talking about it and some even put off their plans to buy a new car to see how the Xpander will be. Priced at RM91K, this locally-assembled model is quite an exciting options considering that it comes with a 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated 4A91 MNIVEC engine powered with a 4-speed automatic gearbox. Keyless start is included while safety features are also standard with 2 airbags, although most vehicle owners today would look for one that provides more.
Nissan Serena – Always there whenever you need it to be
The design of this car got most MPV owners excited because it feels as if you are walking into a room when you are getting into the car. For 2021, if this is one car you have been considering, then the J Impul version might just be the one for you (priced about RM150K). However, the Highway Star version is slightly more than RM130K while the premium version goes up another RM10K. A lot has already been saying about this car and its best known for moving people It is as functional as it comes and no other MPVs come close to this. Sliding doors, captain seats and walkable interior, need we say more?