The 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) is coming your way this weekend from the 23rd November to 2nd December 2018. Hosted by MAA (Malaysia Automotive Association), KLIMS is back after a five-year hiatus and patrons can expect it to be bigger and better than before.
With a new venue partner, Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), KLIMS 2018 will be hosting the unveiling of concept cars and the latest production models. Here are some of the cars and concepts that will be making its public appearance at Malaysia’s biggest Motor Show.
Proton X70
The national carmaker will be presenting to the public for the first time, their first-ever SUV, the Proton X70. As the first newborn from the partnership between Proton and Geely, the X70 will spearhead Proton’s new vision to restore its brand image not only in Malaysia but also in the ASEAN region.
Word has it is that Proton will be showing all four variants of the X70 – Standard 2WD, Executive 2WD, Executive AWD and Premium 2WD. If you’re wondering what the future of Proton cars entail, be sure to head over to the Proton booth to touch and feel the X70 yourself.
Perodua Concept Car
Not much information on the concept car was announced by the company, only a short teaser on their official Facebook page. The concept car will be unveiled at the “Perodua Illumination” booth with the promise of “technology innovations and more”.
The last time Perodua presented their concept car at the 2013 KLIMS, the Buddyz Concept went on to become the brand’s first-ever sedan, the Perodua Bezza in 2016. So be on a look out, for what may be Perodua’s next car.
Updated Mitsubishi Triton
Fresh off its global debut in Bangkok, Thailand, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has managed to swiftly bring the updated Triton to our shores. Although its official local debut will only happen early next year, this preview will give us a taste of its new exterior design in the metal.
Despite major changes on its exterior, the updates in the new Triton also runs skin deep with the new model being 15 kg lighter, equipped with a new six-speed automatic transmission, larger rear dampers, improved Super Select 4WD system as well as a host of new Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.
It sure sounds like Mitsubishi has a fierce contender in the pick-up segment. Although, we have a feeling that the refreshed Triton will be overshadowed by the next car on our list…
Ford Ranger Raptor
The first ever high-performance pick-up truck in Malaysia will be making its official debut here at KLIMS. Getting inputs from the Ford Performance division, the Ranger Raptor is the first model to wear the Raptor badge other than its big brother, the F-150 Raptor.
Distinguishing it from a standard Ranger, the Ranger Raptor stands 320 mm wider and 150 mm taller, complete with less-than-subtle cosmetic changes on its exterior. Want to know how much this monster pick-up will cost? Be sure to head on over to Ford’s stand at KLIMS.
All-New Toyota Camry
Also making its market debut is the eight-generation Camry which will be displayed at the Toyota stand. While its powertrain options will be carried over from the outgoing model, the all-new Camry still has lots going for it in the shape of a new Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, stylish cabin design as well as a range of Toyota Safety Sense Advanced Driver Assistance System.
We will be able to see the all-new Camry in the flesh as well as the variant models that UMW Toyota will be offering. Will it finally sway buyers away from the mighty Honda Accord and German alternatives like the Volkswagen Passat? Come over to KLIMS and find out yourself.
New Toyota Vios
UMW Toyota will also be presenting a new Vios which is essentially the Yaris Ativ sedan that is on sale in Thailand. Complete with a restyled exterior, more sophisticated cabin and most importantly seven airbags, the new Vios will finally measure up to the rest of the competition in terms of equipment.
The company has said that this will merely be a preview for the public to get up close and personal with the B-Segment sedan before its official debut at a later date.
Toyota FT-1 Concept (New Supra)
If the Vios and Camry doesn’t pique your interest, perhaps the FT-1 Concept will have your attention. While the production version of the Supra is well underway, being in the presence of the concept car will still be quite an occasion.
The rationale behind showing the FT-1 Concept at one of the biggest motoring events in the country may hint towards the imminent arrival of the new Supra when the car is due for its global debut. Remember, Toyota Malaysia did officially sell and distribute the first-generation Supra back in the 90s. Exciting times ahead for UMW Toyota eh?
All-New Lexus ES
Lexus Malaysia has confirmed that the Lexus ES sedan will be taking centre stage at their booth, alongside the LC 500 Coupe. Essentially a watered-down LS, the ES certainly has the presence and poise to put up a good fight against German rivals like the G30 BMW 5 Series and W213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Although don’t expect the Lexus to command the same, attractive price positioning as the locally-assembled Germans. What you get in return is top notch Japanese craftsmanship and a cabin that exudes Omotenashi – the Japanese spirit of hospitality.
First-Ever Lexus UX
Also on display at the Lexus stand is the Japanese premium car maker’s first ever compact luxury crossover dubbed the Lexus UX – U for urban and X for crossover. The smallest Lexus SUV has plenty to offer with its edgy exterior and posh interior – you even get the same LCD instrument cluster display as the LC 500!
Knowing that Lexus Malaysia prides itself over an extensive variant line up of SUVs, it wouldn’t be surprising that the UX will make its local debut eventually. If you’re in the market for a BMW X1 or Mercedes-Benz GLA, pop by KLIMS and check out this baby SUV for yourself before deciding.
All-New Hyundai Santa Fe
The fourth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe made its world premiere at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show and for the flagship SUV to make its way to Malaysia within the same year is a commendable feat from Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM).
The new Santa Fe is larger than before, carries a bolder look and gets the full range of Hyundai’s latest-generation SmartSense Technology. HSDM did not disclose whether other models like the Kona or the i30 will be making an appearance at the Motor Show but hey, the Santa Fe is a good start.
All-New Nissan Leaf
No motor show will be complete without at least one electrified vehicle on display. The second-generation Nissan Leaf will be making an appearance here in Malaysia, in line with Edaran Tan Chong Motor’s (ETCM) plans to introduce the new Leaf to the market.
The new-generation Leaf boasts a sleeker and more conventional design as well as an updated e-powertrain and semi-autonomous driving capabilities. Compared to the old model, the electric driving range on the new Leaf has doubled to 378 km.
All in all, the 2018 KLIMS is not a show to be missed with plenty of new launches and concept cars stimulate your senses. Tickets are priced at RM20 for adults (RM25 on weekends) and RM5 for students and children below 12 years old for both weekdays and weekends.
Furthermore, every ticket purchase earns the visitors a lucky draw entry to win a Toyota C-HR, Honda City or Perodua Myvi. Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show is happening from 23rd November to 2nd December 2018, 11 am to 10 pm on weekdays and 11 am to 10 pm on weekends.
