Hyundai Motor Company’s revolutionary Hyundai Ioniq 5 has achieved a remarkable feat by setting a Guinness World Records title for the Greatest Altitude Change by an Electric Car. The record-setting journey, organised by Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), showcased the electric vehicle’s capabilities over a gruelling 14-day adventure.

From the Heights of the Himalayas to the Depths of Kerala

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 recorded an altitude change of 5,802 meters, starting at Umling La, India’s highest drivable point located 5,799 meters above sea level in Leh Ladakh, and concluding in Kuttanad, Kerala, which lies three meters below sea level. Spanning over 4,900km, the journey tested the vehicle against extreme terrains and climatic conditions, ranging from the freezing Himalayan passes to Kerala’s humid coastal plains.

Demonstrating Resilience and Advanced Technology

Throughout the expedition, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 highlighted its position as a leader in electric mobility, overcoming challenging environments while delivering exceptional performance. Designed on Hyundai’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the Ioniq 5 combines futuristic design inspired by Hyundai’s iconic PONY with cutting-edge technology and sustainability.

Equipped with a 72.6 kWh battery, the vehicle offers an impressive driving range and advanced safety features, making it a benchmark in the EV segment. From steep mountain passes to humid coastal regions, the Ioniq 5 proved its resilience, reaffirming its status as a reliable and versatile electric vehicle.

A Milestone for Electric Mobility

The record-setting journey underscores Hyundai Motor’s commitment to advancing sustainable mobility solutions. The Ioniq 5 not only set a new standard in the electric vehicle segment but also demonstrated how technology and performance can coexist seamlessly.

Hyundai Motor India continues to push the boundaries of e-mobility by delivering innovative solutions that inspire a sustainable future. As the Ioniq 5 continues to make waves globally, it exemplifies the potential of electric vehicles to tackle extreme conditions while maintaining superior performance, safety, and design.

This achievement adds another accolade to Hyundai’s portfolio, solidifying its position as a pioneer in the global transition to electric vehicles.

Volvo Car Malaysia launched its most anticipated and exciting model, the EX30. This is by far one of the smallest models Volvo has in its lineup and the quickest. We tested it out and did the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.6 seconds, which you can read about here.

The Volvo EX30, is now available for purchase in Malaysia, offering a combination of cutting-edge technology, safety features, and sustainable design. Aimed at providing drivers with a personal and eco-friendly driving experience, the EX30 is designed for everyday moments and city life, while delivering impressive performance and style.

The EX30 sets a new standard for Volvo, boasting the fastest acceleration in the brand’s history. With three variants available in Malaysia – the EX30 Plus, EX30 Ultra, and the high-performance EX30 Ultra Twin – the car caters to a range of driving preferences. The top-of-the-line Ultra Twin variant delivers an impressive 428PS of power and 543Nm of torque, propelling the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds. Meanwhile, the single-motor Plus and Ultra models offer 272PS and 343Nm of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in a respectable 5.3 seconds.

All variants feature a 69 kWh NMC battery, providing a range of up to 476km for the single-motor versions and 450km for the dual-motor Ultra Twin. With 175 kW DC fast charging, the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 28 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime.

Standard features across all models include LED headlights, 19-inch Diamond Cut alloy wheels, Pilot Assist, a Harman Kardon Premium Sound system, and a full suite of advanced driver assistance technologies. The Ultra variants further enhance the package with Park Pilot Assist, a 360° camera, powered front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.

As with all Volvo vehicles, safety is paramount. The EX30 comes equipped with the Safe Space Technology suite, which includes radars, ultrasonic sensors, and cameras to monitor the environment. New safety innovations, such as a door opening alert to prevent collisions with cyclists, automatic braking for front cross-traffic and intersection turns, and automatic steering avoidance for vulnerable road users, are also included.

Volvo has also introduced the Park Pilot Assist, capable of handling complex parking situations, including parallel, perpendicular, and diagonal spaces, making parking easier and more convenient.

The EX30’s compact size and agile design make it perfect for navigating busy city streets. Its urban-friendly dimensions, combined with bold styling, such as wide headlights and fenders, give it a confident, modern look. Inside, the minimalist cabin features five interior ambient light themes inspired by Swedish nature, offering a relaxing and immersive environment.

Unique storage solutions, including a wireless phone charging slot, sliding cupholder, and removable rear storage box, maximise space, while a large 318-litre rear luggage space provides ample room for daily essentials. A hidden 61-litre storage compartment adds an extra layer of practicality.

The EX30 is the first Volvo to feature a Harman Kardon soundbar, inspired by home audio systems, for high-quality sound without taking up valuable space.

Volvo’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the EX30. Built with recycled and renewable materials, including upcycled denim textiles and recycled PET content, the car has the lowest carbon footprint of any Volvo vehicle to date. The EX30 is a testament to Volvo’s ambition to reduce emissions and lead the way in sustainable electric mobility.

The Volvo EX30 starts at RM188,888 for the Plus variant, while the Ultra is priced at RM208,888, and the Ultra Twin Performance at RM228,888. For customers in Sabah and Sarawak, the pricing is slightly lower. Each purchase includes a five-year complimentary Volvo Service Plan (VSP), 24-hour roadside assistance, and an eight-year warranty on the battery pack.

To learn more or to place an order, visit Volvo’s official website or your nearest dealership. Attractive financing options are available, with monthly payments starting at RM1,588 and exclusive rates for the first 100 orders.

With its sleek design, powerful performance, and innovative features, the Volvo EX30 is set to redefine urban electric mobility in Malaysia.

The JCW E sports a bold and aggressive design, highlighted by a large blacked-out grille that mimics a massive air intake, though a closer inspection reveals a more functional two-bar horizontal opening in the lower bumper. Vertical intakes along the sides are thought to vent the front wheel arches, contributing to both aerodynamics and cooling. To improve stability at high speeds, the car features new side skirts and specially designed 18-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels.

At the rear, the design incorporates a diffuser and air extractors for the rear arches, along with a spoiler and unique chequered-flag JCW badges on the grille, tailgate, and vertical tailgate blades. The JCW E is expected to deliver high performance with a power output of 255hp, an improvement over the Cooper SE’s 214hp. This allows for a 0-100km/h acceleration time of around 5.0 seconds, with a top speed projected at 200km/h.

While battery specifications remain undisclosed, the JCW E is notably heavier than the Cooper SE, weighing in at 1670 kg, and may not achieve the SE’s 401 km WLTP range. However, it will feature performance enhancements like a limited-slip differential, an upgraded chassis, larger brakes, torque vectoring, and track-oriented tires, making it a serious contender in the electric hot hatch market.

The JCW E is based on a GWM (Great Wall Motors) platform, not a BMW architecture, which hints at the possibility of a future dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version—possibly a JCW E GP—for even greater performance.

Named after the brand’s hometown, the Milano is an urban-focused crossover that aims to capture the essence of the Giulietta and Mito hatchbacks while offering premium appeal and engaging driving dynamics to attract a new generation of Alfisti.

Jean-Philippe Imparato, Alfa Romeo boss, stated that the Milano is designed to transition the brand “from exclusive to inclusive,” emphasising its position alongside the ultra-exclusive 33 Stradale. He noted, “Alfa is the only brand that is able to sell a car at €2 million and €30,000.”

With dimensions of 4170mm length, 1780mm width, and 1500mm height, the Milano incorporates bold new design elements while paying homage to Alfa’s heritage with features like swollen wheel arches, a ‘coda tronca’ bluff rear end, and SZ-inspired headlights. Its distinctive front-end grille features stylised elements from the brand’s logo in electric versions. For reference, the smart #1 measures 4270mm in length, 1636mm in height, and 1822mm in width.

The Milano is available with either electric or mild-hybrid petrol power, sharing a platform with models like the Citroën C4, Fiat 600, Jeep Avenger, and Peugeot 2008. The Milano Ibrida combines a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with a 48V starter-generator and a 28bhp electric motor for 134bhp and the option of short-distance EV driving. The Milano Elettrica features a 54kWh battery, offering a range of 410km and a front-mounted 154bhp motor for engaging performance.

Alfa emphasises the Milano’s driving dynamics, boasting optimal mass distribution and best-in-class handling tuned by the same team responsible for the Giulia GTA super-saloon. The top-tier Veloce variant offers the most driver-focused experience with a 237bhp motor, Torsen limited-slip differential, and agile chassis upgrades.

Technological features include LED matrix lights, a virtual assistant, and hands-free boot lid, while premium trims offer massaging seats and ambient lighting.

The same inspiration of pure sportiness can be found inside the car, where the standout features are the Italian attention to every detail, the use of the finest materials and the placement of all the controls within the driver’s reach. The instrument panel and its historical ‘Cannocchiale’ design creates that direct visual connection and persuades you to wrap your hands around the steering wheel, start the engine, and make the best of a unique driving experience.

In the middle of the cluster, the standout feature is a fully digital 10.25-inch TFT screen, to access the car’s data and the settings for the driving technologies. In the middle of the dashboard and oriented towards the driver, a 10.25-inch touchscreen system developed to work with widgets, graphic components designed for intuitive interaction with all the features, which can be customised via quick and easy drag and drop. Every user can create their own homepage, where each of the car’s features is an app in itself.

To further embellish the interior, the air conditioning vents in the shape of a quadrifoglio (four-leaf clover), the symbol par excellence of Alfa Romeo sportiness.  To catch the eye and welcome the driver, optional Sabelt sports seats are available featuring an enveloping backrest that combines high mechanical resistance, perfect ergonomics and structural lightness.

The Milano is available for order in Italy and will launch in 28 markets over the next six months.