That We’re Not Getting In Malaysia

When driving around Malaysia (although with a pandemic going on, we definitely recommend you stay at home during this time), you’ll get to see a host of cars that are common. You’ve got your Myvis and your Sagas, your Citys and your Vioses. On the higher spectrum, you can find your BMWs and your Mercedes Benz. It’s no surprise that every time we hear the roar of a Ferrari or a Porsche, we get visibly excited. 

Well, in today’s article, we’re looking at some of the most interesting and coolest cars that we’re not getting in 2021. With the automotive landscape around the world so different from Malaysia’s, we can only look on in envy as we see cars like…

1.Acura TLX

Acura is clipping the apex of its reinvention as a performance-oriented premium automaker. The NSX kicked the transformation off a few years ago, followed by the RDX SUV. Now, the 2021 Acura TLX distills the company’s current design and performance ethos in 4-door sedan format with turbocharged engines and available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive.

2.Audi SQ2

February 2021 will see the launch of the Audi SQ2, a fresh facelift of the Audi Q2. Fitted with a 2.0-litre TFSI that makes a nice, even 300 horsepower, it packs as much luxury and performance into the compact-crossover body style as possible, even including an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system. Lucky buyers of this Europe-only car can get this cute, inconspicuous little Audi as they tear down the highways. 

3.Citroën C4

French carmaker Citroën has never shied away from making uniquely designed cars. The C4 is the most recent example of that; a compact crossover that looks a lot different from any conventional options available. With its chiselled lines and an ultra-futuristic interior with glass surfaces, digital effects, and '80s-inspired seat patterns, this is definitely a car that can turn heads. Plus, the C4 also comes with a front-wheel-drive, with a choice of gasoline, diesel, or electric powertrain for the discerning driver. 

4.DS 9

Another offering from the French. DS is touted as the upmarket Citroën spinoff, and it brings back the luxury sedan called the DS 9. The car is a quintessential car for French government officials, that comes with a conventional or a hybrid powertrain. Like its originator Citroën, the interior features wonderfully quirky art déco elements. This may not be a car suited for everyone, but we’d definitely want to give it a go!

5.Genesis G70 Shooting Brake

The Genesis G70 is a fantastic sports sedans, and if you’re in Europe, Hyundai will be launching a very interesting model; the Genesis G70 Shooting Brake. Built and designed as an alternative to the Audi A4 Avant and the BMW 3-series Touring, this car is way sportier than both of them. However, with the facelift, the manual transmission was removed, which may irk some people who prefer to drive stick. 

6.Nissan Z

To date, Nissan has only shown a prototype of the redesigned Z sports car, which is rumoured to carry 400Z nomenclature. That name would be derived from its twin-turbocharged V6 engine, which is expected to make 400 horsepower. In any case, the new Nissan Z blends heritage design cues and a familiar shape with modern performance and technology, coupled with a planned manual transmission gearbox for the roadies.

7.Suzuki Jimny 2021 Edition

This car would be a perfect fit on Malaysian roads. The tiny Suzuki Jimny (named after the little cricket in Pinnochio) is touted as the world's smallest real off-roader, but after some regulatory action from Europe’s fuel economy regulations, it has come back as a commercial vehicle. Able to overcome muddy pits, manoeuvre through dense woods, conquer massive rocks with this small off-roader that knows what true toughness is. Nothing from the original is changed, with the exception of the rear bench being removed in favor of a larger trunk. 

8.Volkswagen ID4

Electric vehicles continue to thrive overseas, with Volkswagen preparing to introduce the first of several electric vehicles to the United States. The Volkswagen ID4 will be the first to arrive in early 2021. Built as a compact 5-passenger SUV, this little EV should be able to easily drive around 400km on a single battery charge, which is plenty impressive. 

9.Volkswagen Taos

Volkswagen has rapidly improved its SUV game in recent years, with cars like the Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport and the redesigned Tiguan. However, the Taos, soon to be launched in the US in late 2021, will see a small SUV that comes with turbocharged power, a roomy interior, and classic VW driving dynamics to mark a new point in their pursuit.

While the world's automotive markets remain as diverse as ever, in Malaysia, we’ll probably only get to see these cool new cars trickle in. We hope that Malaysia will soon get into the game by being a driver of electrification so that we can finally see those cool EVs speeding down our highways. 

What did you think about our article? We’d love to hear from you. Share your thoughts in the comment section below!