Here are 10 of the cars that could arrive in Malaysia in 2023, which we're excited about

2023 is finally here and it looks like car manufacturers have hit the ground running. In fact, companies have already started announcing the arrival of new models just a couple of days into the year.

That being said, 2023 certainly looks like it is going to be an exciting year as a lot of interesting models are slated to make their Malaysian debut this year, be it electric, hybrid, or even full-blown petrol-powered performance models.

So let's jump right into the list of 10 new cars that are coming to Malaysia, which we are quite excited about:

1) Proton S50 sedan

Yes, it is real and it has been spotted on Malaysian roads many times but fully camouflaged. Nothing is official yet but according to "sources familiar with the matter", the S50 will be based on the Geely Emgrand.

It will most probably be powered by the same 1.5L TGDi engine as the X50, producing about 115 hp and 140 Nm of torque. 

2) Proton X90 SUV

In addition to the S50 sedan, Proton is also in the midst of testing a new large seven-seater SUV model based on the Geely Haoyue (aka Okavango in the Phillippines).

The model, which has been seen being tested numerous times on Malaysian roads, is expected to be powered by the same 1.5L turbo engine as the X50 and the X70.

There could be a mild-hybrid version also as the powertrain is being offered in a few markets. 

3) Honda Civic Type R FL5

Coming to succeed the FK8R, the FL5 has already made its ASEAN debut in Vietnam ahead of the usual suspects like Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia.

Rocking a much cleaner and more matured design unlike the current Type R which looks like it could transform into a Gundam robot anytime, the FL5 Type R will be powered by the K20C1 turbocharged inline-four cylinder petrol engine producing 330 PS and 420 Nm, which is 10 PS and 20 Nm more than the FK8.

4) 2023 Honda CR-V

Unveiled in July, the all-new 2023 Honda CR-V is by far the most powerful one yet.

Featuring a much more aggressive design than before, a more powerful powertrain making 204 hp, a more spacious cabin and a more comprehensive list of safety and driver assistance features, it is safe to say that the all-new CR-V has improved in all aspects imaginable. 

5) Toyota GR Supra manual

UMW Toyota Motor confirmed last month that the manual version of the GR Supra will indeed be making its Malaysian debut this year. the car's 335bhp 3.0-litre engine will be paired to a six-speed manual transmission, similar to the one in the GR Yaris.

It is said that the clutch has been re-engineered with a larger diameter and stronger spring to cope with the 500Nm of torque, while the existing housing and driveshaft have been modified.

6) 2023 Toyota GR86

Slated to be launched this year is also the all-new GR86, which is powered by a much more powerful 2.4 litre naturally-aspirated flat-four engine producing 235 PS and 250 Nm.

Available with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, the new GR86 which makes 35 hp and 45 Nm more than its predecessor, is also expected to come with a heftier price tag than before because, well, it has more to offer.

7) Toyota GR Corolla

In addition to the GR Supra manual and the GR86, we can also expect the GR Corolla to arrive on Malaysian shores this year as we are the only country outside Japan to have a dedicated GR garage, and every single GR model out there is actually in Malaysia.

Powered by a 304 hp engine and a 6-speed manual gearbox, the GR Corolla is expected to be priced nothing less than RM350,000 as it will be going against cars like the VW Golf R and whatnot.

8) Toyota BZ4X

On the EV front, we have some cool models coming this year as well like the Toyota BZ4X electric SUV which is most likely to be assembled locally in Bukit Raja!

Built on Toyota's latest e-TNGA platform, the BZ4X which means "Beyond Zero" will be able to cover up to 500 km per full charge, and produce up to 217 PS. It is said that there could be two variants (2WD and AWD) as well.

Looks stylish, no? 

9) Nissan Ariya

While we were skeptical about the Ariya coming to Malaysia, the model was recently spotted being tested at a prominent location in the Klang Valley, which means that its arrival is imminent.

Dubbed as "a new start" for Nissan after a slow few years, the Ariya has been given the big responsibility of making Nissan great again. In case you're wondering, it can cover up to 500 km, go from 0 to 100 in 5.1 seconds, and also drive itself.

10) BMW i7

Here to take on the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450, the BMW i7, which is essentially full-electric version of the new 7 Series, is already open for booking.

Powered by two electric motors, the i7 xDrive60 produces 545 PS and 745 Nm of torque, enabling it to sprint from naught to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds while hitting a top speed of 240 km/h.

The i7 also comes fitted with a 101.7-kWh lithium-ion battery that enables the electric sedan to cover up to 625 km with a fully charged battery. While AC charging takes up to 9.5 hours to charge the battery from 10% to 80%, DC fast charging does the same in just 35 minutes.

That being said, which model are you looking forward to the most?