THE Malaysia Car of the Year (MCOTY) award that resumed after three years of pandemic disruption was marked by a sudden shift in the domestic car market.
There were 29 electric vehicles (EVs) launched this year, compared with the fewer than five models available in 2019.
Including the 13 hybrids and plug-in hybrids, 42 electrified cars were launched this year.
Two models for each powertrain were recognised for being standouts in their respective price brackets - above and below RM200,000 for EVs and RM250,000 for hybrids.
The winner of the EV list was BYD's Dolphin Premium Extended for its fantastic value and affordable pricing. On the premium end, the Volvo C40, which was essentially an updated and sportier XC40, won the honour.
Toyota's Corolla Cross Hybrid bagged two awards as the go-to hybrid below RM250,000 and "Crossover of the Year" in the under-RM200,000 category.
Volvo also bagged the win in the premium hybrid category with the XC90 Recharge T8 Ultimate.
Champions and movers of the new energy race were not limited to vehicle models as the 2023 MCOTY also honoured Ahmad Hadri Haris as "Person of the Year" for his contributions to Malaysia's energy transition.
Hadri was recognised for his instrumental role in laying the foundation of the energy transition through the conceptualisation and drafting of the Green Technology Master Plan and the Electric Mobility Blueprint, which then transformed into the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint 2021-2030.
As a former Malaysian Green Technology Corporation chief executive officer, Hadri was also the key driver in driving many national electric mobility initiatives, such as pioneering ChargEV to provide public EV chargers nationwide and popularising EV through many industry partnership programmes.
Hadri, who is serving concurrently as an adviser for the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry, strongly advocates for greater adoption of EVs.
Gentari was honoured as the "Charge Point Operator of the Year" for bringing together the biggest charge point operators to ensure users' convenience instead of using its power and position to dominate the market.
DOLPHIN PREMIUM EXTENDED
Built on BYD's e-Platform 3.0, the Dolphin runs on its proprietary Blade battery.
It is dubbed the world's first mass-produced eight-in-one electric powertrain that optimises space utilisation and energy efficiency.
The Premium Extended Range variant is priced from RM124,900 (on-the-road without insurance) and has a 60.48kWh battery that delivers 490km of range.
It powers out 150kW with a 310Nm maximum torque to achieve a zero to 100kph sprint in seven seconds.
It has a maximum charging rate (DC) of 80kW, which allows a 30 per cent to 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes.
The cabin has wireless charging and a fixed panoramic roof.
Its three dual-tone colour combinations are Atlantis Grey-Dean Black with grey and black interior, Ski White-Urban Grey with a grey and black interior, and Surf Blue-Urban Grey with a blue and black cabin.
For Cars Bikes and Trucks, the Dolphin is the most practical choice for an EV at present when you have no interest in lavish features and a step-up in performance.
It also shines by delivering an "as natural as possible" drive experience in the form of an EV.
XC90 RECHARGE T8 ULTIMATE
Volvo's XC90 Recharge T8 Ultimate now sports a newly improved Recharge plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain for a longer electric range and better drive performance.
A big highlight of the model, in addition to its premium features, comfort and safety, is a new powertrain that offers a long-range battery of 18.8kWh from 11.6kWh, a new rear electric motor of 145hp compared to the previous 88hp, an increased range of up to 90km from the previous 40-49km, an improved CO2 performance, and an increased total power of 462hp from 407hp previously.
The SUV retains Volvo's signature features of a 360-degree surround view camera, 20-inch wheels and a Bowers & Wilkins premium sound audio system.
Its safety features include lane-keeping aid, cross-traffic alert and city safety with auto-brake.
The premium PHEV SUV has a starting price of RM434,888.
COROLLA CROSS HYBRID
As the name implies, the biggest change in the Corolla Cross Hybrid is its fourth-generation Toyota Hybrid System over the standard variant.
Cars Bikes and Trucks has called it a "match made in heaven" for its marrying of Toyota's hybrid system and the new Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform.
The engine setup is a combination of a 1.8L petrol engine (four-cylinder, in-line, 16-valve DOHC with VVT-i) that produces 98PS at 5,200rpm and 142Nm of torque at 3,600rpm with two electric motors paired with an e-CVT.
The electric motor generator has a maximum output of 53kW and 163Nm, and the nickel-metal hydride battery has a 201.6V and 6.5(3) Amr(hr) capacity. In all, the powertrain has a total output of 122PS.
Fuel consumption is mentioned to be rated at 23.3km/litre with a fuel tank capacity of 36 litres.
Outside the engine setup, almost everything else closely resembles the petrol variants, including the return of the TNGA platform.
It has a starting price of RM136,550 (without insurance) that comes with a five-year/unlimited mileage factory warranty, and a separate eight-year/unlimited mileage warranty covering the hybrid battery pack, inverter and Power Management Control Unit.
VOLVO C40
The C40, which sports a more coupe-styled design than the popular XC40, runs on 19-inch, five-spoke black diamond-cut alloy wheels while sporting Thor-design LED headlights.
The crossover e-sport utility vehicle (e-SUV) houses a dual motor with a 78kWh lithium-ion battery capacity.
It is paired with a single-speed transmission and an all-wheel drive (AWD) system, overall delivering 408hp and 660Nm of torque.
The electric energy consumption is rated at 22.1 kWh per 100km while its direct charging allows the battery to go from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in 28 minutes.
The C40 can sprint from zero to 100kph in 4.7 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds faster than its predecessor.
It also has a longer range at 450km (WLTP) on a single charge, compared to the XC40's 438km.
The e-SUV is priced at RM288,888 (on the road) with a hassle-free package that includes a five-year vehicle warranty; an eight-year or 160,000km, whichever comes first, battery warranty; a five-year Volvo on Call (roadside assistance) package; five-year or up to 100,000km, whichever comes first, Volvo Service Included; and a four-year digital service.
