KUALA LUMPUR: The StarCarSifu Editors' Choice Awards 2024 returned on Monday to honour the best the local car market has to offer.
Heading the list were Great Wall Motor (GWM), Proton and Kia, which took home the top three awards on a night where guests were togged up to the theme of the 1978 John Travolta flick Grease.
Other big winners were Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and Honda, which won in two categories each.
The awards, featuring 30 categories, were opened to cars launched locally from Oct 1, 2023 to Sept 30 last year.
Hybrid of the Year
GWM Haval H6 HEV
Priced at RM139,800, the GWM Haval H6 hybrid powertrain produces a robust output of 240hp and 530Nm of torque. Yet it is able to deliver frugal fuel consumption of 5.8 litres per 100km.
The H6 hybrid has a stylish exterior design and is also well-appointed with premium features such as a 360-degree camera and automatic parking system as well as an Advanced Driver Assist System.
The total package is compelling, and when viewed under the lens of which is the better hybrid for the money, the H6 hybrid is a step ahead due to its affordability and practicality.
Proton S70 Flagship X
The Proton S70 Flagship X offers great value with advanced features like a 360-degree camera and adaptive cruise control as part of the Advanced Driver Assistance System at a more competitive price. Being a local brand, Proton also provides lower maintenance costs, cheaper spare parts, and easy access to service centres.
The RM94,800 S70 Flagship X offers a hard-to-match B-segment pricing with the feature set of a larger C-segment sedan.
Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 combines strong electric performance with a spacious, premium interior and a bold design. With 505km of range, 380hp and 700Nm of torque, it offers impressive power. It comes with the flexibility to spec it as a 6- or 7-seater. Priced at RM374,668, it includes a 14-speaker Meridian audio system and advanced safety features, making it an excellent option for families looking for an electric SUV that has the pace and space to do more.
Honda City Hatchback e:HEV RS
Priced at RM112,900 - the Honda City Hatchback e:HEV RS has a fuel economical 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain that can deliver 27km per litre, which makes it quite attractive with petrol subsidy cuts in the near future.
The City Hatchback facelift also offers a more energetic and sporty outlook, and the Honda Sensing safety suite is also improved with new functions.
MINI Cooper SE
The new MINI Cooper SE can achieve a zero-emissions range of up to 402km on a single charge. With fast DC Charging, the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in just under 30 minutes.
It offers a delightful, iconic go-kart driving experience and lots of premium interior comforts, as well as a high-tech suite of driver-assist systems.
Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is renowned for sporty driving pleasure, and the Edition 50’s upgrades enhance the exceptional motoring experience.
Nice features here include the 10-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE technology and advanced driver assistance systems, and a suite of accessories that includes an Oettinger body kit.
GAC GS3 Emzoom Premium R
Priced at RM126,800 - the locally-assembled GAC GS3 Emzoom Premium R has an upmarket interior with plenty of space and interior comforts, and an array of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.
This range-topping variant gets the unique R-Style Sport Package, and conveniences like automatic headlights, hands-free power tailgate and a panoramic sunroof.
MG ZS
The all-electric MG ZS can achieve up to 320km on a single charge, and offers a comprehensive after-sales package and advanced safety features. This B-segment vehicle is well-kitted and comes with Projector LED headlights, leather seats, and the MG Pilot suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.
Volvo EX30 Ultra Twin Performance
The Volvo EX30 Ultra Twin Performance is the most powerful, range-topping dual-motor variant, and offers all-wheel drive capability, and a 450km range (WLTP). Its small size belies the fact it’s big on performance with 422hp/543Nm on tap. It has Volvo’s full Safe Space Technology suite, and blends chic Scandinavian minimalism with uncompromising safety.
Volvo C40 Recharge
The updated Volvo C40 Recharge has a vastly improved all-electric range of up to 550km, and offers faster DC charging and pixel headlight technology. Also, a new twin-motor set-up emphasises power delivery at the rear for a more engaging driving experience.
smart #3 BRABUS
The range-topping smart #3 BRABUS dual-motor variant offers all-wheel-drive, and can travel up to 415km. It combines a sleek coupé exterior and athletic curves, with a comfortable and roomy interior. This all-electric compact SUV delivers impressive performance, and the 0 to 100 km/h sprint is done in just 3.7 seconds via Rocket mode.
Proton S70 Flagship X
The Proton S70 Flagship X sedan is a feature-rich, value-oriented car with a nice blend of performance, sportiness and practicality. The S70 is also the largest and most powerful machine in its price range, and is fitted with lots of premium comforts and safety technologies.
Peugeot 408 GT
The Peugeot 408 GT features a dynamic fastback silhouette, and offers a non-mainstream, stylish option in the C-segment sedan segment. It is fitted with advanced Matrix LED lighting technology, an interior designed for maximum convenience and comfort, numerous advanced safety features, and a powerful 1.6-litre turbocharged PureTech engine.
GWM Ora 07 Performance
The GWM Ora 07 Performance variant offers all-wheel drive, a monstrous 408PS and 680Nm of torque, and up to 550km driving range on a full charge, and an upscale, refined motoring experience. It combines an eye-catching sleek, stylish design with exceptional performance, and top-notch comfort features and a generous suite of safety and driver-assistance features.
Mercedes-Benz E 350e AMG Line
The locally assembled Mercedes-Benz E 350e AMG Line plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) offers plenty of muscle with 313hp and 550Nm of torque, and is also fuel economical with 118km (WLTP) of electric driving range. Premium kit include a Burmester 4D surround sound system with 21 speakers, and top-notch Driver Assistance and safety systems.
