News coming out of Malaysia reveals that two high-profile Mazda SUVs are expected to debut early in the new year. MIDF Research tells us that Bermaz Auto plans to launch the facelifted Mazda CX-5 in January 2024 at an inflated price.
The modified SUV was only upgraded in Malaysia in November of this year, and earlier this month, the company teased information that appeared to validate a five-variant lineup and some of the model’s modifications. According to one source, the CX-3 was also referenced as being one possible design hint for the new CX-5 update. Earlier this month, the equipment list was revised for the three available varieties of the CX-3, which was imported from Thailand.
The research firm added that the long-awaited CX-60, which had its worldwide premiere in March of last year and has since gone on sale in a number of ASEAN markets, including Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines, and is expected in Malaysia soon, is another model in the pipeline.
The Koreans are strengthening their positioning as well. According to what we are hearing, the all-new, fifth-generation Kia Sportage will eventually launch in Malaysian in 2024, to be managed by Dinamikjaya Motors. The SUV and the Carens, a three-row SUV that debuted in India and is currently offered in Indonesia, would be offered as locally-assembled (CKD) models.
The report, however, makes no mention of Peugeot vehicles, which makes sense given that Stellantis now controls the distributorship. The U.S.-European alliance stated in November that Bermaz “will in the meantime continue to work with it for vehicle sales through its own network.”
The brand has already confirmed that the electric e-2008 and 408 will be introduced here in 2024. Meanwhile, the Landtrek will join the CKD versions, according to Daniel Gonzalez, Chief Operating Officer (ASEAN and General Distributors) at Stellantis. The pick-up vehicle is currently sold as a CBU.
OUR THOUGHTS
Mazda’s CX-5 is one of the brand’s biggest selling models and one that is sure to be popular once the facelifted version arrives in Malaysia. The CX-60 on the other hand is Mazda’s biggest SUV ever and comes with a new 6-cylinder powerplant and a hefty price tag to boot.