The 2024 CarPlus.my Editor’s Choice of the Year awards, proudly presented by CarPlus.my, has officially been announced. For the second consecutive year, renowned Japanese tyre brand Bridgestone returns as the main sponsor of this esteemed award, which celebrates the most outstanding cars of the year.
It represents the culmination of over a year of hands-on testing by CarPlus.my’s founder and editor, Tai Choo Yee. Drawing from extensive experience evaluating vehicles across both local and international markets, Tai selected the winners based on criteria such as innovation, practicality, design, and overall value within their respective categories. His in-depth reviews and test drive experiences are shared primarily through his popular YouTube channel.
Carplus.my was established by Tai to serve the growing demand for Chinese-language automotive content in Malaysia. With a diverse background as a presenter, videographer, photographer, and editor, Tai brings a wealth of industry insight to his evaluations, personally test-driving each car to ensure authenticity and consistency in the selection process.
Since its inception in 2021, the Carplus.my Editor’s Choice of the Year has gained significant recognition. A standout aspect of the CarPlus.my Editor’s Choice of the Year award is that Tai remains the sole test driver, ensuring each car is selected based on direct, real-world experience rather than secondhand reviews or specifications.
Originally intended as an annual award, the second edition of the award encountered delays due to supply chain issues and a sluggish post-pandemic market, leading to an extended eligibility period that carried the 2022–2023 cycle into mid-2023.
With the market now stabilized, the 2024 award cycle returns to a more regular rhythm, covering vehicles launched and tested over the past year.
Continuing the tradition introduced in the previous edition, winners of the 2024 award will receive an elegant transparent crystal trophy shaped like a tyre — evoking the design of an F1 qualifying trophy. The tyre tread motif is inspired by the Bridgestone Potenza series, symbolizing the ongoing partnership with Bridgestone and a shared commitment to performance and excellence.
Bridgestone’s comprehensive tyre lineup, including performance, comfort, fuel-saving, and long-lasting options, are widely respected for their proven quality and reliability, making the brand a fitting partner for this benchmark automotive award.
Car Manufacturer of the Year: Chery Auto Malaysia (Chery & Jaecoo)
“Chery Auto Malaysia has invested a lot in Malaysia, from setting up CKD local assembly, as well as skill transfer, setting up of dealerships across the nation, including Chery and Jaecoo..”
Kicking the list off is the Car Manufacturer of the Year award, which goes to Chery Auto Malaysia Sdn Bhd. In a relatively short time, Chery Auto Malaysia, comprising both the Chery and Jaecoo sub-brands, has surged into Malaysia’s Top-5 car manufacturers by annual sales volume—overtaking established names like Mitsubishi and Mazda. As of late 2024, the Omoda 5 has recorded an impressive 8,019 units sold, while the newly launched Jaecoo J7 contributed a further 6,988 units, combining for a total of over 15,000 units from just two models within the year.
Beyond its strong and growing product portfolio, Chery has shown real commitment to the Malaysian market with significant local investments, including the establishment of a CKD (Completely Knocked Down) assembly operation.
This move not only strengthens the local automotive ecosystem but also creates skilled employment opportunities and contributes to the nation’s industrial growth.
Chery has also actively engaged in corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, such as sporting events, supporting local communities, and charitable causes as part of its long-term vision to grow with Malaysia — not just in business, but in impact.
Best Electric Car of the Year: Tesla Model 3
“Tesla’s ease of charging — just lift the charging gun and insert — is a simple process as you would have already linked your credit card in the Tesla app..”
The Tesla Model 3 continues to set the benchmark for electric vehicles (EVs) in Malaysia and earns its place as the 2024 Carplus.my Editor’s Choice Electric Car of the Year. A familiar face on our channel and in the EV community, the Model 3 distinguishes itself with three standout advantages: exceptional efficiency, continuous software updates, and an unmatched charging ecosystem.
First, the Battery Management System (BMS) in the Model 3 is among the best in its class. As a low-profile sedan with excellent aerodynamics, it achieves an impressive WLTP-rated range of up to 678 km. Real-world testing shows consistent energy efficiency of 6 to 7 km per kWh — figures confirmed by both our own assessments and data shared by Tesla owners in Malaysia. It’s a vehicle that maximizes every watt of energy with precision.
Second, Tesla’s industry-leading Over-the-Air (OTA) updates ensure that the Model 3 continues to evolve long after you drive it home. Major software improvements are delivered every few months, adding features, refining driving dynamics, and improving safety — all without needing to visit a service center. This level of remote support and refinement sets Tesla apart from most other EV makers.
Third, the Tesla charging experience is simply more seamless and user-friendly. With a rapidly growing network of Superchargers and Destination Chargers across Malaysia, the Model 3 supports up to 250 kW fast charging. Most top-ups take less than 30–50 minutes. Importantly, the process is plug-and-play: no need for multiple apps or complicated payment methods. Just plug in and charge — your account is already linked. It’s an experience designed for convenience, not compromise.
Best Family SUV of the Year: Honda CR-V e:HEV
“The 2.0-litre e:HEV hybrid system truly transforms the CR-V into a different class of vehicle..”
Perhaps the SUV that needs no introduction in Malaysia is the venerable Honda CR-V. With a heritage that spans almost three decades in Malaysia, the Honda CR-V has established itself as the go-to choice for many Malaysians.
Now in its sixth generation, the Honda CR-V in its turbo form isn’t particularly groundbreaking, but it’s the innovative e:HEV hybrid system that truly “reinvents” the CR-V, pushing it into a class often associated with luxury brands. Thanks to the CR-V e:HEV’s Active Noise Control, the system effectively cancels out the typical buzzing sound often heard in hybrid vehicles during battery charging, allowing for a serene cabin environment where the engine’s charging process is virtually unnoticeable to the driver and passengers. This contrasts with other hybrid systems where such noises can be intrusive.
Beyond the advanced powertrain, the new CR-V e:HEV continues to excel in areas crucial for a family vehicle. It boasts even more generous second-row and luggage space than previous iterations, enhancing its practicality. The inclusion of a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system further contributes to a luxurious and enjoyable experience for all occupants.
Best Performance Car of the Year: Honda Civic Type R
“The FL5 Civic Type R can be your daily use car, your only car, or even be your bespoke sports car..”
Mention high-performance models and the Civic Type R consistently comes to mind, itself is a testament to its impactful presence in the automotive world over the past two years since its debut here in Malaysia.
Every aspect, from the engaging feedback of the gear lever to the evocative exhaust note during spirited driving and cornering, contributes to a sensation that the FL5 Civic Type-R is exceptionally adept at engaging its owner. A key highlight is the FL5 Civic Type R’s remarkable duality – not only as a bespoke sports car ripe for imaginative modifications and upgrades – with a vast aftermarket ecosystem – but also as a perfectly viable daily driver, capable of being a driver’s sole car.
The CarPlus.my Editor’s Choice for Performance Car of the Year underscores the Honda Civic Type R FL5’s exceptional ability to deliver exhilarating performance, profound driver engagement, and surprising everyday usability, solidifying its status as a benchmark in its class.
Best Performance EV of the Year: Porsche Taycan
“Even the most basic version of the Porsche Taycan is better than any other EV on the market..”
The title of Performance EV of the Year goes to none other than the Porsche Taycan — a vehicle that continues to redefine what a high-performance electric car can be and should be. While this recognition isn’t limited to the top-tier Turbo or Turbo GT variants, it’s important to note that even the base Taycan outperforms many EVs currently on the market when it comes to driving engagement and chassis dynamics.
During our international media test drive in Spain, we had the opportunity to experience the staggering 1,108 PS Taycan Turbo GT with the Weissach Package, capable of launching from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.2 seconds — making it the fastest EV we’ve ever tested.
Now, with its latest updates and improvements, even the Turbo GT variant offers a WLTP-rated range of up to 554 km, significantly improving its practicality without compromising performance. This evolution underscores Porsche’s role as a trailblazer in luxury electric performance, blending range, refinement, and razor-sharp driving character
As we look ahead to 2025–2026, expectations are high—but if history is any guide, Porsche will continue leading the charge in high-performance EV innovation.
Best Premium Crossover of the Year: Lexus LBX
“Before the Lexus LBX, it was practically impossible to purchase a luxury B-segment SUV..”
In a segment where true luxury offerings are few and far between, the Lexus LBX confidently claims the title of Premium Crossover of the Year. As the newest and most compact member of the Lexus family, the Lexus LBX is a rare gem — a B-segment luxury SUV designed for urban sophistication without compromising on quality, comfort, or innovation.
Despite being Lexus’ most compact model, the LBX doesn’t skimp on features. Highlights include three memory seat positions, high-strength steel construction, an aluminum hood, and aerodynamic elements designed to reduce wind and road noise. As a fully-imported CBU model from Japan, its refinement is immediately apparent from the moment you step inside.
With a starting price of RM 238,000, the Lexus LBX redefines the idea of a “luxury grocery-getter” — offering city-friendly practicality wrapped in unmistakable Lexus craftsmanship. It’s a new generation of premium crossovers, and one that Malaysian drivers can truly enjoy every day.
Best Family EV of the Year: XPeng G6
“I think that XPeng is a relatively unfamiliar brand in Malaysia, but after driving the car, I already felt that the G6 exceeds my expectations..”
The XPeng G6 is the proud recipient of the 2024 Carplus.my Editor’s Choice Family EV of the Year — a title that reflects not only its impressive specs and advanced features, but also its unique position in Malaysia’s evolving EV landscape.
In today’s Malaysian context, electric vehicles still face limitations in infrastructure and long-distance convenience. That’s why the G6 earns this award, not necessarily as a sole family car — but as the ideal second vehicle in a modern household: one that complements your existing daily driver while letting you enjoy the full EV experience.
The XPeng G6 is proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy a sophisticated, tech-savvy electric SUV. Priced from just RM 165,000, undercutting its main rival, the Tesla Model Y, by over RM 53,000, yet offers comparable, and in some cases superior, specifications and features. It boasts a WLTP-rated range of up to 570 km, a spacious cabin, and premium features typically found in much more expensive EVs.
If you’re looking for an EV that blends performance, value, range, and family practicality — without compromising on design or tech — the XPeng G6 is the dark horse of the year, and a well-deserved winner in this category. Visit a showroom, take it for a spin, and experience firsthand why it’s turning heads in Malaysia.
Best 7-Seater SUV of the Year: Kia EV9
“If you’re considering a seven-seater SUV, I think that the Kia EV is the best choice..”
The title of 7-Seater SUV of the Year for 2024 goes to a bold and groundbreaking entry from South Korea — the Kia EV9.
Built on Kia’s advanced 800V E-GMP platform, the EV9 delivers ultra-fast charging, a highly efficient electric drivetrain, and refined AWD performance with up to 700 Nm of torque. Despite a minor omission — the lack of mobile app remote control support in the Malaysian variant — the EV9 impresses with its overall execution. For most users transitioning from petrol or diesel vehicles, that feature won’t be missed.
What makes the EV9 truly exceptional is its value proposition. At a price that starts from RM 368,888, this large, three-row SUV offers equipment, space, and comfort typically found in luxury SUVs costing upwards of RM 600,000 to RM 700,000 (think BMW X7 or Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV). Kia has managed to bridge that gap by offering premium-level design, technology, and comfort in a package that is forward-thinking, stylish, and fully electric.
With tax exemptions on CBU electric vehicles still in place until December 31, 2025, the EV9’s total cost of ownership becomes even more attractive. For families looking to future-proof their transport without compromising on space, comfort, or prestige, the Kia EV9 delivers a value proposition that’s hard to beat.