The 3-day event offers visitors exciting promotions and aims to raise awareness about EVs
by SHAUQI WAHAB
SIME Darby Motors Sdn Bhd and Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia have partnered to accelerate Malaysia’s transition towards sustainable transportation through the launch of AutoArena, the first automotive event held at the National Stadium Kuala Lumpur Sports City.
Sime Motors showcased an extensive portfolio of automotive brands, including BMW, Mini, Motorrad, BYD, Ford, Hyundai, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo, along with premium pre-owned vehicles from Auto Selection.
The three-day event, from Jan 10 to 12, offered visitors exciting promotions and aimed to raise awareness about electric vehicles (EVs).
It also marked the beginning of a series of collaborative automotive events at the iconic Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur.
As part of the partnership, Sime Motors will provide Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia with two EVs for 24 months to support stadium operations.
Additionally, an EV charging station will be installed at the stadium, providing convenient charging access for the surrounding community.
Sime Motors MD of South-East Asia Jeffrey Gan highlighted the growth of EV adoption in Malaysia and the importance of supporting the government’s goal of increasing EV usage by 2030.
The amount of EV sales in 2024 increased 64%, strengthening Sime Motors’ commitment to support Malaysia transitioning to greener mobility.
“This partnership not only addresses operational needs with sustainable vehicles but also provides accessibility to EV infrastructure, fostering greater awareness of EV ownership among Malaysians,” he said at the launch of the test drive event.
Meanwhile, Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia CEO Iliyas Jamil stressed the stadium’s role as a national symbol and a hub for international and local events, welcoming over one million visitors annually.
“Our collaboration with Sime Motors aims to champion sustainability and inspire Malaysians to embrace green mobility,” he said.
AutoArena offered attendees an engaging experience centred on sustainable and innovative transport solutions.
- Gan highlights the importance of supporting the govt’s goal of increasing EV usage by 2030
- Iliyas stresses Bukit Jalil National Stadium’s role as hub for international and local events
Testing Mini Cooper’s 1st EV
Sliding into the driver’s seat of the Mini Cooper Aceman SE, the first all-electric model under Mini’s name, this writer immediately felt the difference compared to its predecessors.
It was a mix of nostalgia and innovation, with design nods to the Mini’s roots yet equipped with cutting-edge tech.
The Aceman SE officially debuted on April 29, 2024, priced at RM213,888.
This model introduces a fresh concept to Mini enthusiasts — it is not just electric; it is sustainable, high-tech and meticulously crafted.
Positioned between the classic Mini Cooper and the larger Countryman, the Aceman SE offers a balance of compactness and utility.
With five doors and a spacious interior, it seems tailor-made for young families or urban professionals.
The 54.2 kilowatt-hour battery provides an impressive range of 380km-400km, depending on driving style.

Mini Cooper Aceman SE is the 1st all-electric model under Mini’s name (Source: Mini Malaysia)
Charging is a breeze — on a standard wall box delivering 11 kilowatts (kW), it takes about six hours to fully charge. For those with access to faster 32kW charging, the time halves, making long trips more convenient.
This writer was pleasantly surprised at the silent power delivery as he pressed the accelerator. Without the hum of a combustion engine or gear shifts, the ride felt seamless and futuristic.
The Aceman SE’s front motor responded immediately, with a satisfying punch in the “Go-Kart” sport mode. It is still quintessentially Mini, delivering the legendary “go-kart feel”, but now with a cleaner conscience.
Meanwhile, the interior design is refreshingly minimalist. The reduction of physical buttons, replaced by an OLED central display, makes the cabin feel modern and uncluttered.
The screen does not just look good; it is intuitive and crisp, running on a shared platform with BMW’s OS 9 system.
Adjusting driving modes, navigation and entertainment settings is effortless, and the customisable ambient lighting adds a playful touch.
The head-up display (HUD) is equally innovative as it is fully adjustable — it ensures the driver’s eyes remain on the road while providing essential data like speed and range.
Notifications, such as low battery warnings, are displayed prominently, ensuring no surprises during a journey.

Mini Cooper Aceman SE’s OLED central display makes its cabin feel modern and uncluttered (Source: Mini Malaysia)
Sustainability is at the heart of the Aceman SE. From its recycled upholstery in a unique Dark Petrol shade to the new Ocean Wave Green exterior colour, the car embodies eco-conscious design.
It is also packed with tech for convenience and safety with the standard lane departure warnings, collision alerts and 360° sensors.
The personal assistant feature, activated with a simple “Hey Mini”, integrates seamlessly with the My Mini app to store user profiles.
This writer’s favourite part of the car is that it remembers seat positions, favourite shortcuts and even driving modes, ensuring a tailored experience for every driver.
The sound system, courtesy of Harman Kardon, makes use of the quiet EV cabin, delivering an immersive audio experience.
Meanwhile, the regen mode efficiently recaptures energy, especially noticeable on downhill stretches.
One would marvel at the thoughtfulness of Mini’s design. Driving modes like Green for efficiency, Core for comfort and Go-Kart for spirited driving let the drivers adapt the car’s personality to their mood.
Even the artificial engine sounds, subtly piped into the cabin, added a dynamic layer to the otherwise silent experience.

BYD Seal Performance is built with both power and safety in mind (Pic by Shauqi Wahab)
The Evolutionary BYD Seal
The BYD Seal entered the Malaysian market on Feb 22, 2024.
Sliding into the driver’s seat of the BYD Seal Performance was an experience that one will not soon forget.
Upon settling into the spacious cabin, the driver will notice how this sedan feels anything but ordinary — its legroom and wheelbase feel more like a luxury EV than a conventional car.
The interior design, combined with the car’s technological sophistication, set the stage for an electrifying drive. The writer was immediately drawn
to the child lock feature on the rear window controls — a thoughtful addition for families which is a feature not available on the Premium variant.
This, coupled with the all-wheel drive system powered by dual motors (one at the front and one at the rear) and the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems made it clear that the BYD Seal Performance was built with both power and safety in mind.
The motors in BYD are not just for show. With a staggering 0kph-100kph acceleration in just 3.8 seconds, the driver will not miss the thrill of this EV’s immense horsepower.
Switching between the three drive modes, namely Eco, Normal and Sport, is intuitive, with the Sport mode promising the most dynamic experience.
The car battery, securely mounted in its baseplate, is an engineering marvel. With a full charge, the Seal Performance could cover a distance between 380km and 450km — impressive for its class.
While the Premium model offers a slightly greater range, the Performance variant prioritises dynamic driving.
The car surges forward with exhilarating power at the press of the accelerator, but with exceptional stability, thanks to its longer wheelbase — a common feature in EVs designed to accommodate larger batteries while enhancing safety.

BYD SEAL boasts additional 53 litre of storage space in front trunk with cover (Pic by Shauqi Wahab)
Cornering feels secure, and the additional weight of the 500kg battery provides a grounded, stable driving experience.
The Seal’s interior was a playground of technology. Its unique feature is a 15.6-inch rotating LED touchscreen, capable of switching between vertical and horizontal orientations at the push of a button.
The BYD Store provides access to several essential apps, including Spotify and a browser for limited video streaming.
The integrated BYD karaoke app added a fun twist, allowing passengers to sing along with lyrics displayed on their phones via an interface, though the mics are not included in the car purchase and sold separately.
Similar to the new Mini Cooper SE, a HUD as a safety feature seamlessly projects critical driving information onto the windshield, adjustable with different modes.
Unlike traditional screens, this innovative display was unobtrusive yet highly effective — a hallmark of BYD’s attention to detail.
Sitting in the back seat reveals how this EV set itself apart. Spacious, coupled with a flat floor, long road trips will be nothing but comfortable.
Additionally, the temperature of the seats can be adjusted from warm to cold settings.
The BYD Seal’s design also stressed practicality — its auto parking brake and advanced sensors made manoeuvring and parking effortless.
Priced from RM199,800, the BYD Seal Performance offers incredible value for what it brings to the table.
From its rapid acceleration to its family-friendly features and advanced tech, it is a car designed to cater to a wide range of needs.
Driving the BYD Seal Performance gives a glimpse into the future of driving.
Smooth, powerful and technologically advanced, it made this writer wonder how the competition between automotive companies, such as BMW with its 520i, would push each other to deliver even better innovations.
Experiencing the BMW 520i
Sliding into the driver’s seat of this car feels like being enveloped in an air of sophistication. The cabin’s design exuded understated luxury, with every element precisely where it should be. Adjusting the steering wheel was seamless, thanks to its intuitive customisation options.
Whether forward, backwards, up or down, every angle was just a touch away, making it easy to find the perfect driving position.
This particular model is the latest in the 5 Series line-up, powered by a 2.0 litre petrol engine.
Debuted in May 2024, it is a refined machine, retailing at RM332,800. The price tag sets high expectations — and the car did not disappoint.

BMW 520i is the latest in the 5 Series line-up, powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine (Pic by Shauqi Wahab)
The acceleration was effortless, with the car reaching 0kph-100kph in just three seconds in Sport mode, but this time the gear shift felt like how an ordinary internal combustion engine vehicle would be.
Switching driving modes — Normal, Eco or Sport — is a simple press of a button.
Engaging Sport mode illuminates the right side of the display, signalling the car’s readiness to deliver a more dynamic experience.
Inside, the technology is just as impressive. The infotainment system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing drivers to connect their phone seamlessly via Bluetooth.
It also has a built-in navigation that does not require additional data, a boon for long-distance drives.
However, streaming videos or opening apps only works when the car is stationary — a thoughtful safety feature.
The HUD adds a futuristic touch, while adjusting the angle is straightforward, ensuring it aligns perfectly with the driver’s line of sight.
This feature, coupled with the reflective mirrors, gives the drivers complete control of their surroundings without taking their eyes off the road.
The ambient lighting within the cabin is another highlight. With adjustable colours, it creates a calming atmosphere during night-time drives.
The design focuses on the driver and passengers alike, with every detail — from the camera system to the navigation aids — enhancing convenience and safety.
While the BMW 520i lacks some features seen in other cars, such as a dedicated SIM card slot for WiFi, it more than compensates with its build quality and driving dynamics.
This writer felt that the car was truly an extension of himself, responding to every input with precision and grace.
From its sporty performance to its luxurious comfort, every moment behind the wheel feels special.

Sime Motors showcases an extensive portfolio of automotive brands, including BMW, Mini, BYD and Ford
Reviews from Participants
Amid the excitement of the auto test drive event, two vibrant part-time car brand ambassadors, Kelly Wong Chii Mee and Jade Lim, shared their top car choices and aspirations for their future vehicles.
They both had the chance to explore various car models and shared their preferences. For Wong, practicality and affordability stood out as key factors in her choices.
Her top pick was BYD, citing its attractive price point and cost efficiency, making it more accessible for a student like her.
“BMW, being a German brand, naturally comes with higher costs, which puts it out of my reach at the moment,” she told The Malaysian Reserve (TMR).
Following BYD, Wong chose Ford for its spaciousness and functionality, and BMW as her third choice for its premium appeal.
Meanwhile, Lim’s choices leaned towards aesthetics and personal admiration. Her number one pick was the Mini Cooper, a car she has been a fan of for many years.
“I love the appearance of the Mini Cooper; it is stylish and suitable for both girls and guys,” she said with enthusiasm.
Among the Mini Cooper models, she was most drawn to the Mini Cooper Ace.
BYD took second place on her list, while BMW rounded off her top three.
Looking ahead, Wong expressed her wish for a Ford as her future car, prioritising practicality for carrying more items. Lim, staying loyal to her love for Mini
Coopers, envisioned owning one someday. Meanwhile, students Ho Teng Jun, Gan Ze Yu and Allen Lim wanted to test the BYD Seal and BYD Sealion more than other car brands.
Gan commented that after trying the BYD Seal, he immediately felt the difference compared to the other cars he drove.
“We are used to petrol cars. So when we put down the throttle, my legs froze,” he said, explaining that he was new to driving an EV.
Despite that, he applauded EV’s ability to provide a smooth driving experience. As a passenger for both the BYD Seal and Sealion, Lim noticed the interior’s space and comfort.
All three friends agreed that BYD was on top of their preference list due to the affordable price range.
- This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition