Summary
The June 2025 car rankings reflect a highly competitive automotive market characterized by shifting consumer preferences and notable changes in model standings, particularly within Malaysia. The Perodua Axia emerged as the top-selling model for the first time since 2015, surpassing the long-dominant Perodua Bezza, while the Proton Saga notably overtook the Perodua Myvi by a narrow margin, signaling evolving trends in the budget and compact car segments. Additionally, the Jaecoo J7 made significant inroads in the sub-RM150,000 non-national SUV category, outselling established competitors such as the Toyota Corolla Cross and Honda HR-V, highlighting growing consumer interest in affordable and newer SUV offerings.
These rankings are based on comprehensive sales data from 162 countries and expert evaluations that consider factors such as safety, price, fuel economy, technology, and overall value. The Perodua Bezza remains a strong contender due to its proven reliability, competitive pricing, and 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating, while the Proton Saga has enhanced its appeal through recent technological and safety upgrades including autonomous emergency braking. Market dynamics also reveal a trend toward alternative ownership models such as short-term leasing and car subscriptions, reflecting changing consumer behavior and an increasing shift toward digital car buying platforms.
The Malaysian automotive landscape in mid-2025 continues to be dominated by local manufacturers, with Perodua achieving a record market share of 41.8% in 2024, driven by the success of its Axia and Bezza models. In contrast, Proton’s market share declined amid stiff competition and challenges in expanding its portfolio. Meanwhile, emerging brands and new energy vehicles are gradually influencing market composition, although traditional petrol models still hold a strong presence. The evolving consumer demand for hybrid and range extender technologies underscores the growing importance of fuel efficiency and environmental considerations amid fluctuating fuel prices.
Despite strong sales performance, the market faces ongoing challenges including production slowdowns linked to factory shutdowns during festive periods and supply chain constraints. Furthermore, shifts in consumer preferences and intensified competition among national and foreign brands make the automotive sector in 2025 a dynamic and rapidly changing environment. These factors collectively position June 2025 as a pivotal moment reflecting broader industry trends, technological advancements, and the transformation of consumer mobility preferences in Malaysia and beyond.
Overview of June 2025 Car Rankings
The June 2025 car rankings highlight a dynamic and competitive market, with several notable models leading in sales and expert evaluations. Among the top performers, the Perodua Bezza and Axia continue to maintain strong positions, reflecting their popularity and reliability within their segments. The Proton Saga notably surpasses the Perodua Myvi, marking a significant shift in consumer preference and market trends during this period.
In the broader international context, the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata is recognized as a superb sports car, appreciated for its driving experience and appeal to a wide range of drivers. Meanwhile, the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette is acknowledged not only for its striking design but also for its performance capabilities, underscoring its status as a standout model among new car releases.
These rankings are derived from a combination of sales data collected across 162 countries and expert evaluations based on key factors such as safety, price, fuel economy, technology, and overall value. The analyses employ unbiased methodologies and incorporate a variety of metrics including vehicle dimensions, cabin space, and fuel consumption, providing a comprehensive overview of each model’s strengths and market position.
Additionally, real-time market insights reveal ongoing trends in pricing, inventory, and consumer demand, offering valuable context for understanding the dynamics of the car industry in mid-2025. These insights also highlight challenges and opportunities within the used car market, further enriching the analysis of current rankings and market shifts.
Top Performing Models in June 2025
In June 2025, the Malaysian automotive market witnessed notable shifts in sales rankings among popular models. The Perodua Axia notably surpassed the long-time leader Perodua Bezza, achieving a market share of 13.1% compared to Bezza’s 9.4%, marking a significant change since September of the previous year. Meanwhile, the Proton Saga also experienced a strong performance, overtaking the Perodua Myvi by a narrow margin of just three sales, reclaiming a higher position in the market.
Among SUVs, the Jaecoo J7 made a remarkable impact in the sub-RM150,000 non-national SUV segment by outselling well-established competitors such as the Toyota Corolla Cross and Honda HR-V. In June, the Jaecoo J7 recorded 1,119 units sold, surpassing the Corolla Cross’s 1,103 units and the HR-V’s 712 units. This rise contributed to Jaecoo maintaining a top-five brand position with a year-to-date total of 7,566 units, reinforcing its growing presence in the Malaysian market.
The Perodua Bezza, despite being surpassed by the Axia, remains a strong contender due to its reputation for practicality and affordability, supported by its 5-Star ASEAN NCAP safety rating and advanced features like the Advanced Safety Assist 2.0 system introduced in 2020. The Bezza’s ongoing popularity is also attributed to its competitive pricing, ranging from RM 34,580 to RM 49,980, and continuous updates expected in 2025.
Market Dynamics and Competitive Landscape
The Malaysian automotive market in 2025 continues to experience robust growth and dynamic shifts driven by evolving consumer preferences, competitive brand performances, and emerging sales models. The new car market recorded another record year with a 2.9% increase to 856,292 units sold, underscoring strong demand despite broader economic uncertainties.
Local manufacturer Perodua dominates the market, increasing its market share from 39.7% to a record-breaking 41.8% in 2024, propelled by strong sales of models like the Perodua Axia, which saw a year-on-year growth of 17.1% and recently overtook the Perodua Bezza to become the top-selling model in September 2024. Perodua’s success is attributed to competitive pricing, quality, and features that appeal to budget-conscious Malaysian consumers. In contrast, Proton experienced a decline in market share to 17.2%, with its new Proton S70 model capturing a modest 2.2% share, placing it 12th in the overall ranking. Proton’s steady but challenged position contrasts with Perodua’s rapid ascent.
New entrants and sub-RM150,000 SUVs are shaking up the competitive landscape. The Jaecoo J7 has emerged as a formidable competitor, outselling established models such as the Toyota Corolla Cross and Honda HR-V in recent months. This highlights a shift in consumer preferences toward newer and potentially more affordable alternatives in the non-national SUV segment. Moreover, the Jaecoo J7 PHEV is poised for further impact upon its imminent launch, reflecting growing interest in electrified vehicles despite relatively muted enthusiasm for full battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the region.
Changing consumer behaviors are influencing market dynamics beyond product offerings. Subscription and short-term leasing models are gaining traction, reflecting a shift away from traditional car ownership toward more flexible mobility solutions. Additionally, online car buying has become a primary sales channel, accelerating the digital transformation of automotive retail. Fuel prices remain a significant factor affecting vehicle choice, with higher gasoline costs encouraging interest in hybrids and EVs, while lower prices may slow the adoption of electric vehicles.
Competition among national and foreign brands remains intense. Toyota and other foreign manufacturers face challenges, with Toyota’s market share declining by 2.9% alongside Proton’s losses. The strong performance of Perodua’s Axia and Bezza models, combined with competitive newcomers like the Jaecoo J7, signals a market in flux where consumer loyalty and brand positioning will be crucial for success.
Sales Data and Market Analysis
In June 2025, the Malaysian automotive market continued to exhibit dynamic shifts in both sales and production figures, reflecting broader trends within the industry. Notably, the Perodua Bezza achieved a significant milestone by crossing the 100,000 annual sales mark for the first time, holding an 11.8% market share. This marks the first instance since the Perodua Axia surpassed 100,000 units in 2015, highlighting the Bezza’s strong consumer demand and market presence. Additionally, the Proton S70, a rebadged Geely Emgrand, ended its first full year ranked 12th in sales with a solid 2.2% share, while the Jaecoo J7 showed promising performance by peaking at 11th place in October, despite ending the year at 26th.
However, the commercial vehicle (CV) segment experienced a marked decline, with sales dropping 44.6% to 3,393 units in January 2025 and a 10.7% decrease to 5,250 units noted in the first five months of the year. Overall new car production in Malaysia also saw a contraction, with January production down 26.2% to 56,899 units and a 12.4% decline over the first five months totaling 299,886 units compared to the previous year. These decreases were partly attributed to shorter working months due to holidays such as Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidiladha, which caused temporary factory shutdowns.
Despite these challenges, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) anticipated a rebound in sales during March 2025 driven by end-of-year sales campaigns and festive promotions. Nonetheless, the overall new car sales volume for the first five months of 2025 decreased by 5.0% to 316,737 units, reflecting a cautious market environment influenced by both supply constraints and evolving consumer behaviors.
Market analysts also noted shifts in consumer preferences, with a growing move away from traditional vehicle ownership toward more flexible arrangements such as short-term leases and car subscription services. This trend corresponds with an increasing preference for digital retailing platforms, which have become a primary channel for car purchases, enabling easier access and convenience for buyers.
Promotional Activities, Launches, and Policy Influences
In 2025, several promotional campaigns and product launches have significantly influenced consumer behavior and market dynamics in the Malaysian automotive sector. One notable promotional activity targeted owners of Perodua Axia and Bezza models, requiring them to schedule service appointments at authorized Perodua service centers between April 12 and May 15, 2023, under specific terms and conditions. This campaign aimed to reinforce vehicle maintenance awareness amidst rising household expenses related to vehicle ownership, such as loans, fuel, tolls, and upkeep costs.
On the product launch front, Proton unveiled its new AMA platform for entry-level vehicles starting in 2025, signaling an intent to strengthen its market position with fresh offerings tailored to budget-conscious consumers. This move aligns with Proton’s reputation for producing reliable vehicles, a factor that continues to support strong resale values for models like the Proton Saga, which has recently surpassed the Myvi in popularity.
The broader industry landscape is also being shaped by evolving consumer preferences and technological trends. Consumers increasingly show interest in full hybrid and range extender technologies, which offer reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions without requiring external charging infrastructure. This shift indicates a growing demand for “best of both worlds” solutions, particularly in developing markets such as China, where a large share of first-time buyers heightens the importance of building brand loyalty.
Additionally, market regulations and policies continue to impact vehicle sales and production. For instance, in Malaysia, all vehicles must be registered with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to be legally driven, and JPJ’s comprehensive vehicle database provides valuable insights into car popularity and market trends. Meanwhile, production volumes have seen a decline in early 2025, partly due to factory shutdowns during festive periods like Hari Raya Aidiladha, which affect the supply side and potentially influence consumer purchasing behavior.
New entrants and emerging electric vehicle (EV) brands such as Zeekr, Jetour, and BYD’s Denza are also poised to enter the competitive landscape, reflecting the industry’s ongoing transformation fueled by technological advancements and changing consumer expectations. Overall, these promotional activities, launches, and policy factors collectively shape the dynamic automotive market environment as it approaches mid-2025.
Detailed Model Comparisons
The 2023 Perodua Myvi 1.5 AV and the 2023 Proton Saga 1.3 Premium S AT are frequently compared due to their popularity and competitive pricing in the Malaysian car market. Using a comprehensive car comparison tool, several key metrics such as price, dimensions, colours, cabin space, and fuel consumption are analyzed to provide a clear understanding of their differences. While the Proton Saga offers advantages in terms of price and interior space, it falls short in areas like modern design and equipment. The Saga’s appearance is described as outdated, with a low-lying posture that seems dynamic but is overall square and old-fashioned, lacking appeal to younger buyers. Inside, the interior decoration and dashboard styling appear reminiscent of designs from two or three decades ago. Additionally, the Saga lacks some comfort and convenience features that are commonly expected by modern buyers, such as an adequate touchscreen sound system.
On the other hand, models like the Perodua Axia 2025 appeal to budget-conscious consumers by combining competitive pricing with quality, comfort, and modern features, making it an attractive choice in the segment. Perodua’s compact SUV, the Ativa, is set to receive a facelift in 2025 that will emphasize a sportier and more contemporary aesthetic, reflecting evolving consumer preferences.
Beyond these, the Jaecoo J7 has made notable market gains, peaking at #11 in October and maintaining a solid presence at #26 overall. The new Proton S70, a rebadged Geely Emgrand, has also secured a firm position with a 2.2% market share by the end of its first full year of sales.
In terms of user experience, vehicles like the Ativa offer comfortable front and rear seats with mostly user-friendly physical and touchscreen controls. Engine options vary by trim; for 2025, the base Ativa retains a 152-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while higher trims feature a more powerful 182-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which has been preferred by many drivers.
Technological and Safety Advancements
The 2025 Proton Saga marks a significant step forward in technological and safety features for the model, particularly through its integration of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). This progress is largely driven by a partnership between China’s Imotion Automotive Technology and Proton’s long-term vendor Delloyd Technology, aimed at accelerating the development and adoption of ADAS for the Proton Modular Architecture 01 (AMA01), which underpins the Saga. While the Saga may not receive the full suite of Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities due to cost constraints—such as adaptive cruise control and lane centring assist that require high-definition cameras and front radar—key features like autonomous emergency braking have been introduced. This addition significantly improves safety and places the Saga on par with its main competitor, the Perodua Bezza.
Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) is a critical active safety feature designed to provide additional brake support during emergency situations, helping to reduce stopping distances and mitigate collision risks. Alongside AEB, the Saga’s 2025 iteration also includes lane departure warning systems, further enhancing driver awareness and accident prevention.
In comparison, the Perodua Bezza has been a benchmark in affordable safety technology since its 2020 update with the Advanced Safety Assist 2.0 (ASA 2.0) suite, earning it a 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating and offering a comprehensive set of driver assistance features at an accessible price point. The Proton Saga’s recent advancements demonstrate Proton’s commitment to elevating safety standards within its entry-level segment, aiming to provide better protection without compromising affordability.
Beyond safety, the Saga also benefits from enhancements in fuel efficiency through improvements in engine technology, addressing the demands of daily commuters seeking economical options. These technological and safety upgrades collectively contribute to the Saga’s strengthened position in a competitive Malaysian automotive market.
Consumer Behavior and Market Trends in June 2025
In June 2025, significant shifts in
Future Outlook and Market Predictions
The automotive industry is poised for significant changes as we move further into 2025, driven by shifting consumer preferences, technological advancements, and economic factors. Fuel prices remain a critical influence on vehicle choice, with higher fuel costs encouraging consumers to opt for hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs), while lower prices may temporarily slow EV adoption. This dynamic highlights the ongoing transition toward more fuel-efficient and electrified vehicles, although traditional petrol and diesel models still maintain a strong presence in the market.
Manufacturers like Perodua are actively responding to these trends by planning new model launches and facelifts in 2025. For instance, the Bezza will receive a facelift focusing on enhanced fuel economy and updated exterior design, such as a redesigned front grille that improves its visual appeal. Similarly, there is anticipation for an all-new model and additional facelifts to maintain competitive positioning against rivals like the Saga and Myvi, which have seen minimal updates in recent years.
The growing consumer interest in hybrid technologies—particularly full hybrids and range extenders that do not require external charging—reflects a desire for practical solutions that balance reduced emissions with ease of use in regions where charging infrastructure remains limited. This trend is particularly evident in emerging markets, where a significant number of first-time car buyers are influencing brand loyalty and vehicle preferences, leading to increased competition among automakers to cultivate strong customer relationships.
Challenges remain, including supply chain disruptions and insufficient charging infrastructure, which have impacted the sales momentum of some prominent EV brands like BYD and Tesla. Despite these hurdles, market leaders such as the Toyota RAV4 have gained ground, climbing in rankings and signaling that hybrid and fuel-efficient SUVs continue to resonate with consumers.
