Cars have become more than just a mode of transport—they’re a lifeline for many Malaysians.
Whether it’s the daily commute to work, spontaneous late-night mamak runs, or the long-anticipated balik kampung trip during festive seasons, having a car makes life so much easier.
And with so many models hitting the market every year, there’s always something new to consider.
But here’s the thing: when we talk about best-selling cars in Malaysia, we usually picture practical, budget-friendly models like the Perodua Myvi or Proton Saga.
So, when the automotive portal Paultan recently revealed the 20 best-selling cars for January, Malaysians were left scratching their heads at one unexpected name in the top 10—a luxury MPV that costs significantly more than the average car: the Toyota Alphard.
Toyota Alphard: A luxury MPV that outsold budget cars
Now, the Alphard isn’t exactly what you’d call an everyday car.
It’s more like the car you get when comfort is a top priority—think plush leather seats, tons of legroom, and a ride smooth enough to lull even the fussiest toddler to sleep.
But despite its hefty price tag, the Alphard clinched the 9th spot on the list, with 1,397 units registered in just one month.
That’s not all. This luxury MPV even outperformed more affordable options like the Proton Persona and Honda City—cars known for their value-for-money appeal.
In fact, the Alphard became the second best-selling non-national car in January, trailing only behind the Toyota Vios, which sold 1,605 units and took 7th place.
And no, these weren’t reconditioned units from overseas markets.
All 1,397 units were brand-new, completely built-up (CBU) models sold officially by UMW Toyota Motor.
Familiar names still rule the roads
Despite the Alphard’s surprise success, Malaysian car buyers still have a soft spot for local brands.
The top five spots for January were dominated by familiar names we’ve all seen zipping around town:
- Perodua Axia – 7,096 units sold, making it the nation’s top-selling car for the month. The A-segment hatchback edged out its sedan sibling, the Bezza.
- Perodua Bezza – 5,106 units. Once the undisputed king, the Bezza slipped to second place this time around.
- Perodua Myvi – 4,464 units. The ‘king of the road’ still holds strong at third place.
- Proton Saga – 4,461 units. A close fourth for Malaysia’s most iconic sedan.
- Perodua Alza – 3,214 units. This spacious MPV remains a top pick for family adventures.
These figures show that practicality still matters.
With Perodua’s models consistently delivering affordability, reliability, and fuel efficiency, it’s easy to see why they remain household favourites.
‘More ‘fridges’ on the road soon’
When Paul Tan shared the list on X (formerly Twitter), Malaysians couldn’t resist chiming in.
Many were shocked to see the Alphard on the list, given its premium price.
Some jokingly speculated that Malaysians were splurging to make this year’s balik kampung trip extra glamorous.
“Must be preparing for Raya in style,” one user commented.
Another quipped, “Looks like we’ll see more ‘fridges’ on the road soon”—referring to the Alphard and its sibling, the Toyota Vellfire, which are often compared to oversized refrigerators because of their boxy design.
With more new models expected to hit the market this year, it’ll be interesting to see whether this trend continues.
Will more luxury models creep into the top 10? Or will the Axia, Bezza, and Myvi continue to dominate?
For now, it seems Malaysian roads might soon look a little more luxurious—with more Alphards gliding through traffic jams while the rest of us stick to our trusty Myvis.
