From a cool Corolla to Pokemon Pokopia, here are 9 of the more interesting sights spotted at KLIMS 2026.
KLIMS is back once again for 2026, and this writer recently had the chance to attend its media day. And while there will be many, many more articles to come discussing all the new metal showcased at the show, before all that, here is a slightly quirkier look at some of the more interesting things visitors can expect to find at Malaysia’s biggest motoring exhibition.
1. A Stunner Of A Toyota Corolla
Taking centre stage at the Toyota pavilion (which occupies an entire wing of the exhibition hall, incidentally) is the concept previewing the upcoming Corolla.
And while a Corolla may not normally be the first thing that comes to mind when talking about exciting cars, this particularly striking concept certainly changes that perception.
Just for those in the know too, if the production version ends up looking anywhere near this good, a few hats may have to be eaten in public (watch this space).
2. Proton’s Hybrid Engine
While many others will undoubtedly cover this in greater technical detail, Proton’s preview of its upcoming hybrid powertrain is noteworthy simply because it signals how serious the national automaker is about electrification.
With the launch of this self-charging electrified system, the Malaysian automaker appears poised to offer the full gamut of electrified vehicles in the near future. Better still, this powertrain is expected to debut in the upcoming crossover-inspired Saga replacement. And that alone makes it worth keeping an eye on.
3. Furry Cars
While most cars are covered in paint, it is interesting to note that at KLIMS 2026, not one but two vehicles are covered in fur instead.
The first is a Proton e.MAS 5 dressed in bright red fluff that makes it look like what Elmo might drive if he lived in the world of Cars. The second, meanwhile, is a Wuling Bingo transformed into a giant cat. And like the actual animals, both are undeniably cute, but they would probably become a bit of a nightmare after getting caught in the rain.
4. Malaysia’s Cheapest New Pickup Truck
Many visitors may walk straight past the Maxus booth without a second glance, and even fewer will probably pay much attention to the unassuming white pickup truck sitting there. The interesting thing about it, however, is that the T60 is technically Malaysia’s cheapest brand-new pickup truck, with an advertised starting price of just RM85,000.
Is it any good? Who knows. But it is cheap, and sometimes that is enough to get people interested.
5. A Car With No Wheels
Tesla may have experimented with removing the steering wheel, but Perodua has gone one step further by getting rid of the wheels entirely with its C2 concept.
Now, to be completely honest, this design study feels a little like a last-minute styling exercise (even if it probably isn’t). Personally, it would have been far more exciting to see a preview of the next-generation Bezza or Myvi, but we all know those are (unfortunately) still some way off.
As an interesting side note, Perodua also had not one but two QV-E prototypes on display… which is arguably two more than most Malaysians would typically see on the road during an average day.
6. Proton & Perodua Humanoid Robots
The robot at the XPeng pavilion may be the most visible at the show, but stay around the Proton and Perodua booths long enough and you might catch a glimpse of their own (human-controlled) humanoids as well.
Interestingly, both these robots from the national automakers appear to be essentially the same type of machine, albeit with Proton and Perodua logos rather crudely stuck onto their chests. And it may just be prudent to at least state here to these automakers that Malaysian motorists have been asking for self-driving cars, not human-controlled robots.
7. The Lack Of Participating Manufacturers
While spread across the same two floors as previous years, KLIMS 2026 features fewer than 20 participating automakers.
Those hoping to see exotic supercars like those typically found at overseas motor shows will leave disappointed. Such is as not only are there no supercars present, but there is not a single European car brand participating either.
It is arguably one of the smallest manufacturer rosters KLIMS has ever seen, and a brisk walk through the entire exhibition could easily be completed in under 30 minutes… which does raise the question of whether the RM 30 admission fee represents good value.
8. Pokemon Pokopia Booth
And perhaps a sign that the organisers needed to fill a bit of extra floor space is one of the most unexpected exhibits at the show: a Pokemon Pokopia pavilion.
Yes, the booth promoting a new Stardew Valley-style Pokemon game really has nothing to do with cars. Though while it feels somewhat out of place at an automotive exhibition, hearing the Pokemon theme song echoing through the hall was admittedly a pleasant surprise for the nerd in this writer.
9. Cosplayers At Nissan
Finishing on the topic of nerd culture, it was interesting to see Nissan inviting cosplayers to complement its display lineup.
This may just be a media day attraction, but it was still a cool sight nonetheless. And what made it perhaps even more amusing was that, despite the generally Japanese manga-inspired theme of the pavilion, some of the cosplayers appeared to be portraying characters from distinctly Chinese franchises instead.
