The Chery Eastar has undoubtedly been one of the more successful Chinese car models in Malaysia. It might be something to do with the fact that it’s priced way below the RM100k mark, has decent interior space inside and featured a familiar though dated 2.4 liter Mitsubishi 4G64 engine. It’s one of the bigger MPVs out there with a 2,800mm wheelbase which is just 3cm shorter than a Grandis.

Now, the 4G64 is being phased out in favor of Chery’s ACTECO engine which has been powering its other models. Displacement is down to 2.0 liters from 2.4 liters which means cheaper road tax, power is up from 127 horses to 134 horses at 5,750rpm, and torque is about 18Nm lower – now the car has 180Nm to use at 4,400rpm. The Mitsu engine provided 198Nm at a lower 3,000rpm point. The transmission continues to be a 4 speed auto.

With the familiar Mitsu Engine, some potential customers may start to rethink the purchase of an Eastar so this new ACTECO engine gets a 5 year or 200,000km warranty. And the rest of the car gets a 3 year or 100,000km warranty.

The RM79,998 Chery Eastar 2.0L’s equipment list includes automatic climate control, MP3/USB audio with steering mounted audio controls, power windows all round, twin SRS airbags, ABS brakes with EBD. If you add another RM2,000 you get leather seats.