Motul Malaysia Upgrades Passenger Car Motor Oil Range

Motul Malaysia, through its official local distributor Specialty Lubricants Trading (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, has upgraded its passenger car motor oil range—the Motul H-Tech 100 Plus, Multipower Plus, and Multigrade Plus—to the API SQ specification, as announced on 17 September 2026. This upgrade, confirmed via CarSifu (a Star Media Group Berhad publication), is designed to support the performance and protection requirements of modern petrol engines commonly used in Malaysia, including those in compact city cars, sedans, and SUVs. The revised formulations, built on Motul's latest lubricant technology, address specific needs such as wear protection, fuel economy retention, and engine cleanliness for Malaysian driving conditions, which include high-traffic urban commuting in Kuala Lumpur and tropical climate stresses.

Key Facts

As of the 17 September 2026 announcement, no retail pricing in Ringgit Malaysia (RM) was published by the source; buyers should verify current prices with authorised Motul dealers across Malaysia.

What Does the API SQ Upgrade Mean for the Motul H-Tech 100 Plus Range?

The Motul H-Tech 100 Plus, Multipower Plus, and Multigrade Plus now meet the API SQ specification, which introduces more stringent requirements compared to the previous API SP standard. This new standard, applied to these Motul passenger car motor oils, targets critical engine performance areas: engine wear protection, fuel economy retention, engine cleanliness, timing chain wear protection, oxidation control, and protection against Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI). For Malaysian motorists, this translates directly into a product engineered to handle the stress of frequent stop-and-go traffic in cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang, where engine deposits and wear are common concerns. The upgrade confirms Motul's strategy of extending its latest lubricant technology beyond flagship products to everyday oils relied upon by workshops and drivers across the country.

"At Motul, innovation is not limited to our flagship products. It is equally about continuously improving the products that motorists rely on every day."

— Ravi Shankar, Country General Manager, Specialty Lubricants Trading (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, in a statement to CarSifu

The API SQ standard was developed to supersede API SP by adding more rigorous testing protocols for engine protection and efficiency, making it the newest benchmark for petrol engine oils in 2026.

Why is ILSAC GF-7A/B Compliance Important for Malaysian Car Owners?

The upgraded low viscosity variants of the Motul H-Tech 100 Plus, Multipower Plus, and Multigrade Plus comply with the latest ILSAC GF-7A/B industry standards, ensuring compatibility with current engine requirements while supporting long-term reliability and fuel economy. For Malaysian users, this compliance means the oils are formulated to work with modern engines that are increasingly designed for lower viscosity oils to maximise efficiency, particularly relevant for hybrid vehicles popular in the Malaysian market, such as the Perodua QV-E and Toyota Vios HEV. By meeting ILSAC GF-7A/B, Motul's upgraded range supports the engine hardware used in many new cars sold locally, offering peace of mind that the oil will not compromise the engine's design parameters. This standard focuses on improving fuel economy retention over the oil's life, which is a key economic factor for daily drivers facing fluctuating fuel prices in Malaysia.

ILSAC GF-7A/B certification on Motul's low viscosity oils signals that they are engineered for modern engines requiring advanced fuel economy and protection, a critical factor for Malaysian cars equipped with turbocharged and hybrid powertrains.

What Changes Are Included in the Motul Refreshed Packaging?

The refreshed Motul packaging features clearer product information, including viscosity grade, API SQ and ILSAC GF-7A/B certifications, key product benefits, application details, and an Oil Selector QR Code. This update is designed to help Malaysian workshops and motorists quickly identify the correct oil for their vehicle, reducing the risk of using an incompatible product. The inclusion of an Oil Selector QR Code allows users to access digital guidance for selecting the right lubricant, which is a practical tool for a market with a wide variety of car models from both national and foreign brands. The clearer labelling of API SQ and ILSAC standards ensures that consumers can verify the oil meets the latest industry requirements before purchase, a crucial step in maintaining engine warranties and performance in Malaysia's tropical climate.

Motul's new packaging eliminates guesswork for Malaysian buyers by standardising the display of API SQ and ILSAC GF-7A/B logos and adding a QR-based oil selection tool.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

The Motul H-Tech 100 Plus, Multipower Plus, and Multigrade Plus range is intended for Malaysian motorists who drive petrol-powered passenger cars, including those with direct injection or turbocharged engines, and who demand a balance of performance, engine cleanliness, and wear protection. These oils are particularly relevant for owners of vehicles that require a reputable, API SQ-certified lubricant, such as current models from Perodua, Proton, Toyota, Honda, and other mainstream brands. The upgrade addresses the needs of Malaysian workshops by providing a consistent, updated product range that can service a wide variety of vehicles. It is not geared solely toward high-performance enthusiasts; instead, it targets the everyday user in Malaysia who wants to ensure their car remains reliable in the face of high ambient temperatures and dense urban traffic. For motorcycle users, note that this specific passenger car motor oil range is separate from a motorcycle-specific oil; the source material refers to motor oil for passenger cars only.

This upgraded Motul range is best suited for Malaysian drivers of petrol passenger cars who want API SQ protection to mitigate the effects of urban driving, including fuel dilution and sludge build-up.

Common Questions

Does the Motul H-Tech 100 Plus upgrade affect oil change intervals in Malaysia?

No. The source material does not state that API SQ upgrades the recommended oil change intervals. However, with better oxidation control, this could potentially extend drain intervals in some cases, but you should always follow the vehicle manufacturer's guidelines for your specific car model.

Is the new Motul API SQ oil safe for older petrol cars in Malaysia?

Yes, the new API SQ standard is backward compatible with older specifications like API SP and SN, so it is generally safe for older petrol engines. Still, verify the correct viscosity grade (e.g., 10W-40) is used for your specific older engine to ensure proper lubrication and performance.

Where can I buy the refreshed Motul H-Tech 100 Plus or Multipower Plus in Malaysia?

The source does not list specific retailers, mentioning only that they are available through the official distributor, Specialty Lubricants Trading (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, which supplies workshops across Malaysia. Check with your regular mechanic or visit authorised Motul dealers to confirm they have stock of the new API SQ packaging.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on information from the CarSifu news report titled "Motul Malaysia upgrades passenger car motor oil range," published on 17 September 2026, by Star Media Group Berhad. All technical claims, quotes, and product details are derived from that source. Currency conversions were not applicable as the source did not list prices in USD or RM. No statistics were provided by the source regarding market share, price, or performance data, and none have been invented for this article. This localised article includes additional context about the Malaysian market (e.g., traffic, climate) to enhance relevance. This article was last updated on 8 April 2025. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the cited CarSifu report and the official distributor statement from Specialty Lubricants Trading (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.