Proton seems to have big plans for Q4 2019

KUALA LUMPUR: It is already September, and the Malaysian auto market has offered us a lot, but wait there’s more to come. Proton, the Malaysia born auto brand is under plans to introduce locally-assembled units of the X70 SUV.

For the Proton X70 CKD model, many speculations are being made, one of which is its chances to feature a new Proton logo. However, nothing is confirmed yet. What we do know is that the X70 CKD would be launched this year itself and the Tanjung Malim factory has already manufactured the first body-in-white on 10th April 2019.

According to Proton CEO, Dr Li Chunrong, the company will slowly increase the SUVs localization content to meet Proton’s commitment to its dealers. Also, the automaker has dedicated almost 20 months to lay the groundwork for the X70s localization.

The next big reveal for the fourth quarter of the year will be the introduction of Proton’s new sub-compact SUV, the X50 a.k.a. Geely Binyue.

Between the X70 and X50, there is a noticeable size difference, the former hailing from the C-segment and later from the B-segment. From the images, it is clear that the X50 rider closer to the ground, thus making entering and exiting feel more convenient and natural. Also, the rear profile of the two cars is quite different, however, even with the heavy camouflage, the X50 displays a strong shoulder line. The car is also fitted with a rear spoiler that’s taller and sportier, and it is something that was missing in the car spied initially.

The next significant bit of information revealed about the upcoming X50 is that its top variant would ride on dual-tone 18-inch turbine-style wheels wrapped with 215/55 profile tyres.

Here’s a brief recap on Malaysia’s most anticipated SUV -

• It will underpin Geely’s B-segment Modular Architecture
• The car will measure 4,330 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,609 mm in height. The wheelbase reads 2,600 mm
• In the Chinese market, the car is powered by two engine options. The base 1.0-litre 3-cylinder mill offering 134 hp and 205 Nm and mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The second and most likely to feature in X50 is the 255 hp/415 Nm 1.5-litre mill co-developed with Volvo. This unit is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox that sends power to all four wheels
• There’s also a PHEV unit that uses the same 1.5-litre mill with an electric motor and battery pack. Total system output stands at 255 hp/ 415 Nm, and it has a pure electric range of 60 km
• The Binyue specs sheet boost a bundle of features that we are also expecting to see in the X50. Included in the list are framed GKUI system with 7-inch LCD instrument panel and 10.25-inch fully digital cluster, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and parking assist

• The ‘Hi Proton’ voice command seen in X70 is also expected to feature in X50 top trims

Want to know more about the upcoming Proton compact SUV, then check out X50 specs, feature, price, and more.

Also Read:- A Proton X60 based on Geely Xing Yue Sport Coupe?