Proton to launch three all-new models in the next two years – X90 large SUV, smart #1 EV SUV, what else?

In the course of the launch of the Proton Saga MC2 facelift, CEO Li Chunrong said the firm will start 3 new versions in Malaysia in the following two years. Nonetheless, this will only take area from 2023 (continuing into 2024) as it was previously claimed that the nationwide carmaker has rescheduled its new model launches to following 12 months. This is for the reason that it is at present centered on clearing backlogged orders and resolving offer chain concerns.

It’s pretty an open solution these times that one particular of styles that Proton has prepared is a 7-seat SUV extensively tipped to be referred to as the X90. The SUV, which is based mostly on the Geely Haoyue or Okavango, has been sighted in this article wearing rather a little bit of camouflage on various situations currently.

Not much is recognised about the X90’s specs, but the Haoyue is made available with the very same 1.8 litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine uncovered in the X70. The mill serves up 181 PS and 300 Nm of torque, with travel going to the front wheels by way of a seven-speed twin-clutch transmission.

In the Philippines, the Okavango options a 1.5 litre turbocharged 3-cylinder with a 48-delicate hybrid system for 190 PS and 300 Nm, also with a DCT pairing. This set up is the identical utilised by the Azkarra (also acknowledged as the Boyue Professional) that is marketed in the nation.

An additional product that will arrive our way isn’t exactly a Proton, but it will be bought by means of Proton Edar. We are referring to the intelligent #1, the Geely-developed, Mercedes-Benz-styled totally electric crossover that designed its world wide debut final thirty day period.

As reported formerly, Proton Edar was appointed the formal importer, distributor and dealer for the intelligent manufacturer in Malaysia and Thailand, and the #1 will direct the brand’s renewed existence in the ASEAN automotive market.

Constructed on Geely’s Sustainable Electric Architecture (SEA) system, the #1 options a 66-kWh lithium-ion battery that is good for a range of up to 440 km following the WLTP conventional. This powers an electrical motor driving the rear wheels that is rated at 272 PS (200 kW) and 343 Nm. The #1 has previously been launched in China, with pre-sale pricing setting up from 190,000 yuan (RM123,648).

Meanwhile, the 3rd design continues to be a secret, so we’ll will need to do some guesswork. Judging by the recent line-up, the Exora is prolonged overdue for a whole design improve, and the Geely Jiaji could be a feasible substitution (rumoured to be named the V70). The Jiaji was released in China in 2019 and will soon acquire a facelift based mostly on spyshots that surfaced in April.

Roll the clock additional back again to 2018 and you will remember that Proton announced that it experienced secured the use of intellectual attributes (IP) and the legal rights to manufacture and promote three Geely versions. People three versions are the Binyue (X50), Boyue (X70) and the Jiaji (it was referred to as the VF11 beforehand).

You will also observe that Proton’s current line-up is lacking a sedan greater than the Persona – the Perdana has lengthy departed – and the Emgrand could be included to give customers with a C-section sedan option. The popular name likely all-around for these kinds of a product is S50, and the reference will be the fourth-generation Emgrand that released in China very last August and has due to the fact manufactured its way to the Philippines.

We described the departure of the Perdana, and rumour mill indicates an S70 primarily based on the Preface as being a model that replaces it. Of study course, taking into consideration the D-phase industry isn’t the most well-known presented the rise of SUVs, there is a slimmer opportunity of this taking place.

So, there you have it. From 2023 on by way of 2024, we can count on the X90 and #1 to be launched in Malaysia, but what could the 3rd model be? Share your guesses views in the remarks beneath.