After launching two new SUV models (X70 and X50) and a third (X90), the next Proton will shift its focus to a sedan said to be the Proton S50, which will sit above the Proton Persona in the Proton sedan family, effectively a replacement for the Proton Preve.
Camouflage prototypes of the upcoming Proton S50 sedan began to be seen driving around Malaysian roads during testing, and we first presented photos of Proton S50 prototypes back in September. 7 year 2022.
What Geely model is the Proton S50 based on?
Geely has a few sedans, but the Proton S50 is said to be based on the Geely Emgrand, with notable markings being the tall C-pillar and slightly scratched rear window.
There was previously speculation that Proton S50 would be based on Geely Binruibut now that actual prototypes of the Proton S50 have been seen, we can see that the Binrui has a more coupe-like sloping roofline that you don’t see on these prototypes.
Also, Geely Emgrand is the sedan that Geely sells in the Philippines market, an ASEAN market like ours, so it’s not too far-fetched to assume that as another ASEAN market, Malaysia will buy the Emgrand instead. for Binrui.
What engine will Proton S50 have in Malaysia?
Geely Emgrand uses a 1.5 liter normally aspirated petrol engine in the Chinese market, producing 114 horsepower and 147 Nm of torque, front-wheel drive with a CVT continuously variable transmission. In the Philippines, it also uses a 1.5-liter normally aspirated engine but with slightly less power, at 102 PS and 142 Nm. The CVT has eight virtual gears if you want a manual mode.
These engine options sound a bit underwhelming when compared to the high-output 1.5-liter and 1.8-liter turbos we’ve seen on the recently launched Proton cars. Though keep in mind if the S50 is priced to compete with the Vios and City, this normally aspirated engine power won’t be too far off from what is offered on the Vios (105 hp, 140 Nm) and City ( 119hp, 145 Nm).
However, there may be at least one variant, if not all variants of the Proton S50 sedan that will be equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. Proton has previously confirmed that there will be two new Proton models that will be powered by a 1.5-liter turbo engine. One of the two is probably the upcoming Proton X90. The other could be the Proton S50.
The Proton X70 MC’s 1.5-litre turbocharged engine is now locally assembled at Proton’s new engine plant in Tanjung Malim. The engine plant currently produces a version of the TGDi engine, but Proton has previously said that the plant will be able to make a lower-power but more affordable version of the gate injection engine currently in use. used in lower specification versions of the Proton X50. The gate injection X50 engine is now imported from China.
Compared to the TGDi engine on the X50 Flagship that produces 177 hp and 255 Nm of torque, the port-injected 1.5 turbocharger produces 150 hp and 225 Nm of torque. We think this is more than enough power to make an interesting alternative to a top-of-the-line Proton S50 paired with a DCT transmission, while leaving the China/Philippines market in combination with a conventionally aspirated engine. + CVT gearbox for lower specification versions to provide a reduced entry price point.
How big is the S50 Proton?
Geely Emgrand of Proton S50 has dimensions of 4,638 mm long, 1,822 mm wide and 1,460 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,650 mm. Boot space is rated at 500 liters.
In the table above, we compare the dimensions of the Geely Emgrand / Proton S50 against both the B-segment and C-segment of Honda and Toyota. This is because the Proton S50 is expected to be a C-segment product priced in the B-segment price range.
In terms of exterior length, the Emgrand is the second longest among the listed models, with a length of 4,638 mm just behind the new Honda Civic’s 4,678 mm. In terms of wheelbase, it lies between the B and C segments with a wheelbase of 2,650 mm, shorter than Toyota’s 2,700 mm but longer than the City’s 2,600 mm.
In terms of weight, it also falls between the B and C segments, with a weight of 1,250 kg heavier than the average weight of the Vios and City, but lighter than the average weight of the Civic and Altis, both with larger engines. , more complex. The Geely Emgrand / Proton S50 with its heavier 1.8 turbo engine can close the weight gap between itself and its C-segment rivals.
What are the safety features of Proton S50
In the Philippines, the Emgrand comes with average safety features. You get 2 or 6 airbags depending on spec, and there’s ABS, traction control, stability control, two ISOFIX points and a reversing camera.
You could say those are the minimum safety features a car should have and that’s about it. No fancy ADAS driver assistance features, no AEB automatic emergency braking, no adaptive cruise control.
It remains to be seen whether the Proton S50 will be the same or if the Proton will add more aggressive safety features to it. At the very least, we think Proton should add automatic emergency braking to the S50’s safety features.
How much will Proton S50 cost?
The Geely Emgrand is priced at PHP 753,000 (RM60.6k) in the Philippines for the 1.5 liter base model. If you want a CVT automatic transmission, you can choose between the Comfort model for PHP 945,000 (RM76k) or the Premium model for PHP 999,000 (RM80k).
In Malaysia, the Proton S50 will sit above the Proton Persona in Proton’s sedan lineup. Persona is priced from RM47.8k to RM58.3k.
It would make sense for the Proton S50 to be priced the same as the Geely Emgrand in the Philippines, which has the same price range from RM60k to RM80k, as the next model (Proton X50) costs between RM86.3k and RM113k.
Not a fan of SUVs and looking forward to Proton’s upcoming sedan? Let us know in the comments section.
GALLERY: 2022 Geely Emgrand (Philippines market)
