After launching two new SUV models (X70 And X50) and the third one (X90) coming, Proton will shift its focus to a sedan widely believed to be called the Proton S50, which will rank above the Proton Persona in the Proton sedan lineup, effectively a replacement for the Proton Preve. .
Camouflage prototypes of the upcoming Proton S50 sedan have already begun to be seen during test drives on Malaysian roads, and we first showcased sneak peeks of the Proton S50 prototype in July 2022. .
What Geely model is the Proton S50 based on?
Geely has a few sedan models, 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 curved roofline that you don’t see on these prototypes.
Also, Geely Emgrand is the sedan that Geely sells in the Philippines, an ASEAN market like ours, so it wouldn’t be too far-fetched to assume that as another ASEAN market, Malaysia there will be Emgrand instead of Geely Emgrand. new lady.
What engine will Proton S50 have in Malaysia?
Geely Emgrand uses a 1.5-liter normally aspirated gasoline engine in the Chinese market, producing 114 horsepower and 147 Nm of torque, front-wheel drive with a CVT gearbox. In the Philippines, it also uses a 1.5-liter normally aspirated engine but has a slightly lower output at 102 PS and 142 Nm. The CVT has eight virtual gears if you want a manual mode.
These engine options sound a little underwhelming when compared to the high-output 1.5-liter and 1.8-liter turbocharged engines we’ve seen on the recently launched Proton cars. Though keep in mind that 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’s offered in the Vios (105 hp, 140 Nm) and City (119 hp, 145 Nm). 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 equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. Either one is coming Proton X90, will be combined with a 48V . hybrid system. The other could be the Proton S50.
The Proton X70 MC’s 1.5-liter turbocharged engine is currently being assembled locally at Proton’s new engine plant in Tanjung Malim. The engine plant is currently producing 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 petrol injection engine currently in use. in lower spec versions of the Proton X50. The gasoline-injected X50 engine is currently imported from China.
Compared to the TGDi engine in the X50 Flagship producing 177 hp and 255 Nm of torque, the direct-injected 1.5 turbocharged engine produces 150 hp and 225 Nm of torque. We think this power is more than enough to make an interesting choice for a flagship Proton S50 paired with a DCT transmission, while leaving the China/Philippines market incorporating a ventilated engine regular + CVT gearbox for lower spec versions to provide a reduced entry price point.
How big is the S50 Proton?
Geely Emgrand, Proton S50’s ‘god car’ measures 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 with both Honda and Toyota B and C segment products. This is because the Proton S50 is expected to be a C-segment offering priced at the B-segment price point.
In terms of exterior length, the Emgrand is the second longest among the listed models, with a length of 4,638 mm, trailing only the new Honda Civic’s 4,678 mm. In terms of wheelbase, the car is located between the B and C segments with a wheelbase of 2,650 mm, shorter than Toyota’s 2,700 mm but longer than 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 Both have larger, more complex engines. A Geely Emgrand/Proton S50 with a heavier 1.8 turbocharger could 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 the spec, and there’s ABS, traction control, stability control, two ISOFIX points and a reverse camera, etc.
You could say those are the minimum safety features a car should have and that’s all. 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 active 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?
Geely Emgrand is priced at PHP 753,000 (RM60.6k) in the Philippines for the base 1.5-litre manual model. If you want a CVT automatic transmission, you can choose between the Comfort model for PHP 945,000 (RM76,000) or the Premium model for PHP 999,000 (RM80,000).
In Malaysia, the Proton S50 will rank above the Proton Persona in Proton’s sedan lineup. Persona is priced from RM47.8k to RM58.3k.
It makes sense if the Proton S50 is priced similarly to Geely Emgrand in the Philippines, which is in the same price range from RM60 thousand to RM80 thousand, since the next model (Proton X50) is priced from RM86.3 thousand to RM113 thousand.
Not a fan of SUVs and looking forward to Proton’s upcoming sedan? Let us know in the comments section.
LIBRARY: 2022 Geely Emgrand (Philippines market)
