Proton S50 – Overview
With the Proton X70 launched in 2019 and the Proton X50 launched in 2020, the carmaker has been faithful to their one-model-a-year product launch strategy. 2021, then, could see the arrival of a C-segment sedan, a category occupied most recently by the Proton Preve but is currently empty.Unofficially, the new Proton sedan is given the codenamed S50, and with the introduction of the all-new fourth-generation Geely Emgrand in late May of 2021, it’s highly likely the Proton S50 will be based on this new sedan.
The Proton S50 will sit on the BMA platform, which it shares with the Geely Binyue (or more familiarly known as the Proton X50) and the Geely Binrue Sedan.
In all likelihood, just like the car it is based on, the Proton S50 will be a price-conscious model. Its Geely counterpart has a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre engine, with options for a manual or CVT-like automatic transmission. These specs are commonly seen on B-segment offerings, but in size it is closer to cars in the C-segment. If this engine makes it onto the Proton S50, it will be unique in our market and will certainly be an interesting proposition.
In China, the Geely Emgrand is one of the brand’s most affordable cars and is priced from CNY 69,900 – 88,900 (RM 45k – 58k). The Toyota Vios, for comparison, is priced from CNY 73,800 – 94,800, while a C-segment rival like the Toyota Corolla is priced between CNY 109,800 – 159,800.