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Segment C-Segment
BodyType Sedan
Transmission -
Capacity - L
Horsepower - PS
Seats -
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  • Exterior
  • Interior
  • Features
  • Powertrain
  • Driving Performance
  • Ride Comfort
  • Fuel Consumption
  • Conclusion
  • 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.

  • Exterior

    Proton S50 – Exterior

    Here’s how the Proton S50 or Geely Emgrand compare against its other two most prominent rivals in the C-segment. When the Geely Binyue was rebadged as the Proton X50, the nice, modern interior followed suit. As a price-conscious model, the Geely Emgrand has an interior that tries to hide its economical aspirations, but it still shows. It follows, then, that the Proton S50 won’t move far away from this formula.

    The most upmarket part of the interior are the large fully digital displays: one for the driver, and another for infotainment, of which the latter is powered by Geely’s GKUI software. Below it are the air-conditioning vents, with the controls and engine start/stop button all designed cohesively into a single element in the centre. Other upmarket features also make it onto the car. There is a 360-degree view monitor, as well as a sunroof, to keep this space expensive.


     Dimensions
     Length  4,638 mm
     Width  1,820 mm
     Height  1,460 mm
     Wheelbase  2,650 mm



     

  • Interior

    Proton S50 – Interior

    When the Geely Binyue was rebadged as the Proton X50, the nice, modern interior followed suit. As a price-conscious model, the Geely Emgrand has an interior that tries to hide its economical aspirations, but it still shows. It follows, then, that the Proton S50 won’t move far away from this formula.

    The most upmarket part of the interior are the large fully digital displays: one for the driver, and another for infotainment, of which the latter is powered by Geely’s GKUI software. Below it are the air-conditioning vents, with the controls and engine start/stop button all designed cohesively into a single element in the centre. Other upmarket features also make it onto the car. There is a 360-degree view monitor, as well as a sunroof, to keep this space expensive.

  • Features

    Proton S50 – Features

    As mentioned, two large fully digital displays are available on the Geely Emgrand: a 12.3-incher that functions as an instrument cluster, and the other is a 12.25-inch infotainment screen. Higher variants also comes with a dashcam installed from factory, and a remote boot release.

    However, one area that the Geely Emgrand can really improve upon is in active safety systems. Sure, it is a budget-friendly car, and ADAS is understandably expensive. However, it would be good if options are given to eventual buyers of the Proton S50 for these systems, and it would be great if they came as standard.

  • Powertrain

    Proton S50 – Powertrain

    There is only one option powering the Geely Emgrand: a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine that makes 114 PS and 147 Nm. That’s obviously not enough. The mill can be paired to a 5-speed manual, or a CVT-type automatic transmission. 

    Power is only given to the front wheels only in the Geely, and there’s no indication so far for a differing powertrain. Bear in mind that the car weighs around 1.2 tonnes, and though that’s not a lot of car, it is very little oomph still. We would really like to see the powertrain from the X50 in the Proton S50, which should be possible they share the same underpinnings. 

  • Driving Performance

    Proton S50 – Driving Performance

    The engine is lackluster, to say the least. There’s an conspicuous lack of data regarding century sprint times. Maximum speed is 170 km/h in manual transmission guise, with an extra 5 km/h in CVT.

  • Ride Comfort

    Proton S50 – Ride Comfort

    When Geely bought Proton, they also bought Lotus’ expertise at chassis engineering. The ride on both the Proton X70 and Proton X50 have that familiar controlled but comfortable ride Malaysia loves, and chances are high that the upcoming Proton S50 will have the same sensation.

  • Fuel Consumption

    Proton S50 – Fuel Economy

    Fuel economy is rated at 5.8 l/100km and 6.1 l/100km for the manual transmission and CVT, respectively. Emissions meet the China VI standard as well.

  • Conclusion

    Proton S50 – Conclusion

    The Geely Emgrand is a difficult car to pigeonhole, what with its size and powertrain. The Proton S50, if indeed it be based on the Chinese sedan, will undoubtedly suffer from the same peculiarity, but it will deliver quite the blow to both competitors in the B and C-segment by giving much more room than the first and significantly undercutting the other.

    The price advantage seen in China will likely repeat in Malaysia, and given the optimism surrounding Proton’s latest offerings, this car looks likely to continue the brand’s momentum in our country, especially if the major flaw that is the uninspiring engine is addressed by the time is goes on sale.

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