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.
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 | |
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.
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.
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.
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.