These SUVs could be coming to Malaysia and the Proton X50 should be worried

Admittedly, it is only a matter of time before Chinese SUVs started populating the ASEAN region. Proton and Geely made headway with the Proton X50 and Proton X70, paving the way for Malaysians to accept Chinese SUVs. 

But Proton and Geely won't be the only ones hopping onto the SUV frenzy, because if recent spyshots of Chinese SUVs on Malaysian roads are any indication, we're likely going to see the arrival of more of these SUVs in the near future.

After all, car buyers in this region are obsessed with SUVs: Toyota managed to sell out both the Corolla Cross and Harrier shortly after their respective launches, while Perodua is working hard to keep up with demand for the Ativa.

Also Read: Toyota Harrier will fail in Malaysia? It just hit its 2021 sales target in 1 week

Let’s take a closer look and see what models could be introduced in this region, as a whole.

GAC Trumpchi GS3 Power – Powerful enough to challenge the X50?

When spyshots of this SUV came in, it stumped the entire team. We did not know what SUV was it, until Sanjay pointed out that ETCM signed an MoU with GAC, hinting at the SUV's manufacturer.

But who is GAC anyway? GAC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. Based in Guangzhou, the company is owned by the Guangdong provincial government. 

'Trumpchi' is a translation spin-off from the Chinese word chuánqí (传祺), which means 'Legend'. No, it has nothing to do with USA's 45^th president. 

As for the GS3 Power, it is the smallest SUV in GAC’s line-up, positioned below models like the GS4, GS5, and GS8.

Depending on variant, the GS3 Power can be had with two powertrain options:

Like the Proton X50, the GS3 Power is also rather hi-tech, as it also gets a voice command-capable infotainment system, co-developed by Tencent and Huawei. The GS3 Power also gets a vehicle telematic system.

Also Read: What is the GAC Trumpchi GS3 Power, and when is it launching in Malaysia? 

How likely is the GS3 Power coming to Malaysia?

While Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad (TCMH) signed an MoU with GAC Motor to evaluate the possibility of TCMH distributing GAC vehicles in Malaysia and Vietnam, distributorship agreements are yet to be signed, and there is so far no company that's been setup to represent GAC in Malaysia.

That being said, the MoU is valid until 1-July 2021, so it’s still possible for GAC models to make headway into Malaysia in the future.

Also Read: Spied: First glimpse at the GAC Trumpchi GS3 Power’s interior in Malaysia!

Chery Tiggo 5X – familiar name, but can it work?

Depending on who you ask, the Chery name might ring a bell or two. The company set up their Malaysian business back in 2006, selling a range of cheap Chinese copycats that was not particularly well-received by Malaysian buyers.

Things took off for Chery Malaysia with the introduction of the Chery Eastar MPV in 2008, but the company failed to replicate its success for the Maxime – the Eastar’s replacement model. Eventually, Chery wound down, with their Facebook page’s last update being in 2019.

As for the Chery Tiggo 5X, it aims squarely at the Geely Binyue (Proton X50 to us). In China, prices of the Chery Tiggo 5X (CNY 59,900 to CNY 97,900) is in the same ballpark as the Binyue (CNY 69,900 to CNY 105,900).

Also Read: Spied: Chery Tiggo 5x spotted again in Malaysia, first RHD market?

Despite aiming at the Proton X50, the Chery Tiggo 5X is actually slightly larger than the Proton, as evident from the table below.

Engine options of the Chery Tiggo include:

How likely is the Chery Tiggo 5X coming to Malaysia?

At this point of time, it’s hard to say for sure, seeing that there has been no announcement regarding Chery’s distributor in Malaysia.

Recall that Chery Malaysia used to assemble vehicles at the Oriental Assemblers plant in Johor, but that plant has since been sold to Berjaya Assets (BAssets).

Seeing the camouflaged Chery Tiggo 5X wearing a Penang trade plate does raise a few questions, chief among which is: who will be handling the Chery marque in Malaysia?

On top of all that, the Chery Tiggo 5X is currently a left-hand-drive-only model; there are no right-hand-drive versions at the moment. Could Malaysia witness the debut of the right-hand-drive version?

Also Read: Spied: Chery Tiggo 5x in Malaysia, clearer front view of X50 rival!

Haval First Love – Quirky name, but impressive-looking SUV

The Haval First Love may have the quirkiest name in this list, but from the looks of it, it could very well be one of the most impressive SUVs in this list.

In China, the Haval First Love is priced (CNY 78,900 to CNY 112,900) similarly to a Geely Binyue (CNY 69,900 to CNY 105,900), but its dimensions are actually closer to the larger Geely Boyue (Proton X70 to us). How’s that for value for money?

Power comes from a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that does 150 PS and 220 Nm, sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. We expect the Malaysian-spec cars to feature the dual-clutch transmission.

How likely is the Haval First Love coming to Malaysia?

We reckon that there’s a good possibility for the Haval First Love to be launched in Malaysia in the near future, possibly imported from GWM's plant in Thailand.

After all, the Haval First Love was spotted alongside other Haval models, hinting that GWM’s new local representatives have some big plans for the brand here in Malaysia.

If priced right, it could certainly give the Proton X50 and Proton X70 a run for their Ringgit.

Also Read: Spied: Haval First Love spotted in Malaysia!

DFSK Glory EV3 – Don’t hold your breath for its arrival

The DFSK Glory EV3 is a curious one. Unlike the other SUVs that were spotted, the DFSK Glory EV3 is a left-hand drive unit.

From what we gathered, there are no right-hand drive units of the Glory EV3, which leads us to believe this this particular Glory EV3 is merely a training vehicle.

Equipped with a 52-kWh battery, it has a WLTP range of 329 km. The electric motor only powers the front wheels, and is capable of a maximum power output of 163 PS and a maximum torque of 300 Nm.

How likely is the DFSK Glory EV3 coming to Malaysia?

Very unlikely. As mentioned earlier, DFSK does not produce right-hand drive versions of the Glory EV3. The model is currently a left-hand-drive-only model.

MG ZS EV – It has been a long tease

News about MG returning to Malaysia has been circulating since March 2020 (that felt like a long time ago), when images of the MG ZS EV parked in Berjaya Times Square started making rounds on social media.

Over the course of 2020, spyshots of the MG ZS EV (as well as the MG HS) kept coming in (I even saw the MG ZS EV a few weeks ago), suggesting that the model is coming soon.

The MG ZS EV is powered by an electric motor that does 150 PS and 350 Nm, powered by a 44.5-kWh battery pack. It provides the SUV with a 335-km range under the WLTP test cycle.

How likely is the MG ZS EV coming to Malaysia?

In Australia, the MG ZS EV will cost you AUD 40,900 (before on road costs) or AUD 43,900 (driveaway).

Recall that MG signed an MoU with Berjaya back in 2019, creating a new joint venture company called MG Berjaya in the process. We also reported that the new joint venture’s principal activities would include “Manufacture, assembly and sale of Morris Garages brand vehicles and other related supporting services.”

While it does seem promising, news regarding MG Berjaya have seemingly went silent. No further announcements were made with regards to the new joint venture.

WapCar’s comments

Compared to Chinese SUVs of yore (looking at you, Chery Tiggo), Malaysians have warmed up to the idea of owning a Chinese SUV, no thanks to the Proton X50 and Proton X70. Granted, these two models may not wear the original Geely badges, but it is still proof that Proton and Geely have managed to change people’s perception on Chinese SUVs.

Brand perception aside, the next hurdle for these upcoming Chinese is pricing. Unlike Proton and their quasi-national status which benefits from tax incentives, the same cannot be said for other Chinese marques. 

Unless these SUVs are locally-assembled (CKD), they will be taxed quite a fair bit, likely pushing their prices to uncompetitive levels. Surely people won't pay Honda HR-V prices for a Chery Tiggo 5X, right?

In order to match the expectations of SUV buyers, these SUVs need to be "peng - cheap", "leng - pretty", and "zheng - high-quality" - the famous Cantonese phrase that some of you may have heard before. 

Can these Chinese marques nail it?