Found within the latest monthly production data sheet compiled by the Malaysia Automotive Association, under the section for Proton’s Tanjung Malim plant, is an entry for a new Proton model, codename Proton SS11.

A total of 28 units, spread across 4 variants, were produced in September 2023, hinting at a very close market launch date.

SS11 is the codename for Proton’s latest sedan, one that will be based on the Geely Emgrand, also known in China as the Geely Binrui. The new sedan will straddle between conventional B-C segments. It’s intended to be a successor to the Proton Preve, and like the Preve, it will offer C-segment-like size at B-segment-like price.

Proton has yet to announce the model’s name. Two names have been suggested as possible candidates, based on trademark filings - S50 and S70. Between the two, Proton S70 appears to be more likely, based on recent sightings of uncovered units on the road.

Four variants of the SS11 were produced last month - 5 units of Executive, 10 units each for Flagship and Flagship X, and 3 units of Premium. The spread suggests that the two mid-range variants, Flagship and Flagship X, will be the main sales volume contributors.

We expect Proton to start releasing some teaser images, and probably even start pre-orders by November 2023.

The Proton SS11, regardless of whether it will be called S50 or S70, will slot between a Toyota Vios and a Toyota Corolla Altis.

The model is sold in China with a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine but for optimum economy of scale, we suspect that the SS11 will be launched in Malaysia with a turbocharged 1.5-litre 3-cylinder, the same engine that’s shared with the Proton X50 and X70, but detuned for a lighter, lower priced sedan. This engine is already being produced at Proton’s Tanjung Malim engine plant.

A 48V mild-hybrid, similar to the setup used by the Proton X90, could be offered too.

Depending on whether the SS11 will be launched as the S50 or S70, its estimated price will likely start below that of a Proton X50 (priced from RM 86,300) or Proton X70 (priced from RM 98,800) respectively.

For reference, a Toyota Vios starts from RM 89,600 while a Honda City starts from RM 84,900.

Currently, Proton only has two sedans in its line-up, the entry A-segment Proton Saga that is priced from RM 34,800, and the B-segment Proton Persona that is priced from RM 47,800.