Proton S50: Persona / Preve replacement model to get same BMA platform as X50, 1.5L engine

Sedans were once Proton’s bread-and-butter models, but with the rise in popularity of SUVs, sedans had to take a backseat in Proton’s line-up. Until now, that is.

Following the introduction of two SUVs over the past 4 years, namely the Proton X50 and Proton X70, the Malaysian Tiger is set to introduce a brand new sedan, roughly 6 years since Proton last launched a brand-new sedan.

While initial details are scarce at the moment, we do know that the new sedan will be based heavily on the recently-launched Geely Emgrand.

Also Read: Proton to CKD Geely Emgrand. Your next Preve/Persona?

We’re taking some liberties to call the new sedan Proton S50, which Proton has yet to confirm but the name was trademarked some time ago, so it is a reasonable guess. Plus, at least in Proton’s current model line-up, BMA-based models get the 50 series name: S for sedan and X for SUVs.

In terms of dimensions, the Geely Emgrand is considerably longer than the Proton Persona and Proton Preve, but wheelbase is identical to the now-discontinued Proton Preve, coming in at 2,650 mm.

Also Read: All-new 2021 Geely Emgrand: How does it stack up against the Civic and Corolla Altis?

We should also add that one shouldn’t get too hung up on whether the new Proton sedan is a B- or C-segment car. Like the Perodua Ativa, the new Proton sedan is a new generation value-added package model that straddles between traditional segments.

Also Read: Enough with the facelifts, the Proton Persona needs an all-new model

As for powertrain, the Geely Emgrand is powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine that does 114 PS and 147 Nm, mated to a CVT. Now, these figures are hardly ground-breaking, but keep in mind that the Emgrand is Geely’s budget sedan and its powertrain reflects that positioning.

Whether or not the locally-assembled (CKD) version of the Proton S50 gets this 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine or not remains to be seen. As it stands, chances are rather slim as Proton's new engine assembly line is only for 3-cylinder engines and not 4-cylinder engines.

On top of which, Proton deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah said that the 1.5-litre TGDi and its derivatives could be applied to future Proton models, hinting that the S50 could get the lower-output and less complicated turbocharged 1.5-litre multipoint injection (1.5T MPI) engine instead.

Also Read: Proton's new engine assembly line only makes X50, X70's 1.5 TGDi for now; more variants to come

Although the 1.5T MPI makes less power than its 1.5 TGDi brethren, it still dishes out a respectable 150 PS and 226 Nm, more than any segment rivals at the moment. That’s also more than the Preve, which did 140 PS and 205 Nm of its 1.6-litre turbo unit.

If priced right, can the upcoming Proton S50 sway you away from established rivals like the Toyota Vios, Nissan Almera, and Honda City?

Also Read: Proton opens new Tg Malim engine assembly line, first outside of China to make Geely's 3-cyl 1.5T engine