2023 Proton S50 likely to get X90's 1.5-litre 3-cyl mild-hybrid; four variants rumoured, launching next month?

You're not the only one who feels like the year began just yesterday, but hey, we're now less than three months away from 2024 – which also means we've seen most of the models that are to launch in Malaysia this year, save for a few more that will bookend 2023.

The list isn't very long now, and written at the top of it is the 2023 Proton S50 – like most of the brand's recent offerings, it's been churning in the rumour mills as Malaysians await its proper arrival here.

One such rumour is that the model is bound to follow Proton's recent model convention: four variants are said to be offered, ranging from Standard, Premium, Executive, and Flagship. Perhaps this better explains the difference in specifications we've seen through the many spyshots thus far – some have a sunroof, while others don't.

Also read: Spied: Lower-spec 2023 Proton S50 without sunroof spotted, closer look at X90-like front grille

Proton's first mild-hybrid sedan?

Speaking of which, it's likely that the Proton X90's 1.5-litre turbocharged mild-hybrid engine will make its way into the S50, quite possibly making it Proton's first-ever electrified sedan. Whether or not it will power all purported four variants or just the range-topper remains to be seen.

However, a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine is almost certain, based on Proton's investment into a new engine plant. That said, power outputs and further details are still unclear.

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

If this is the case, then it's not the only change that tailors the S50 to the Malaysian market. Remember that it was once spotted with an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) radar upfront; an improvement over its Geely Emgrand donor car that makes do without such technology. The Emgrand too doesn't get a turbocharged engine in its home market – only a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder.

These kinds of tweaks aren't unfamiliar to Proton as they've done the same before with the X50 (inclusion of rear air-cond vents) and more recently the X90 with its multi-link suspension setup.