This is the next gen CMA platform 2022 Geely Boyue FX11 (Proton X70)
Arvind · Jul 6, 2022 11:18 AM
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Geely has released a singular image of the FX11 concept, previewing the upcoming 2022 Boyue, which is better known to Malaysians as the Proton X70.
First launched in China in 2016, the Geely Boyue is already in its 7th year, and whilst we have known for a while that a replacement was due soon, this is the first glimpse of how the second-generation model will look.
Geely CMA platform pictured
As for the bold “CMA” letters in the background, highlights the 2022 Boyue will shift to the Volvo-Geely co-developed CMA (Compact Modular Architecture) platform which also underpins the Volvo XC40 and Proton X50.
To recap, the current Geely Boyue / Proton X70 is underpinned by the ageing Geely NL platform.
Thus, the next Geely Boyue / Proton X70 will be the first Proton that you can genuinely say is a Volvo underneath. This was first confirmed during a presentation to Geely investors in late 2020.
As for the image itself, the FX11 Concept previews a bold and chiselled front end featuring a large light signature across the top edge and vertically down towards the sides of the front fascia. We first saw this design feature in the Geely Vision Starburst concept.
Likewise, the large and imposing front grille is flanked by angular surfaces that lead toward the front air ducts. It’s safe to there are quite a few Volvo design ques hidden in the details.
What’s under the hood?
As for the powertrain - The CMA platform is essentially a simpler version of the SPA (Scalable Platform Architecture) platform for Volvo’s 60 and 90 series cars.
The new generation Boyue will certainly be offered as either a mild hybrid or plug-in hybrid as have already seen with Volvo models, to conform to China’s strict emission standards.
As for less developed overseas markets like Malaysia, it is almost certain that the 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder unit used by the Proton X50 and now X70 will prevail for the second-generation model.
The X70's 3-cylinder mill features a damped engine cover, to reduce vibrations and noises
Speaking at the recent media tour of Proton’s new Engine Factory in Tanjung Malim, Proton Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah confirmed that the "1.5 TGDi engine and its variants will play an increasingly important and prominent role in our model lineup".
Roslan further reiterated the company's goals of launching three new models within the next two calendar years, though stopped short of mentioning just what they are. It's highly touted that the first among these three will be the "Proton X90", a large SUV based on the Geely Haoyue that's been spotted multiple times around Malaysia.
When can we expect the second generation Proton X70 to be launched?
The current generation Proton X70 only began production in Malaysia at the Tanjung Malim plant in late-2019, before launching in February 2020.
We expect the current Proton X70 to remain in production for at least 5 years, which could see Proton skipping the new generation (FX11) Geely Boyue and instead going straight to the facelift version, sometime in 2025.
For now, there’s much left to be seen and learn about the new FX11 (Boyue) concept, so stay tuned.
Arvind can't remember a time when he didn't wheel around a HotWheels car. This love evolved into an interest in Tamiya and RC cars and finally the real deal 1:1 scale stuff. Passion finally lead to formal training in Mechanical Engineering. Instead of the bigger picture, he obsesses with the final drive ratio and spring rates of cars and spends the weekends wondering why a Perodua Myvi is so fast.
