Following the launch of 3 SUV models, the next model that Proton will be rebadging will be a sedan. Proton has yet to officially name the model, but colloquially called the Proton S50, said model has been spotted doing its rounds around Malaysian streets for good while.

One burning question left lingering on the minds of many readers is the segment of the Proton S50.

While Proton has yet to reveal the S50’s dimensions, we can refer to the dimensions of the Geely Emgrand – the donor vehicle.

According to Geely, the Emgrand is 4,638 mm long, 1,820 mm wide and 1,460 mm tall. The sedan has a 2,650 mm wheelbase.

For comparison, based on dimensions alone, the Geely Emgrand is even longer and wider than the B-segment Persona and the now-discontinued C-segment Preve.

But does it necessarily mean that the upcoming Proton S50 is a C-segment sedan? Well, yes and no.

Also Read: Geely Emgrand-based Proton S50 is heavier than City and Vios, Malaysia could debut 1.5 Turbo

In China, despite its dimensions, the Geely Emgrand is not seen as a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla Altis rival, as the model is very budget-oriented. Instead, the Emgrand competes against other Chinese sedan like the MG 5 and Chery Arrizo 5 - models that straddle between traditional B- and C-segments.

​Even the model’s purported name, S50, could hint at the model’s B-segment positioning, mirroring the X-series name used for SUVs.

In short, the Proton S50 is not quite a C-segment but very close to one. While Proton has yet to annouce prices of the S50, we expect it to be priced similarly (if not higher) than the discontinued Preve, within the RM 80k to RM 90k mark. Prices of the S50 will almost certainly be below the X50, because sedans are typically priced lower than equivalent SUVs, at least in Malaysia.

Plus, its longer and wider than the City, but not quite reaching the dimensions of the Corolla Altis.

So between calling the S50 a B- or C-segment car, we're inclined to call it a C-segment car.

Plus, it’s now 2023 and the lines separating traditional vehicle segments have been blurred as manufacturers now have many derivative models to plug gaps between traditional vehicle segments. On top of that, buyers don't care what segment a car is, only its price and what can the car do for them.

Also Read: Better than Geely Emgrand donor car? Proton S50 caught once more in the wild - ACC confirmed