Proton’s first ever SUV, which is based on the Geely
Boyue, will apparently be ready by the fourth quarter this year, according to a
report by The Malaysian Reserve. A source told the publication that the SUV is
only expected to be ready for driving tests in October 2018, once the
right-hand drive conversion and the necessary certification from relevant
authorities are completed.
The Boyue, after making its first appearance here in
June 2017, is required to undergo a lengthy conversion and market adaptability
process, and possibly a slight redesign as well.
As for Proton, the rebadged Boyue is one of the
initiatives under Proton’s turnaround programme and part of its holistic
strategic plan on the road back to profitability. In terms of pricing, the
daily’s source said it will be set within the affordable range.
The report also said that Proton’s plant in Tanjung
Malim will be able to support production of the Boyue by middle of this year.
To recap, the Boyue – designed by former Volvo designer Peter Horbury – is a
five-seat C-segment SUV measuring 4.5 metres long. In China, it is offered with
a range of engines, including a 2.4 litre naturally-aspirated unit (162 hp/210
Nm) and a 1.8 litre turbo making 163 hp and 250 Nm.
Transmission options include a six-speed manual or
dual-clutch automatic, depending on engine choice. It also offers an impressive
list of equipment like an eight-inch display screen with Apple CarPlay/Android
Auto compatibility, as well as safety kit that includes lane departure warning
and adaptive cruise control
