Photos of the yet-to-be-launched, yet-to-be-named
Proton SUV have been posted on prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s
official Facebook page, giving us a first look at the new model.
This is a better look at what will be the
national carmaker’s first ever SUV, which is based on the facelifted Geely
Boyue. The Proton version will carry minimal visual changes,
such as the slatted front grille that replaces Geely’s concentric “expanding
cosmos” design. The Malaysian one features a dip on the lower edge to better
fit Proton’s shield-shaped logo.
Also seen are smaller 18-inch alloy wheels rather
than the 19-inch rollers introduced on the facelifted Boyue. The rest of the
car is unchanged, tallying with previous remarks made by Proton’s head of
design Azlan Othman, who said that only a few design tweaks will be made to get
the car out the door, but “changes will come in the CKD version next year.”
Proton’s SUV is slated to be
launched first in fully-imported (CBU) form, before CKD local assembly kicks
off in 2019. “This is according to the government request that the new product
come to Malaysia as soon as possible. With this move, we are on track,” said
Proton CEO Li Chunrong.
From the photos, Proton will pile its new model with
plenty of kit, such as a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera (with a
three-dimensional view function) and an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen.
The company has already confirmed numerous features that will make it onto the
equipment list, such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control
and a voice command system.
As for the engine, it will be Geely’s 1.8 litre
turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine. It makes 181 hp and 285
Nm of torque, paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and an expected
choice of either front- or all-wheel drive.
