It was previously reported that Zhejiang Geely would
use Proton’s Tanjung Malim plant as a base to build right-hand drive versions
of the Lynk & Co 01 SUV, and there’s more evidence to support the matter. Recently, a paultan.org reader spotted
a left-hand drive 01 being driven on Malaysian roads, with only a few parts of
the SUV covered up. The unit most certainly belongs to Proton, as the number
plate ‘B4158A’ has also been used on X70 test mules in the past.
Our
guess is the unit is being used to develop a RHD conversion, which will then
allow Lynk & Co to penetrate RHD markets within and outside the ASEAN
region. Proton has already announced that its Tanjung Malim
facility will be transformed into an R&D and production hub for right-hand
drive models within the Geely Group. The upgrading works comes with an
investment of RM1.2 billion, and production is set to kick off in September
2019.
Currently, production of the 01 has already begun in
China, a LHD market, and will reportedly be expanded to Volvo’s plant in Ghent,
Belgium and South Carolina, USA – the former is said to cater to RHD countries
in Europe.
Keep in mind that this 01 unit is not an early test
mule for an upcoming Proton compact SUV (the fabled X50), which is more closely
linked to the Geely Binyue/SX11. This is because the 01 rides on the larger
Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform instead of the Binyue’s B-segment
Modular Architecture (BMA).
Also, the vehicle is likely not being used as a test
bed for a 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder/seven-speed dual-clutch
automatic powertrain, as there are already X70 mules seen with the new
electronic gear lever that accompanies the transmission. As a brief recap, the 01 was
designed and engineered in Sweden, and is available with turbocharged 1.5 or
2.0 litre engines – transmission options include a six-speed manual,
seven-speed DCT, and eight-speed automatic.
Dimension-wise, the 01 measures 4,512 mm long, 1,857
mm wide, 1,673 mm tall, with a 2,734 mm wheelbase. By comparison, the X70 is
4,519 mm long, 1,831 mm wide, 1,694 mm tall, with a 2,670 mm wheelbase. The
difference is mainly due to the platform used, as the X70 (like the Boyue),
rides on Geely’s NL architecture, while the 01 gets the CMA.
