Proton S50: Persona / Preve replacement model to get same BMA platform as X50, 1.5L engine
Eric · Jul 7, 2022 01:44 PM
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Sedans were once Proton’s bread-and-butter models, but with the rise in popularity of SUVs, sedans had to take a backseat in Proton’s line-up. Until now, that is.
Following the introduction of two SUVs over the past 4 years, namely the Proton X50 and Proton X70, the Malaysian Tiger is set to introduce a brand new sedan, roughly 6 years since Proton last launched a brand-new sedan.
While initial details are scarce at the moment, we do know that the new sedan will be based heavily on the recently-launched Geely Emgrand.
We’re taking some liberties to call the new sedan Proton S50, which Proton has yet to confirm but the name was trademarked some time ago, so it is a reasonable guess. Plus, at least in Proton’s current model line-up, BMA-based models get the 50 series name: S for sedan and X for SUVs.
In terms of dimensions, the Geely Emgrand is considerably longer than the Proton Persona and Proton Preve, but wheelbase is identical to the now-discontinued Proton Preve, coming in at 2,650 mm.
We should also add that one shouldn’t get too hung up on whether the new Proton sedan is a B- or C-segment car. Like the Perodua Ativa, the new Proton sedan is a new generation value-added package model that straddles between traditional segments.
As for powertrain, the Geely Emgrand is powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine that does 114 PS and 147 Nm, mated to a CVT. Now, these figures are hardly ground-breaking, but keep in mind that the Emgrand is Geely’s budget sedan and its powertrain reflects that positioning.
Whether or not the locally-assembled (CKD) version of the Proton S50 gets this 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine or not remains to be seen. As it stands, chances are rather slim as Proton's new engine assembly line is only for 3-cylinder engines and not 4-cylinder engines.
On top of which, Proton deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah said that the 1.5-litre TGDi and its derivatives could be applied to future Proton models, hinting that the S50 could get the lower-output and less complicated turbocharged 1.5-litre multipoint injection (1.5T MPI) engine instead.
Although the 1.5T MPI makes less power than its 1.5 TGDi brethren, it still dishes out a respectable 150 PS and 226 Nm, more than any segment rivals at the moment. That’s also more than the Preve, which did 140 PS and 205 Nm of its 1.6-litre turbo unit.
If priced right, can the upcoming Proton S50 sway you away from established rivals like the Toyota Vios, Nissan Almera, and Honda City?
Started from the IT industry but somehow managed to find his way into the automotive industry. If he’s not gaming, he’s constantly tinkering with his daily/weekend car.