Well, look what we have here – reader Max Pang has sent us images of a Suzuki Vitara being parked near Sports Arena Cyberjaya. This is a significant sighting because Suzuki has already stopped sales of its vehicles here as part of its joint venture with Proton, and the mule – which has had its badges taped up – sports Selangor trade plates that typically adorn Proton’s prototypes.
If you’re wondering why the national carmaker is still working with Suzuki on a new model even as it is on the verge of being acquired by Geely, well, your guess is as good as ours. For what it’s worth, however, chairman Datuk Seri Syed Faisal Albar has previously said that it will honour all existing partnerships (with Honda for the Accord-based Perdana and Suzuki for the Ertiga-based, er, Ertiga) until they run out.
There is some logic behind readying a Proton-badged Vitara – while the company is working on a new SUV based on the Geely Boyue, that car is still a year away at least. Before then, Proton will have no new product beyond incremental updates to existing models, like the one already applied to the Iriz this year.
What’s more, a smaller crossover like the Vitara would allow Proton to tap into the cheaper, more lucrative B-segment SUV market occupied by the likes of the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3 and upcoming Toyota C-HR – and, crucially, do so before Perodua enters the scene, as the latter has already hinted at doing.
Aside from the aforementioned covered-up emblems, the Vitara shown here is identical to the one sold elsewhere, following the template set by the Proton Ertiga. With limited changes from the original, Proton would be able to quickly roll out its own version to give its current lineup a much needed leg-up. Of course, this is all just pure speculation, and we’ll need to wait for official details to know for sure.
It should be noted that this Vitara is the global model, rather than the smaller, more barebones Vitara Brezza sold in India. If a Proton Vitara does end up coming to fruition, expect it to come with the proven 118 hp/156 Nm M16A 1.6 litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
What do you think of a Proton Vitara SUV? Sound off in the comments after the jump.
GALLERY: Suzuki Vitara
AD: Drive the Proton model of your dreams. Submit your details and Proton PJ will get in touch with you.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
David Kam
on 
abes
on 
john
on 
Mutalib Ahmad
on 
Ohwai
on 
Same L0rr
on 
Rahim Tamizi
on 
Tido oh tido
on 
Advise for Proton Directors
on 
ridea
on 
Jonathan Ang
on 
Khalid
on 
Oppo
on 
saleem
on 
john
on 
Abang Alza Pakai Topi
on 
Ioma
on 
Darren Surin
on 
Ex-VGM staff
on 
Anonymous
on 
Faiz
on 
No volvo
on 
No Suzuki or vitara please
on 
Kiddiz
on 
kai
on 
FF
on 
Mohd Hamka
on 
zanm
on 
Jimmy
on 
Ptsuck
on 
Savvykl
on 
Dude
on 
Daus
on 
Middle Age Driver (Member)
on 
muixxium
on 
Rightwinger
on 
Zaime Bujor
on 
dolloh
on 
Eyesore
on 
Fattah
on 
Hussein Zamidi
on 
What??
on 
tokmoh.
on 
Tong san
on 
adrianob
on 
Sputjam
on 
crony
on 
old horse
on 
Topkek
on 
habislah... will tapau myvi sales
on 
Anak Sarawak
on 
kow
on 
Oliver
on 
WYY6
on 
kk
on 
Yeah!
on 
Aero Guy
on 
Bernard
on 
normal_user
on 
GUAN YIN MA
on 
Syer1n
on 
Powershot
on 
horrayooi
on 
applegreen
on 
Syed Adri
on 
Abes
on 
Paruk Two
on 
Knightrider
on 
Defacto
on 
Kuinosan
on 
DC
on 
Loler
on 
sam123
on 
pondan6
on 
Xcvt
on 
Semua Saya Mahu
on 
Cave fact
on 
Pro David
on 
Anonymous_C
on 
Tom
on 
Taknaktoyota
on 
Kk
on 
Huha
on 
shaw
on 
urz3
on 
ben yap
on 
Motor Image
on 
abc
on 
dp
on 
kami
on 
Outalingam Crap
on 
Designer
on 
AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments generally express interest and curiosity about the Proton Suzuki Vitara, with some enthusiasm for its potential pricing and features, particularly the 1.4T engine and 6-speed auto. Several commenters see it as a good move to offer a competitive small SUV in Malaysia, viewing it as a cost-effective option for Proton. There is some skepticism about the pricing, with suggestions that a reasonable price would boost sales, and concerns about Proton’s focus and long-term planning. Numerous comments compare it to other market alternatives like Perodua, HRV, and Boyue, debating the segment and segment differences. A few commenters criticize the partnership strategy, hinting at past failures or labeling the SUV as a rebadge for benchmarking purposes. Overall, the tone is mixed but mostly optimistic about the SUV’s potential to strengthen Proton’s lineup.