It’s well known that Proton’s first ever SUV is coming at the end of the year, but until now there hasn’t been a name attached to the car. Now, here’s a chance to call it whatever you like, as the national carmaker is opening its name up for public voting.
The company has opened up a survey form with four options for you to pick, and it appears that Proton is looking to go down the alphanumeric route for the first time, with X7, PX7, X70 and X700 to choose from. You can also suggest a name of your choice if the ones on offer aren’t to your liking.
It’s interesting to note that X7 features as one of the options, as the Geely Boyue – on which the new SUV will be based on – is called the Emgrand X7 Sport in certain markets, such as the Middle East. However, that name would probably get lawyers from Munich knocking on Proton’s door in short order, given that X7 is also what BMW plans to call its own ultra-luxurious range-topping SUV.
Although no details of the new model have been revealed just yet, it will likely come with a 1.8 litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine making 185 PS and 285 Nm of torque – all sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Boyue is available in China with a multitude of features such as eight-inch display screen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, as well as safety kit that includes lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control. The Proton version should feature some or even all of these items, as its features were touted to be a game changer (as was the price).
Vote for your favourite name through the survey form, and you can also read our first drive review of the Geely Boyue.
GALLERY: Geely Boyue in Malaysia
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments reveal strong interest in naming the Proton SUV, with suggestions like "X7," "PX7," and "X70" being popular. Some users favor incorporating Malaysian identity, recommending names such as "Proton G7," "Maju," or reviving classic Proton names like "Juara." There is debate over using alphanumeric names versus traditional or meaningful names, with some criticizing generic or trendy options and others supporting a more local or patriotic approach. Several comments highlight the importance of branding, marketing, and pricing strategies, emphasizing that the name alone may not determine success. Overall, feedback shows enthusiasm for the new model, with many advocating for a name that resonates with Malaysian pride, history, and the vehicle's positioning in the market.