You can play a part in the naming of Proton’s first SUV, as the carmaker has launched an online poll inviting the public to vote for the name of the Geely Boyue-based model. The poll is open to all Malaysians and runs from now till midnight on April 30.
“We would like to share this significant milestone for Proton with our fellow Malaysians as the new SUV also represents a symbol of Malaysian achievement. Therefore, we will reward the public for participating as well as select five lucky poll respondents as winners to receive some exciting prizes,” said Abdul Rashid Musa, Proton’s VP of sales and marketing.
Proton is dangling RM100,000 worth of gift vouchers at participants, and five winners will be chosen based on the best reasons given for the name they voted for. The prize package will include a “money can’t buy” experience consisting of VIP invites to the model’s launch as well as the honour of being among the first people to drive the SUV at Proton’s test track in Shah Alam.
The provided options include alpha-numerals such as X7, PX7, X70 and X700 (the Boyue is called Emgrand X7 Sport in some markets). There’s also the option of proposing a name for the SUV. Should the alternative name be picked, one lucky winner will be rewarded with a 4D3N tour package to Hangzhou and Shanghai for two, inclusive of a visit to Geely’s headquarters. Winners will be announced closer to the SUV’s end-2018 launch date.
Proton’s first SUV is also the first model to be jointly developed with Geely. Based on the Chinese carmaker’s Boyue, it’s described as the “first premium C-segment SUV produced by a Malaysian automotive brand”. Proton says that the production car will have “features usually found on more expensive rivals” including a “long list of passive, active and cognitive safety systems.”
Although no details of the new model have been revealed yet, it will likely come with a 1.8 litre turbo engine making 185 PS and 285 Nm of torque, 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 (and price) were touted to be a game changer.
Vote for your favourite name through the survey form, and read our first drive review of the Geely Boyue.
GALLERY: Geely Boyue in Malaysia
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.
AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments revolve around the naming of Proton's new SUV, with suggestions like X7, PX7, X70, and others such as Kembara, Rebadge7, and Provema. Several commenters emphasize that the SUV should have a name reflecting Malaysian achievement or tradition, criticizing rebadging Chinese models and old-fashioned names. There is skepticism about the success of Proton SUVs, citing past failures like Perdana and Suzuki MPV, and questioning if the new models will succeed given market preferences. Some express hope for quality, safety, and affordability, while others mock the branding and marketing hype, calling the models rebadged Chinese cars and debating the significance of the names. Overall, opinions are mixed, with a focus on name choices, brand authenticity, and market strategy.