Proton has started an online poll inviting the public to vote for the name of the upcoming Geely Boyue-based SUV, and is dangling RM100,000 worth of gift vouchers as well as VIP launch/test drive experience prizes at participants. The details were officially out yesterday, but there’s now an official video to further drum up interest.
The video above isn’t just a straightforward call to action, but it shows the Boyue testing in snow and kicking up the white stuff, all over a dramatic soundtrack. Proton has also revealed a few headlining features of its first SUV, and they’re rather high-end – voice command, adaptive cruise control and 360-degree 3D view (park assist) are touted. Also, the “intelligent” word comes on as the SUV performs a lane change – lane keeping assist, perhaps?
If all those goodies are offered in a handsome SUV (the Boyue looks good, we think) priced below RM100k, it would be rather attractive, no?
The Boyue-based Proton SUV was earlier described as the “first premium C-segment SUV produced by a Malaysian automotive brand”, one with “features usually found on more expensive rivals” including a “long list of passive, active and cognitive safety systems.” It will be launched towards the end of this year.
Although no powertrain 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. Apart from the above features, the Chinese-market Boyue is also available with kit such as an eight-inch display screen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility and lane departure warning.
Vote for your favourite name through the survey form, and read our first drive review of the Geely Boyue.
GALLERY: Geely Boyue in Malaysia
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments express mixed feelings about the Proton SUV based on the Geely Boyue, with some praising its features like voice command, adaptive cruise control, and 360-degree view, viewing it as a potential game-changer in Malaysia's SUV market. Many commenters are skeptical about its pricing, believing that it will be challenging to sell above RM65k, and worry about its resale value and quality, citing Proton's history of low-cost, lower-quality vehicles. Some criticize Proton's move to rebadge a Chinese car and question whether Malaysians will trust or afford a RM100k Chinese-made SUV. There are also broader doubts about Proton's brand perception, customer service, and the market's preference for Japanese brands, but some hope the new model will help Proton regain competitiveness.