The launch of Proton’s first ever SUV is upon us. You’ve seen multiple photos of its donor car, the Geely Boyue, and you also know that the SUV will come with a chockfull of features, namely voice command, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree three-dimensional view and Autonomous Emergency Braking. But what about its design?
Well, we recently had a chat with Geely Design’s design director Guy Burgoyne, who said “I think it’s fair to say that – it’s obvious that when we developed the Boyue to start with, the knowledge of the synergy with Proton was on the table. We have some very happy coincidences.” Of course, one of the coincidences is the feline element – the Boyue’s design was inspired by a leaping cat, and Proton is a car brand with the tiger motif.
Guy also said despite having a globally desirable product, he thinks he can still deliver some local flavours that are appropriate for Proton. And no, the designers won’t stick a keris or anything jarring like that.
Proton’s chief designer Azlan Othman also added: “It will have a unique story to it, when we showcase our version of the Boyue. It will have that relationship to our heritage, our culture. It may not be very large like Guy mentioned, we shouldn’t have a piece of keris stuck on the car, but the notion of having these characters – that’s the uniqueness that will make us Malaysian, in that sense.”
Are you excited for the Proton SUV? If Tun Dr Mahathir is impressed, maybe you will be too. Thoughts?
GALLERY: Geely Boyue facelift
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments on the Proton SUV emphasize the importance of creating a distinct Malaysian identity in design, comparing it to global brands like Kia, BMW, and Audi with recognizable signatures. Some express skepticism about Malaysian design flavors, preferring global or German influences, while others appreciate any local cultural elements such as batik or ketupat motifs. There’s a recurring belief that Proton needs a unique design cue to build brand identity and global appeal. Several comments highlight that Proton's collaboration with Geely is strategic, aiming to boost regional presence and export potential. Opinions vary on the interior design quality and features, with some calling for improvements. Overall, there's optimism that local design inputs can help Proton develop a more appealing and patriotic vehicle, bolstered by Geely’s support.