Geely Binrui – new C-segment sedan gets full active safety features, turbo engines; next Proton Preve?

Geely’s new C-segment sedan, the Binrui, was partially unveiled just a week ago, but additional details and photos have proven to be elusive, and it still is. Though it looks like a shrunken down version of Geely’s flagship Borui sedan, the Binrui gets a more modest footprint, with an overall length of 4,680 mm and 2,670 mm wheelbase.

Take those numbers with a pinch of salt, though. For engines, it will get two turbo petrol engines, starting with a 1.0 litre direct-injected three-cylinder that produces 134 hp and 180 Nm of torque from 2,000 to 3,000 rpm, and a 1.4 litre petrol making 131 hp and 215 Nm of torque from 2,000 to 4,000 rpm. Average fuel consumption is rated at 4.9 litres per 100 km for the smaller engine, and 5.7 litres per 100 km for the latter.

A new lucky draw microsite has revealed never-before-seen images of the sedan, particularly the rear section and the cabin. At the back, the Binrui echoes the Borui’s rump with the LED tail lights, chrome tailgate and hexagonal exhaust tips. The roofline takes on a fastback-style design, giving it a nice profile overall, but the proportions seem a tad awkward when viewed from higher up. What do you think?

Inside, the cabin is typical Geely classy. Simple and contemporary is the theme here, starting with the three-spoke leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, digital instrument cluster, push-start button and a widescreen 10.25-inch infotainment display. This supports smartphone pairing functionalities and allows 4G Wi-Fi compatibility, GPS navigation, voice recognition and rear view camera.

Below that are buttons and dials for the dual-zone climate control, a leather gear stick, cubby holes and leather centre armrest. Things are certainly not as posh and elegant as the Borui, but the clutter-free cabin may tickle your fancy. Like the way it looks?

For safety, the Binrui gets a host of driver assist features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Assist System, Lane Departure Assist, Intelligent Guiding System (semi-autonomous system) and auto high/low beam.

Geely Binrui – new C-segment sedan gets full active safety features, turbo engines; next Proton Preve?

Now, will the Binrui come to Malaysia as a Proton? Well, besides the newly-launched SX11 SUV, Proton could get either one, or both. The Binrui and SX11 both share the same B-Segment Modular Architecture (BMA) platform which Proton will utilise in the future.

BMA is designed to accommodate all the latest active safety technologies, future Level 2 and Level 3 autonomous driving features and Geely’s latest petrol engines, including a 1.5 litre turbo direct-injected engine developed in partnership with Volvo.

The Binrui could potentially become the next-generation Preve, powered by downsized engines. Would you like this as the new Preve, or the SX11 to slot below the Boyue-based SUV? Let us know below.