This is a rendering by Theophilus Chin on what a Proton X30 could look like, using the latest Geely “Starburst Vision” SUV styling found on models such as the Boyue Cool and Boyue L.
Ever since the Perodua Ativa reignited the market for a sub-B SUV in Malaysia, other carmakers such as Honda have decided to follow suit in an attempt to take some of the Ativa’s sales numbers.
One confirmed example is the Honda WR-V, which has already been seen on test around Malaysia and is expected to be locally assembled at Honda’s Pegoh plant in Melaka.
So the question now is, if even Honda is going after the Ativa SUV market share, will Proton go downmarket and play in that price range as well? Proton’s next launch is expected to be the Proton S50 sedan, would an X30 come after that?
Currently there doesn’t seem to be any modern Geely model that could be a suitable donor vehicle for a potential Proton X30. However, recently Geely exhibited an older but recently updated model called the Geely GX3 Pro at the 2023 Manila International Auto Show. It’s a subcompact SUV like the WR-V, powered by a 1.5 litre normally aspirated engine and a CVT gearbox.
In the meanwhile, Perodua seems to be going upmarket with an upcoming model codenamed the Perodua D66B, which many have started calling the Perodua Nexis.
What do you think, would you be in the market for a Proton SUV smaller than the Proton X50? Let us know in the comments section.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments are largely critical of Proton's product strategy, with many perceiving the X30 as a downmarket move that may harm the brand's image. Several commenters express dissatisfaction with Proton's current low-quality perception, outdated models like Preve, and issues with existing CVT gearboxes. There is a call for Proton to update or facelift existing popular models such as the X70 and to offer fresh, competitive models in the 1.3 to 1.6L range. Some suggest Proton should focus on the premium SUV segment rather than expanding into more SUVs, and there is skepticism about Proton's move downmarket and affordability issues. A few highlight the need for better engine choices, updated features, and improved overall quality to truly compete, while others express frustration with the brand’s direction and pricing strategies.