With market tastes shifting towards preferring the SUV bodytype over others, the SUV coming downmarket to conquer the sub-B segment is something inevitable. It has already started with the Perodua Ativa here in Malaysia, and Honda is preparing to take it head on with the Honda WR-V.
With both Perodua and Honda in the game, will Proton stand by the sidelines to just watch or will they enter the battle with a Proton X30? It just might happen, and there already some subtle signs that point towards something like this happening. Here’s why.
Proton functions as Geely’s right hand drive brand for ASEAN, but the group retains the Geely brand for the Philippines market. Recently Geely began to explore the idea of competing in the sub-B SUV segment in the Philippines market by exhibiting the Geely GX3 Pro at the 2023 Manila International Auto Show.
While the name Geely GX3 Pro was used for the Manila show, like most Chinese cars, it has many names. We’ve also seen it called the Geely Vision X3, the Geely Yuanjing X3 Pro, and the Maple X3 Pro.
Across the Geely GX3 Pro’s many identities, a 1.5 litre normally aspirated engine with 109 PS at 6,000 rpm, 142 Nm at 4,400 rpm and a manual gearbox or a CVT gearbox is common.
Interestingly, there are even 100% electric versions called the Maple 30X EV and the Geometry EX3 Kungfu Cow. Under Geely’s Geometry brand, the EX3 Kungfu Cow has a single front motor producing 95 PS and 180 Nm, with a 37 kWh battery providing 322 km of NEDC range.
Proton X30 vs Honda WR-V vs Perodua Ativa compared
Dimensions
Here’s a table that compares the Geely GX3 Pro/potential Proton X30 against the Perodua Ativa and Honda WR-V. We’ve also thrown in the Proton X50 so you can compare how these sub-B SUVs compare in size to a B SUV like the Proton X50.
The Geely GX3 Pro is shorter than the Ativa and the WR-V in terms of both length and height but is about the same width as the WR-V. Wheelbase is a little shorter than the WR-V, with the Ativa taking the wheelbase crown here. The Geely GX3 Pro wins the boot space battle, with its 400L rated boot capacity being larger than any of its sub B rivals and even being bigger than the Proton X50’s 330L. However, it’s always best to inspect the actual car to see the shape of the 400L to see if it fits your needs.
Engine
The Ativa also has the most advanced powertrains of the lot, coming with either a 1.0 litre turbo or a 1.2 litre hybrid engine, while both the Geely GX3 Pro and the Honda WR-V make do with regular normally aspirated engines, though some might see that as as plus point if they perceive a simpler engine as being less potentially problematic.
Of course, Proton could turn the X30 into an electric car like the Geometry EX3 Kungfu Cow, but somehow that seems unlikely in the near future. We think Proton’s EV plans seem to be focused on higher price range segments for now.
Safety
The Perodua Ativa scored 5 stars in ASEAN NCAP, and has ASA 3.0 which includes Pre-collision Warning (PCW), Pre-collision Braking (PCB or AEB), Front Departure Alert (FDA), Pedal Misoperation Control (PMC), Lane Keep Control (LKC), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC, works between 30 to 125 km/h, no low-speed follow so it doesn’t work in traffic jams).
The Honda WR-V is available with an ADAS suite including CMBS, RDM, ACC, LKAS, LCDN, AHB plus Honda’s signature LaneWatch system, which is a camera for the left wing mirror.
As far as we can tell, wherever it is currently sold, the Geely GX3 Pro doesn’t really go beyond the usual stability control and airbags at the moment.
Would you buy a Proton X3 in Malaysia?
What do you think of the Geely GX3 Pro? Do you think there’s potential for it to be competitive against the likes of the Perodua Ativa and the Honda WR-V here in Malaysia? Let us know in the comments.
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If proton want to join the game, it shld not wait n c attitude bcos by the time they decide to launch tis model, others model aldy eaten a bit junk of the pie.
Tau takpe. Iriz activ pun tak laku.
Seems every new vehicle P1 launch,is a Geely based right handed version.
Maybe,cheaper by paying Geely royalty,than to launch a new model from scratch,like the so called game changer Iriz which became Jurassic n game loser.
So,we one can expect a Geely based Saga,Pesona n Exora.
High time Proton get the founder to launch these models while he can still walk side by side with the Roslan dude.
I would like to see
A very thoroughly facelited Iriz (something like they did with the SAGA, with entirely different external skin, plus a new IP/dash). Add the latest 1.5 turbo engine of the X50
That would be miles better than the geely GX3.
Iriz platform is great, with lots of internal volume, great diving feel, but let down by weak engine.
Its unfortunate that it has been around for so long, but still i would prefer a greatly updated iriz platform with geely engine, rather than the geely gx3
Iriz not as good as Proton Saga
The 1.5 turbo engine in the Iriz?
Dude, seriously?
The fatality rate of accidents involving this vehicle will shoot out of the roof.
fatality rate still 10x less than all generations myvi axia combined
Ok what, the more the merrier.
Proton kungfu lembugini will kapow P2 Ativa.
if this is the geely model better not. it looks super old and dated. got dumping ground vibes. need something newer.
Want to go premium…
Want to go downmarket…
At the end, going no where…
With Perodua, Honda & Proton competing in this segment, I see Honda WRV coming out as champion with their innovation, better engine, their reknown spaciousness, and quality. That’s my 2-cents take as I’ve tried Proton, Honda & Perodua cars and SUVs.
BR-V still better than a shorter WR-V.
for space.
Can you name some of the “Honda innovations” you mentioned?
Sure, a parts bin of old Hondas mashed together in a tiny package… very innovative.
No mention of safety features?
Eh… not mod Iriz Ativ into X30?
Honda == F1 engine
Perodua == Rm50 petrol can 2 months drive like Sampan
Proton got what?
i usually dont mix KapChai Tech with F1 Tech.
Honda should bring in 1.0V.Turbo to match Nissan Almera Turbo: boasted got GT-R tech.
Honda == EX5 engine technology
Proton’s “national car” status is immensely unfair and should be stripped, given that they’ve basically been rebadging Geely cars day in and day out.
Perodua’s “national car” status is immensely unfair and should be stripped, given that they’ve basically been rebadging Daihatsu cars day in and day out.
Enough of the Chinese copy cats,develop your own model
Tu ah tu. We want Proton DNA model
Daihatsu is indon/japanese, not chinese.
Reminder that lanewatch is not blindspot detection. It’s just a wing-mirror mounted camera with a wider field-of-view, but does not detect if a car is indeed present in the blindspot. Looks like they are doing away with Lanewatch.
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a27007185/honda-lanewatch-camera-safety-phasing-out/
Cut cost, half giving
i would say for this kind of small car, go with the company that’s the expert in making small cars
which in this case is the perodua ativa from daihatsu
the other people simply do not know how to make cheap cars at good quality
the honda wrv is built from junk brio parts bin, and the proton geely is also super old reject stuff
1. WRX way nicer
2. WRX has the brand and space advàntage
3. X30 probably cheaper
4. X30 Cant really compete wt others
5. How to compete? Lower x50 base model to almost X30 class. So immediately proton has advantage over size anf pricing
6. Bring in x70 new model already.
7. Whatbelse u want to do? Dont be a dugong
Why this is not a good idea? Cannot bring down x50 lower because of what?
All value for money for more people.
bye bye Sedan like Fiesta, Polo, City, Almera, Vios, Persona
Ativa is A segment SUV. Please be corrected this. Thank you.
sub B is A la haiyo ♂️
CX-5 a C segment SUV,
nobody buy a boring D segment Sedan Mazda6 anymore.
SUV is King
ugly
If Proton really wants to beat P2, this is the chance considering P2 is getting worst with their tidak-apa attitude at the leaky oil filter.
But then, Proton is not any good too with persistent complaints about battery gone bad after 3 months.
Suitable price for m’sians is around RM 35+-
Sure… For ppl who use fake buckles, etc and doesn’t care about safety.
Just air bags and stability control… LoL
I think,if bring to Malaysia market it will be awesome and as price that’s is mostly important, if price
Down market is what market, wet market or night market? Just close shop cut protection tax and give us used import at least I can buy my dream machine.
This model looks dated especially the front triangle glass design reminds me of an SUZUKI SX4. To be frank the Ativa/Raize looks way better in bodylines and design. Geely/Proton should just create a new body frame with a better/modern looking design with many straight lines and sharp.