Proton is understandably patting itself on the back after reporting strong sales last month, but it’s also looking to the future. Buried in yesterday’s press release was a hint that new models are just on the horizon, with launches expected over the coming quarter.
“Looking ahead towards Q2 in 2025, we predict a continued number of new models being launched that will deliver a bevy of attractive deals, but Proton remains confident our dealership network and commitment to Malaysian car buyers will deliver the best long term ownership experience to our customers,” said Proton Edar CEO Roslan Abdullah.
The national carmaker is obviously keeping mum on exactly what it will be launching, but the phrase “continued number” is key. Last year, the company launched two new models, the mildly-refreshed X50 RC and the facelifted X70, so expect the same number of cars to be introduced this year.
As it happens, we already have a good idea of what’s to come. The big news is the new Saga, which is set to receive its third minor change (MC3) facelift – and this time, it’s a major one. Maintaining the same basic shape, proportions and structure as before, the budget sedan will nevertheless get entirely new front and rear fascias, although copious amounts of camouflage and placeholder lights and grille on the prototypes have obscured the changes.
From what we can tell, the car will be fitted with a new front bumper, a larger grille, reshaped headlights (likely available with LED lighting, matching its main rival, the Perodua Bezza) and a re-profiled bonnet to accommodate all the changes. Meanwhile, the rear end looks to gain new taillights and boot lid that should give the car some familial resemblance to the larger S70. The interior also appears to be mostly redesigned with new freestanding displays.
One big change is the long-awaited inclusion of driver assists, as the windscreen camera on the test mules indicate. The Saga has long lagged behind the Bezza in this regard, which has had autonomous emergency braking, front departure alert and pedal misapplication control since 2020.
An upgrade in the number of airbags (currently just two) would also be welcomed. However, since the car’s AMA platform is basically a warmed-over version of the 2016 Saga – itself a heavily-revised 2008 BLM – we wouldn’t hold our breath for it. No word on what will power the car; will it use the same 1.3 litre VVT enigne as before or adopt a Geely-sourced mill? We’ll have to wait and see.
Less of a mystery is the facelifted X50, which will come just one year after the running change (RC) stopgap measure. Whereas that car looked virtually identical to the original, the new model will have a vastly different design derived from the latest Geely Binyue L in China.
New LED reflector headlights with S70-style “three-dash” daytime running lights will join a reshaped upper grille and a toothy full-width lower grille, while the rear end is set to get full-width taillights, a new tailgate – pushing the number plate recess into the bumper – and L-shaped bumper corners. One change over the Binyue L is an outlandish Batmobile-style rear wing from the older Binyue Cool, which looks set to be fitted to the top-spec variant.
It’s not visible in the spyshots, but the X50 should also receive a completely revised cabin. The Binyue L has a more modern dashboard incorporating new air-con vents, toggle switches for the climate controls and a revamped centre console with twin grab handles, configurable storage and a thin translucent gear selector.
The tech is entirely new as well, the Binyue L gaining the latest Flyme Auto infotainment system that made its Malaysian debut on the electric eMas 7. This runs the 8.8-inch slimline instrument display and the 14.6-inch centre touchscreen, both upgrades over the existing X50’s seven- and 10.25-inch displays respectively.
We should point out, however, that the X50 may not necessarily follow the Binyue L in getting the all-new interior. Last year’s facelifted X70 got a bespoke cabin design that was different from both the Geely Boyue Pro/Azkarra and the 2022 Boyue facelift, incorporating a larger “floating” 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and 64-colour ambient lighting, among other things.
Last but certainly not least are the mechanicals. The X50 has hitherto soldiered on with the same 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine since its October 2020 launch, but the facelift could see a switch to Geely’s latest four-cylinder unit, used since the Binyue Cool. In the L, the mill produces 180 PS at 5,500 rpm and 290 Nm from 2,000 to 3,500 rpm.
This is 3 PS and 35 Nm up on even the highest-spec direct-injected TGDI version of the existing GEP3 engine, enabling the Binyue L to sprint from zero to 100 km/h three tenths of a second quicker at 7.6 seconds. No matter which engine the MC comes with, it will be mated to the usual seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.
The Geely Star Wish is set to be sold as the eMas 5 in Malaysia this year
We’re hopeful that the X50’s driver assist package, which looks to have been updated judging by the new windscreen camera module on the prototypes, will be expanded to more models and not limited to the most expensive Flagship variant. That’s because one of the mules without the aforementioned rear wing was seen with the camera, hinting at the democratisation of the tech.
Aside from the core Proton brand, the eMas range of electric vehicles is also set to be expanded later this year with a smaller, more affordable sibling to the eMas 7. It’s tipped to be badged as the eMas 5 and should take the form of the Geely Star Wish, known as the Xingyuan in its home market of China. Roslan has already been reported as saying we can expect an announcement on the said car soon.
GALLERY: Proton Saga MC3 spyshots
GALLERY: Proton X50 facelift spyshots
GALLERY: Geely Star Wish at 2025 Bangkok Motor Show
