Pro-Net has published a teaser on its Facebook page yesterday featuring the Proton eMAS 7 (stylised Proton e.MAS 7). While no more information is provided, aside from a simple caption promising “something exciting”, the timeframe lines up with the update roadmap that was shared recently in April.
The new update will most likely (finally) bring wireless Apple CarPlay into the national electric vehicle’s (EV) infotainment system – although according to the roadmap, Android Auto will only be coming at a later date, more specifically in Q4 2025.
Additionally, the update will also likely bring a fix to the dreaded “ice-cream van” sound. The audible tune was designed as a pedestrian warning sound, put in place to comply with UN ECE regulations. However, the curious jingle has certainly divided opinions, with many car owners complaining about its volume, and its similarity to the sounds from an ice-cream van, hence its nickname.
As announced by Proton previously, the software update will give owners the option to turn the sound off completely during low-speed driving. The national carmaker has also said that they are exploring new options for the pedestrian warning sound, including different tones to choose from.
ALSO READ: Proton eMAS 7 OTA roadmap – Apple CarPlay, ice-cream van sound update coming in July
Also due to be updated in the July over-the-air (OTA) software update is a fix for the radio scan memory issue, as well as support for third-party apps on the infotainment display.
Pro-net has previously promised a quarterly update schedule for its software, with the “Q3” update due in October. Planned upgrades here include wired Apple CarPlay support, as well as a “speed warning sound switch off memory” feature. For December as part of the Q4 updates, the Proton eMAS 7 will finally be getting Android Auto connectivity support, in both wired and wireless forms.
With BYD slashing prices on the Atto 3 Ultimate Edition to better compete with Proton, could we also see the Proton eMAS 7 pull of a “reverse uno” with a slight price cut? The new price could line up well with the introduction of the locally assembled (CKD) car, too, although we’re not quite sure if the new Proton EV factory is ready for prime-time yet.
For reference, the Proton eMAS 7 is currently priced from RM105,800 for the Prime variant and RM119,800 for the Premium, while the BYD Atto 3 Ultra starts at RM123,800. All prices are on-the-road, excluding insurance. For now, it’s all just speculation, and we’ll have to wait for the official announcement of the updated Proton eMAS 7 to see what’s in store. Stay tuned to find out more.
ALSO READ: Proton eMAS 7 proves its resilience with 10,432 km journey across 9 ASEAN countries – in 22 days
