It seems that the much-rumoured plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version of the Proton eMAS 7 (stylised as e.MAS 7) is now becoming less of a rumour, and more of a sure thing at this point. Proton has posted yet another shadowy teaser on the Proton Cars Facebook page ahead of the Proton Tech Showcase this weekend, and this time it’s a much closer look at the car’s rear light signature.
While this mysterious car’s silhouette closely resembles the Proton eMAS 7, the taillight design without a doubt belongs to the PHEV version of the car, dubbed the Geely Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i in China, as well as the Geely Starray EM-i in Australia and Indonesia.
Instead of the more oval-shaped full-width tail lights, the Starray features C-shaped lights with a light bar joining both sides from the top. The Geely Starray EM-i also differentiates itself from the Proton eMAS 7 with a different headlight design, sporting a full-width daytime-running light signature. Entry-level models come with 18-inch wheels, while higher-end variants offer optional 19-inch wheels.
Inside, the PHEV model should inherit most of the interior of the Proton eMAS 7. Possible features include leather upholstery, a two-spoke multi-function steering wheel, a 16-speaker Flyme sound system, a 10.2-inch letterbox-style digital instrument cluster, and a floating 15.4-inch infotainment display that could support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the Malaysian market, unlike the versions overseas.
ALSO READ: Proton eMAS 7 PHEV spotted in camouflage again – national marque’s first hybrid coming soon?
Similar to the Proton eMAS 7, the Geely Starry EM-i is built on the Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture (GEA). In Australia, it uses a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 99 hp and 125 Nm that powers the 12-in-1 integrated electric motor as seen in the photo.
This electric motor is housed inside an E-Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (E-DHT), producing a total output of 218 hp and 320 Nm delivered to the front wheels. It enables a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 8.0 seconds and a top speed of 170 km/h. And just like the Honda e:HEV models, the engine can kick in to support the electric motor on higher speeds
ALSO READ: Proton eMAS 7 PHEV teased — to make Malaysia debut this weekend?
Power for the electric motor comes from an 18.4 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, offering a claimed fuel consumption of only 2.4 L/100 km and a total driving range of up to 943 km on the WLTP cycle. In pure electric mode, the car can travel up to 83 km, while charging is supported at up to 7 kW AC and 30 kW DC. A 6 kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) function is also included.
Meanwhile, the Geely Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i in China has already received an updated powertrain, featuring a more powerful 238 hp motor and faster 36 kW DC charging — capable of recharging from 30-80% in just 20 minutes. Whether the Proton eMAS 7 PHEV will adopt this upgraded setup remains to be seen, so stay tuned for further updates.
ALSO READ: Proton eMAS 7 now with Apple CarPlay, tonneau cover, Obsidian Black colour – pricing unchanged
