The rumours are true – Proton’s first plug-in hybrid model – rumoured to be called the eMAS 7 PHEV (plug-in hybrid) – will be arriving in Malaysia very soon, and a camouflaged model is now making its first public debut at the Proton Tech Showcase event this weekend.
Not much were provided in ways of “official” info, although just a quick glance confirms that the model will be based on the Geely Starship 7 EM-i (or Geely Starray EM-i in certain markets), as revealed by the full-width head- and taillights, as well as the unique bumpers.
The model on display here seems to be nearly production ready, by the way, with not just the Proton roundel logo on the front, but also on the 19-inch wheels’ centrecaps, and even the etch marks on the windows.
Underneath the bonnet is a new hybrid powertrain, featuring a hybrid-specific version of the BHE15PFI 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine as seen on the all-new Saga, alongside an 18.4 kWh Aegis short-blade LFP battery pack, and a dedicated hybrid transmission with a power-split device, making the model here a series-parallel setup.
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Based on specifications of the global markets’ Geely Starray EM-i, the hybrid powertrain boasts a peak output of 218 hp and 320 Nm, with all power sent to the front wheels. That should translate to a century sprint in eight seconds flat.
Geely claims that all aspects of the powertrain has been optimised in order to eke out the most range, including a leaner engine with a thermal efficiency of 47.26%, which Geely claims to be the best in the world for ICE. All-in, Proton says that the eMAS 7 PHEV boasts a total range of 1,065 km, likely based on a more lenient test cycle.
In Australia, the Geely Starray EM-i boasts 83 km of pure EV range, and an overall range of 943 km, both based on the WLTP test cycle. These specifications, notably, differ from China’s Starship 7 EM-i, which recently also received an update for more power and better charging support.
No pricing were revealed, either, but selected Proton X50 owners have reportedly received survey forms for an upcoming PHEV version of the eMAS 7 (stylised as e.MAS 7), asking if customers would consider purchasing the model if it was priced around RM20-30k above their cars.
Given that the Proton X50 now tops out at RM109,300, could the Proton eMAS 7 PHEV be priced at around the RM130k mark? And would you consider it if it were that price?
GALLERY
