To ring in the Lunar New Year and celebrate the delivery of the first Proton e.MAS 7 to our customers, Pro-Net is offering a 30% discount on public charging fees.
From January 25 to February 3, Proton e.MAS and smart owners can enjoy this special offer at over 80% of public charging stations.
Just use the Proton e.MAS or Hello smart apps to start your charging session, and the discount will be applied automatically.
Proton e.MAS is all about making EV ownership easy and enjoyable with smart features like live charging station availability and route planning based on your car’s battery level.
This would be a significant expansion of its charging map coverage as the charging network operated by Shell Recharge includes High-Performance Charging Stations along major highways, with most of the stations can deliver 180kW of charging power.
Plus, thanks to Pro-Net’s partnership with Shell Recharge, the company is adding even more charging points across highways and city hotspots, including high-speed chargers for quicker stops.
This highly anticipated addition follows the recent integration of the ChargeSini Network, which was also the first in Malaysia to be accessible via a roaming arrangement.
Currently, the charging networks accessible on both Proton e.MAS and Hello smart apps include Gentari, Jomcharge, chargEV, DC Handal, CarputZap, and ChargeSini.
Following its unveiling at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show 2024 (KLIMS 2024), Proton has officially launched the limited edition Proton X50 Sport Edition SUV.
Based on the X50 Premium variant, the X50 Sport Edition features a sportier exterior, thanks to the Sport Edition aerokit, the Quartz Black color, and red accents on the front splitter, side skirts, and rear bumper. It also boasts 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels and glossy black grilles.
Additionally, this SUV is adorned with red body decals and is marked by the Sport Edition emblem.
Inside the cabin, there are door sill plates, Sport Edition floor mats, and red trim on the seats, door panels, and front armrest.
In terms of power, it retains the 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo engine, delivering 150 PS and 226 Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Only 1,000 units of the Proton X50 Sport Edition will be available, each priced at RM98,300 after a RM7,000 rebate offered throughout January.
Proton, through its subsidiary Pro-Net, has extended the Power Pack package offered for the Proton e.MAS 7 electric SUV to an additional 3,000 customers, along with a rebate of RM4,000.
For your information, the Power Pack launch package includes:
Power Home: Free 7kW Home Charger worth RM1,500
Power Plus: Free V2L Adapter worth RM500
Power Online: 5-Year Unlimited Internet Data worth RM1,800
Power Thru: Unlimited Vehicle Warranty for 6 years and Battery and High-Voltage Component Warranty for 8 years / 160,000 km
Power Exchange: Exclusive RM1,200 Rebate for Proton Owners trading in their vehicles
Officially launched in mid-December, the Proton e.MAS 7 is powered by a single electric motor producing 215 hp and 320 Nm of torque, with a range of up to 345 km for the Prime variant and up to 410 km for the Premium variant.
The selling price of the Proton e.MAS 7 starts at RM105,800.
According to Pro-Net’s CEO, Zhang Qiang, “Due to exceptional demand, we are pleased to extend this offer so that more Malaysians can experience the Proton e.MAS 7 and the benefits of owning an EV.”
“This achievement reflects our customers’ trust in us as well as their commitment to moving towards a greener future.”
Proton closed its books for 2024 with sales of 152,352 units for both domestic and export markets, allowing the company to claim second place once again in the sales ranking table.
14,601 units were sold in December last year, showing a 19.7% increase over the previous month.
According to Proton, it is the second highest sales figure for the year, following a bumper month for exports with 1,131 units shipped to overseas markets.
Aside from sales of Proton vehicles, Proton is also the importer and distributor for smart Automobile models via its subsidiary Pro-Net.
For the year 2024, 622 units of the smart #1 and #3 were sold bringing the number of total vehicles sold to 152,974 units.
Total industry volume (TIV) for 2024 is estimated to be 813,521 units, marking a second consecutive record-setting year of automotive sales for Malaysia. Proton’s market share for this year is estimated to be 18.7%.
This marks the sixth year in a row the company has achieved second position in the standings, giving it a solid foundation from which to take on the competition in 2025.
As expected, the Saga emerged as Proton’s best-selling model last year with 72,769 units sold – an increase of 3.7% compared to 2023.
As the model heads towards its 40th anniversary, it has an impressive list of accolades to its name including being the first Malaysian vehicle with over 2 million sales, which was achieved in June last year.
The S70 ended its first full year of production and sales with a total of 19,182 units delivered in 2024 to easily become the most popular C-segment sedan in the country.
Meanwhile, the 2024 Proton X50 received an overwhelming response with a total of 8,000 bookings within the first month after its debut.
Sales in December were 36.8% higher month-on-month at 2,614 units while for the year, total sales were 23,647 units making it the best-selling B-segment SUV for the fourth year in a row.
The 2025 X70 continues to find favour with buyers, with 8,992 units delivered throughout the past year. Notably, its December sales increased by 36.7% to 1,456 units, compared to 1,065 units in November, driven by year-end promotions.
As for the Proton X90, the flagship SUV completed its first full year of sales as the sales leader for D-segment SUVs with 3,553 units sold.
Finally, sales of the Persona and Iriz also increased, with 18,853 units and 5,113 units sold in 2024, respectively.
Pro-Net has announced that the Proton e.MAS 7 electric vehicle has received over 2,500 orders since reservations for the electric segment C SUV opened at the end of October.
According to Zhang Qiang, the CEO of Pro-Net, “The enthusiasm shown by Malaysians for the Proton e.MAS 7 reflects their readiness to embrace sustainable mobility.”
“With a combination of innovative features and exceptional value, the Proton e.MAS 7 is designed to be the ideal choice for those looking to transition to electric vehicles.”
The Proton e.MAS 7 is available in two main variants: the Prime, which features a 49.52 kWh battery offering a driving range of 345 km, and the Premium variant with a 60.22 kWh battery pack that provides a driving range of up to 410 km.
Specially for the first 3,000 customers, Proton offers a rebate of RM4,000, along with a special package that includes:
Power Home: 7 kW home charger (valued at RM1,500)
Power Plus: V2L adapter (valued at RM500)
Power Online: 5-year internet data package (valued at RM1,800)
Power Thru: Unlimited vehicle warranty for 6 years, and a warranty of 8 years or 160,000 km for the battery and high-voltage components.
Power Financing: Interest rate of 1.98% from Proton Commerce (up to RM3,000)
Power Exchange: Exclusive rebate of RM1,200 for the exchange program for current Proton owners.
Malaysians living around Shah Alam who are interested in viewing the Proton e.MAS 7 can visit the Proton e.MAS showroom located at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) in Shah Alam.
Operated by SG Cars Sdn Bhd, it is the first distribution center for Proton’s new energy vehicle (NEV) brand.
It is reported that 37 dealers have been appointed nationwide, with 30 expected to be fully operational by the end of this year.
This expansion effort has been bolstered by a knowledge-sharing R&D visit to the Geely Research Institute in Hangzhou, China, attended recently by more than 40 principal dealers and executives.
During the visit, participants were introduced to Geely’s latest technology and gained valuable insights into premium EV maintenance, staff training, sales strategies, and operational excellence.
Pro-Net is also seeking partners interested in joining the expanding Proton e.MAS dealer network.
The launch of Proton’s first electric SUV, the e.MAS 7, took place last week.
Despite being teased for a long time on social media, the e.MAS 7 remains a hot topic of discussion among netizens even now.
Opinions are varied, with some expressing positive thoughts while others share negative feedback.
For those contemplating whether to choose the more affordable Prime variant or the more fully-featured Premium variant, we are here to help.
With a price difference of approximately RM14,000, here are five key differences between the Proton e.MAS 7 Prime and e.MAS 7 Premium:
1. Battery Capacity
Both variants are equipped with an electric motor producing 215 hp and 320 Nm of torque, allowing for a 0-100 km/h acceleration in about 6.9 seconds.
However, the e.MAS 7 Prime is fitted with a short-blade Aegis LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery pack with a capacity of 49.52 kWh for a driving range of 345 km, while the e.MAS 7 Premium comes with a 60.22 kWh battery pack, providing a range of 410 km.
2. Charging Capability
For the smaller battery, the e.MAS 7 supports DC fast charging up to 80 kW, while the e.MAS 7 Premium can achieve a DC charging capacity of up to 100 kW.
Unfortunately, there appears to be no significant difference in charging times, with both variants recording approximately 20 minutes for DC charging from 30% to 80%.
3. Exterior
The e.MAS 7 Prime variant features 18-inch wheels wrapped in 225/55 R18 Giti tires.
In contrast, the e.MAS 7 Premium variant comes equipped with more aggressive 19-inch wheels, fitted with 235/50 R19 Goodyear tires.
Additionally, the e.MAS 7 Premium variant includes several extra features such as a panoramic glass roof, powered tailgate, and an Active Grill Shutter system.
4. Cabin Features
The standard features included in the Proton e.MAS 7 are quite extensive.
However, for the Premium model, it includes specific features such as a driver’s seat memory function, adjustable front passenger seat (four-way), front seat ventilation, ambient lighting supporting up to 256 colors, a head-up display, and a sound system with 16 speakers.
5. Safety Features
Typically, the lower variant may be lacking in comprehensive safety equipment compared to the premium variant.
However, for the e.MAS 7, both variants are equipped with a comprehensive safety suite that includes advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) Level 2, featuring important functions such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
Moreover, the e.MAS 7 is also equipped with a 360-degree surround camera system.
The only minor difference is that the e.MAS 7 Prime variant does not come with front parking sensors.
Coinciding with the official launch of the Proton e.MAS 7 electric SUV in the Malaysian market, the ASEAN NCAP organization also announced the score achieved by this SUV in the new vehicle assessment tests that were conducted.
Overall, the e.MAS 7 successfully earned a five-star score with a total of 92.57 points.
As Proton’s first electric vehicle, it was evaluated based on the following four categories:
Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) – 39.00/40.00
Child Occupant Protection (COP) – 17.32/20.00
Safety Assistance (SA) – 20.00/20.00
Motorcycle Safety (MS) – 16.25/20.00
Standard features of the e.MAS 7 include six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Seat Belt Reminder (SBR).
Advanced safety features included are city and inter-urban Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), High Beam Assist (HBA), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Rear Cross Traffic Braking (RCTB).
The Proton e.MAS 7 is equipped with a single electric motor that produces 218 PS/320 Nm, paired with two options for LFP battery packs: 49.52 kWh (with a range of 345 km) or 60.22 kWh (with a range of 410 km).
The selling price of the e.MAS 7 starts at RM105,800 for a limited time.
After several rounds of previews including test drives, Proton through its Pro-Net division has officially launched the first electric SUV, the e.MAS 7, for the local market.
Here are seven key facts you should know:
1. Dimensions
The Proton e.MAS 7 is an electric SUV in the C-segment, measuring 4,615 mm in length, 1,901 mm in width, 1,670 mm in height, and with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm.
Its turning radius is a compact 5.4 meters.
Standard features include a MacPherson strut setup at the front, complemented by a multilink configuration at the rear.
2. Power
The e.MAS 7 is powered by a single electric motor delivering 215 hp and 320 Nm of torque.
It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds, reaching a top speed of 175 km/h.
3. Two Battery Pack Options
For the local market, the Proton e.MAS 7 is available in two variants: Prime and Premium.
The Prime variant comes equipped with an LFP battery pack of 49.52 kWh, allowing a range of 345 km on a full charge (WLTP data), while the Premium variant features a 60.22 kWh battery pack with a range of 410 km.
This short blade Aegis battery supports AC charging at 11 kW and DC fast charging at 100 kW (80 kW for the smaller capacity battery), enabling the battery to be charged from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes.
4. Exterior Features
Proton has made few changes to differentiate the e.MAS 7 from its donor model, the Geely Galaxy E5.
Standard exterior features of this electric SUV include LED headlights and taillights, 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/55 R18 tires, roof rails, and adjustable side mirrors with a heating function.
The Premium variant adds features such as a panoramic glass roof, powered tailgate, and Active Grille Shutter functionality.
5. Cabin Space
Similar to the exterior, the interior equipment closely resembles that of the Geely model.
Inside, you will find features such as a 10.2-inch digital cluster display, a central 15.4-inch screen without Apple CarPlay or Android Auto support, a Flyme OS system, and a head-up display.
Additionally, the e.MAS 7 offers a six-way adjustable driver’s seat (four-way for the front passenger), ventilation functions, leatherette upholstery, ambient lighting with 256 color options, and several USB charging ports.
In the rear, the e.MAS 7 provides cargo space of 461 liters, which expands to 1,877 liters with the second-row seats folded down.
There is also 14 liters of storage space under the seats and a 10.8-liter center console drawer.
6. ADAS
For the first time, Proton offers Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) as standard across all e.MAS 7 variants.
This includes essential features such as an Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system, Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Change Assist (LCA), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
Additionally, the e.MAS 7 comes equipped with six airbags, an auto hold function, front and rear radar, and a 360-degree camera system.
7. Pricing
The retail prices for the Proton e.MAS 7 are as follows:
e.MAS 7 Prime – RM109,800
e.MAS 7 Premium – RM123,800
For the first 3,000 customers, Proton is offering a rebate promotion worth RM4,000, bringing the starting price down to RM105,800 for the Prime variant, and up to RM119,800 for the Premium variant.
Here are the packages that buyers of the Proton e.MAS 7 will receive:
A 7kW home charging unit (valued at RM1,500)
V2L adapter (valued at RM500)
Financing package with interest rates starting as low as 1.98% (valued at RM3,000)
Unlimited internet data package for five years (valued at RM1,800)
RM1,200 rebate for existing Proton owners
Vehicle warranty of six years with no mileage limit, and a warranty for the high-voltage battery components of up to eight years or 160,000 km.
Protoon has rolled out a new prepaid service package, which customers can choose to purchase for their new and existing Proton cars.
Known as the ProCare Smart Plan (PSP), the package helps owners to manage their vehicle maintenance costs by offering savings of up to 15% or RM670.
At the moment, the PSP is available for the Saga, X90, and 2025 X70. If the vehicle is sold with the balance of the PSP still to run, the new owner enjoys the benefits as long as it is within the validity period.
New car buyers can opt for either three or five years packages. The package is also available to current owners who purchased their vehicles without a PSP, though it will be capped to two-year intervals, with savings of up to RM350.
According to Proton, while the PSP is currently limited to the three models mentioned, there are plans to eventually roll it out to all Proton models in the near future.
Customers who wish to register for the PSP after purchasing their vehicles can use the Fixed Payment Plan (FPP) for up to 24 months through the Affin Avance Proton credit card.
Alternatively, there’s also an instalment payment plan via Direct Lending, a Shariah-compliant digital lending platform, with monthly payment terms of up to 12 months.
“Proton remains focused on making improvements to the product and services offering to our customers and the ProCare Smart Plan is the latest example of these efforts,” said Edmund Lim, Vice President Sales and After Sales, Proton Edar.
Proton recorded sales of 12,194 units (domestic and export) in November, reflecting a slight decrease of 4.7% compared to October.
The company stated that the decline is in line with the contraction in total industry volume (TIV) of 4.1% for Malaysian automotive sales.
This brought Proton’s year to date (YTD) total sales volume to 137,751 units, allowing the automaker to maintain its position as the second most popular brand in the national sales ranking.
The company estimates that its market share for November stands at 18.2%, leading to a YTD figure of 18.8% for the whole of 2024.
Sales of the X70 2025 model increased by 7.7% compared to October, with 1,065 units delivered, bringing its YTD total to 7,536 units.
Meanwhile, the X50, X90, and S70 ended November leading their respective segment for YTD sales.
The X50 continued to lead the B-segment SUV sales with 1,911 units delivered, bringing its total sales to 21,033 units to date.
The X90 retained its position as market leader for D-segment SUVs with a 13.1% month-on-month growth to 277 units, contributing to a YTD sales total of 3,246 units.
The S70, which made its maiden race outing in the 2024 Sepang 1000km and celebrated its anniversary on November 28, recorded sales of 1,312 units, bringing its YTD total to 17,512 units.
Meanwhile, the Saga recorded 5,916 units sold (YTD 66,094 units), while the Persona and Iriz recorded 1,394 units (YTD 17,325 units) and 319 units (YTD 4,762 units), respectively.
In addition to Malaysia, the Saga is also performing well in international markets. A total of 480 units of the left hand drive (LHD) Saga were exported to Egypt last month, a remarkable 300% growth compared with the 120 units shipped to the country a month prior.
To-date, 2,203 units of the Proton Saga have been exported this year, leading to total exports volume for 2024 already exceeding the number for the whole of 2023.
After a five-year hiatus, Proton’s official team, Proton R3 returned to compete in the Sepang 1000KM 2024 race in the Malaysian Touring Car (MTC) category.
This marks the first time Proton has raced using the S70 R3 vehicle since the launch of this C-segment sedan on November 28, 2023.
The race, which lasted for 181 laps, saw the Proton R3 team struggling with difficulties as car #81 was forced to retire as early as the 8th lap.
Another S70 car, numbered 82 and driven by Ariff Azmi and Alister Yoong, faced technical issues that caused them to lose over 40 minutes.
Despite the challenges faced, the Proton R3 team successfully completed the race, finishing in fifth place in the MTC class.
Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar, stated, “While we aimed for another overall victory, the Proton R3 team is aware of the task of completing a brand-new racing vehicle to compete against teams that have been racing for the past three years.”
He further explained that the data and racing experiences gathered throughout the weekend would serve as the foundation for R3 to begin preparations for the 2025 racing season.
In positive news, in conjunction with the KLIMS 2024 event, Proton will also showcase vehicle #82 in the same condition as it finished the S1K race.
Proton is expected to commence the assembly of vehicles (CKD) in Egypt this December with the opening of new factory in Cairo.
The inauguration of the CKD factory was officiated by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, during his official visit to the country.
Located in the Al Oula Industrial Park in Giza, the facility, owned by Ezz Elarab Elsewedy Automotive Factories (ESAF), has an investment of US$35 million and a production capacity of 20,000 units, providing 400 job opportunities.
The inauguration of the CKD factory follows the first shipment of CKD units to Egypt on September 9.
The first unit of the left-hand drive (LHD) Proton Saga is expected to roll off the production line this December, with a production target of 1,400 units for 2024.
This number is projected to increase to 5,000 units in 2025, with a forecasted production total of 16,000 units of LHD CKD Saga over a three-year period, concluding at the end of 2026, with an estimated value of RM570 million.
In addition to the domestic market in Egypt, Proton will also export the assembled vehicle models to countries in North Africa and the Middle East.
Proton also plans to establish Egypt as one of its key manufacturing hubs in the region.
Last year, Proton updated its popular B-segment SUV model, the Proton X50 2024.
At first glance, you might find it difficult to guess what changes have been made, as its appearance remains largely the same as the original model released in 2020.
The engine offerings are also unchanged, with this flagship version we tested equipped with a 1.5-liter TGDi engine producing 177 PS @ 5,500 rpm and torque of 255 Nm @ 1,500 rpm – 4,000 rpm.
The original suspension system has also seen no changes, meaning it still offers handling characteristics nearly identical to the previous model.
So, what has actually changed?
Based on a drive from the Klang Valley down south a few weeks ago, I found one positive aspect of the X50 – improved NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness)!
NVH was one of the criticisms when this model first launched.
However, after driving for several days, I acknowledged that the noise from the tires meeting the road surface has been effectively filtered, making the cabin quieter.
Wind noise is also less noticeable at lower speeds but still exists when the X50 is driven beyond the legal highway speeds.
In the cabin, the Proton X50 has been given an upgraded infotainment unit with more powerful and faster processing capabilities.
The 360-degree camera system has also been improved, now displaying live three-dimensional images of the vehicle whenever the turn signal lever is activated.
Lastly, the Proton X50 comes standard with a powered tailgate for the flagship variant, making daily driving tasks easier and more pleasant.
It has now become an almost perfect SUV model to consider, except for a few factors that might make you think twice:
1. Still Not a Fuel-Efficient SUV
I’ve tested various SUV models that are not high-performance but come with turbocharged engines. Some of those models can offer reasonable fuel consumption rates, but not the X50.
Even when driven normally without sudden acceleration, I found myself needing to refuel every 400 km.
For long-distance driving, this is not very convenient, especially when heading to areas with few fuel station facilities.
2. Still Lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
ONLY FOR 2025 PROTON X70!
Yes, for now, the Proton X50 still lacks standard support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
As an alternative, you can use the MirrorLink function with a charging cable; however, this system is somewhat complicated and inconvenient. If you turn off your phone’s screen, the MirrorLink connection will disconnect.
You will then need to go through the entire process again to reconnect the infotainment system with your smart device.
A more economical alternative would be to purchase a smartphone holder that can be attached to the windshield.
It’s a shame that a car costing RM100,000 still lacks the AACP features that would make driving easier.
If you recall, the Proton X70 2025 facelift was officially launched last August, about two months after the Proton X50 2024 was released.
The difference in launch timing is only a few months, so why hasn’t the Proton X50 been equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto like the Proton X70 facelift?
3. 360-Degree Camera Not Very Helpful on the Road
The presence of a 360-degree camera certainly helps drivers avoid scratching body panels when entering parking areas.
The clearer and sharper display makes the X50 feel more upscale, even though it is an SUV in the RM100,000 price range.
However, I’m not too fond of the default camera angle displayed when the turn signal lever is used, as it doesn’t fully showcase the blind spots on the left and right sides of the vehicle.
You can change the 3D Live Feed display angle by accessing the menu on the touchscreen, but this action is discouraged while the vehicle is moving quickly.
In this regard, I believe Honda’s LaneWatch feature offers more assistance, even though it only covers the left side of the vehicle.
Perhaps in future updates, Proton could adjust the default angle of the 3D Live Feed display to provide a better field of view as a driver aid to prevent unwanted incidents.
With the selling price remaining relatively unchanged at RM103,000, I still consider the X50 to be one of the more worthwhile B-segment SUV models to own.
That is, if you can accept and compromise on the three shortcomings I’ve mentioned above.
In October, Proton recorded sales of 12,799 units for both domestic and export markets, marking a 13.6 percent increase compared to the previous month.
This brings Proton’s year-to-date (YTD) sales total to 125,557 units, placing the national car brand second in the country’s automotive sales rankings.
Among the total sales, the Proton Saga remains a popular choice among buyers, with 6,112 units sold, bringing its YTD total to 60,178 units.
Proton is also hopeful that the Saga’s sales will surpass 70,000 units for the second consecutive year this year.
Although the Saga did not lead its segment, three other Proton models maintained top positions in their respective segments.
The Proton X50 emerged as the best-selling SUV in the B segment last month, with 2,122 units sold, while the Proton S70 returned to the top as the best-selling C segment sedan with sales of 1,432 units.
Proton’s flagship model, the X90, continued to lead sales in the D segment SUV category, recording a total of 245 units sold last month.
At the same time, Proton revealed that its first electric vehicle (EV), the e.MAS 7, will be officially launched next month (December 2024).
The Proton R3 racing division has announced the four drivers who will pilot two Proton S70 R3 vehicles for the Sepang 1000KM endurance race next month.
Car number 81 will be driven by the duo of Syafiq Ali and Fahrizal Hasan, while car number 82 will feature young drivers Alister Yoong and Ariff Azmi.
The pairings were selected based on their respective experiences in motorsport.
Syafiq Ali holds the record for the most individual wins in the history of the Sepang 1000KM race and has secured three podium finishes with Proton R3. Fahrizal Hasan has a long history of success in high-performance car racing, winning his class twice in the 12-Hour Sepang race.
Car number 82 features the youngest driving pair in Proton R3’s history, both of whom are products of the Axle Sports Academy, run by Alex Yoong, Malaysia’s only Formula 1 driver.
Twenty-one-year-old Alister Yoong has accumulated significant experience in single-seater racing, while 18-year-old Ariff Azmi is a karting champion who competed alongside Alister in last year’s 1000KM race.
Additionally, Proton R3 unveiled the actual race car, the Proton S70 R3, which will be used in the upcoming endurance race.
According to Roslan Abdullah, Deputy CEO of Proton, “Motorsport is a core component of Proton’s DNA, and our heritage in competitive racing began with the first Proton Saga.”
“Although we have not competed in the Sepang 1000KM for the past three years, the Proton R3 team has kept pace with the latest developments in the racing industry, resulting in rapid advancements in the race car just a year after the Proton S70’s launch.”
“The Proton R3 team has a long history of promoting young driver careers and enhancing their profiles through collaboration. We are excited to work with this talented driving team this year, which gives us the best chance to claim the title and bolster PROTON’s record as the most successful brand in the history of the Sepang 1000KM,” Roslan Abdullah added.
Proton through its motorsports division Proton R3, has just announced the lineup of drivers who will pilot the latest S70 R3 vehicle at the Sepang 1000KM (S1K) race next month.
At the same time, media representatives were introduced to the new race car that will be used by the Proton R3 team.
Here are five things you should know about the Proton S70 R3:
Still using the Campro engine
As previously reported, the Proton S70 R3 will not compete with the 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo engine.
Instead, it will utilize the long-standing Campro S4PH 1.6-liter engine, which has been in use since Proton R3’s involvement in the S1K with vehicles like the Preve, Suprima S, Iriz, Saga, and Satria Neo.
While Proton has not disclosed the exact specifications of this vehicle, earlier reports suggest that the S4PH engine fitted in the Saga and Iriz can produce over 200 hp!
Why not use the original S70 engine or removing the turbo?
Proton is participating in the S1K race in the MTC category, which allows the use of different engines from the same manufacturer.
This means that Proton can save on development costs by referring to data obtained from previous races for this new vehicle.
If they were to use the original engine, Proton would require more time to gather the necessary data. The decision to remove the turbo from the original S70 engine was also deemed inefficient; thus, it is better for Proton to stick with the proven Campro engine, which has already won five S1K championships.
For S70 fans, there’s no need to worry, as Proton has revealed plans to join the race next year using a street-spec Proton S70.
What’s different about the S70 R3?
Proton has added a front splitter, a rear spoiler, and 15-inch rims wrapped in 195/55 R15 tires.
Essentially, the suspension configuration of the S70 remains the same as the street model, compliant with regulations, but it has been enhanced with a set of dampers more suitable for racing.
A cabin loaded with racing equipments
In the cabin area, all unnecessary equipment has been removed, and even the door panels have been replaced.
What remains are Recaro racing seats, an AP Racing pedal box, a Motec display screen, a manual gear knob, and the mandatory safety cage.
Will there be a street version of the S70 R3?
Proton has previously revealed plans to produce a road version of the S70 R3, equipped with high-performance upgrades for public sale.
While it may not be available in the near future, the image gallery below allows you to imagine what the R3 variant of the S70 might look like on the road.
Will it have specifications similar to the S70 race car? As a Proton fan, we hope it’s not just a cosmetic change.
Proton recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with Grab Malaysia, offering exclusive benefits to e-hailing drivers when they purchase a Proton Saga.
This collaboration aims to enhance the driving experience and support the growing needs in the e-hailing industry.
The initiative is also expected to provide benefits to drivers, users, and further strengthen the positions of both companies in the market.
The MoA was signed by Roslan Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Proton, and Rashid Shukor, Director of Operations and National Mobility for Grab Malaysia.
Starting from November 4, the “Saga Power Up for Grab Drivers” campaign will grant priority access to Grab driver partners to own a Proton Saga.
The campaign includes incentives and offers such as cash rebates and a 5% service discount valid for the first two years or up to 40,000 km.
Eligible drivers can purchase as many Proton Sagas as they qualify for under Grab Malaysia’s terms.
In addition to the Proton package, Grab also offers up to RM500 for new driver partners who purchase a Proton Saga and activate their Grab Driver account.
“PROTON is excited to collaborate with Grab Malaysia in supporting the e-hailing industry by offering our iconic model, the Proton Saga, to our Grab driver partners. Reliability and reasonable maintenance costs are crucial factors for entrepreneurs who use cars as their primary work tool.”
“Furthermore, this partnership provides exclusive privileges to those who accept this offer while supporting our vision for more accessible transportation for the people of Malaysia,” said Roslan Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, PROTON.
“This collaboration reflects our commitment to providing flexible opportunities to the people of Malaysia in an ever-changing economy. By facilitating access to income opportunities, we support our partners who play a vital role in meeting the daily needs of society.
“With the increasing demand for travel, we are constantly striving to increase and optimize our active driver supply to meet these needs. This initiative encourages more people to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the digital economy,” said Rashid Shukor, Director of Operations and National Mobility, Grab Malaysia.
In a statement, Proton said that it continues to be the top-selling brand for sedans in Malaysia, with 3.85 million units sold since its establishment more than 40 years ago.
According to the national car manufacturer, this success is attributed to national icons such as the Saga, Wira and Waja, which were once used as police cars in Humberside County, UK, two generations of the Persona, the Prevé, and its latest offering, the S70.
Launched last November, the S70 has quickly become the favourite in the C-sedan category, with year-to-date sales as of September totalling 14,877 units.
Overall sales have surpassed those of other competitors in the same category, with an average of 1,640 units sold per month since January of this year. The model leads sales in its segment, with top three states being Selangor, Johor and Penang.
However, the biggest contributor to the pool is clearly the evergreen Saga, which has clocked in over 2 million sales since its launch on 9 July 1985 till September this year. The model has undergone massive change through three generations, with improvements in safety, design updates, performance improvements, interior comfort and features, platform and chassis development and receiving a stronger body structure.
For Proton sedans, the responsive driving experienced, safety record and sheer fun behind the wheel played a major role in appealing to car buyers.
Evolving with the times, the models also introduced timely safety updates such as anti-lock braking system (ABS), airbags, seat belt pretensioners, hot-press forming body structures.
With the S70, ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) level 2 features such as lane change assist, automatic emergency braking, intelligent cruise control, and traffic sign information keep Proton sedans at the leading edge of safety technology.
A recent survey by Insight Asia, involving 277 participants aged 22 to 59, revealed that buyers prioritise affordability, comfort, and safety, alongside a stylish and modern design.
Key reasons for choosing it include its attractive aesthetics, good power delivery, and overall value for money, starting from over RM70,000. Many owners upgraded from smaller segments and did not consider other models, viewing the model as unique in its class.
Overall, S70 owners express high satisfaction with cabin comfort, storage space, and security features. While most reported no significant issues, some experienced minor Noice, Vibration and Hardness (NVH) problems, which did not detract from their overall experience.
Suggestions for improvement include the introduction of features like auto wipers and ventilated seats, according to Insight Asia.
Proton has announced that Apple CarPlay is now available for owners of the 2025 Proton X70, which was launched back in August. This makes the X70 the first Proton model to receive the highly popular connectivity feature.
According to the national automotive brand, Apple CarPlay for the 2025 X70 will be available via over-the-air (OTA) update effective from 16th October 2024.
Starting from that date, owners will receive the OTA notifications in batches, and they only need to follow these steps to download it to their vehicle:
Step 1: Download and install
The software update package will be downloaded once it is available for customer vehicle. User needs to keep the engine running until the download is complete.
Upon completion, user may begin installation anytime at their convenience. Once installation has begun, user needs to keep the engine running until the software update is complete.
Step 2: Verify software version
A successful software update can be verified in the Vehicle Settings under [System Information] > [About IHU]. The latest system version is SW3RBA10925H1141.
This version contains Apple CarPlay, improved system performance and various bug fixes for an enhanced user experience.
Step 3: Start to use
With the latest software update installed, user can enjoy the convenience of Apple CarPlay by pairing a compatible iPhone either via USB or wireless (Bluetooth) connection.
Once an iPhone is successfully paired to the system, users can launch the Apple CarPlay interface by tapping on the icon highlighted above.
As everyone is aware, in the latest update, the Proton X70 C-segment SUV will come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features for the 2025 model year.
Based on a brief test drive report by a colleague a few weeks ago, it seems that the feature is still not available for use.
Yesterday (October 15, 2024), we had the opportunity to try out the much-anticipated Apple CarPlay connection on the Proton X70 for media test driving purposes.
During the brief period of use, no significant differences were felt compared to the similar systems found in other modern cars.
Menus and applications such as Google Maps or Waze can be easily accessed on the 12.3-inch infotainment screen without much delay, and owners can also choose to use the phrases “Hey Proton” or “Hey Siri” to direct the system to perform specific operations while driving.
Those who are familiar with using Apple CarPlay will understand the importance of this system in a new car, especially when driving in urban areas.
For your information, this wireless Apple CarPlay feature will only be available for the 2025 Proton X70 model through over-the-air updates that will be implemented in stages.
The availability of the Android Auto feature will be announced later on.
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