It was reported last year that Proton is on its way to introduce a new sedan in its lineup. Based on the Geely Emgrand, the camouflaged (right-hand drive) test mules of the S50 sedan were also seen running on Malaysian roads.
Proton CEO Dr. Li Chunrong has now revealed that the company is developing a new sedan model and that it will be unveiled as soon as possible. He alluded to the internal codename SS11 for the new vehicle, which obviously refers to the Geely Emgrand sedan. The B-segment sedan which is widely tipped to be named Proton S50 would go head-to-head against the likes of the Toyota Vios/ Yaris and Honda City.
Right-hand drive test mules of Proton S50 (image courtesy: Paultan)
Under the hood, the new Proton S50 will likely get Geely’s 1.5L naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with 113 hp of power & 147 Nm of torque, coupled with either a 5-speed manual or CVT gearbox sending drive to the front wheels. Riding on the B-segment Modular Architecture (BMA) which also underpins the Proton X50, the S50 sedan could also get the X50’s turbocharged powerplant, which is 1.5L three-cylinder turbo petrol that makes 150 hp and 226 Nm.
It is pertinent to mention that the Proton Saga is placed under the A-segment category in the Malaysian market and is not intended to compete against the likes of Yaris/ Vios or the City. The new S50 sedan will be Proton’s true flag bearer in the B-segment market. This raises additional concerns about the Saga’s positioning in Pakistan as a rival to the Honda City, Changan Alsvin, and Toyota Yaris. However, with the S50 emerging as a true rival of the aforementioned B-segment offerings, it will be interesting to see how Proton will price it if it is required to introduce a new sedan in Pakistan. It is not yet known whether the Proton S50 will cost more than its B-segment competitors here or if Saga will see its costs reduced.
Related: Why Another Facelift for Proton Saga? Roslan Abdullah Explains
Still, it’s too early to say whether the new S50 sedan will make its way here or not. However, it appears that all of Proton’s subsequent models will be rebadged Geely cars, which heralds the inevitable demise of independently developed Proton cars.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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