In the course of the launch of the Proton Saga facelift in August 2019, the nationwide carmaker revealed its product launch technique, which might see one new mannequin be launched yearly. Since then, we’ve already welcomed the X50 in 2020, so if the corporate retains to its sport plan, what ought to we stay up for this 12 months?
Referring to the presentation slide proven on the time, 2021 ought to see the arrival of a brand new Proton sedan, though the corporate has but to offer any preliminary particulars, together with what phase such a mannequin will occupy.
Based mostly on the state of the present line-up, our guess is a C-segment sedan, an space the place Proton at present has nothing to supply. The corporate has provided C-segment sedans earlier than, with the Preve being the latest mannequin occupying the slot, and earlier than that, we had the Inspira and Waja.
So, why a C-segment sedan? One motive is its broader attraction to consumers in comparison with one thing made for the ailing D-segment sedan market, because the gross sales outcomes for the Honda Civic and Accord present. If that’s the case, why not a brand new B-segment sedan to switch the Persona? Properly, seeing how the corporate is prepping to introduce a facelift for the Persona (and Iriz), that’s extremely unlikely.
Unofficially, the brand new Proton sedan is being known as the S50, so what would a Preve successor appear to be? Fortunately, rendering wiz Theophilus Chin has conjured up some renders to reply that actual query. The rendering wiz beforehand imagined a successor for the unique Proton Suprima S – the Preve’s hatchback sibling – which he known as the H50.
As with these renders, the S50 he created is predicated on the Ford Focus Mk4, albeit the sedan model this time. From that base, loads of parts from the X50 are built-in, with essentially the most notable being the SUV’s entrance finish.
Highlights embrace the angular headlamps and DRLs, an X-style decrease apron to separate the aspect fog lamps sections and decrease consumption, and naturally, the corporate’s signature Infinite Weave grille. As for the rear, the X50’s taillights are immediately recognisable, as is the trim piece linking them with the Proton script.
Seems placing, doesn’t it? In fact, it has been closely rumoured that the S50 can be based mostly on the Geely Binrui, which makes use of the identical similar B-segment Modular Structure (BMA) because the X50. As such, these renders, whereas engaging, will possible differ closely from the completed product.
There’s some sense to Proton adapting the Binrui, as it might make tooling the Tanjung Malim plant, which already makes the BMA-based X50, simpler and amortise the fee. If this seems to be true, the S50 may obtain a 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine just like the X50.
