Proton S70 launch should have been earlier to take segment leadership
Some time in August 2021, Geely announced the release of the 4th generation Emgrand sedan and soon this will be Proton’s latest sedan for Malaysia.
Codenamed Proton S70, (name just confirmed today), this latest sedan will ‘rock’ the segment as the traditional market leaders will not be able to dominate the sales charts when you see the size, specification and features of this latest Proton sedan.
It was launched in the Philippines in March last year with good response.
Like the Proton X90, Proton X70 and Proton X50, this sedan will be equipped to lead the segment and then some.
It should have been launched in Malaysia earlier despite the slowing down of sedan sales. Look at the current success of the Honda City and Toyota Vios which leads the ‘price segment’.
Current Proton Preve, Inspira and Suprima owners will be inspired to trade-up to this Proton S70 with the favorable selling price and easy financing.
PRESS RELEASE: Here below is some information from the corporate website on the latest 4th generation Emgrand sedan.
The latest Emgrand model is the first in the series to be developed on Geely’s B-segment Modular Architecture (BMA).
Fourteen years since the first generation Emgrand was launched, the series has gone through four iterations to date with each improving to better meet user needs. The continuous improvement of the Emgrand series has enabled it to become the best-selling Chinese brand sedan for 9 consecutive years and satisfy the mobility needs of 3.25 million users.
The latest 4th generation Emgrand inherits the series commitment to “quality, technology, and contemporary aesthetics.” Empowered by Geely’s advanced BMA architecture, the 4th generation Emgrand once again aims to set new benchmarks for small compact family sedans.
Endowed with the advanced properties of the BMA, the fourth-gen Emgrand offers users a sleeker body, greater space, improved comfort, better handling, higher quality, and Geely’s latest technologies.
The 4th generation Emgrand adopts the latest Innovative Geely 4.0 era designs with a sleek wide-body profile, an ultra-low 0.27Cd drag coefficient, and low center of gravity. The face of the new Emgrand adopts Geely Auto’s latest interpretation of its signature expanding cosmos grille.
The body of the 4th generation Emgrand sits at 4638x1820x1460mm and the new design improves the Emgrand’s grip and handling.
The wider design has enabled designers to provide users with more usable space. The central control console features a unique double-layered three-dimensional storage compartment. Increased rear truck space has allowed the 4th generation Emgrand to become a leader in its class.
Spatial visibility has also been improved with A pillars which only block 2.7° of the drivers vision, effectively reducing blind spots and improving driving safety.
Aided by Geely’s global network of engineering talents, the 4th generation Emgrand received world-class tuning from experts in China and Europe. Chassis tuning not only improved handling, it also provided the 4th generation Emgrand with premium level NVH performance.
At idle, in-vehicle noise reaches an ultra-low 37dB. The new model is equipped with Bosch’s latest 9.3 ESP system and achieves a best in class 100km/h to 0km/h braking in under 36m.
Powering the new model is Geely Auto’s newest 1.5L 4-cylinder DVVT ultra-light all-aluminum engine, providing a maximum power output of 84kW and torque of 147Nm. The engine’s all-aluminum build help to reduce weight and improve fuel performance. The engine is matched to the latest generation CVT automatic transmission which can simulate an 8-speed automatic with a hydraulic torque converter design, offering high transmission efficiency and smooth power output.
In terms of intelligence, the 4th generation Emgrand also exceeds all others in its class. Inside, users will find a 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster, 10.25inch floating central infotainment panel, GKUI Geely Smart Ecosystem, AI voice assistant, a CN95 intelligent purifying AC system, and other advanced technologies from Geely.
The higher trims also offer 540° surround view camera system, ultra-high def driving recorder, hands-free truck opener, and other convenient features. Being connected to Geely’s Smart Ecosystem through the GKUI, the 4th generation Emgrand also supports OTA updates which enables constantly improving AI assistant, intelligent navigation, infotainment experience, and other smart features.
The 4th generation Emgrand is produced in one of Geely’s most advanced smart production plants in Changxing. Geely Changxing plant adopts the industry’s most advanced intelligent production processes to achieve zero deviation fully-automated stamping, environmentally-friendly zero waste automated painting, and 100% automated robotic welding. The plant also utilizes full digital twinning of the entire production process in order to make constant improvement to production and ensure quality.