DSF.my reader Eugene C. has graciously sent us some photos and info of what appears to be a Geely Binyue in heavy camouflage. The car was seen being driven at extremely high (and definitely illegal) speeds, though we suppose this is necessary in Proton’s testing of the car.
The car was also seen being driven alongside a Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V and a Proton X70.
We’re not sure whether this is the final Proton-badged product or just a Geely Binyue, but we can definitely see some similarities.
The light cluster, rear spoiler and exhaust tips look virtually identical to what we see on the Geely version.
We don’t have much information on this new crossover SUV. We’re not even sure whether it’ll be called the X50. But what we can more or less confirm, based on Dr. Li Chunrong’s presentation at the Saga launch, is that Proton won’t be launching any other all-new models in 2019. There is a silhoutte of the ‘X50’ seen in the roadmap for 2020. Insider information seems to indicate that Proton could get away with pricing the X50 close to the X70, as Malaysian buyers are willing to spend that kind of money on that sort of vehicle.
Plus, we’ve been told by insiders at Proton that the 2021 new car might be a C-segment sedan. They even hinted that it might ditch the Preve name altogether. Will Proton adopt alphanumerics or go back to traditional names like Wira and Waja?
More on the ‘X50’/Binyue
This Proton X50/Bin Yue sits on Geely’s new BMA architecture, measuring 4330×1800×1609mm, with a wheelbase of 2600mm. Geely engineers claims an impressive 68.7% wheelbase utilisation rate for the cabin, which should make for a compact, yet spacious proposition.
The drivetrain used is a 1.5L direct-injection turbo petrol engine, co-developed with Volvo, which is good for 130kW and 255Nm. Geely claims a 0-100km/h time in 7.9 seconds which is not too bad for a compact crossover. A 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission is paired with the 1.5L turbo, which work together to deliver a combined city/highway fuel consumption rating of just 6.1L per 100km.
Speed testing a prototype vehicle on public roads is so wrong on many levels. Proton has its own test track for such purposes and shouldn’t subject innocent road users to danger.
“The drivetrain used is a 1.5L direct-injection turbo petrol…”
The last time I checked, “drive train” refers to the subsystem that connects the engine to the driving wheels. The engine is never part of a drivetrain whatsoever.