Proton had fairly just a few highlights in 2023. For one, the carmaker managed to surpass its 2022 gross sales tally (141,432 items) by promoting a complete of 154,611 items in 2023 – a 9.3% improve from final yr.

There have been additionally just a few essential launches that passed off, with the massive one being the S70, its first all-new sedan in a very long time that went on sale in November 2023. Winding the clock again additional to Could 2023, Proton launched its third SUV mannequin within the type of the three-row X90, which can be the primary within the line-up to get a gentle hybrid powertrain.

Different launches embrace the X50 R3 twentieth Anniversary Version, which was launched within the yr the B-segment SUV celebrated its third anniversary final yr whereas persevering with to be the fastest-selling SUV mannequin in Malaysian historical past.

The X70 and Saga had been up to date too, with the latter receiving a brand new four-speed automated transmission from Aisin reasonably than Hyundai. As for the C-segment SUV, its record of variants grew to 6 final yr with the addition of the 1.5 TGDi Premium X.

Now that we’re in 2024 (Comfortable New 12 months, by the best way), what can we anticipate to see from Proton this yr? Right here’s what we bear in mind.

Proton X70 facelift MC2

This one isn’t an excessive amount of of a shock given the few sightings of camouflaged X70s present process street trials on our roads. The X70 beforehand obtained its first minor change (MC) again in 2022, which noticed some very minor styling tweaks and a brand new engine choice.

With the upcoming facelift, or MC2 as some have known as it, the SUV is ready to realize extra substantial modifications to its exterior mirroring these on the Geely Boyue facelift. Based mostly on what we will make out in spyshots, the X70’s entrance finish will likely be noticeably completely different, with revisions being slimmer headlamps, a reshaped grille with chrome pins as an alternative of the Infinite Weave insert, a extra sculpted bonnet in addition to a wider decrease consumption.

The taillights seen on the take a look at automobiles seem unchanged from earlier than, reinforcing the notion that the X70 MC2 will likely be based mostly on the Boyue facelift as an alternative of the Boyue Professional. We don’t have inside spyshots but, it ought to mirror the modifications seen within the Boyue facelift, that are comparatively minor.

At current, there are two engine choices for the X70, together with a 1.5 litre turbocharged inline-three petrol unit that was launched in 2022 that’s customary for 5 out of the six obtainable variants. The pre-MC1 1.8 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol mill can be nonetheless kicking round within the 1.8 TGDi Premium 2WD, however we anticipate this to be dropped when the X70 MC2 rolls up.

Proton X50 facelift MC1

The X50 can be tipped to get a facelift, its first in actual fact because it went on sale means again in October 2020. That is based mostly on spyshots of a camouflaged and left-hand drive unit of the Geely Binyue Cool that has been noticed right here in previous months.

The Binyue Cool appeared in China in 2022 and is a closely facelifted model of the unique Binyue (the SUV the X50 is predicated on) in addition to the Binyue Professional from 2021. Adjustments embrace a extra aggressive entrance fascia with a big black part and honeycomb mesh, accompanied by slimmer and sharper headlamps.

In the meantime, the rear will get what seems to be full-width taillights which can be slimmer in form, joined by a sporty spoiler and acquainted quad tailpipes. Inside, the Binyue Cool noticed right here had two joined screens on an overhauled dashboard, which has redesigned air vents and piano-key type controls. Judging by the sighting of the Binyue Cool right here, it seems like we’ll be skipped the Binyue Professional completely for the X50 facelift.

In China, the Binyue Cool will get a brand new 1.5 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine rather than the earlier three-cylinder unit, though this may not be what we get right here until there’s a shake-up at Proton’s Tanjung Malim engine plant that presently assembles the GEP3 engine.

Proton Saga, Persona, Iriz 2024 MC?

The three remaining members of Proton’s PIES line-up (the Exora has since ceased manufacturing) have been round for fairly a while now. The Saga obtained a facelift (MC2) in 2022 and a brand new transmission supply in 2023, however has in any other case remained unchanged since then.

As for the Persona and Iriz, each had been final up to date in 2021 – marketed for the 2022 mannequin yr – and obtained get some minor tweaks over the months since (an up to date head unit and the Persona shedding its black roof) however remained largely acquainted.

In 2024, these fashions might obtain one other spherical of minor modifications or none in any respect. We all know that correct Proton-developed next-generation fashions are within the works, however the carmaker has not given any indication of timeline simply but. As such, it’s not going we’ll see new generations of the Iriz, Persona or Saga this yr regardless of them being a number of the oldest fashions within the line-up.

good #3

Proton New Vitality Expertise (Professional-Internet) is a subsidiary of Proton that handles distributorship of good EVs in Malaysia, and the #1 was model’s first mannequin to be launched right here in November final yr. In 2024, the corporate’s focus will likely be to fulfil orders for the #1 that had been carried over from 2023, however there’s a chance that the #3 will likely be launched as effectively.

The #3 is the second mannequin to come back from the good Car three way partnership between Geely and Mercedes-Benz, and the EV was first revealed finally yr’s Auto Shanghai. Bigger in dimension than the #1, the #3 is constructed on the identical Sustainable Expertise Structure (SEA) and gives as much as 440 km of vary following the WLTP customary.

Outfitted with a 66-kWh nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) battery, the #3 is on the market with a rear-mounted electrical motor rated at 272 PS (268 hp or 200 kW) or a dual-motor, all-wheel drive setup packing 428 PS (422 hp or 315 kW) – the latter is badged as a Brabus.

These are a number of the issues we expect to see from Proton this yr, so which of those automobiles are you trying ahead to essentially the most? Share your ideas on the matter within the feedback under.

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