The highly-anticipated Proton eMas 5 continues its slow tease ahead of its expected launch later this month, with the order books officially open for the entry-level electric vehicle. With the news comes the announcement of estimated pricing, set to make this automotive the most cost effective EV in Malaysia because of Proton’s ability to dip below the RM100,000 floor price for CBU models.
Prices are expected to begin from RM60,000 for the bottom Prime, rising as much as RM80,000 for the longer-range Premium. This being Proton, you’ll be able to expect a wide range of launch promos to be offered, with those that book now from RM99 already getting an eMas-branded Touch ‘n Go NFC card with RM100 preloaded and an extra RM500 off the booking fee.
Essentially a Geely Xingyuan – rumoured to be sold globally because the EX2 – with a unique badge, the eMas 5 will likely be offered with the identical rear-motor powertrains. While detailed specs for the Prime are usually not known, expect it to be equivalent to its Chinese sibling, which churns out 79 PS (58 kW) and 130 Nm of torque.
What has been confirmed is the range, which is a measly 225 km on the WLTP cycle, via the 30.12 kWh CATL lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. The Premium bumps outputs to 116 PS (85 kW) and 150 Nm, getting it from zero to 50 km/h (no, not 100 km/h) in 3.9 seconds. A bigger 40.16 kWh battery delivers a more usable range of 325 km.
Charging from 30 to 80% using a DC fast charger takes 21 minutes on each models, with the Premium accepting as much as 71 kW; it can also support as much as 6.6 kW of AC charging. Because of its rear-drive layout, the eMas 5 uses multilink rear suspension slightly than the torsion beam that’s the segment norm.
From the surface and in, the eMas 5 is practically equivalent to the Xingyuan, although Proton has still seen fit to wrap the automotive in camouflage ahead of the official launch. The organic exterior design features shapely head- and taillights, a clean front end with slim air inlets and flush door handles.
One difference over the Geely is the C-pillar appliqué, which dispenses with the Chinese model’s linear graphics in favour of a starry motif (presumably referencing the Geely version’s Chinese name, which roughly translates to “star wish”). A complete of 5 exterior colors will likely be offered – Moonstone White, Graphite Silver, Slate Grey and the Premium-exclusive Marble Cream and Quartz Rose.
Inside, the eMas 5 retains the Xingyuan’s dual-cowl dashboard design, albeit with the steering wheel now on the suitable side. Nevertheless, as an alternative of the Geely’s skyline motif on the illuminated gloss black decor, the Proton gets a more subtle “shooting star” pattern.
Also retained is a two-spoke steering wheel and a slender centre console featuring a smartphone holder (no Qi wireless charger for Malaysia, unfortunately), a limited amount of air-con buttons and a stubby gear selector toggle. Buyers will have the option to select from Flint Grey and Alabaster White, the latter applied to Marble Cream and Quartz Rose units.
Front and centre is a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, running on a reskinned Atlas interface (as per the X50) slightly than the Xingyuan’s Flyme Auto system. Meaning it can include the X50’s features corresponding to a Bahasa Malaysia language option – even for the “Hi Proton” voice control – and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from the get-go.
Features specific to the EV include an integrated live charging map, accessible through either the built-in navigation or the eMas smartphone app – just like the eMas 7 and smart models. An 8.8-inch digital instrument display can be fitted.
Standard kit includes halogen headlights, 16-inch steel wheels, manual seats and air-con (the Xingyuan is accessible with a powered driver’s seat and auto air-con), rear air vents and pretend leather upholstery. Only the complete equipment list for the Premium has been revealed to date, equipped with notable additions corresponding to LED exterior lighting, a black roof, alloys, six speakers, a 360-degree camera and a powered tailgate.
Measuring 4,135 mm long, 1,805 mm wide and 1,580 mm tall with a 2,650 mm wheelbase, the eMas 5 is barely smaller than the BYD Dolphin. Its rear motor frees up space for a 70 litre front boot, while the rear boot measures an honest 375 litres, expandable to 1,320 litres with the rear seats folded. Proton also claims the automotive has a complete of 32 storage spaces throughout, including 28 litre cubbies under the rear seats.
By way of driver assists, the eMas 5 will include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring, lane change assist, front departure alert, rear collision warning, a door opening warning and auto high beam. These features are exclusive to the Premium model, although six airbags and stability control ought to be standard.
The sub-RM100,000 segment is ready to be teeming with electric competitors in the approaching months. While the marginally larger BYD Atto 2 SUV starts at that mark, the primary 800 buyers (which the automotive can have already reached) receive six months of instalment-free ownership that ought to bring the effective price closer to RM90,000. A more in-depth rival is the Dongfeng Box, currently offered with a RM20,000 trade-in and rebate offer.
Also set to do battle with the eMas 5 is the TQ Wuling Bingo, which is predicted to reach in CKD form and be priced below RM100,000 out of the box. However the elephant of the room is in fact Perodua’s first EV, which will not be only the corporate’s first indigenously-developed automotive but can be slated to be offered with rental batteries to guard resale values. Which of those would you get? Tell us within the comments.
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This Article First Appeared At paultan.org
