Operasi terkini yang dilakukan oleh Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat untuk menangani aktiviti meminta sedekah di pasar malam Sri Jaya, Maran, Pahang, telah membongkar seorang lelaki yang menyara dirinya melalui meminta sedekah tetapi memiliki sebuah kenderaan utiliti sport (SUV).
Menurut NST, semasa operasi itu, pegawai agensi telah mengamati seorang lelaki tempatan yang memakai jubah dan memakai taqiyah, melintasi pasar malam dan meminta sumbangan dari orang yang lalu di situ. Penampilannya, bersama dengan tangannya yang kecil, pada mulanya membuat pegawai menganggap bahawa dia mungkin memerlukan bantuan sebenar disebabkan oleh kecacatan fizikal.
Walaupun cubaan oleh pegawai penguatkuasaan untuk berkomunikasi dengan lelaki itu dan memahami tujuan di sebalik memintanya, dia tetap tidak responsif. Diperhatikan bahawa dia kelihatan pekak dan bisu, menambah kepada anggapan tentang kerentanannya.
A recent operation conducted by the Social Welfare Department to tackle begging activities in the Sri Jaya night market, Maran, Pahang, led to the exposure of a man who had been sustaining himself through begging but owned a sports utility vehicle (SUV).
According to NST, during the operation, officials from the agency observed a local man clad in a robe and wearing a taqiyah, traversing the night market and soliciting donations from passersby. His appearance, coupled with his small hands, initially led officials to believe he might be in need of genuine assistance due to a physical disability.
Despite attempts by enforcement officers to communicate with the man and ascertain the purpose behind his begging, he remained unresponsive. It was noted that he seemed to be deaf and mute, adding to the assumption of his vulnerability.
Upon closer inspection, officials discovered a substantial amount of banknotes in his possession, suspected to be the proceeds of donations received from sympathetic individuals. Despite persistent requests for identification, the man remained silent.
Proton has achieved another milestone by surpassing the 100,000-unit mark in sales for the fifth consecutive year. This milestone was reached in August, a month earlier than in the previous year. With 13,955 units delivered in the same month, the year-to-date (YTD) sales for 2023 now stand at 104,602 units, which is a significant increase of 19.6% or 17,121 units compared to the first eight months of the previous year.
In August, the total industry volume (TIV) is estimated to be at 74,200 units, giving Proton a market share projection of 18.8% for the month and a YTD market share figure of 20.8%. The company’s volume growth outpaces the TIV, which is estimated to be at 12.2% for 2023.
Proton achieved a productive first half of 2023 by attaining its highest overall sales figures since 2012. With 14,351 units sold in June (domestic + export), total sales have reached 77,321 units, an increase of 28.6% over the same month last year and more than three times faster than the industry’s overall sales growth.
Total industry volume (TIV) is predicted to be 61,900 units in June, translating to a market share for Proton of 23.2%. Year-to-date market share has climbed once more to 21.3%, an increase of 3.2% over the same period in 2022.
The covers are officially off and we can finally share everything there is to know about the new flagship Proton SUV.
One of the biggest debates that has been raging online is the speculation as of the pricing, but it must be said that at the prices listed below, the X90 has undoubtedly shook that market:
Flagship: RM152,800
Premium: RM144,800
Executive: RM130,800
Standard: RM123,800
The third Proton model under the X series after the X50 and X70, the X90 almost checks all the boxes for anyone looking for a decent SUV for their family, or even to be driven in because the 6-seater Flagship model is actually quite comfortable to be driven in or to drive, as this writer found out during a press test up to Genting. Check out the video below:
But before going any further with this article, it is important to understand that the cars we drove were pre-production models. So there were things about it that were not quite up to mark, such as the fact that the wind and tyre noise was quite audible inside the cabin, and power seemed to be lacking as the car simply did not have much torque to rely on when climbing up Genting Highlands.
So it was a bit of a relief to know that the cars we drove were pre-production models, and the cars that will be handed to customers will be better, or so that’s what we were told by Proton’s engineers during a Q&A session after the drive.
But there’s much more to the X90 than just that:
Design
There really isn’t much to say about the design of the X90 that has not been said already. It is slightly different than the Geely HaoYue which it is based on and Proton did have some say in the design direction of the X90 but this was mostly around the front end where the now iconic ethereal bow has a more prominent presence.
As compared to the X50 and X70, the grille features a diamond like design which Proton says has been inspired by a “kain songket” and calls it the infinite weave.
On the inside, there’s the usual updates which we found in the X70 some years ago as well. Such as a new steering wheel design with the Proton logo placed in the middle.
Interior
During the first preview event held about two weeks prior to the press drive, Proton said that the interior of the X90 is sure to surprise. Proton’s Head of Design Azlan Othman had described it as a “well appointed interior”, and we believed him because the interior truly looked and felt good.
But after viewing it under the sun and spending time in it, it must be said that the interior is more than just good, it is the best interior ever seen in a Proton.
Unlike the interior of the X70 that was staid with some boring faux aluminium trimming that felt hollow when explored in detail, the interior of the X90 has none of that.
Well appointed is an understatement with the soft touch plastics, premium stitching and well-built switches. In fact, the interior feels like it belongs in a RM200,000 car. And even though it is not as well put together as a Mazda, it is pretty close. In our opinion at least.
Families will appreciate the overall spaciousness too. It does not matter if you pick the six of seven seater, space is generous. An industry colleague of ours took the third row seats on the way down from Genting, and his 170cm frame was quite comfortable. The only issue with having anyone seated in the third row is that booth space takes a hit and with the third row seats in place there’s only enough space for three to four small to medium sized baggage.
We also like the fact that every passenger gets an air-conditioning vent (roof mounted for the rear passengers) and each also gets a dedicated Type A or Type C USB port. The X90 is definitely well suited for life as a family car.
A 12.3-inch touchscreen entertainment system dominates the dashboard and provides a crisp, clear readout of all the necessary information. There’s no Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but Proton is already finding it difficult to make a case against having those system so we suspect these two must have features may crop up in future models.
Having said that, you will have to rely on the onboard Atlas navigation system, which, as we found out, is not the sharpest tool in the GPS shed. Google Maps and Waze are lightyears ahead in terms of accuracy and for providing real time traffic updates.
On the topic of digital meter panels, there’s also another full digital panel that serves as the instrument cluster. It too offers clear readability but there’s just one complaint here in that it can be quite confusing at first. There’s just too much information on display at any given time, so it does require some getting used to. On that matter, the X70’s instrument panel is easier to read when driving.
On the flipside though, the clarity and sharpness of the X90’s reverse and 360 cameras will put some luxury cars to shame. It’s one of the best in the market right now.
Powerplant
The X90 is powered by the same 1.5-litre, three-cylinder, turbocharged engine as found in the X70 MC. It is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox with power being sent exclusivity to the front wheels.
The engine in the X90 may be the same as the X70 MC, but here the engine is backed up by a belt-started generator (BSG) that basically makes the X90 a mild hybrid.
Proton calls the system the EMS, which stands for Electric Motor Synergy, and you will find that badging under the wing mirrors.
The entire EMS system is made up of the generator, a DC to DC generator, a lithium-ion battery placed under the boot floor, a battery management system, a brake energy recuperation system and a control system to manage the hybrid module.
By itself, the engine produces 177PS and 255Nm of torque. But with the hybrid system added on, the X90 puts out a further 13PS and 45Nm of torque for a total system output of 190PS and 300Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed wet dual-clutch gearbox.
Proton claims that the increase in power allows 10% better acceleration and reduces CO2 emissions by 13%.
One of the key features of the powertrain is something called the ‘Smart Glide’.
Designed to improve efficiency, Smart Glide disengages the gearbox when coasting between 30 and 120km/h for smoother driving. And the engine even switches off at below 15km/h when coming to a standstill to improve fuel economy.
The great thing about this system is that you don’t ever feel it working in the background, and because the meter panel is completely digital, you can’t tell when the engine is switched off either. Most people will be hard pressed to feel it working, such is its smoothness.
Conclusion:
The X90 is by far the most premium car Proton has ever made. The interior is well built and spacious as well and it is a great car for families and executives alike. It offers all the features you like and big families will appreciate the copious amount of legroom that the third row seats have to offer.
It also offers all the driver assistance systems that are expected of modern day cars such as autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, intelligent cruise control, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert (a first for Proton), and the usual passive safety systems as well.
And now with prices starting from just RM123,800, there is no doubt that the Proton X90 is the new flagbearer for the Malaysian SUV segment and currently the best value for money SUV currently in the market.
It’s no secret that Proton has enjoyed unprecedented success with Geely, in fact it is plain to see.
The Chinese automotive giant has not only brought sellable models like the X70 to the table, but also a management overhaul and marketing know-how from its global exploits.
Sales are off the charts but that is not enough for Proton. Other than its pursuit to sell more than it ever has, Proton has also been trying to move its image upmarket to be regarded as a premium carmaker.
To do this Proton has not only introduced cars that look good with impressive craftsmanship, but it has also worked to improve the customer experience at showrooms and service centres.
Since 2018, Proton has been working with dealers to upgrade from 1S centres to full-fledged 3S and 4S centres.
Those that did not want to trade up had to be let go.
This step was taken in the name of customer experience. And there’s no doubt that ever since it took this drastic step, Proton showrooms and service centres have been at their finest in Proton’s history.
With the launch of the Proton X70 at the end of 2018, not only did Proton have a totally new model for its range but it was also the start of a turnaround and ascent for the carmaker which continues to this day.
Besides being the first model developed in collaboration with Geely, DRB-HICOM’s partner in Proton, the X70 was also first premium SUV model from Malaysian carmaker.
More than 10,000 bookings were received even before the X70 reached showrooms around the country.
Two months remain for this year and Proton’s total sales volume for 2022 has passed the full year’s sales volume of 2021. Announcing its October numbers today, the Malaysian carmaker said after 10 months of sales, its cumulative volume has reached 115,362 units. In the same period in 2021, it was only 114,708 units, or a difference of 33.6%.
The 10-month sales volume, which was contributed by the addition of 13,013 units (including exported vehicles) in October, was also noteworthy as it was the company’s highest volume since 2014.
Following the signing of the agreement to appoint the Combined Motor Holdings (CMH) Group as the distributor for Proton vehicles in South Africa in April this year, the Malaysian brand has returned to the continent’s largest passenger vehicle market. Besides Proton, CMH also represents brands such as Ford, Chery, Honda, Toyota, Suzuki, Mahindra, Peugeot and Citroen.
CMH recently held an official relaunch of the brand which included introducing the X70 and X50 SUVs. Manufactured at Proton’s Tg, Malim plant in Perak, the first batch of vehicles was shipped by sea to the port of Durban. Later in the year or in early 2023, CMH will also introduce the Saga.
The first product to be launched when the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely) became DRB-HICOM’s partner in Proton was the X70, ‘Malaysianised’ from the Geely Boyue within a year of the partnership agreement being signed. It has remained a strong seller in the 4 years it has been in the market and is sold overseas as well.
Although demand remains strong, Proton is not taking things for granted and has given it some updating for the 2022 model launched online this morning. As with most midcycle changes, the new features are largely cosmetic with no changes to stamped parts to avoid incurring new production costs.
These include quartz black finishing on the front and rear bumpers, new 19-inch alloy wheels, power tailgate with foot sensor for handsfree opening and Nappa leather seats with new black headlining. Other features remain unchanged for each of the 5 variants.
1.5-litre 12-valve 3-cylinder engine
However, under the bonnet, there is significant change with an additional engine option. This is the 1.5-litre JLH-3G15TD engine jointly developed by Geely and Volvo. It is already used in the X50 as well as export versions of the X70. If you add the other Geely Group models it is used in, the engine is powering vehicles in 22 countries.
Actually, if you look at Geely’s history, you will find that its very first car, the HQ/Haoqing, had a 3-cylinder engine. This was the 1-litre unit that was originally developed by Daihatsu for its Charade and which Geely licensed to make and use in its own models. That was back in the late 1990s and with the technology of that period, the output was around 50 ps with 70 Nm of torque.
The 1.5-litre 3-cylinder 12-valve engine in the latest X70 produces 177 ps/255 Nm and it shows just how far engine technology has advanced. Of course, it has a larger displacement and has a turbocharger and direct fuel injection to boost power output, as well as other technologies that were not available in the 1990s.
3-cylinder engines have been around all along since the late 1970s when Daihatsu started mass-producing them for the Charade and other models. Millions of Malaysians have also been driving cars with them as they are used in Perodua models. But the reason why this configuration has gained more widespread use over the past 15 years has been that the industry has been downsizing powerplants to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. With turbocharging and more advanced fuel delivery, it has been possible to squeeze more out of a 3-cylinder engine with a smaller displacement. The reduced displacement and size means less consumption, which Proton claims is 7% less than the 1.8-litre engine.
The earlier generation of 3-cylinder engines were noisy, partly because of vibrating more due to their odd firing pulses and also because they were usually in low-cost models. Today, with more extensive measures against noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), their inherent noises are masked more effectively from the cabin.
One interesting measure in the X50 engine is the use of a softer material for the engine cover, which is usually just hard plastic that doesn’t absorb sound so well. Furthermore, much of the engine bay is also covered up, helping to contain mechanical noises.
Is it less durable?
There are some who feel that a 3-cylinder engine may not be as durable and lasting as a 4-cylinder engine because it has to work harder. Where durability is concerned, the engine has been tested thoroughly over 12 million kms in all types of conditions. And because it is already in over 750,000 vehicles globally, there is plenty of real-world feedback to help the engineers identify any areas needing improvement or rectification. So what Malaysians are now getting (the engine is assembled at the Tg. Malim factory as well) could be considered an optimised version with all the improvements made over the past few years.
There’s a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (wet type) which sends power to the front wheels or all four wheels, the latter all-wheel drive system having been demanded by some customers. It was available initially in the CBU models from China but omitted with the locally-assembled version. Whether to pay the extra RM5,800 for having AWD is really up to you. Where we would have said (and that would be years ago) that AWD can help make driving safer with better grip and stability, there are many active systems like ESC and traction control which can also provide stability and grip in slippery conditions so the added cost of AWD (plus some extra weight) may not be necessary any longer.
First driving impressions
As the cosmetic and feature changes are minimal, let’s jump straight to the first impressions we had of the X70 running with the 1.5-litre engine. Though it’s been in the X50 a while, this writer has not driven that model so far so the comparisons would be with the X70 1.8 that has been on sale for 4 years now – and the last time we drove the car was just before the MCO began.
Anyway, Proton’s drive event earlier in the week was for us to get brief impressions of the performance which they expect to be of interest to many in view of the heavier and larger vehicle size. It was a short drive around Selangor, about 130 kms, with mostly highways and moderate traffic conditions. A more comprehensive video report will be done later when we can get a new X70 for a longer period.
Generally, if not told whether it is a 1.5 or 1.8 engine, most people are unlikely to discern the difference except either someone who owns one or the enthusiasts who are more sensitive to the smallest differences. However, when accelerating hard, there is still that familiar ‘motorboat noise’ of 3-cylinder units but it is not too intrusive due to the good NVH measures. It sounds ‘distant’ and is at a frequency that does not irritate. In terms of engine smoothness, there’s virtually no difference to the X70 1.8 when cruising.
On paper, the difference in 0 to 100 km/h time is said to be just 3/10ths of a second longer than the X70 1.8 and though this seems insignificant, there is some perceptible difference at the lower end when you accelerate hard. To compensate for the lower output but heavy body, the maximum torque is available 250 rpm earlier than in the 1.8 engine, but the engine doesn’t surge off the way the X70 does.
But then again, how often does the average driver floor the pedal when moving off, unless he or she is in a real hurry? In real-world driving (which is how I assess a car), the acceleration is strong enough to move off briskly and get up to speed fast enough.
The more important thing is how quickly the car can accelerate in mid-range as this is when you overtake others or join a highway. With plenty of torque, there’s little lag and the engine doesn’t hesitate, accelerating cleanly from low revs. And the 7-speed DCT also provides a good spread of gears to smoothly transition up and down.
One thing that would be interesting to check is how the engine performs on steep inclines, Unfortunately, we could not do this as our route was generally flat. That it has only 4% less power may not be an issue on level roads but the heavy weight could have an effect on performance when climbing slopes. In the lighter X50, it is okay but we’re not sure about the X70 and that’s something we’ll have to find out later on.
While Proton still has the supply issues delaying deliveries, the earlier you book, the better since you get in the queue earlier. The prices quoted are without sales tax and the Finance Minister has said before that the exemption will not be extended again. So the number of customers who book today who can get the lower price may be very few as there are still others waiting for their X70s.
