Geely Auto sedang mengukuhkan kehadirannya di Asia Tenggara dengan menubuhkan kilang pemasangan kenderaan di Vietnam, sebuah langkah strategik untuk memperluas pengaruhnya di rantau ini. Kilang baharu tersebut dijangka mempunyai kapasiti pengeluaran sebanyak 75,000 unit kereta setiap tahun dan merupakan sebahagian daripada usaha sama dengan Syarikat Saham Bersama Tasco Vietnam.
Dengan jumlah pelaburan sebanyak AS$168 juta, Geely akan menyumbang 36% daripada kos pembiayaan, manakala Tasco akan menampung bakinya. Selain itu, Geely juga merancang untuk membangunkan rantaian bekalan tempatan dan menubuhkan pusat penyelidikan dan pembangunan (R&D) automotif di Vietnam, memperkukuh peranan Vietnam sebagai hab pembuatan yang semakin penting di Asia Tenggara.
Geely Auto is making significant moves to expand its presence in Southeast Asia by establishing a vehicle assembly plant in Vietnam. This new plant will have the capacity to produce 75,000 cars annually and is part of a joint venture with Vietnam’s Tasco Joint Stock Company.
The total investment for this project is projected to be around US$168 million, with Geely contributing 36% of the funding, while Tasco will cover the remainder.
Proton sedang mempersiapkan pengembangan ketara dalam operasi eksport globalnya, termasuk pulangan strategik ke pasaran UK dan memasuki pasaran pemanduan kanan baharu di Asia, Afrika Selatan, serta kemasukan semula ke Australia dan New Zealand. Langkah ini merupakan sebahagian daripada strategi besar Proton untuk memperluaskan jejak globalnya, seperti yang dinyatakan oleh sumber rapat dengan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Li Chunrong.
Pelaburan Strategik dan Kemudahan Baru
Kemudahan terbaru Proton, Lembah Berteknologi Tinggi Automotif (AHTV) di Tanjung Malim, adalah hasil pelaburan besar daripada Geely dan DRB-HICOM Berhad. Dengan anggaran pelaburan sehingga £7.9 bilion, AHTV akan meningkatkan kapasiti pembuatan Proton secara signifikan. Kemudahan ini dijangka menjadi kunci dalam strategi Proton untuk memasuki semula pasaran yang telah ditinggalkan dan meneroka pasaran baharu. Sebelumnya, Proton menjual model di UK dari tahun 1989 hingga 2014.
Geely telah melancarkan generasi keempat Geely Emgrand 2025 di China, memperkenalkan perubahan kecil pada bahagian luaran dan dalaman. Emgrand baharu ini tersedia dalam empat varian dengan harga antara 69,900 yuan (RM45,294) dan 88,900 yuan (RM57,606), menawarkan pilihan yang menarik dalam segmen sedan kompak.
Dimensi dan Reka Bentuk
Ukuran: Panjang 4638mm, lebar 1820mm, dan tinggi 1460mm dengan jarak roda 2650mm.
Roda: Rim 16 inci atau 17 inci.
Grille Tengah: Reka bentuk ‘waterfall’ dengan 16 palang menegak dan logo perak baharu Geely.
Belakang: Ekor itik kecil dan lampu belakang LED jenis tembus hitam dengan 190 unit LED.
Prestasi dan Powertrain
Enjin: 1.5 liter aspirasi semulajadi, menghasilkan 127hp dan tork 152Nm.
Transmisi: Manual 5-kelajuan (5MT) atau 8-kelajuan boleh ubah berterusan (8CVT).
Dalaman dan Ciri
Rekaan Dalaman: Peningkatan kepada pilihan dalaman oren dan konfigurasi perisikan yang ditingkatkan.
Panel Instrumen: LCD penuh 12.3 inci dan skrin kawalan tengah 12.3 inci.
Stereng: Empat jejari bawah rata.
Sistem Operasi: Galaxy OS yang dipertingkatkan untuk pengalaman pengguna yang moden dan intuitif.
Ciri Dalaman Tambahan
Saluran keluar penghawa dingin automatik dengan kemasan krom.
Hook hands-free pada pintu.
Petak storage dua lapisan pada konsol tengah.
Konfigurasi Lanjutan
Cruise control
Radar Parkir
Bantuan parkir
Bantuan hill-start
Atap matahari boleh dibuka
Kemasukan tanpa kunci
Pelarasan elektrik dan pemanasan cermin luar
Pembantu keselamatan telefon pintar untuk pemantauan jauh, kawalan dan akses kepada maklumat kenderaan.
Populariti dan Tarikan Antarabangsa
Geely Emgrand, yang berfungsi sebagai asas kepada Proton S70 di Malaysia, terus menarik perhatian dengan elemen reka bentuk yang dikemas kini, ciri dalaman yang dipertingkatkan dan teknologi canggih. Emgrand baharu ini bersedia untuk mengekalkan popularitinya di pasaran China sambil turut menarik perhatian pengguna antarabangsa.
The 2025 fourth-generation Geely Emgrand has officially launched in China, featuring minor modifications to both its exterior and interior. Available in four trims, the new Emgrand is priced between 69,900 yuan (RM45,294) and 88,900 yuan (RM57,606), offering an affordable option within the compact sedan segment.
Dimensions and Design
The 2025 Geely Emgrand maintains its dimensions from the previous model, measuring 4638mm in length, 1820mm in width, and 1460mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2650mm. The car continues to run on 16-inch or 17-inch rims, emphasising its standard compact sedan form.
As an annual update model, the new Emgrand preserves much of the previous design while introducing a few notable changes. The centre grille now features a straight waterfall shape with 16 vertical bars, accompanied by Geely’s new silver logo. The lower section includes L-shaped chrome trims on both sides. At the rear, a small ducktail and a blackened through-type taillight group, composed of 190 LED units, provide a modern touch.
Performance and Powertrain
Under the hood, the Emgrand is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine that delivers a maximum power of 127hp and a peak torque of 152Nm. The engine is paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission (5MT) or an 8-speed continuously variable transmission (8CVT), offering a blend of performance and efficiency.
Interior and Features
Inside, the 2025 Geely Emgrand largely retains the design layout of its predecessor, with some enhancements. A new orange interior option has been introduced, along with upgrades to the intelligence configuration. The cockpit is equipped with a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument panel and a 12.3-inch central control screen, complemented by a four-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel. The car’s operating system has been upgraded to Galaxy OS, ensuring a modern and intuitive user experience.
Additional interior features include an automatic air-conditioner outlet with chrome trim on the co-pilot dashboard, a hands-free hook on the door trim, and a double-layer storage compartment on the center console that can accommodate two mobile phones.
Advanced Configurations
The new Emgrand comes with a suite of advanced features aimed at enhancing convenience and safety. These include:
Cruise control
Rear parking radar
Parking assist
Hill-start assist
Openable sunroof
Keyless entry
Electric adjustment and heating of exterior mirrors
Mobile phone remote intelligent safety assistant, which allows for remote monitoring, control, and access to vehicle information such as engine start/stop, car lock/unlock, and air conditioner control.
The Geely Emgrand, which serves as the basis for the Proton S70 in Malaysia, continues to offer a compelling package for compact sedan enthusiasts. With its updated design elements, enhanced interior features, and advanced technology, the new Emgrand is poised to maintain its popularity in the Chinese market while also appealing to international audiences.
Geely baru-baru ini melancarkan sel bateri lithium besi fosfat (LFP) baru yang menampilkan ketumpatan tenaga yang mengagumkan sebanyak 192 Wj/kg, hayat perkhidmatan 50 tahun, kemampuan pengecasan pantas, dan kehilangan kapasiti minimum dalam cuaca sejuk. Bateri ini bertujuan untuk mengatasi pelbagai kebimbangan yang berkaitan dengan kenderaan elektrik (EV) di luar kos awal mereka.
Ciri Utama Bateri LFP Baharu Geely:
Ketumpatan Tenaga dan Panjang Umur:
Ketumpatan Tenaga: 192 Wj/kg.
Hayat Perkhidmatan: 50 tahun dengan 3,500 kitaran pengecasan, bersamaan dengan kira-kira sejuta kilometer.
Pengecasan Cepat:
Kelajuan Pengecasan: Mengecas kepada kapasiti 80% dalam masa kurang daripada 20 minit, khususnya mencapai pengecasan 10% hingga 80% dalam masa 17 minit sahaja.
Penambahbaikan Teknologi: Menggunakan tiub nano karbon dan filem penutup yang dipertingkatkan untuk mempercepatkan pergerakan ion lithium, menyumbang kepada masa pengecasan yang lebih pantas.
Prestasi Cuaca Sejuk:
Kehilangan Julat Minimum: Mengalami hanya 10% kehilangan julat dalam keadaan yang sangat sejuk, setanding dengan sel LFP pengecas pantas CATL yang diperkenalkan tahun lepas.
Ketahanan dan Keselamatan:
Ujian Tegas: Tertakluk kepada keadaan yang teruk termasuk pendedahan kepada nyalaan terbuka, menusuk, berguling, tenggelam dalam air laut yang menghakis dan beroperasi dalam persekitaran beku.
Inovasi Teknologi: Mempunyai pemisah tahan haba dan teknologi elektrod penyembuhan sendiri yang lulus semua ujian ketahanan, memastikan prestasi dan keselamatan yang mantap.
Geely has unveiled its new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cell, boasting an impressive energy density of 192 Wh/kg, a 50-year service life, rapid charging capabilities, and minimal capacity loss in cold weather. This new battery technology aims to address various concerns about electric vehicles (EVs) beyond their initial cost.
Key Features of Geely’s New LFP Battery:
Energy Density and Longevity:
Energy Density: 192 Wh/kg.
Service Life: 50 years with 3,500 charge cycles, equating to about a million kilometres.
Rapid Charging:
Charging Speed: Charges to 80% capacity in under 20 minutes, specifically achieving 10% to 80% charge in just 17 minutes.
Technological Enhancements: Utilises carbon nanotubes and an enhanced cover film to accelerate lithium ion movement, contributing to faster charging times.
Cold Weather Performance:
Minimal Range Loss: Experiences only a 10% range loss in extremely cold conditions, comparable to CATL’s fast-charging LFP cell introduced last year.
Durability and Safety:
Rigorous Testing: Subjected to harsh conditions including exposure to open flames, puncturing, rolling over, submersion in corrosive seawater, and operation in freezing environments.
Technological Innovations: Features a thermally resistant separator and self-healing electrode technology that passed all durability tests, ensuring robust performance and safety.
Proton telah membuka pusat penyelidikan dan pembangunan (R&D) di China baru-baru ini untuk mengukuhkan usaha kerjasama dengan rakan kongsi Zhejiang Geely Holding Ltd (Geely) dalam langkah untuk melengkapkan kemudahan sedia ada di Malaysia. Bertempat di Institut Penyelidikan Automobil Geely (GRI) di Teluk Hangzhou, pembukaan pusat R&D Proton (China) juga bertepatan dengan ulang tahun ke-50 hubungan diplomatik antara China dan Malaysia.
Keupayaan Proton untuk mengkonseptualisasikan, mereka bentuk, membina dan mengeluarkan kenderaan baharu dari awal telah membezakannya daripada jenama nasional yang lain. Proton akan terus melabur dan mengembangkan kemudahan R&D tempatan di Shah Alam dan Tanjong Malim, Malaysia, sambil membangunkan kumpulan modal insan yang berpengalaman. Sejak beberapa dekad yang lalu, Proton telah memupuk kecekapan yang unik bukan sahaja di Malaysia tetapi juga di rantau ASEAN.
Dengan pembukaan pusat R&D Proton (China), kebolehan ini kini telah diperkukuhkan dengan meningkatkan sinergi kecekapan dalaman Proton dengan sumber dan pengetahuan Geely. Pusat ini juga akan membantu meningkatkan kerjasama rentas sempadan, memudahkan pemindahan pengetahuan antara Proton dan Geely, serta memacu inovasi untuk produk yang sesuai bagi memenuhi keperluan pelanggan Proton. Dengan aspirasi yang mencerminkan kisah kejayaan Teknologi Kenderaan Euro China (CEVT) di Gothenburgh, Sweden, perkembangan terbaharu ini mampu mendorong pusat R&D Proton di Malaysia menjadi pusat R&D global kumpulan Geely yang keenam dalam rangkaian tersebut.
Untuk memaksimumkan kekukuhan masing-masing dan menyesuaikan diri dengan keperluan pembangunan strategik kumpulan, pusat baharu itu akan mengabungkan kepakaran dan pengalaman jurutera dari Malaysia dan China. Akhirnya, dengan tenaga kerja kira-kira 50 pekerja, ia akan menjadi rangka kerja untuk latihan dan output bakat antarabangsa Proton dan Geely.
Proton recently opened its research and development (R&D) centre in China, marking a significant milestone in its partnership with Zhejiang Geely Holding Ltd (Geely). Situated within the Geely Automobile Research Institute (GRI) at Hangzhou Bay, the Proton R&D Centre (China) aims to complement its existing facilities in Malaysia and enhance collaborative efforts with Geely.
This new centre is poised to strengthen Proton’s R&D capabilities by leveraging synergies between its existing competencies and Geely’s resources and expertise. It will facilitate cross-border collaboration, knowledge transfer, and innovation to develop products tailored to meet the needs of Proton’s customers.
Proton has come a long way since the launch of the first-generation Proton Saga back in 1985. They have evolved and adapted to current trends to ensure their survival in the ever-changing automotive market.
How? Well, we all know Proton’s collaboration with Geely to introduce models that can compete with other manufacturers. But does it stand out from the rest? We recently got to test out Proton’s latest model, the Proton S70. Now, Proton claims it to be a C-Segment sedan. This means the S70 is competing with the Toyota Corolla Altis and the Honda Civic.
However, the S70 is a rebadge of the Geely Emgrand sedan, which is a B-Segment sedan. So we don’t think that the S70 belongs in the C-Segment and it should actually be competing with the Honda City and Toyota Vios. But even then, is the S70 better than the two?
Visually, the car looks pleasing. It has a sporty yet elegant design with refined lines and curves. The LED taillights are something we really love because of their striking light bar that does a little dance when you unlock and lock the car. The front grille is adorned with chrome pin inserts and LED projector headlamps, which also does a little dance.
If you’re getting the Flagship X, which is the variant we drove, you get a sunroof. Not ideal for our Malaysian weather, but it looks cool. It also comes with 17-inch 10-spoke wheels wrapped in Goodyear Assurance TripleMax 2 tires.
There was nothing not to like about the S70’s visual cues because it is a pretty good-looking car. We were given the one in Teal Bayou Green, which is one of the best options because it brings out the elegance in the car. We managed to turn some heads too! However, the more popular choice is Marine Blue because it has a three-month waiting period.
Moving on to the interior. This is where we have some complaints. Now, the S70 measures 4,638mm long, 1,820mm wide, and 1,460mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,650mm. This makes it slightly smaller than the Emgrand but larger than the Proton Preve. This writer has owned a Preve before and would like to point out that the Preve had more legroom than the S70. For the driver, it’s no issue to adjust the seat to however you’re comfortable with. However, if you’re a rear-seat passenger, you may struggle as the rear legroom space is horrible.
For it to be a family sedan or a “C-Segment” sedan, this should not be an issue. We took our family for a drive, and they struggled to get in and out of the car. The driver and front passenger had to get out of the car and push the seats to the front to allow the rear-seat passengers to get out. If the ones sitting at the back are elderly, tall, and people, they might struggle a bit more. So we were very disappointed with the interior spacing. If it’s just the driver and a front passenger, it’s fine because you have the luxury of pushing your seats to the back.
Now on to the infotainment system. The S70 comes with a 10.3-inch instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Decent sizing compared to the TV screens that some cars nowadays get. The biggest flaw is that it does not have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and we absolutely hate this. If this were integrated, it would have made life so much easier. But not to worry, Proton has stated that these features will soon be added, and a simple software update is needed. Unless you own older models, then a hardware upgrade will be needed.
Adding to the frustration, the positioning of the infotainment screen on the S70 is rather annoying. We feel like it is too close to the air conditioning vents. If you are the type of person who relies on using your phone for Google Maps or Waze, it’s going to be an issue because the only option you have for a phone holder is the one with the suction cup that sticks to the windshield.
Although it can be done, it will leave a mark on the windshield. This writer personally uses the one that clips onto the air conditioning vents and that was a hassle because the pop-out buttons that are below the vents were in the way of the phone, and the infotainment screen was bulging out a bit that the clip could not fully be latched on. So we had no choice but to use the driver-side air conditioning vent. Which meant that the said vent was useless, other than cooling down the phone.
Yes, we know that there are many options when it comes to phone holders, but it is still a hassle to find one that suits this car perfectly.
Sometimes, physical buttons are the best way to go, in our books at least. But some somethings were not taken into consideration such as switching the drive modes, adjusting the air conditioning temperature, and operating the sunroof. You must go through the infotainment screen to do so.
The integrated GPS can be a little buggy as it stopped halfway while we were using it. But thankfully Proton’s voice command worked well so we were able to set the GPS again without messing around with the screen.
Now let’s talk power. The Geely Emgrand is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol engine that puts out 102PS and 142Nm of torque. Proton S70 has a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-three which is also found in the Proton X50. This pushes the power a little bit higher to 150PS and 226Nm of torque. It’s paired with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.
The S70 struggles a little bit when you hit the throttle because the power only kicks in after a few seconds. Only when it gets going, you will feel the power. We find it to be just enough. If you need a little bit more kick, you can switch it to Sports mode which sharpens the throttle response and the brakes become a bit more sensitive in a good way. However, the throttle can feel a little choppy at times but it takes getting used to. The auto-hold function works perfectly fine and you can play around with it to see which suits you best.
Another thing that we noticed is that the engine sound can get a bit loud especially if the car is idling. Inside, you won’t hear it that much unless you floor it, but when standing outside, it is very noticeable.
The flat-bottomed steering wheel feels comfortable and gives us the confidence to take corners and because of the front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam, the S70 takes corners like a champion. On the highway, Sports mode is the way to go, unless you’re stuck in traffic then we suggest switching it to Eco mode but around the city, Comfort mode would be the better choice.
When we picked up the car, we had a full tank and a total driving range of 777km. After all the driving and testing, we still had around 250km left. So it is safe to say that there will be no range anxiety when it comes to the S70.
For a car that is priced at RM94,800 (OTR without insurance), it comes with a decent amount of safety features. The ones that we used often were the Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention. And if anything were to happen, the S70 comes with six airbags.
The S70 1.5T Executive is priced at RM73,800, the Premium at RM79,800, the Flagship at RM89,800 and the Flagship X at RM94,800. We were amazed by how low the prices were when Proton first announced them.
The Honda City’s pricing starts from RM84,900 to RM111,900 and the Toyota Vios is from RM89,600 to RM95,500. So the S70’s prices are more affordable compared to the two competitors.
The question now is, would we get the S70? If we were willing to sacrifice legroom space, not having Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, then perhaps we might get it. But this is just our two cents about it. Perhaps you, the readers, might have a different perspective about the Proton S70.
Specifications
Engine: 1.5 litre turbocharged inline-three
Transmission: Seven-speed wet dual-clutch
Power: 150PS
Torque: 226Nm
Price (as tested): RM94,800
We like: Looks, Feel and Price
We don’t like: Lack of space, infotainment system, and choppy throttle
