Proton SUV based on refreshed Boyue
BASED on the five-seater Geely Boyue, Proton’s first sports utility vehicle will come with the new features of the recently facelifted Chinese model.
The Boyue received a significant facelift in March this year, with upgrades including a 360-degree 3D view camera system, a high-end Morel audio system, keyless rear hatch opening, six USB ports and optional tan brown leather upholstery and carpets.
Exterior upgrades include an allnew front grille design inspired by jet engine air intake manifolds, 19-inch rims, and new wraparound tail lamps.
The 2018 facelifted Boyue is also the first model to have the Geely Smart Ecosystem (GKUI) connected in-car digital platform which supports apps like Alibaba’s AutoNavi navigation, iFlytek voice recognition, ZTE connectivity to 4/5G networks, Ximalaya Radio, Tencent social network, JD Smart Home, high-speed data query, Guahao WeDoctor medical support and Babytree child education.
Using a touchscreen in the centre dashboard, the GKUI platform is designed to be as intuitive as a smartphone for an easy-to-use app experience.
The Boyue was designed in Gothenburg, tuned in the United Kingdom by Horiba Mira for better ride and handling, and features passive safety systems from Bosch.
It is offered with a 139hp/178Nm 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, or a 184hp/285Nm 1.8-litre turbocharged unit with direct injection.
We had driven the pre-facelift 1.8-litre turbocharged Boyue briefly in Ningbo, China last year, and found it to have a smooth and responsive powertrain, a nicely designed interior with a clean dashboard layout, and a comfort-tuned suspension.
This time, during a second media tour of Geely’s facilities in China recently, we were allowed to check out the 2018 facelifted Boyue at a specially cordoned off area at Geely Auto’s plant in Baoji, Shaanxi Province and again, we found a quiet and refined driving experience.
Fitted with Continental UltraContact UC6 performance tyres sized 225/55 R19, there was some turbo lag but once the SUV gets going, it is quite fast and responsive.
It also came with voice command in Mandarin, which can be used for features such as navigation, climate control and sunroof operation.
Proton has stated that its first SUV “will be the first premium C-segment SUV produced by a Malaysian automotive brand and have features usually found on more expensive rivals including a long list of passive, active and cognitive safety systems.”
From a video that was part of a Proton contest that invited the public to vote for the name of its first SUV, it is understood that the SUV will get premium features such as automatic emergency brake assist, besides lane keeping assist, voice command, adaptive cruise control and 360-degree 3D view.
The Proton SUV is in the pipeline for production in Tanjung Malim, Perak.
The Boyue was launched in China in March 2016 and is a top seller for Geely Auto with half a million units sold as of May 2018.
Deliveries in China range from more than 20,000 to 30,000 units a month.