If you’re aware of Proton, it says one or two things about you. You’re either well versed with what goes on in motoring around the world or you’re, um, of a certain age. Malaysia’s national car was last seen in the country in the late ‘90s and had to pull out of the market because of the Asian Financial Crisis.
Proton is still alive and kicking. It’s very much active in its home market and has been under Geely for a few years now. Some of the Geely-based models that Proton sell include the previous generation Azkarra, Coolray, and Okavango. Now, there’s a new one that’s been added.
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Dubbed the Proton S70, it’s better known here as the Geely Emgrand. It’s Proton’s first all-new sedan in years, and it’s a very important model too. Interestingly, it shares the same name as a Volvo model from the ‘90s. Before you ask, it’s completely unrelated to that model, and your Emgrand will never be a Volvo.
Now that we’ve gotten the whole ‘Geely is a Volvo’ thing out of the way, what are the differences between the Proton S70 and Geely Emgrand? From the outside, it looks like an Emgrand with a different grille because, well, it is. It’s the same story at the back with the Geely branding replaced by Proton. Even the wheels are the same as the ones sitting in showrooms right now.
There are more noteworthy differences inside. While the dashboard and general layout are the same, you’ll spot a few changes here and there. For starters, it has a unique instrument cluster display unlike the Geely-badged model. Second is the overhauled infotainment system that appears to use Proton’s own software. And yes, it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Lastly, the S70 has a different gear selector, but that’s because it shifts with a different gearbox. Instead of a CVT, the Proton comes with a dual-clutch transmission. Not only that, it uses a 1.5-liter, three-cylinder turbo engine under the hood. While it loses a cylinder, it gains a lot more in power. From 102hp and 142Nm of torque, the boosted three-pot raises those numbers to 148hp and 226Nm of torque. Those are figures we’d love to see in the local Emgrand.
While there’s virtually no chance of the Proton S70 coming to the Philippines, there are a few things we’d like to see in the local Emgrand. It would be nice if it gained Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and that healthy horsepower boost would be very welcome.
