In addition to the facelifted X70, Proton also confirmed yesterday that its first plug-in hybrid model will launch next year, around the same time as its first battery-electric vehicle. While a PHEV has been around for some time from the national automaker, this is the first time it has given a timeline for the car’s launch.
No details yet, but given that the launch is only about a year away, we can speculate that it will likely be based on an existing Geely model. This will almost certainly be powered by the NordThor BHE15 Plus plug-in hybrid system, which is based on a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an Atkinson cycle producing 163 PS/255 Nm.
In combination with a 145 hp/338 Nm electric motor and a three-speed hybrid transmission (DHT), up to 390 hp and 535 Nm of torque are provided. Depending on the model and variant, different battery sizes are installed, enabling a purely electric range of up to 90 km.
The NordThor PHEV powertrain will be installed in a number of models in China, including the Galaxy L7. This is the plug-in version of the latest Boyue L, which is based on the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) – meaning it could be offered in Malaysia as the next-generation X70. However, given that the facelifted first-generation model is scheduled to launch later this year, such a car should be marketed under a different nameplate.
Proton’s focus on profitable SUV models means the L7 is the most likely option, but there is also a sedan sibling called the L6. In contrast to the S70, this is a true C-segment model that is significantly larger and could therefore be sold as a premium alternative.
The NordThor powertrain can also be found in Geely’s mainstream models and carries Hi-P branding. The Emgrand L and the Xingyue L are currently available as PHEV models, the latter also in a long-range version with a purely electric range of up to 205 km.
Alternatively, Proton could simply install an electric motor and battery into its existing 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder, which is already produced in Malaysia. This offers the additional advantage that it theoretically fits into the current models, especially since it would also work with the seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.
However, there’s a catch: such a powertrain is only available in the Volvo XC40 T5 Recharge, meaning Proton would have to work with Gothenburg to bring the technology to our market. The XC40 produces a total of 262 hp and 425 Nm of torque and offers a purely electric range of 44 km with a 10.7 kWh lithium-ion battery.
Which of these options would you like to see as Proton’s first PHEV in Malaysia? Sound off in the comments after the jump.
GALLERY: Geely Galaxy L7 at Auto China 2024
GALLERY: Geely Galaxy L6
GALLERY: Geely Emgrand L Hi-P
GALLERY: Geely Xingyue L Hi-X
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