Proton's been working with Italdesign Giugiaro to produce a compact concept car that's both a hybrid and a pseudo SUV. The car is being showcased at the 80th International Motor Show in Geneva.
Judging by the picture on the left, the yet-to-be-named concept hybrid car looks novel and attractive, and has interesting features to boot.
For instance, the compact-size concept hatchback maximises interior roominess (hence its tortoise-like shape) and comes with seats that are positioned at a height where most people can simply hop on and hop off easily, like the way we do with SUVs.
Its floor is raised to accommodate a conventional engine as well as a hybrid system’s batteries in the rear.
No information has been given in the initial Press Release on when the proof-of-concept car would be produced. Reportedly, one of the three being showcased in Geneva runs, although that remains to be seen.
Also, judging by how much more refinement is required from concept to production model, it may take a while and the process may result in disappointments.
For instance, those funky windows that slide downwards from midpoint are way too small to be safe. So, you can expect the production version to have more conventional windows, thus changing the concept car's novel look and shape substantially.
Those LED front lights are also non-commercially attractive for the mass produced low-to-mid range production version. So, we'll have to expect them to go as well, hence compromising the look and shape of the concept car further.
And of course, there's the question of rims and tyres. The concept car comes with suitably sized large rims, low profile tyres and sporty ride height. You can expect those to be excluded from the production model due to cost cutting considerations.
Also, for the sceptics whom Proton has cultivated through the years with its perennial quality control issues, the production model that comes from the concept may be riddled with quality problems as well.
So, on the balance, well done Proton for coming up with a good looking concept car that's distinctive. Let's hope you don't "screw the pooch" by producing shoddy production versions of the concept car, thereby dashing the hopes and expectations of Malaysians who are forced to continue supporting your need for domestic market protection.
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Addendum: Proton's named its concept car EMAS - Eco Mobility Advanced Solution. Not very imaginative, albeit the acronym makes sense. According to CBT, the car will be produced in the next 18 months.
For more information, visit http://cbt.com.my/100302/geneva-pre-motor-show
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Addendum II: Catch the video of the concept car EMAS being driven around on its own power. Clearly, it moves. Can't say for sure if it's using a hybrid engine or a conventional engine, but it moves. As for the other two variants, they're CGI.
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