Recently at a media session, Proton just showed off the e.MAS 7 PHEV, a model that made history as the first electrified car in Malaysia to combine two power sources. As the name suggests, the e.MAS 7 PHEV is a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) that uses a combination of a conventional petrol engine and an electric motor, providing flexibility and efficiency for daily and long-distance driving.
In terms of market positioning, the e.MAS 7 PHEV belongs to the C-segment SUV category. At a glance at the exterior design, it appears slightly different compared to the regular e.MAS 7 version. The most noticeable is the design of the headlights which are now connected with a strip of lights from left to right, giving a more modern and futuristic image. The same design concept is also used on the rear brake lights, making the overall design look neater and more premium.
Proton offers three variants for the e.MAS 7 PHEV, namely Prime, Premium and Premium+. For the Prime and Premium variants, it is equipped with a battery with a capacity of 18.4 kWh that is capable of providing a driving range of up to 105 km (NEDC) using all-electric power. The Premium+ variant comes with a larger battery, 29.8 kWh, allowing an electric driving range of up to 170 km (NEDC).
The electric motor on the e.MAS 7 PHEV is capable of producing power of up to 160 kW with 262 Nm of torque, providing responsive acceleration. In terms of charging, the Prime and Premium variants support 30 kW DC charging, allowing the battery to be charged from 30 to 80 percent in under 20 minutes. For the Premium+ variant, it supports 60 kW DC charging, with a charging time of 30 to 80 percent in under 16 minutes. All three variants also support 6.6 kW AC charging.
Moving on to the engine, all variants use the same engine, which is a 1.5 liter 4-cylinder dedicated hybrid engine. This engine produces 73 kW of power and 125 Nm of torque, with a very efficient fuel consumption of only 4.3 liters per 100 km. When combined between the electric motor and the petrol engine, the e.MAS 7 PHEV is able to achieve a total driving range of up to 1,065 km (NEDC).
The e.MAS 7 PHEV offers three driving modes. Pure mode allows driving using only electric power, as if driving a real EV without the use of an engine. Hybrid mode will automatically manage the use of the electric motor and engine, or a combination of both, to obtain the most optimal driving range. The last mode, Power, prioritizes performance with more power delivery.
Entering the interior, the e.MAS 7 PHEV cabin feels spacious and modern. In the center is a large 15.4-inch 2.5K touchscreen powered by Flyme Auto OS, complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The rear seats also offer comfortable legroom and headroom; for passengers with a height of around 170 cm, the space provided is still generous.
In terms of practicality, the rear boot has a capacity of 528 litres, with additional storage space under the floor. If the rear seats are folded, the storage capacity can be increased to 2,065 litres, making the e.MAS 7 PHEV suitable for family use and daily activities.
Overall, the Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV appears to be a balanced electric SUV in terms of performance, efficiency and practicality, thus opening a new chapter in the PHEV segment in the Malaysian market. If interested, you can now book this latest Proton product with an estimated market price of around RM110,000 to RM130,000.
