CARS OF THE WORLD

Geely Proton X90 2024.

Geely made a large crossover Proton X90.

The Malaysian company Proton, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, used to produce clones of Mitsubishi cars.

Then there was a period of independent engineering, but in 2017 Proton became part of the Geely holding and has since gradually switched to the production of Chinese cars.

The range already includes SUVs X70 (aka Geely Atlas) and X50 (aka Geely Coolray). Now they are joined by the third, largest crossover — Proton X90.

This is a converted and adapted Geely Haoyue (aka Geely Okavango in export markets) with a length of 4825 mm.

Outside, the Proton X90 differs from the original headlights with a different pattern of running lights and a new grille, although the front bumper is retained. Nameplates and small decor have also been changed.

Except for the transfer of the steering wheel from the left side to the right, the Proton interior differs from the Geely decoration only in the emblem on the steering wheel and more stingy decor.

On the front panel there is a ten-inch instrument screen and a 12.3-inch media system display. The X90 has three rows of seats as standard (in China there are also two-row options), most versions have a seven-seat interior.

The maximum configuration is designed for six: it has separate second-row seats equipped with ventilation.

In China, Geely Haoyue is offered only with a 1.8 turbo engine (184 hp, 300 Nm), but export cars are also equipped with a 1.5 turbo engine with a 48-volt starter-generator.

Since this engine is already localized in Malaysia, the Proton X90 also got it.

Its return is 190 hp. and 300 Nm, paired with it is a seven-speed “robot” with two wet clutches, front-wheel drive only.

At the rear, the Proton has a multi-link suspension, like the more expensive version of the Geely Haoyue L.

The production of X90 crossovers in Malaysia began in mid-March, so the start of sales in the local market is expected in April.

And next in line is another refurbished model: by the end of the year, the Geely Emgrand sedan will become the Proton.

The one that will soon get on the conveyor of the Belarusian enterprise Belgy.