Geely Boyue Previewed In Malaysia – To Spawn Proton’s First SUV

The Geely Boyue, set to underpin Proton’s first SUV, was previewed for the first time in Malaysia during the signing ceremony between DRB-Hicom and Zheijiang Geely Holding (ZGH) formalizing the latter’s acquisition of a 49.9% stake in Proton.

Launched in early 2016, the Boyue is the fourth SUV model to be introduced by Geely. It is a mid-sized SUV competing in the same segment as the Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail, and Honda CR-V. Read more about the Boyue in our previous article here.

The vehicle on display is powered by the range-topping 1.8-litre TGDI turbocharged petrol engine generating 181hp and 250Nm. Whilst all-wheel drive is available as an option, the vehicle shown exclusively drives its front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission.

We stayed back after the ceremony long enough to observe the vehicle being driven off from the venue. The engine is notably quiet without emitting the diesel-like clattering noise commonly heard from European petrol direct injection engines.

On the preview model, we also observed what appears to be a generous safety kit including six airbags, ABS, EBD, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Brake Assist, Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Hill-Hold Control (HHC) and Hill-Descent Control (HDC).

We additionally noticed two sensor enclosures – a radar module at the lower regions of the bumper and camera at the base of the rear-view mirror suggesting the possible inclusion of advanced driver assistance systems such as Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

There were also four cameras mounted in the usual positions at the front, tailgate, and side mirrors to support a 360-degree camera system.

The Boyue also adopts certain Volvo technology such as auto air-conditioning with Air Quality System (AQS). The seven-inch LCD display found in the Boyue also borrows heavily from Volvo’s parts catalog. The instrument cluster is heavily reminiscent of those seen in recent Volvo vehicles.

A highlight of the Boyue, also highlighted by DRB-Hicom Group MD, Dato’ Sri Syed Faisal Albar, is the SUV’s infotainment suite. The top-of-the-range Geely G-Netlink as it’s called – features Android Auto and Apple Car Play, in-car Wifi, 3G connectivity and a voice interaction and command system that controls in car function such as climate-control.

Proton has not stated when the Proton SUV of the Boyue will be launched but explain the model still has to undergo the major homologation process to right-hand drive, as the Boyue is only offered as a left-hand drive in its domestic market.