Geely Haoyue officially morphs into Proton’s new flagship X90

The third Proton model derived from the Malaysian brand’s parent company Geely has officially been revealed in the guise of the all-new X90 SUV.

Positioned above the X70 and, therefore, also the X50, the X90, as indicated earlier this year, is spun-off of the Geely Haoyue that went on-sale in China three years ago.

Small changes

Also known as the Geely Okavango in other Asian markets, the X90’s visual adaptions from the Haoyue comprise restyled headlights, the Proton badge on the chrome studded grille, a thicker chrome strip below the rear light bar on the tailgate and X90 as well as Proton lettering on the bootlid itself.

The final is the redesigned rear bumper that loses the chrome surrounds at the lower end, but gains faux inlets below the reflectors, plus a more expansive satin silver skidplate.

ALSO READ: Geely Haoyue debuting soon as Proton’s new flagship X90

Minor interior changes, new platform

Inside, the Geely corporate logo on the steering wheels makes for the Proton tiger, but surprisingly, the latter has also seen it fit to restyle the gear lever in a move that sees the X90 adopt a T-bar-type design that stands in complete contrast to the lever employed in X50 and X70.

Underneath, Proton has not made any changes to the X90’s platform, meaning it has the same dimensions as the Haoyue/Okavango; an overall length of 4 835 mm, wheelbase of 2 815 mm, width of 1 900 mm and height of 1 785 mm.

The platform itself though is unrelated to the architecture that underpins the X50 and X70, with ground clearance being unknown at present.

Seats and spec

According to Malaysia’s paultan.org however, the X90’s suspension has been retuned for the local market and although standard seating caters for seven, a six-seat option will be provided in the form of a 2-2-2 arrangement – the middle row being occupied by a pair of captain’s chairs with their own armrest.

Notable specification items include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, a wireless smartphone charger in each row, a new 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, electric tailgate, Forward Collision Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

While the flagship variant is also the confirmed recipient of a panoramic glass roof, bizarrely, the infotainment system omits Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, however, it will reportedly be integrated before sales commence.

Mild-hybrid assisted three

As previously speculated, the X90 will make use of the same 1.5-litre turbocharged T-GDI three-cylinder petrol engine as the X50, X70 and sister brand Volvo’s XC40, but with the addition of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system not offered in the Haoyue but well in the Okavango.

Paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the unit delivers 140kW/300Nm, an uptake of 10kW/45Nm over the non-hybridised mill powering the X50 and X70. Drive is again routed to the front wheels only with no all-paw gripping system available.

South Africa awaits

Projected to carry a sticker price stating at RM130 000, which amounts to R536 500 when directly converted, the X90 is set to arrive in South Africa later this year following Proton’s announcement at its re-launch later year that it will be bringing a third SUV market along with two sedans, one having been debuted earlier this month as the returning new Saga.

An announcement by Proton South Africa regarding X90 availability is therefore expected in due course.

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