The Proton eMas 7 (stylised as e.MAS 7) may look all but identical to the Geely Galaxy E5, but we now know there will be some changes beyond the right-hand drive conversion. Among other things, the Proton version will get a different suspension setup compared to its Chinese-market twin, a spokesperson confirmed to us.
No details were divulged beyond that, but having sampled the Galaxy E5 on local roads, we have a pretty good idea as to the direction of the changes. In our experience, the car’s suspension felt exceedingly soft, which gave a floaty, supple ride but also caused it to bounce over undulating tarmac.
Expect the eMas 7, then, to get a stiffer setup to bring some body control back into the mix. This should not only improve the car’s handling characteristics but also aid comfort levels, delivering a more consistent ride quality across different road conditions.
However, those hoping for Proton to sprinkle its chassis tuning magic on the eMas 7 should keep their expectations in check, as the company’s chassis tweaks for its Geely-based models are generally aimed at improving the ride and handling balance rather than delivering a sportier driving experience. A similarly minor revision was applied to the locally-assembled 2020 X70, which gained new dampers but retained the same springs and steering characteristics as the original imported version.
The eMas 7 is set to be launched later this year and is expected to offer the same powertrain as the Galaxy E5. That car is offered with a single front motor producing 218 PS (160 kW) and 320 Nm of torque, getting it from zero to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. There are also two battery options – the 49.52 kWh version has a CLTC range of 440 km, while the 60.22 kWh unit is claimed to be able to travel up to 530 km.
GALLERY: Geely Galaxy E5 in Malaysia
GALLERY: Proton eMas 7 pre-production prototype
The post Proton eMas 7 to get revised suspension tuning for Malaysian market – stiffer with better body control appeared first on Paul Tan’s Automotive News.
