At KLIMS 2026, Proton had two new noteworthy showcases: the i-HEV Atkinson cycle 1.5L 4-cylinder engine and the X50 Sport Edition.
PROTON has made a major technological statement at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS 2026) under its forward-looking booth theme, “PROTON AHEAD: Intelligence That Connects People”. The extensive exhibition pavilion highlights how advanced, localized engineering is being deployed to support smarter, safer, and more connected driving experiences for everyday Malaysians.
The showcase marks a strategic leap toward intelligent mobility by bridging global technological platforms with real-world Malaysian driving needs, spanning daily school runs, urban commuting, and long-distance cross-country journeys.
The Core Highlight: Next-Generation HEV Technology
Taking center stage in the pavilion is PROTON’s highly anticipated hybrid powertrain ecosystem, a sophisticated architecture designed to combine the absolute fuel efficiency of a Dedicated Hybrid Engine (DHE) with the immediate responsiveness of a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT).
The system operates intuitively across changing road conditions, automatically switching between EV Mode, Series Mode, Parallel Mode, and Direct Drive (ICE Mode) based on real-time vehicle speed, power demands, and internal battery conditions. In city traffic and low-speed stop-and-go situations, the vehicle leverages its zero-emission EV Mode to deliver a completely quiet and smooth ride.
Engine & Transmission Specifications:
- Powertrain Architecture: A 1.5-litre Dedicated Hybrid Engine engineered specifically to maximize thermal efficiency under hybrid operation.
- Output Parameters: Generates 82kW of rated power and 136Nm of maximum torque, featuring a high 14-to-1 compression ratio and full RON95 fuel compatibility.
- Efficiency Benchmarks: Achieves up to an impressive 46.5% peak thermal efficiency, supported by Atkinson-cycle combustion, water-cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), and an intelligent cooling electric water pump.
- Dual-Motor Configuration: The DHT houses a specialized P1 and P3 dual-motor system. The P1 motor manages seamless engine starting and power generation, while the high-output P3 motor acts as the primary driving motor and captures energy recovery during deceleration.
- Emission Compliance: Fully supports stringent China 6b and Euro 6d emissions standards.
The PROTON Intelligent Mobility Zone
Supporting the central hybrid showcase is a dedicated technology experience center designed to highlight the brand’s strengthening structural engineering foundations. Visitors exploring the PROTON Intelligent Mobility Zone can interact with a layered ecosystem of safety, architecture, and connectivity hardware:
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Next-generation active safety software suites.
- i-GT Engine Technology: High-efficiency internal combustion performance packages.
- Electrical & Electronic Architecture (EEA): Digital backbones built to handle complex real-time computational data.
- Modular Vehicle Cockpit Concept: A physical look at future vehicle spatial interior layouts.
- IHU Smart Cockpit: Seamlessly connected, highly responsive in-car infotainment software.
Lineup Highlights and the Young-at-Heart Modified Proton X50
To demonstrate its capability to support drivers across multiple life stages, PROTON has brought its full commercial model portfolio to the show, including the timeless Proton Saga, the elegant S70 sedan, the X70 Sport Edition, and the flagship X90 three-row SUV.
A special thematic highlight at the booth is a fully modified Proton X50. Purpose-built to inject a younger, sportier, and highly expressive aesthetic character into the highly popular model line, the bespoke showcase directly celebrates the enduring legacy of the vehicle widely recognized by local car buyers as the “King of SUVs”.
Interactive Show Activities and Exclusive KLIMS Offers
“Our technologies represent an important step in PROTON’s journey towards intelligent mobility,” stated Dato’ Ir. Rashid Musa, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of PROTON. “At KLIMS 2026, we want visitors to experience how our technology is not only advanced but also designed around real Malaysian driving conditions”.
The public can visit the PROTON pavilion daily at MITEC throughout the exhibition’s duration. The booth features a comprehensive suite of consumer touchpoints, including immersive 3D LED visual tracking showcases, interactive robot engagement channels, and guided technology walkthroughs for community groups.
Furthermore, selective mainstay models—specifically the Saga, S70, X50, X70, and X90—are officially stationed on-site for immediate public test drives. Customers who finalize vehicle bookings during the show will unlock exclusive, limited-time KLIMS promotional offers, while general visitors can unlock extra merchandise rewards by participating in on-ground social media sharing activities.
