Concept cars are experimental cars meant to showcase an automaker’s design prowess and its vision for the future. While many might not be aware of it, Malaysia has produced some remarkable concept cars that have captured the world’s attention. From the Perodua Myvi GT to the Proton EMAS, we have plenty of concept cars born from Malaysian designers’ imaginations. In this article, let’s explore some of the coolest concept cars from Proton and Perodua.
1. Proton EMAS
Image credit: David Villareal Fernández
The Proton EMAS was an exciting concept car that made its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. This compact hybrid electric vehicle was a collaborative effort between Proton and Italdesign, the renowned Italian design house. The EMAS showcased futuristic aesthetics with its aerodynamic lines and distinctive butterfly doors. Beyond its striking appearance, this Proton concept car boasted a plug-in hybrid powertrain that aimed at showing Proton’s commitment to fuel efficiency and sustainability.
2. Perodua X-Concept
Image credit: zigwheels.my
Perodua showcased its X-Concept at the KL International Motor Show (KLIMS) 2018, positioning it as “The Perodua of Tomorrow.” This futuristic five-door hatchback, similar in size to the Myvi, features a sleek design with SUV-inspired elements. Sporting suicide doors, large wheels, and two-tone red-black paint, the Perodua X-Concept boasts an eye-catching appearance. The front end stands out with an “X” theme, integrating LED headlamps into oversized side intakes and a full-width grille adorned with the P2 emblem. The interior emphasizes connectivity, featuring a dashboard inspired by a rolling tablet concept with an iPad Pro. The Perodua X-Concept represents the company’s ambition for tomorrow’s connected and innovative vehicles.
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3. Proton Lekir
Image credit: Protonclub.blogspot.com
The Proton Lekir is a stunning two-door sports coupe that was displayed at the 2010 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS). This eye-catching Proton concept car, which was based on the Lotus Europa sports car and had a low-slung profile, complemented by aggressive front-end styling, turned heads at the show. The Lekir featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 200 PS and 272 Nm. The company reportedly planned to release the Proton Sepang sports car based on this concept but it didn’t materialize. Nevertheless, the Proton Lekir left a lasting impression as a promising Malaysian sports car concept.
4. Perodua Buddyz
Image credit: wapcar.my
The Perodua Buddyz concept car was displayed at KLIMS 2013. Also called the Global Model Sedan (GMS), it was based on the Perodua Bezza concept from KLIMS 2010, which then went on to become the production model Bezza. The Buddyz concept had plenty of futuristic design elements including sleek LED headlights with blue LED strips as DRLs (daytime running lights), a floating dashboard with sci-fi-inspired displays, screens on the back of the front seats, and a white interior with red accents.
5. Proton Satria Cabrio
Image credit: wapcar.my
In 1997, Proton introduced the Proton Satria Cabrio Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show with hopes of generating interest for production. The purple Satria Cabrio featured a beige interior, unique alloys, and an unconventional right-hand drive configuration. Not much information was disclosed about its powertrain, but a press release from the UK Spec Proton Facebook page revealed it was a collaborative effort between Proton and a drop top specialist from California. Although the Satria Cabrio appeared ready for production, the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis and subsequent poor sales in Europe led to the project’s cancellation.
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6. Perodua Myvi GT
Image credit: paultan.org
Revealed at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show, the Perodua Myvi GT was a concept car that injected a dose of performance and style into the beloved Myvi hatchback. The Myvi GT concept car featured an aggressive body kit with large front intakes and a rear spoiler, larger, 17-inch alloy wheels, Brembo brakes, leather bucket seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and sporty red accents that transformed the familiar Myvi into hot-hatch.
7. Proton PM5
Image credit: Saharudin Design
The Proton PM5 concept car was actually a clay model concept designed in 2007 by then Proton designer Saharudin Busri. You might know him as Saharudin Design, a local concept car designer popular on social media. He designed the Proton PM5 in conjunction with the launching of the Proton Tanjung Malim plant by Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi or Pak Lah, Malaysia’s fifth Prime Minister, hence the name PM5. The model car was even gifted to Pak Lah. It was based on a Lotus M250 platform, elongated to create more space for a 2 + 2 seating configuration. The sports car concept was made in a 1:3 scale, and you can view the design process here.
8. Perodua EM-O EV
Image credit: wapcar.my
The Perodua EM-O (Electric Motion-Online) concept was a miniature concept car displayed at the 2023 Malaysia Autoshow. This compact SUV was designed in-house by Perodua and featured sharp lines and creases around the body and a grille slightly reminiscent of Lexus’ new spindle grille design. Perodua presented some information on the performance of the EM-O concept. It delivers 95 PS and 121 Nm, with a 50 kWh lithium-ion battery good for 300 km to 350 km of driving range. Does this Perodua concept car hint at a new EV from the brand? We’ll have to wait and see.
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9. Perodua GMA Space
Image credit: wapcar.my
The GMA Space (Global Model A Segment Space) was presented at the KLIMS 2013, along with the Perodua Buddyz. But unlike the Buddyz, the GMA Space was a doorless shell that was meant to showcase the interior design of Perodua’s next compact hatchback. The concept car was painted all white, including the interior, and had bright light strips running the whole length of the car from the rear bumper flowing over the roof down to the front bumper.
These concept cars from Proton and Perodua showcase the creativity and innovation of our local car designers. While some designs were probably a little out of this world, some have indeed become a reality. So, which concept cars were your favorite, or do you have other cars that you think deserve to be on this list? Let us know in the comments.
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