Proton e.MAS 5: SIX Things We Learnt About P1’s Small EV Hatch

We've finally been given a chance to size up the Proton e.MAS 5 inside and out earlier this week...

At last, Proton held a very early press preview of its upcoming new small electric vehicle (EV) model earlier this week. Christened as the Proton e.MAS 5, it will be positioned as one of the most affordable EV hatchbacks to ever go on sale locally.

Following a detailed technical presentation, we were given a 30 minute familiarisation session with an un-camouflaged pre-production prototype featuring both a near-final exterior and interior. Present here too was a familiar camouflaged unit.

Proton set limits when it comes to sharing the uncamouflaged exterior. Hence, for this report, we’ll focus on the interior, cabin and tech. With that in mind, here are SIX things we learnt…

Here are bits of the exterior we're allowed to show. Note the adoption of full-LED headlights, 16-inch two-tone and aerodynamically-optimised wheels, and  semi-concealed door handles, amongst others.

The e.MAS 5's 2,650 MM wheelbase stretches past familiar small hatches like the Proton Iriz (2,555 MM) and Perodua Myvi ((2,500 MM).

1. It’s Small, But Not Tiny

If it is NOT obvious enough, Proton’s rendition of the Geely Xingyuan (Star Wish) is indeed small. Fortunately, it is not ‘tiny’. Exact dimension figures were not shared, though the Geely-badged original reportedly sits 4,135 MM long, 1,805 MM wide and 1,570 MM tall.

Overall, the e.MAS 5 is very close in size to the Proton Iriz 1.3 Standard, which sits slightly shorter (3,945 MM), narrower (1,740 MM) and lower (1,554 MM). Need another reference? The Perodua Myvi 1.3G is also shorter (3,895 MM), narrower (1,735 MM) and lower (1,515MM) versus the e.MAS 5.

Ultimately, it’s the wheelbase figure that matters. At 2,650 MM, the e.MAS 5 stretches past both the Iriz (2,555 MM) and Myvi (2,500 MM) here. This arguably explains the next fact, and perhaps you’ll now finally agree that this EV hatch is far from petite…

Despite the small size mentioned, the e.MAS 5 is actually very spacious inside. Whilst the large 65-degree door opening aperture grants great accessibility.

2. It’s Very Spacious Inside…

Match said wheelbase figure with the large, 65-degree door opening apertures and just about anyone – tall, lanky sub-six-footers like this writer – won’t find it hard to slide in and out of the e.MAS 5. Surely, this also ought to settle arguments about overall ‘accessibility’.

A good surprise here is how spacious and comfortable life in the rear seat felt – a rare perk from any ‘small’ hatch. Ferrying three adults here is certainly no stretch, though we’ll argue this space feels best for just two – be they your friends or children.

Space in the rear seat is boosted by the flat floor and plush faux leather upholstery. Present here too is a rear air-cond vent plus a USB charging port - key amenities to keep any back-seater content.

Bolstering that last fact are the rear’s flat floor, plush faux leather seat upholstery and rear air-cond vent - a big plus given our climate. The inclusion of a USB charging port here tops things off. In short, the e.MAS 5 should handle back-seaters well.

Life up front is not bad as here’s where much of the toys Proton brimmed the e.MAS 5 with shines. For now, we’re certain the cabin’s overall space and comfort will easily meet the expectations of many.

On board, the e.MAS 5 offers no less than 32 storage solutions and bins. Some are expected, while others like the 28-litre 'drawer' brimmed in the rear seat floor are irregular perks to say the least.

3. … And It’s Also Very Practical!

The other big ‘packaging’ win are the various storage bins and solutions primed – 32 in total. This largely stems from the cleverly engineered construction and arrangement that’s made possible by an EV powertrain.

Up front, the traditional glovebox, door pockets and centre armrest bin are accompanied by a massive hollow centre console bin – a typical trait most EVs have. Present too are a pair of cupholders and a nifty smartphone slot just ahead of the armrest bin noted.

As standard, the boot offers 375 litres of space. This is expandable to 1,320 litres and Proton will also add a powered tailgate function for easier access. Present too is a sizeably large 70-litre frunk.

In the rear, you’ll find seatback pockets, door pockets and a nifty device ‘slot’ integrated into the rear air-cond vent housing. There’s even a 28-litre ‘drawer’ in the rear seat’s floor. What needs ‘hiding’ while being transported here is beyond us, but the space exists.

The e.MAS 5 will also boast a powered tailgate – a nice accessibility ‘bonus’. Pop the hatch open here and there’s a decent 375-litre boot, which is expandable to a whopping 1,320 litres with the rear seats folded. Capping things off here too is a 70-litre frunk.

Besides dual digital displays, the e.MAS 5 is also will offer amenties like automatic climate control, wireless charging pad, keyless entry and ignition, as well as smartphone app connectivity, amongst others.

4. There’s Lots Of Tech & Amenities

By small car standards, there’s a lot on offer here. First comes an interactive 8.8-inch digital instrument panel. Next comes a massive 14.6-inch central touchscreen infotainment powered by a new automotive-grade chip, and Proton touts both being ‘class-leading’.

The touchscreen will offer both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from the get-go when launched – no over-the-air (OTA) software update needed. Promising too are the ‘Integrated Live Charging Map’ and dual-language voice command suite.

The 14.6-inch touchscreen is powered by a new automotive chip boasting both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as Integrated Live Charging Map and dual-language voice command.

smart Automobiles and e.MAS 7 owners will have praises for the former, whilst the latter is an expected by-product of Proton’s efforts developing ‘Aisyah’ – Proton’s first Bahasa Malaysia voice command suite primed in the face-lifted 2025 Proton X50.

Beside these, expect premium conveniences like keyless entry and ignition, as well as a dedicated smartphone app connectivity. Certainly, the next fact ought to serve as the icing to the cake that is this EV hatch’s overall package…

360-degree camera is one of several key hardware enabling a dozen (12) ADAS features, the latter granting Level 2 semi-autonomous driving abilities to boot too.

5. Safety Isn’t Compromised

Proton hasn’t tread lightly with safety, and the e.MAS 5 is no exception. The basics are covered by six airbags and ABS brakes. The latter comes with what the automaker dubs ‘G-TCS’ – a trick new all-weather, anti-slip and anti-skid system.

Secondly, there are a dozen ADAS features brimmed, and these bring Level 2 semi-autonomous driving perks. Present here are ‘familiar’ acronyms like ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control), FCW (Forward Collision Warning), AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking), LDW (Lane-Departure Warning) and LCA (Lane-Change Assist).

Other acronyms primed here include BSD (Blind-Spot Detection), LVDA (Lead Vehicle Departure Alert), RCTA (Rear Cross-Traffic Alert), RCW (Rear Collision Warning), TSI (Traffic Sign Recognition), DOW (Door Opening Warning), and EBA (Emergency Brake Assist). In short, the e.MAS 5 is undoubtedly a fully-loaded EV on this front.

The 'small' size does also entail with equally 'small' performance, range and charging numbers...

6. Mind The ‘Small’ Speed And Range…

Proton kept mum and did not dish out much in terms of official output, performance, or even range and charging  figures. Instead, it chose to highlight the compact ‘11-in-1’ e-motor being mounted in the rear, and that it drives the rear wheels.

For reference, the Geely-badged original marketed in China has a version offering peak outputs of 116 HP and 150 NM. Perhaps this is what grants 0-50 KM/H sprints in 3.9 secs – one of a few figures the automaker actually touted for the e.MAS 5.

Proton didn't dish out battery capacity or AC charging speed numbers. It instead highlighted both V2L ability and maximum DC Charging speed of 86 kW, the latter enabling 30-80% re-charges in 21 mins.

‘Small’ too are the numbers yielded by the CATL-supplied LFP battery pack. Proton also kept mum about capacity, but we’ll point out that the Geely-badged twin offers both a 30.12 kWh or 40.16 kWh choices.

The larger of the two promises up to 410 KM of CLTC-rated range, but expect lower ‘real world’ figures. AC charging speed was not disclosed, but both V2L ability and maximum DC fast-charging speed of 86 kW, the latter promising 30-80% re-charges in 21 mins.

Predictably, the Proton e.MAS 5 promises good handling and drive dynamics over its Geely-badged twin.

BONUS: It Promises Good Handling

Like Fact #5, this is an area that Proton was widely expected to ‘enhance’ in their redux of the Geely Xingyuan/Star Wish. With what the Geely original had to offer from its chassis, Proton appears not to have too much to tweak here.

This is evident from the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup highlighted prior, which perhaps explains the choice to brim a multi-link rear suspension assembly to match with. There’s also a class-leading 4.95-metre turning radius touted by Proton, amongst other things.

This is hardly a surprise indeed, and this is perhaps a trait many prospect will look forward to over the long term. Speaking of prospects, Proton will bring the e.MAS 5 up close to some in its special e.MAS 5 ‘MISI 5’ tour, and details for which are available here.