Proton has confirmed that it is developing a new hybrid model for Malaysian buyers, marking another step in its electrification journey after the mild hybrid system seen in the Proton X90. This new project is called the Proton FutureMotion HEV, and it represents Proton’s move towards a more advanced full hybrid setup.

What is Proton FutureMotion HEV?

The upcoming model is expected to be powered by a new affordable hybrid system designed for everyday Malaysian driving.

At its core, the setup combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, both working through a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). The electric motor does more than just assist the engine but it also helps recharge the battery during driving, which is then used later to support propulsion.

In simple terms, this system does not rely fully on the petrol engine. Instead, it can intelligently switch between petrol and electric power depending on driving conditions. The main goals are better acceleration, improved fuel efficiency, and smoother city driving.

To put it in perspective, the Proton X90 only uses a mild hybrid system, where the electric motor assists the engine but cannot drive the car on its own. The FutureMotion HEV is a bigger step up because it allows more electric-driven operation, especially in low-speed or urban conditions.

Geely i-HEV as the foundation

Proton’s new hybrid system is closely linked to Geely’s i-HEV Intelligent Hybrid technology, which was introduced in April 2026.

This connection is important because Proton and Geely share platforms and engineering development. As a result, the Malaysian version is expected to be heavily based on Geely’s hybrid architecture, with local adaptation for Proton models.

One of the key highlights of this system is its thermal efficiency of over 48%, which is very high for a petrol engine. For comparison, systems like Nissan e-Power are reported around 46%, while Honda e:HEV is generally above 40%.

In China, Geely already uses this i-HEV setup in models like the Preface and Emgrand, showing that the technology is already production-ready.

Which Proton model will use it?

The strongest clue so far points to an upcoming compact SUV under the AMA02 platform, which was previewed during Proton’s Tech Showcase in December 2025.

This model is expected to arrive after the next-generation Saga and is widely believed to compete in the A-segment SUV category, similar to the Perodua Ativa.

Some industry speculation suggests it could be called the Saga Cross, although Proton has not officially confirmed any name or final product details.