The sub-£20,000 Proton e.MAS 7 could mark the return of the Malaysian brand to the UK market (Image: Proton Holdings)
Whilst the UK market seems increasingly awash with , Brits could soon see a return.
originally entered the British car market in 1989, selling a range of at budget prices with the slogan ‘Japanese technology, Malaysian style’.
Initially the company offered some of the , however tougher emissions regulations forced the brand out of the country in 2014.
Nevertheless, the brand is soon set to return thanks to some support from the Geely, with their first model that could relaunch the brand in the UK being the e.MAS 7.
A rebadged version of the Geely Galaxy E5, the e.MAS 7 is an all-electric mid-sized SUV introduced to its native market in 2024. In Malaysia, the entry-level Prime version sells for RM 109,800 (£19,415), making it particularly competitive against rivals like the and the new .
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At one point, Proton was the fastest-growing car brand in the UK thanks to affordable models (Image: Getty)
Like many of the latest electric cars, the Proton e.MAS 7 offers particularly minimalist styling, with a flat panel on the front end where a grille would typically so, and flush-fitting door handles for better aerodynamics.
However, there are a number of unique styling features, including a particularly sculpted front bumper which features a variety of air vents, and a striking set of alloy wheels.
Whilst the Proton’s exterior is fairly conventional looking, the interior is rather high-end looking, helped by a large centre console dividing the front two seats, a floating LCD instrument panel, and vivid blue interior lighting.
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Inside, the e.MAS 7 comes with a massive touchscreen, interior lighting, and fully reclining seats (Image: Proton Holdings)
Two versions of the Proton e.MAS 7 are currently sold in Malaysia, with the entry-level Prime version coming standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, front and rear LED lights, and a 15.4-inch touchscreen.
The front seats inside the e.MAS 7 are particularly advanced, featuring speakers within the headrests and having the ability to completely recline, turning the car into a bed for two.
In addition to standard equipment, the two trim levels also feature different batteries, with the high-end Premium model getting a 60.2kWh battery pack. With it installed, the e.MAS 7 can cover up to 254 miles of range and can be charged from 30 to 80 percent in 20 minutes using a 200kW charger.
Despite never being a particularly performance focused company, the e.MAS 7’s 215bhp electric motor will make it the fastest accelerating Proton ever made, taking it from 0-62mph in under seven seconds.
Whilst Proton has yet to confirm whether it will officially relaunch in the UK, the brand previously stated that they wish to increase the amount of markets they export to, taking the models into countries that drive on the left.
The UK already gets other products that are linked to the Chinese Geely brand, including Volvo and Polstar.