20/07/2025

theSunday Special XV ON SUNDAY JULY 20, 2025

Chery just got sweeter Tiggo Cross makes bold entry with turbo, hybrid choices

Is Proton’s R3 dead?

SOMETIME last week, word broke out that Proton had qui etly pulled the plug off its legen dary Race, Rally, Research depart ment, or better known as R3. If you don’t

not only surviving but prospering. Motorsport is expensive and that would be the last thing on the management’s mind right now. Sure, Proton R3 did see a short comeback

CHERY AUTO MALAYSIA is stepping up its game with the launch of the Tiggo Cross, offering Malaysian consumers two com pelling powertrain options – a 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine and a 1.5-litre hybrid (CSH). Both variants present a modern blend of technology, comfort, and safety aimed at value-conscious buyers without compromising on premium features. The Tiggo Cross 1.5 Turbo is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 147PS and 210Nm of torque, paired with a 6 speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). This variant boasts a respect able 0–100kph time of 10.3 sec onds in Sport mode and fuel con sumption rated at 6.3L/100km. Meanwhile, the Tiggo Cross 1.5 Hybrid CSH integrates a petrol engine with electric motors, delivering a combined output of 204PS and 310Nm of torque. It is more efficient with a fuel consumption figure of 5.4L/100km and a quicker acceleration time of 8.9 seconds. The hybrid model uses a DHT150 transmis sion with electronic shift by-wire functionality. This advanced CSH sys tem delivers a smooth, fuel efficient, and responsive drive – perfect for both urban journeys and long-distance travel up to a 1,000km mileage range. Both variants share the same dimensions: 4318mm long, 1830mm wide, and 1670mm tall, riding on a 2610mm wheelbase, roughly the same size as a Proton X50. The suspension system comprises a MacPherson strut setup at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, with ven tilated disc brakes at the front and solid discs at the rear. Inside, the Tiggo Cross comes equipped with faux leather seats, dual-zone automatic air condi tioning with rear vents, and a mul tifunction leather steering wheel. Both models feature front and rear armrests, ambient lighting, a wireless charger, a keyless entry system, remote engine start, and soft-touch materials across the dashboard. The driver’s seat is electrically adjustable with lumbar support, while the co-driver’s seat is manu ally adjustable. Rear seats split 60:40 and offer three headrests. A total of three USB ports (two front, one rear)

come as standard. The dashboard features a dual screen setup comprising a 10.25 inch digital driver display and a 10.25-inch infotainment head unit, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other highlights include Bluetooth connectivity, a 540° HD panoramic camera system, an intelligent voice assistant, and a 6 speaker audio system. Design-wise, both models are outfitted with LED headlights, daytime running lights (DRLs), tail lamps, fog lights, roof rails, and a rear sport spoiler. The cars sit on stylish 18 inch alloy wheels with red brake callipers for a sporty touch.

Control (ACC), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Lane Keep Assist (ELK), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). Additional features such as Integrated Cruise Control (ICC), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), Smart Speed Assist (ISA), and Multi Collision Brake (MCB) further ele vate its intelligent driving capa bilities. In contrast, the Turbo model offers a decent level of

WRITTEN BY KESHY DHILLON

already know, R3 is Proton’s “go-fast, win races” division. And go fast it did, and it won. A lot. R3 was set up as a spe cialised division within Proton to build faster cars. It is akin to BMW’s M divi sion, Mercedes-Benz AMG and Audi’s RS. It was put together by young men with a passion and a vision. These young men (back then, at least) were Tengku Djan Ley bin Tengku Mahaleel, Adian Yein and Khaidi Kem, among many others of course (I apologise for not naming all of them). And it is their passion and dedication to the trade that brought the country legendary cars like the Proton Satria GTi R3, Satria Neo R3, Satria Neo Lotus Edition, and a few others. R3 has also had major success in motorsport as well, with back-to-back wins at the Sepang 1000km endurance race. So even though Proton has not officially confirmed it (not at the time of writing at least), but if the rumours are true then it is a major loss not only to the com pany but to the country as well. R3’s official website is inaccessible and has been for a while now and one can’t help but speculate that the end is here. Why would Proton unplug something that has brought them so much suc cess and has united an entire generation of fans behind the Proton brand? But than again, Proton is no longer the company it once was. And I mean that in a good way. Proton has undeniably had a couple of rough patches and without going into the details, the com pany has thankfully sur vived. Thrived even. Of course, that meant heavy investment from the Geely Group as well as DRB-Hicom. And these companies will eventually want their money back and see Proton surviving by itself –

last year for the 2024 Sepang 1000km endur ance race after a five-year hiatus. But the joy of the return was short-lived. The company fielded two Proton S70’S though with a four-cylinder natu rally-aspirated engine rather than the three-cylin der turbocharged engines found in road-going mod els. This was due to regula tion issues which do not allow force-induction engines. However, during the race, one car had to be retired and another came home in fifth place. Not bad for us observers consider ing the team has been away for half a decade and everyone knows motor sport brings results in the long term rather than immediately. But one can only imag ine the boardroom meeting after the race. Imagine hav ing to justify continuing its foray into motorsport and expenses to the bosses of a company that is rebuilding itself. Proton is no longer the same company it was in the early 2000s, but for all intent and purposes, per haps it is a better company now than it was back then. Sure, assuming the rumours are true, losing R3 is sad. But if this means that Proton thrives in different segments, than perhaps it is not such a bad thing. And besides, though it is not officially launched yet, I have personally already seen the new Proton X50, and I am sure it will be a sales success for Proton. Perhaps the new X50 might just provide the much-needed cash injec tion that Proton needs to revive R3 and relive its motorsport glory days again. I for one certainly hope so. I truly hope that Proton builds a model that brings it such sales success that it can afford to revive R3 again. Just like what the Boxster did for Porsche back in the 90s.

driver assistance, such as Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Door Opening Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Braking. Both models come

Automatic headlights and a “Follow Me Home” function further enhance the vehicle’s practicality and style. Chery prioritises safety with both variants receiving Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist System (BAS), Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), Traction Control System (TCS), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The Turbo variant comes with 6 airbags, while the Hybrid version is upgraded to 7. The Hybrid CSH model stands out with its extended Advanced Driving Assistance System (Adas) suite, which enhances safety and driving convenience. This includes Adaptive Cruise

in Carbon Black, Phantom Grey, and Khaki White, with the 1.5 Turbo also offered in Blood Stone Red, while the Hybrid CSH adds Moonlight Silver as an exclusive colour option. Each variant includes a stan dard warranty of seven years or up to 150,000km. However, the 1.5L Hybrid CSH extends its coverage with an addi tional eight-year warranty or up to 160,000km specifically for the battery power pack, power motor, and hybrid control unit. Both models also come with seven years of complimentary towing service. Pricing starts from RM88,800 for the 1.5 turbo and RM99,800 for the 1.5 Hybrid CSH. The early bird package consists of two years all inclusive free service.