After launching its media preview, Proton Malaysia has finally launched its luxurious crossover SUV, X90. This is the third crossover by the Malaysian car maker after X70 and X50, the former is also launched in Pakistan. According to details, the new SUV has four variants with two seating options, i.e., six and seven.  Specs and Features of X90  The salient specs and features of the new Proton X90 are:  Power The new car comes with a 48V mild-hybrid system with six key components:  Belt starter generator (BSG) DC-DC converter Lithium-ion battery  Battery management system  Recuperation braking system  Hybrid module control system  Furthermore, the 1.5TGDI engine produces 176hp and 255Nm of torque with BSG. However, with a mild-hybrid system, the power generation reaches 188hp and 300Nm of torque. The engine is mated with a dual-clutch 7-speed transmission. The company also mentioned that this mild-hybrid system improves standing start by 10% and passing acceleration by 15% compared to a 1.5L engine.  Seating  The three variants of this new crossover, i.e., Standard, Executive, and Premium, are seven-seaters with a 2-3-3 configuration and a bench middle row. The fourth, the flagship variant, is a six-seater with a 2-2-2 layout and two second-row captain chairs.  Exterior Power adjustable & electric folding rear view mirror LED Adjustable headlights LED DRLs and fog lights Rear window wiper & defogger LED rear lights  18-inch alloy wheels 225/55 R18 tyres Interior Dual-zone AC Rear AC vents Engine start/stop button  Keyless entry  Eco, comfort & sport drive modes 12.3-inch display  Navigation system  Multi-function steering wheel Height-adjustable driver seat Leather steering wheel  Wireless charging  Safety and Security  Rear cross-traffic alert Rear collision warning  Auto part assist Vehicle stability control system  Driver, passenger, curtain & side airbags Front & rear parking sensors Rear camera Electric parking brake  Traction control  Side impact beams Downhill assist control  Speed-sensing door locks  Price The price of the vehicle starts from  Malaysian Ringgit RM. 123,800 (PKR. 8,197,290) and goes up to RM. 152,800 (PKR. 10,117,496). Is it Coming to Pakistan?  The biggest question for us as a local consumers is whether it will launch in Pakistan. To get the answer to this query, we contacted Proton Pakistan, and the company told us, "Yes, it will be launched in the country." However, it doesn't give an estimated timeline. So, we may have to wait a bit longer, especially considering Pakistan's current economic and political situation.  What do you think about Proton X90? Would you buy it if it is launched in Pakistan? Tell us in the comments section.   

Malaysian Car giant Proton is all set to come up with its another SUV dubbed X90. Reports have narrated that Proton’s X90’s testing started in last year. Earlier in mid-2021, the SUV lovers just spotted the car wrapped in camouflage. Whilst, the recent images reveal the interior of SUV in detail. Proton planned to launch the car in third quarter of 2022 but in the face of Covid-19 Movement Control Order, the company delayed the game plan. Here we have all the necessary specs and features portraying a complete picture of upcoming car’s exterior, inside cabin and side profile. Dimensions The car is 4,825 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, 1,785 mm high whilst the wheelbase is 2,815 mm. Comparing to the KIA’s MPV Carnival, Proton’s SUV lags in length and width. Based on Geely Haoyue, X90 is a D segment midsize, three-row 7-seater SUV, competing with likes of Kia Sorento, Nissan Pathfinder and Mitsubishi Outlander. Specs & Features Coming to exterior of the SUV, the front grille comes out as a distinguished thing, featuring diamond studs on the Infinite Weave pattern. Interestingly, same design language can be observed in different models of Mercedes and also in Honda HR-V. Interior revealed by the images flaunts a flat-bottomed steering wheel and leather seats. However, a side of photo of cabin still disguise most of the details. Engine & Power Under the hood, 1.5 litre three-cylinder 48V hybrid system producing 190 PS at 5,500 rpm and 300 Nm of torque from 1,500-4,000 rpm is expected which is also witnessed before in November 2021. There is a big chance that at least one variant of the X90 will be powered with 48V mild hybrid system. Furthermore, Proton can also offer a non-hybrid 1.5 litre engine three-cylinder with 48V hybrid only, the way company offered in Proton X70 MC – both 1.5 litre and 1.8 litre options. what  do you think about the upcoming Proton X90? Drop your thoughts in the comments section.

After Toyota, Proton Pakistan has also started refunding booking payments. In relatively good news for Proton consumers, the company has announced a reimbursement schedule. According to a notification, the company thanked its consumers for their patience and support. "We have received overwhelming refund requests for a variety of reasons, i.e., delays in deliveries and inevitable price changes due to high freight rates and changing USD vs. PKR parity," the company stated. It further said that Al-Haj has so far tried its best to refund the maximum number of payments; however, from now onwards, the company is going to follow the first-in-first-out method of reimbursements against bookings cancellations. "We are pleased to inform you that from onwards, below mentioned refund schedule will be followed," the company mentioned. Refunds by Toyota  Last week, Toyota started offering customers 100% refund booking amounts with markup in the face of no production. It stated that the company would produce a very low number of units in February and March. The Chief Executive Officer of Indus Motor Company (IMC) said the recent import curbs had shattered the local car industry. The incumbent government should take immediate steps to achieve political stability, bringing steadiness to dwindling economic graphs.  "We are forced to operate at 40-45 percent of our capacity. Unless these restrictions are eased, complete plant closures and total non-production will be inevitable," he added. He further informed, "The continued weake­n­­ing of the rupee will push the cost of production higher, in turn rest­ricting manufacturers' bottom line in the forthcoming quarters because of reduced volumes, dem­and and supply issues, and low margins." And interestingly, this is not the first time IMC is announcing a 100% refund. Previously, the company reimbursed booking payments with interest due to delays and uncertain delivery dates.  What is your take on refunds by Proton Pakistan? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.   

Where all the local car assemblers have increased the prices of their all car in the face of uneven economic uncertainty, Al-Hajj Automotive came with a different thing – increased the price of only one variant of Proton Saga. Whilst price of the Saga Standard manual, ACE Automatic, and X70 variants are yet to be increased. As per the company’s notification, the price of the only variant – dubbed Proton Saga Standard A/T – is increased by Rs. 300,000 and will now cost 3,299,000 compared to the old rate of Rs. 2,999,000. Mind you, Proton Pakistan has announced the first price hike, whereas Japanese duo Honda and Toyota have inched up their car prices twice within a month. All the car companies, including Proton Pakistan, held the ongoing economic crisis responsible for the recent price hike series. Toyota Pakistan Offering 100% Refund Where Pakistan’s economy is diving deep into to muddy waters of the worst financial turmoil, the country’s industry is facing a new lock down. Local carmakers first announced a back-to-back production cut and now (Toyota) start offering 100% refund – started returning booking amounts to the customers in the face of no production. Toyota Indus Motors announced to return booking payment with a markup stating that the company would produce a very low number of units in February and March. The Chief Executive Officer of Indus Motor Company (IMC) has stated that the recent import curbs have shattered the local car industry. The incumbent government should take immediate steps to beget political stability, bringing steadiness to dwindling economic graphs. “We are forced to currently operate at 40-45 per cent of our capacity. Unless these restrictions are eased, complete plant closures and total non-production will be inevitable,” he added. What do you think about prevailing economic downtrend and how is it affecting Pakistani auto industry? Tell us in the comments section.