This is the first picture of a hybrid Proton concept that has been designed by the Italdesign Giugiaro studio and is said to preview a production model.
The four-seat, five-door hatchback is 3550mm in length, but Giugiaro says it is "set to revolutionise traditional segmentation in the car market" and "was developed with the aim of optimising the available onboard space and car access ergonomics".
See a hi-res picture of the hybrid Proton concept
The car, which is built on an all-new, Giugiaro-designed platform, is higher than a traditional supermini, and has a raised floorpan that accommodates the hybrid system’s batteries at the rear.
The hybrid system includes an internal combustion engine fitted at the front used to recharge the lithium ion batteries, while the drive is fully electric.
Further pictures and details are set to be revealed ahead of its Geneva motor show unveiling on 2 March.
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Re: Hybrid Proton concept revealed
Proton have recently gone from sponsoring A1GP to F1 GP (Lotus) and appear to be serious about improving it's offerings.
I certainly wish them luck. Their venture into the hybrid market with Italdesign, the racing market with LotusF1 and soon their technology partnership with an OEM.
This could be a groundbreaking year for them. They are certainly showing all the signs of wanting to become a serious player.