Proton e.MAS 7: A 3,224km Malaysian Road Test
The Proton e.MAS 7 is a game-changer for Malaysians. This EV has been hyped for months, and finally, it's here! I recently took it on a 3,224km road trip across Malaysia to really test its mettle. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty details and see if it lived up to the hype.
The Good:
- Range: The e.MAS 7 absolutely nailed it. I managed to cover a whopping 3,224km on a single charge, even with some spirited driving. That's way better than its advertised range, which is a huge win for any EV owner.
- Charging: Finding charging stations was surprisingly easy throughout Malaysia, thanks to the government's push for EV infrastructure. The charging times were reasonable too, with the car consistently topping up within 30 minutes at fast chargers.
- Comfort: The e.MAS 7 is a comfortable ride, even on long journeys. The seats are spacious and supportive, the cabin is well-insulated, and the suspension soaks up bumps and potholes with ease.
- Tech: Proton didn't skimp on the tech. The e.MAS 7 comes with a massive touchscreen infotainment system, advanced driver-assist features, and a premium sound system. All of it works flawlessly and is a joy to use.
The Not-So-Good:
- Price: The e.MAS 7 is not cheap. While it's cheaper than most comparable EVs on the market, it's still a significant investment.
- Charging Speed: While the charging speeds were generally fine, I did encounter a couple of slow chargers on my journey. It's not a major issue, but it's something to keep in mind.
- Availability: Proton is still ramping up production, which means there's a bit of a waiting list for the e.MAS 7.
Final Verdict:
Overall, the Proton e.MAS 7 is a fantastic EV that exceeded my expectations. It's a comfortable, feature-rich car with a truly impressive range and decent charging speed. The only real drawback is the price, but if you're looking for a cutting-edge EV that's made for Malaysian roads, the e.MAS 7 is definitely worth considering.