TANJUNG MALIM (Malaysia): Nepal has become one of the countries with high electric vehicle adoption, with EVs accounting for more than 70 percent of new car sales.
More than three dozen EV brands are currently available in Nepal, with Chinese brands dominating the market. Malaysian automaker Proton has also entered the competition with its EV lineup. Proton’s electric vehicles are developed using technology and platforms from Chinese automaker Geely Auto.
Proton entered Nepal’s EV market around one and a half years ago with the Emas Seven SUV. Jagdamba Motors, the authorized distributor of Proton in Nepal, is now preparing to introduce the new electric hatchback e.Mas 5 to expand its portfolio.
The company is preparing to open bookings for the e.Mas 5 from next week and launch it in Nepal by Ashar. The hatchback will be available in two variants, Prime and Premium, with different motor and battery options. Both variants are expected to be introduced in Nepal.
A team representing Proton Nepal recently visited the Proton factory in Malaysia and tested the upcoming e.Mas 5 on the company’s test track. The test drive experience highlighted several key features of the new electric hatchback.
Modern and aerodynamic design
The e.Mas 5 comes with a premium and modern design. Its aerodynamic styling includes feather-inspired headlights and arrow-shaped LED daytime running lights. The Premium variant gets LED projector headlamps.
The base variant comes with 15-inch steel wheels, while the Premium variant features 16-inch alloy wheels. The Premium model also gets a dual-tone color option and powered tailgate.
The e.Mas 5 measures 4,135 mm in length, 1,805 mm in width, and 1,570 mm in height. It has a 2,650 mm wheelbase, providing a spacious cabin and comfortable travel experience.
Two battery and motor options
The e.Mas 5 is offered with two battery and motor configurations.
The Prime variant comes with a 58 kW motor and a 30.12 kWh CATL LFP battery pack. It delivers a WLTP-certified range of 225 km on a full charge. The model can accelerate from 0 to 50 km/h in 4.4 seconds.
The Premium variant is equipped with an 85 kW motor producing 150 Nm of torque. It comes with a 40.16 kWh battery pack and offers a WLTP-certified range of 325 km.
The Premium variant supports 7 kW AC charging and 71 kW DC fast charging. The battery can charge from 30 percent to 80 percent in 21 minutes.
Spacious and technology-focused cabin
The e.Mas 5 features a spacious cabin with modern equipment. It comes with a 14.6-inch FHD infotainment touchscreen and an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster.
The system uses an automatic-grade chip and Atlas Auto operating system, providing fast response and smooth operation. The vehicle includes wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, premium leather seats, a two-tone leather steering wheel, panoramic view, rear AC vents, mobile charging ports, and six speakers in the Premium variant.
It also comes with a V2L function to power external electronic devices.
Large storage capacity
Despite being a hatchback, the e.Mas 5 offers a large storage area. It provides a total storage capacity of 493 liters, including a 370-liter boot space, a 70-liter front compartment, and additional 28-liter under-seat storage.
The boot capacity can be expanded up to 1,320 liters by folding the rear seats. The hatchback can comfortably accommodate five passengers and offers enough space for family trips.
Independent rear suspension
The e.Mas 5 comes with a multi-link independent rear suspension setup. This system is expected to provide better comfort on uneven and rough roads.
During the test drive, the suspension performed well on potholes and uneven surfaces by reducing cabin movement and improving stability.
Rear-wheel-drive setup
Unlike most hatchbacks in Nepal that use front-wheel drive, the e.Mas 5 comes with a rear-wheel-drive system.
The rear-wheel-drive layout improves acceleration, handling, and high-speed cornering stability. It is also expected to perform well on winding and hilly roads.
Advanced safety features
Proton has equipped the e.Mas 5 with several safety features despite being positioned as an entry-level hatchback.
Built on a body cage structure, the vehicle comes with six airbags, a 360-degree camera with 3D display, ABS with EBA, and other safety technologies.
The e.Mas 5 also features ADAS technology with 13 functions, including electronic stability control, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, lane change assist, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, and door opening warning.
The vehicle automatically cuts off the high-voltage system in the event of a major accident.
The upcoming Proton e.Mas 5 is expected to enter Nepal’s competitive EV market with its modern design, rear-wheel-drive system, independent suspension, advanced technology, and practical features. If introduced at a competitive price, it could become a strong option in the electric hatchback segment.
