Geely EX2 Secures Five-Star Safety Ratings Amidst Evolving Global Standards

The Geely EX2, known in China as the Xingyuan and marketed locally as the Proton eMas 5, has been awarded a five-star safety rating by both the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) and the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP). This validation comes two years after the vehicle's initial launch in the Chinese market, marking a significant milestone for the platform's global safety credentials.

According to the original publisher, the tested model is an updated version currently sold in Australia. This specific trim includes seven airbags—featuring a front centre airbag—and an automatic braking system designed for rear cross-traffic alerts. These technical specifications differ from the Malaysian-market Proton eMas 5, which is currently equipped with six airbags and lacks the rear automatic emergency braking (AEB) functionality found in the version that underwent these specific crash tests.

The performance metrics released by the safety bodies were largely consistent across both regions, resulting in an 86% score for crash protection and a 79% rating for safe driving. Post-crash safety systems performed exceptionally well, scoring 95%, while crash avoidance technology was rated at 72%. Despite these strong headline figures, testers noted specific areas for improvement, including instances where the seat belt partially slipped from a child dummy during impact and concerns regarding pedal intrusion that affected driver leg protection.

Further scrutiny by ANCAP highlighted concerns over user interface design, noting that several core functions rely too heavily on the central touchscreen. Additionally, the autonomous cruise control system struggled with complex road environments like roundabouts and intersections, and low-speed collision avoidance performance was described as mixed. These insights provide a comprehensive look at the vehicle's software and hardware synergy in real-world scenarios.

For Malaysian consumers, these results necessitate a nuanced view. Since the Proton eMas 5 sold in Malaysia does not share the exact configuration of the tested Australian unit, the five-star rating cannot be automatically transposed to local models. Prospective buyers should be aware that the local vehicle’s safety profile remains unverified by the New Car Assessment Programme for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP). As the local market shifts toward electrification, understanding the distinction between international trims and localized variants is crucial for informed purchasing decisions.

Furthermore, the introduction of high-tech EVs occurs against a backdrop of steady economic growth, with Malaysia recording a 6.0% year-on-year real GDP increase in the latest quarter. While headline inflation remains relatively stable at 1.8%, the cost of ownership remains a focal point for many households. For SMEs and logistics players considering a transition to fleet electrification, safety data serves as a key indicator of long-term viability, even if the specific hardware differs from global versions.

The automotive landscape in Malaysia is currently navigating a period of transition as the government continues to refine fuel subsidies and energy policies. With RON95 prices varying under the BUDI95 and SKPS schemes, and with unsubsidised fuel priced significantly higher, the economic case for EVs is strengthening. However, the reliance on advanced driver assistance systems that require consistent infrastructure and software support means that local buyers will be watching closely for future updates to the Proton eMas 5 software suite.

What remains unconfirmed is how the Proton eMas 5 will perform in future ASEAN NCAP testing, or if Proton plans to introduce the safety hardware found in the international EX2—such as the seventh airbag or rear AEB—to the local line-up. Until an independent assessment is conducted locally, the specific safety performance of the Malaysian-delivered vehicle relative to its international counterparts remains a matter of ongoing industry observation.