Proton rebadges Lotus Europa

Proton has wheeled out a string of concepts - including a version of the Lotus Europa - at the Malaysian manufacturer’s local motor show in Kuala Lumpur.

The most sporting of the models is the Lekir, in effect a Lotus Europa with restyled bumpers, black trim ahead of the rear wheelarches and Proton badging. Sources in Malaysia suggest that the Lekir could become the long-term future of the Europa, which has not been a success for Lotus.

See pics of the Europa-based Proton Lekir

Such a model would feature a 1.6-litre turbocharged Proton powerplant, and make use of the Europa’s platform and suspension components, plus much of its bodywork.

More significant for Proton’s mainstream sales is the Tuah, a neatly styled four-door saloon which is said to preview the next-generation Persona. Its bold front end has LED daytime running lights, and its blistered wheelarches give it an unusually sporting stance.

Read the full story on the Mitsubishi Evo-based Jebat

Proton is also using its home show to reveal the Lekiu, a small SUV crossover that could well be destined for the Chinese market, and the Jebat, a crudely bodykitted take on the Mitsubishi Evo X that features swathes of matt-black plastic at its front and rear.

Proton makes a Mitsubishi Evo

Proton has revealed this Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X-inspired sports saloon concept at the Kuala Lumpur motor show in Malaysia.

The recently launched Proton Inspira is a re-badged version of the Mitsubishi Lancer four-door saloon with lightly modified front-end styling, and this Jebat concept version by Proton Design borrows its styling from the Evo X.

See pics of the Evo-inspired Proton Inspira Jebat

Powering the Jebat concept is a 237bhp, 253lb ft 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine petrol engine, although Proton hasn't said whether the car uses the Evo's all-wheel drive system. It can get from 0-62mph in 5.6sec and reach a top speed of 144mph.

Evo-inspired styling changes over the standard Inspira include a matte black finish at the front and rear, LED daytime running lights, 18-inch alloys, flared wheel arches, a new rear spoiler, bonnet louvres and a narrow rear diffuser. Inside, the concept gets Recaro sports seats with red stitching and a new in-car entertainment system.

Proton hasn't said whether it intends to put the sports saloon concept into production.