KLIMS 2026: Towards a hybrid future, Proton FutureMotion HEV shown

Proton is no stranger to hybrids, as the national car maker has dabbled with electrification for the better part of 10 years.

While Proton’s history with hybrids mostly ended up with concepts lost to time, its partnership with Geely has opened new doors to Proton, and at the ongoing 2026 Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (2026 KLIMS), Proton is showcasing its latest FutureMotion HEV powertrain.

The FutureMotion HEV pairs a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre BHE15 four-cylinder engine to a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) with P1 and P3 motors.

Now, this may seem similar to the same engine found in the Proton Saga MC3, but this mill runs the more efficient Atkinson cycle, as well as water-cooler exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and electric water pump.

It’s worth noting that this engine is similar to the one found in the Proton eMas 7 PHEV, albeit without the Aegis short blade LFP battery pack.

During the Proton Tech Showcase back in December 2025, the company mentioned that the DHT120 can be locally-assembled at its Tanjong Malim facility, as well as being fitted to a brand-new model. Hybrid-powered AMA02 Proton Saga Cross, anyone?