Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV from RM105,800: what women drivers said after a real-world test

The event ran in conjunction with Women's Health Month, themed "Zoom to Bloom," and took a noticeably different approach compared to the typical car test drive. Participants drove both the Proton e.MAS 7 and the Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV on a scenic route from the Proton Centre of Excellence (COE), with checkpoints along the way before arriving at Sentosa Janda Baik.

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There was also a live fast-charging demo showing how a quick top-up actually works day-to-day, which tends to be the question most people have before committing to an EV.

Once at the destination, the group sat in on an ikebana floral arrangement workshop. It sounds a bit unexpected for a car brand event, but that was kind of the point: the theme was about slowing down and recharging, both for the cars and the people driving them.

Pn. Salawati Binti Mohd Yusoff, Chief Branding Officer of PRO-NET, explained the thinking behind it:

"The return of The Real e.MAS Drive reflects how the Proton e.MAS journey with female drivers continues to grow. We are seeing increasing interest in electric vehicles among Malaysian women, driven by the need for mobility that is practical, accessible, and easy to live with. With 'Zoom to Bloom', we wanted to create an experience that not only showcases our vehicles but also encourages women, our 'Real e.MAS' to take time to recharge and prioritise their well-being."

The vehicles on drive weren't just there for show. The e.MAS 7 PHEV has over 528L of boot space that opens up past 2,000L when needed, which actually matters when you're hauling camera gear, workshop materials, or just a lot of weekend bags.

The EV-first approach of the PHEV's EM-i Advanced Hybrid Technology means most daily driving happens on electric, with petrol as a backup for longer trips and a total combined range of over 1,000 km. Fuel consumption sits at 4.3L/100km.

Participant Zakkina Wati Ahmad Tarmizi described her experience in the e.MAS 7:

"Driving the Proton e.MAS 7 felt unexpectedly effortless. The quiet cabin, smooth acceleration, and relaxed route made the entire journey feel more like a lifestyle experience than a test drive. It's a car that fits naturally into everyday routines."

Madhuri Rasamoney was behind the wheel of the e.MAS 7 PHEV and shared her take on the hybrid setup:

"The Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV really changed my perception of EV ownership. The flexibility between driving on EV mode during city cruise or work, and on petrol mode for longer distances like for weekend road trips. With the Prime variant priced just slightly above RM100,000, it also stands out as a compelling and accessible choice."

On the pricing front, the e.MAS 7 range starts at RM99,800 (after a RM4,000 Welcome Benefit). The e.MAS 7 PHEV Prime comes in at RM105,800 after the same benefit.

For that, buyers get a 15.4-inch 2.5K infotainment display, Level 2 ADAS, and 100kW DC fast charging, which takes the battery from 30% to 80% in about 20 minutes.

Also on display was the newly launched Jade Green Proton e.MAS 5. The colour drew a fair bit of attention from the group, tapping into the matcha-green aesthetic that has been doing the rounds in lifestyle circles. It's a softer, less sporty direction for an EV exterior, and clearly landed well with the crowd.

Proton e.MAS has now passed 20,000 vehicles on Malaysian roads since its first model launched just over a year ago. PRO-NET says it is continuing to build out its dealer network, after-sales support, and charging infrastructure alongside that growth.

Also Read: Proton e.MAS hits 20,000-unit sales milestone; e.MAS 5 remains Malaysia’s top-selling EV