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SINGAPORE – August 28, 2025 – The Proton e.Mas 5, a compact electric vehicle from Malaysia’s most established automaker, is turning heads in Singapore with a combination of affordability, surprising practicality, and a whimsical nod to Jurassic Park. While not available in the U.S. market, this car offers a fascinating glimpse into how value-focused EVs are evolving in Asia – and what American buyers might miss out on.
The e.Mas 5 is the smaller sibling of the Proton e.Mas 7, which was reviewed in The Straits Times in August 2025. Both cars are built on Geely’s global EV platform, thanks to Proton’s ownership by China’s automotive giant. The 5 is a rear-wheel-drive hatchback with a 40.2 kWh LFP battery, a single motor producing 85 kW and 150 Nm, and a claimed range of 325 km (WLTP). In real-world testing, the car averaged 11.7 kWh/100 km, extending the effective range to 343 km – more than adequate for Singapore’s city-state driving.
Design and Cabin: No Frills, but Functional
The e.Mas 5’s exterior is clean and well-proportioned. At 4,135 mm long, it’s one of the smallest EVs on the market, but clever packaging makes it feel larger inside. The cabin is austere, with hard plastics dominating the dashboard and door panels. There’s no automatic climate control, no memory seats, no wireless phone charger. But the essentials are covered: a 360-degree camera, a motorized tailgate, and voice commands that work in English and Malay.
The infotainment system supports wireless Android Auto – a feature absent from the larger e.Mas 7. The steering wheel now has labelled buttons, eliminating the guesswork of the 7’s unmarked controls. Safety warning chimes are also less intrusive, a welcome refinement.
Driving Dynamics: Light and Nimble
Weighing just over 1,300 kg, the e.Mas 5 is a featherweight among EVs. That low mass translates to nimble handling and a tight turning circle. The car tackles corners with a rare light-footedness, making it a joy to pilot through congested city streets. The 0-100 km/h sprint takes 10 seconds – unremarkable on paper, but the instant torque delivers a satisfying shove
