Viral X90 Fire: Proton Investigating, Says MHEV System Not To Blame

Screenshot of the viral video depicting a brand new Proton X90 catching fire. You can view the video below.

By now, we’re certain plenty of you have seen the viral video of a brand new Proton X90 catching fire circulating on social media today. Whilst the video doesn’t exactly show where the fire is coming from, it does show the X90 in question bellowing with heavy smoke from its undercarriage of its rear quarter.

Now, Proton has take to social media to acknowledge the incident. The carmaker says that the car in question is now in their possession and that it is conducting a thorough investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire in said unit.

Moreover, the firm was quick to clarify that the X90’s brand new 48-volt mild-hybrid system (MHEV) primed in its powertrain is not to blame. “There was no explosion caused by the Proton X90’s mild-hybrid (48v) battery,” read the company’s statement issued via Facebook.

Proton further voiced its request for the public to not engage in speculative discussions as to the cause of the fire as investigations are still on-going. Additionally, Proton reiterated its commitment towards delivering customers with cars that meet stringent quality and safety standards.

Launched earlier this year, the X90 stands as Proton's first 'New Energy Vehicle' (NEV) thanks to its partially-electrified mild-hybrid (MHEV) powertrain.

Following its viral posting, the video caused a stir on social media as many began to quickly speculate the still-new MHEV system primed with the X90’s 1.5-litre 3-cyl turbo powertrain being the root cause.

You can view the viral video yourselves below.