Specification: Proton X50 TDGI Flagship
Engine: 1,477cc, 3-Cylinder In-Line, 12-Valve, DOHC, Turbocharged
Power & Torque: 177ps @ 5,500rpm & 255Nm @ 1,500-4,000rpm
Transmission: 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission with Manual Mode, 2WD
Pros: Excellent fit and finishing, good power from the tiny engine, easily affordable
Cons: Long waiting list, only one dashboard colour
People started lining up for the Proton X50 well before the B-segment SUV’s official launch. The internet being what it is, everyone and their uncles knew how the car looks, how the SUV performs and the possible specifications. Checking out the new car is as easy as logging onto Geely’s website to look for the Binyue, the SUV the X50 is based on. Now, with a waiting list of a couple of months strong, does the X50 deserve all the hype?
Proton’s latest SUV has an athletic outlook that everyone can appreciate. While its design isn’t groundbreaking, it has enough signature lines and bulges that give the Proton X50 Flagship, as seen here, its own identity. The front end is seemingly pointy, more so with the flared intakes at the side of the bumper pulling focus to the middle of the fascia. Squinty headlights help to give the compact SUV more on-road presence. At the rear, the chrome exists to add a splash of interest by connecting the taillights on each end.
How the X50 is different from the Binyue
Still, this is all very Geely. In an attempt to set itself apart from its Chinese counterpart, Proton has seen fit to embellish the X50 with the company’s signature Infinite Weave design. You’ll find it lock, stock and barrel on the grille. Elements of the design are also integrated into the headlights, as well as the interior’s centre air vents and menu screen.
The interior is a rather pleasant place to be in; the seats are comfortable and the design is modern. If you haven’t yet been into a Proton for more than two decades, then you’ll be surprised at the quantum leap in quality and design here. The X50 continues the same level of quality set by the larger X70. The plastics used look a couple of grades higher than the X50’s price suggest and it feels the part. A surface scan uncovers an excellent fit and finishes with no unsightly gaps.
And it looks good, too. Having the colour red on the dashboard is certainly an interesting choice, albeit no way to opt for a different colour. The red is matched with a black lower and highlighted by brushed aluminium-looking panels.
Tech features that satisfy modern needs
Standing in the middle of the dashboard is a 10.25-inch touchscreen monitor loaded with the latest GKUI, complete with voice command, online navigation, online music streaming and weather forecast. Although the X50 has smartphone and Bluetooth connectivity, the SUV can also turn into a mobile hotspot with its built-in WiFi offering a 4G connection via the eSIM.
Apart from the infotainment, the X50 also embraces safety tech, albeit only for the Flagship-specced SUV. There are 10 features here that make driving safer by keeping you well inside your lane. Intelligent cruise control and autonomous braking take the burden off long-distance drives. Front collision warning and blind-spot monitors alert of any possible prangs. Having said that, the 360-degree camera is the most useful feature here.
A powerful three-cylinder engine with punchy acceleration
Under the hood is a three-cylinder turbocharged engine that provides plenty of motivation for the X50. The seemingly small powerplant produces 177PS and 255Nm of torque, but only with the Proton X50 Flagship model’s TGDI due to its Direct Injection fuel system. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.4l per 100km is also respectable. Else, the X50’s three-cylinder generates 150PS and 226Nm, with a 6.5l per 100km fuel economy — still no slouch.
A seven-speed dual clutch transmission shoulders the transfer of power to the front wheels only. Acceleration is brisk, fast enough to trick the driver that the SUV is propelling quicker than the claimed 0-100kph of 7.9 seconds. Power delivery remains smooth throughout and only struggles once hitting the higher speed ranges, eventually reaching the claimed top speed of 195kph.
The X50’s chassis is tuned to cater to the driver who wants a spirited drive while not forgetting the passengers also need to ride in comfort. As such, the chassis does a wonderful job in making sure the SUV remains well-behaved going around corners. The steering is quick to respond and sends enough feedback to not feel isolated from the road. As for the ride, the dampers deal well with uneven roads and going over big bumps does not provoke big motions.
Should you buy the Proton X50?
And then we arrive at the price. The Proton X50 Flagship on test is the highest spec currently available and costs RM103,300 OTR. Value for money aside, the X50 still has all the charms of a compact SUV. The handsome exterior features, well-designed interior, modern tech features and on-point power delivery checks all the required boxes. At the moment, there is no other SUV that gives you the best ring for your Ringgit, making it hard to buy anything else under the RM110,000 price point.
