After long wait, Proton X50 is finally officially launched!
During the last Merdeka Day, the highly anticipated compact SUV, Proton X50 was introduced to the public and revealed in a media preview after several rounds of teaser and leak.
The introduction shows off the new compact crossover with the trademark Infinite Weave grille, blacked-out roof and red interior.
Proton has shared three high resolution images which provides a better view of the front, sides and the interior. Although we all know that it’s based on the Geely Binyue (or known as Geely Coolray), it seems like they have added in a couple of extra features which most Malaysians would appreciate.
The complete colour chart of the Proton X50 is also revealed, as shown in the image below. As expected, not all options are available for each variant, selected colours are reserved for the higher end models only.
(Source: paul.org)
Out of the six colour options, only three will be available on the Standard variant: Snow White, Armour Silver and Ocean Blue. The Executive adds on the option of Jet Grey and Citric Orange, while the hero colour, Passion Red, is exclusive to the Premium and Flagship variants. All Flagship models, of course, get the dual-tone treatment with a blacked-out roof and side mirrors.
Based on the exterior, the side of the vehicle has a metallic shine that is complemented by a polished strip and the Proton script in the middle. Also, the size of the key fob is close to the size and hexagonal shape of key fob used by the Geely Binyue, or Coolray, as it is called in the Philippines. If they share the same key fob, it is expected that it will come with four buttons: lock and unlock the door, open the boot, and the last button is still unknown.
Currently, the Binyue has a wireless key ignition function that lets drivers start their vehicle from a distance without having to enter it. This would be an extremely helpful feature from a Malaysian context.
Imagine parking your car under the scorching heat of the sun, wouldn’t you want to cool down your car before entering it? With the wireless key ignition function, car owners will be able to do so. However, it is yet to know whether the wireless key ignition function will be offered on the Proton X50. It is possible that it will only be available on the higher specs model.
Looking at the interior, it is flipped from left- to right-hand drive based on the Binyue and with the latest Proton logo on the steering wheel. There’s a futuristic minimalist dashboard with fake stitching on the upper layer, lashings of metal-look trim, a tall centre console “bridge” with a Porsche-like passenger grab handle, and even some jet fighter-inspired air vents at the corners. Underneath the centre console is a large storage space with a USB port and a 12-volt socket.
The locally assembled Proton X50 has two types of engines. The 1.5 TGDi Flagship is powered by a 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine developed by Geely and Volvo. This direct-injection unit makes 177 PS at 5,500 rpm and 255 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm.
While in the Standard, Executive and Premium variants, the “1.5T” engine is a port-injected version of the engine, which we’re seeing for the first time anywhere. All X50s have a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission sending power to the front wheels – like the CKD X70, there’s no AWD here.
In terms of the price, the new compact is priced from RM79,200 to RM103,300 and will go head-to-head with other B-segment SUVs like the Honda HR-V.
- RM79,200 for the base 1.5T Standard
- RM84,800 for the Executive
- RM93,200 for the Premium
- RM103,300 for the amusingly-named 1.5 TGDi Flagship.
East Malaysia prices are RM2,000 higher across the board – this differs from the X70, which is priced the same on both sides of the country.
These on-the-road prices for this locally-assembled Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) come without insurance and include the full exemption of the sales and service tax (SST), valid until December 31. There’s also a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, a five-year data package (1 GB quota per month) and five times free labour for servicing (limited to the first 30,000 bookings up to December 31).
Other than that, Proton X50 is also expected to come with a host of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) which includes Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection and Adaptive Cruise Control.
Proton is also providing two optional dealer-installed accessory packs at launch, both of which come with a powered tailgate. The RM3,500 Urban package also includes a built-in Touch ‘n Go reader, magnetic sunshades and coil mats, while the RM3,300 Utility package instead incorporates PVC mats, a boot tray and side sill scuff plates instead.
The Proton X50 is now officially launched. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any consultation.