A reliable car on the block versus a much-anticipated unit from a home-grown automaker - this is an age-old method of comparing cars and falling back to a conclusion - whether to go with the current option or wait for the upcoming car? Today, we pitch the Ford EcoSport against the Proton X50, whose launch we believe is delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before diving into the details and comparison, let us first know a bit about the two cars. Starting with the EcoSport, it is undoubtedly one of the most popular vehicles in the segment. It arrived in Malaysia in 2014 but continues to rule the hearts. However, we do regret not getting a facelift in a while, but it still stands like a fighter.

As for the Proton X50, it was in January 2020 that the company’s CEO Li Chunrong confirmed that the car’s launch is by the end of this year. As far as the name X50 is concerned, it was one of the many trademarks registered by the company a while back and has since been picked up as it carries the same nomenclature as the X70. Also, we’d like to tell you that since the X50 is based on Geely Binyue, all its specifications are borrowed from the Chinese car, as the manufacturer has not shared any details about the upcoming car.

One of the key factors when looking into buying a crossover is cabin space and practicality. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the two cars and see which one a buyer should consider if space is what matters the most.

Dimensions 

Specifications	Proton X50	Ford EcoSport
Length	4,330 mm	4,273 mm
Width	1,800 mm	1,765 mm
Height	1,609 mm	1,675 mm
Wheelbase	2,600 mm	2,519 mm
Boot space	330L	362L

At first glance, the Proton X50 does give the impression of being the bigger car, possibly due to the rugged car design. However, the boot space in the Ford EcoSport is 32 litres more than the X50.

Engine

Specifications	Proton X50	Ford EcoSport
Engine	1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged	1.5-litre Ti-VCT, 14, DOHC, 16V
Power	177 PS at 5,500 rpm	110 PS at 6,300 rpm
Torque	255 Nm	142 Nm at 4,400 rpm
Transmission	7-speed DCT	PowerShift 6-speed Automatic (Dual Dry Clutch)

As can be seen, both the cars are powered by a 1.5L power plant. However, the one on the X50 releases more power and torque. Also, it gets a seven-speed DCT, which some may say is better than the one featuring in the EcoSport.

Features

Taking clues from Geely Binyue, the X50 is expected to be equipped with features like power-adjustable driver’s seat, panoramic sunroof, air purifier, dual-zone climate control. On the entertainment front, the car will feature a 10.25-inch display with ‘Hi Proton’ voice control system Geely Key User Interface.

The Ford EcoSprt, on the other hand, features an electronic automatic temperature control air-con system, dot matrix multifunction display with AUX & USB port, Bluetooth, voice command, MP3, CD In-dash with 6-speakers and dual AM/FM, manual driver seat adjust, tilt & telescopic steering wheel, electronic controlled side mirror, and audio control on the steering wheel.

Overall, the Proton X50 features more advanced features of the two; however, the EcoSport has all the essential units necessary for a comfortable ride.

Safety

Safety-wise, the X50, like its Chinese counterpart, will come equipped with several features like six airbags, stability control, and a bunch of driver assistance systems. Besides, it gets autonomous emergency braking, Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capability, blind-spot monitoring, and full park assist system.

The EcoSport gets seven airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Program, Traction Control, Emergency Brake Assist, Hill Launch Assist, Electronic Passive Anti Theft Alarm System with Immobilizer and others.

Of the two, the X50 is bestowed with advanced safety features, but again we’ll like to point out that Ford’s offering is perfectly able to provide a safe and secure ride.

Conclusion

The Ford EcoSport and Proton X50 are both great cars from reliable, trustworthy companies. However, the thing with X50 is that being a new car is fitted with all the latest technology and features.

Also Read: Reasons why Proton X50 is worth the wait