Looking into the future rift - Perodua D55L vs. Proton X50 (Toyota Raize vs. Geely Binyue)

Earlier reports suggested that Perodua has been testing a new compact SUV for quite a while now. Things got a bit clearer when Daihatsu showcased its brand-new compact SUV called Rocky at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show. And then it was Toyota that launched its new compact SUV in Japan that goes by the name Raize, which is very identical to its subsidiary’s Rocky.

All these facts indicate that Perodua’s new compact SUV, which is codenamed as the D55L, will be based on the Daihatsu Rocky/Toyota Raize.

Now, on the other hand, Proton is working on its own new SUV, which is believed to be named as the X50. After joining hands with the Chinese firm Geely, Proton launched its first SUV called X70 in Malaysia, which proved to be a massive success.

The X70 was based on Geely’s Boyue, and it is being speculated that the new X50 will be based on Geely Binyue that was launched in China back in August 2018. Also, a disguised prototype of the same has been spotted going through some road tests here in Malaysia, which strengthens the fact that Proton’s next X50 will indeed be based on the Binyue.

Since Perodua and Proton are among the leading car companies in Malaysia, they are also each other’s direct rivals. So it would be interesting to put Perodua D55L against Proton X50 just to see what each of the upcoming cars have to offer. However, it is crucial to note that the former is an A-segment compact SUV, whereas the latter will fall into the slightly bigger B-segment and wouldn’t go against each other head-to-head.

Perodua D55L vs. Proton X50

Perodua D55L exterior-

The D55L has an attractive front end with features like LED headlights, blacked-out large grille, big sporty bumper with LED daytime running lights, and LED position lights as the eyebrows. We also like the way this compact SUV has been designed from the side. It doesn’t look out of proportions and at the same time, gives an SUV-ish feel perhaps because of the black cladding.

Some of its other key exterior features are-

• 17-in stylish alloy wheels
• Body-colored C-pillar
• Shark fin antenna
• Rear combination lights with signature LED tube
• High mount stop lamp

Proton X50 exterior-

It is no surprise that the Proton X50 looks very much similar to its elder sibling, the X70. It has the same set of LED headlights with LED DRLs, the familiar front grille, and that large bumper with big fog lamp housings. Mind you, we are not complaining. Even though the X50 is similar to the X70, it looks fantastic!

Some of its highlighting exterior features include-

• Turbine-like alloy wheels
• Sloping roof-line
• Floating roof thanks to the blacked-out C-pillar
• Sharp character line on the side
• Bold rear combination lamps
• Roof-mounted rear spoiler with integrated high mount stop lamp
• Faux exhaust ports with chrome surrounds

Following is the comparison between the dimensions of Perodua D55L and Proton X50.

Measurements	Perodua D55L	Proton X50
Length	3995 mm	4330 mm
Width	1695 mm	1800 mm
Height	1620 mm	1609 mm
Wheelbase	2525 mm	2600 mm

 

Perodua D55L interior-

Since the D55L is smaller in dimensions, it takes a hit in the interior space. Not that it is claustrophobic inside, but accommodating three full-grown adults in the rear could be quite a task. Four people would be fine and comfortable.

The interior here features a black theme with red highlights at various places. We reckon that these highlights would change depending on the color of the car. There is a three-spoke, sporty steering wheel with some mounted controls and a large infotainment screen placed in the middle of the dashboard.

Proton X50 interior-

The X50 offers a lot more space than the Proton for obvious reasons. It also gets other premium features which the Proton would miss out. These include-

• Panoramic sunroof
  Dual-zone climate control
• Air purifier
• Power-adjustable driver seat
  10.25-in touch screen display with Geely Key User Interface (GKUI)
• Voice commands

Also, the interior of the X50 looks more premium and well-finished.

Perodua D55L specs-

In Japan, the Daihatsu Rocky/Toyota Raize has a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, turbocharged engine that puts out 97 bhp and 140 Nm of torque. The transmission here is a CVT unit. However, Perodua is likely going to replace that engine with its 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, naturally-aspirated engine that it uses in its Myvi and Aruz.

Proton X50 specs-

The Proton also features a 1.0-litre engine, but it is much more powerful than the Toyota’s. It churns out a healthy 134 horses and 205 Nm of torque and comes mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. There would be another engine option - a 1.5-litre mill that produces 174 bhp and 255 Nm and comes equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. We suspect that it is the latter engine option that will make its way to Malaysia.

Engine specifications-

Engine details	Perodua D55L	Proton X50
Type	1.0-litre turbo	1.0-litre turbo	1.5-litre turbo
Horsepower	97 bhp	134 bhp	174 bhp
Torque	140 Nm	205 Nm	255 Nm
Transmission	CVT	6 MT	7 DCT

 

Perodua D55L safety features-

Since the Perodua D55L is based on Toyota Raize and Toyota is always very serious when it comes to safety, the Perodua also benefits from this fact. It comes with some good safety features like-

• 6 airbags
• Stability control
• Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Adaptive cruise control
• Pedal misapplication control
• 360-degree camera
• Park assist

Proton X50 safety features-

We are pretty confident that the X50 will be given all the safety features of the Perodua D55L that we just mentioned except the pedal misapplication control. In fact, its list of safety features extend a bit longer and includes additional features like-

• Lane keep assist
• Blind-spot assist
• Auto high beam control

Perodua D55L and Proton X50 price and availability-

Right now, it would be too early to comment on the prices and availability of both these cars. However, we can say one thing about their prices, the Perodua D55L price would be much lower than the Perodua Aruz price (starts at RM 72,900). Similarly, the Proton X50 would definitely be cheaper than the X70, which has a starting price of RM 99,800.

So, with all the details mentioned above, what do you think of these two vehicles?

Also Read:- A Proton X60 based on Geely Xing Yue Sport Coupe?