Proton X50 - First impression

Proton X50, the next big thing of Malaysia's automotive scene, is eventually out of the box. There has been a lot of anticipation for the compact SUV, and perhaps this is the most talked-about upcoming car of this year. The automaker has recently flaunted the new X50 in all its glory, showing off a better view of the front, sides, and the interior. However, Proton intentionally left out the rear of the SUV in the images and still did not reveal the model's name. Well, we all know what it is called, right?

The little brother to the X70 looks strikingly identical to the Geely Binyue, the model on which it is based on. But of course, there are some Proton finishings here and there. According to the reports, the company will launch the model next Tuesday, still a week to go. But here we have brought the first impression of the much-awaited Proton X50 for you, have a look.

Proton X50 Exterior

With the slight cosmetic differences from the donor model, the Proton X50 features the brand's signature infinite weave pattern on the front grille, and the Ethereal Bow, which is highlighted in red. It also wears red accents on the front and rear brake calipers, all these together complement the sporty aesthetic look of the SUV. The grille houses the brand's new Thundercats logo. 

Other design highlights comprise an aggressive front lip splitter, sporty roof spoiler, and a blacked-out roof with the panoramic sunroof that is supposed to be the first in the class and likely to be included in the premium trim; like the X70. The younger sibling also houses the 'TGDI' badges on the front doors as the elder one.

Speaking about the Proton X50 color choices, the revealed images confirm two more options - Red and Grey, apart from the blue shade seen in the Proton's Merdeka Day video.

Proton X50 Interior

Inside, the more modern and funky interior of the upcoming X50 is donned in black and red combination with satin-finished silver accents. However, it inherits much of the design from its Chinese cousin. There is a floating touch-screen entertainment display running GKUI, which is likely to be a 10-inch unit, available on the Geely models. It will also have the now-iconic 'Hi Proton' voice assistant functionality, but unlikely to support Android Auto or Apple Car Play. 

The flat-bottom steering wheel is identical to that of the Binyue, which is flipped from left to right and houses the new Proton logo. The interior image also shows the petite gear selector, denoting a seven-speed dual-clutch adopted from X70.

Other interior highlights include a digital instrument cluster display, automatic air-conditioning, second-row air vents with USB charging ports, electronic parking brake, and selectable drive modes.

Proton X50 Engine specifications

Proton has not yet revealed the technical specs of the all-new X50. Still, as per information, the locally assembled SUV is likely to be powered by a 1.5-litre turbo inline-three with direct-injection good for producing 177 horsepower and 255 Nm of peak torque. The interior image confirms that the X50 will be equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission found in the X70, driving the front wheels. With the same setup, Geely Binuye can run from naught to 100 kmph in 7.9 seconds.

Proton X50 Safety

All the Proton X50 features look impressive, but the SUV's safety kit is somewhat going to make it stand out from the crowd. This is so because the hotly anticipated X50 will have a full-fledged Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system. Other than this, the X50 is likely to get the majority of the safety features offered in the X70, including autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring for top-spec trims and six airbags and electronic stability control as standard. Proton X50 specs sheet could also include the adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera available with the larger sibling.

Proton X50 Price

The price of the Proton X50 is yet to be unveiled, but it is expected to be below RM 100,000, essentially less than the X70, which currently retails between RM 94,800 and RM 122,800.

Summing up

With such an impression and features on offer, we expect Proton X50 to ring the cash registers right from day one and repeat the history created by the famed X70. And, of course, it is a matter of concern for some rivals going head to head with X50, including Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, and Ford EcoSport.

Also read: Buy or Hold: Wait for Proton X50 or buy Ford EcoSport?