Many of us have been waiting for the imminent launch of the all-new Proton X50 for the last so many months as it gains newer technology and features proposing a good value for money. 

Proton finally ended our wait a couple of days ago when it launched the new SUV via its social media channel along with ending the suspense of the Proton X50 price. And, this comes as a pleasant surprise that the latest model in the 1.5T Standard version retails for as low as RM 79,200.

Proton loaded its new B-SUV with a bunch of amazing features, we love the X50 personally and ample reasons are supporting our liking. However, like everything in this world, it also misses out on a few aspects; things that could have been better. So, in today’s story, we have listed the Proton X50 hit points as well as missed ones, but before that check out the variant-wise price list of the SUV.

Variant	Price (excluding insurance)
Proton X50 1.5T Standard	RM 79,200
Proton X50 1.5T Executive	RM 84,800
Proton X50 1.5T Premium	RM 93,200
Proton X50 1.5T Flagship	RM 103,300

 Also read: Proton X50: Variants explained

Proton X50 Hits

Stylish design inside out

The compact SUV carries a sporty, rugged, and aggressive stance that combines different styling elements. Upfront, there is an infinite weave grille incorporating the brand’s Thundercats logo and an Ethereal Bow with red accents. The aggressive front lip splitter, sporty roof spoiler, and blacked-out roof further accentuate the SUV’s look. Styling highlights of the rear end comprise a massive diffuser, four exhaust pipes, and trapezoidal LED tail lamps joined by a full-width chrome bar carrying bold ‘PROTON’ letters. 

Inside, the new X50 poses with a dual-tone look with various satin chrome accents all-around. It highlights a futuristic minimalist dashboard design paired with a floating touchscreen infotainment display, jet fighter-inspired air vents, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The optional leatherette upholstery intensifies the cabin’s overall look.

Revolutionary connectivity

In terms of connectivity, Proton brings on some really amazing features to the table. Starting with a GKUI 19 (Geely Smart Ecosystem user interface) infotainment system that comes with the 'Hi Proton' voice assistant functionality programmed to pick up the Malaysian accent. This enables control over several functions such as windows operation, online navigation, air-conditioning, and online music streaming. The system also has a mirror-link ability that connects iOS or Android devices to the IHU. 

With the help of the Proton Link app, the SUV gets connected to a remote which controls and monitors specific car functions like air conditioning and engine start. With just a click, you can get your X50 ready for the trip with a warm-up engine and cool cabin.

Powerful performance

Proton offers the X50 in two engine choices; the better tuned 1.5-litre TGDI engine mated to the X70's dual-clutch transmission generates 177 PS of maximum power and 255 Nm of peak torque. In comparison, the closet rival Honda HR-V houses a 1.8-litre mill producing 142 PS and 172 Nm. Proton’s SUV also has an impressive fuel economy of 6.4 litres per 100 km.

Also read: Proton X50 vs. Honda HR-V: What Proton offers at the competitive price?

5-star safety rating

The new Proton X50 is not only a stylish and hi-tech SUV, but it is equally safe too. The ASEAN NCAP safety programme has already gauged the safety performance of the SUV and awarded it a perfect 5-star rating. With a total score of 84.26%, it received 31.42 points (out of 36) in Adult Occupant Protection, 41.50 points (out of 49) in Child Occupant Protection, and 14 points (out of 18) in Safety Assist technology. 

Depending on the variant, the SUV's safety kit comprises six airbags, ABS with EBD and BA, stability control, hill start assist, hill descent control, rear Isofix child seat anchors, an electronic parking brake, a reverse camera, and a full-fledged Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system.

Proton X50 Misses

Lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 

The GKUI 19 is one of the most advanced infotainment systems available currently in the market, but still, it does not come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features, which are becoming common in Malaysia. However, these are not even available with Geely models in China. Getting this onboard could add-on one more strong point to the X50’s game. Well, for now, it offers MirrorLink functionality to Android users and a basic screen mirroring for iOS devices as an alternative. 

No paddle shifters

The X50 comes in four trims, all of which are coupled with a 7-speed DCT gearbox unit that does not have paddle shifters. The feature simulates a clutchless manual transmission and was expected to be on the X50 specs sheet, given the available performance and the dynamic-looking.

Although the automatic transmission is in trend and buyers prefer this option for convenience, some auto-enthusiasts like to use the paddle shifters for fun, performance, and control. Shifting gears manually can also be a safety advantage, especially in bad weather. 

Low boot space

Dimensionally, the X50 is a long, wide, and tall SUV that almost measures the same as its competitors. But when it comes to luggage space, the national automaker’s SUV lags. Proton X50’s boot capacity is 330 litres, much less than the HR-V’s 437 litres trunk. Even the Toyota C-HR and Mazda CX-3 have a bigger space in this segment, with 388 litres, and 350 litres, respectively.

Summing up

Ignoring these few points, we can say that the Proton X50 is undoubtedly a car that carries the potential to revolutionize the brand’s as well as the entire Malaysian auto industry sales scenario.

Also read: Proton X50: All you need to know