Proton X50

The Proton X50 will be Proton's first-ever B-segment SUV. The model is based on the China-market Geely Binyue and will challenge the likes of the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3. The Proton X50 gets the choice of two turbocharged 1.5-litre engines, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch (DCT) automatic transmission.

Design

Visually, the Proton X50 looks identical to the Geely Binyue donor car, but with some Proton touches. Instead of the Geely's "Expanding Cosmos" front grille, the Proton X50 gets the "Infinite Weave" design that was first seen on the Proton X70.

Dimensions

The Proton X50 measures in at 4,330 mm x 1,800 mm x 1,609 mm in length, width, and height. Its wheelbase is 2,600 mm.

Lighting

All variants of the Proton X50 get LED headlights and LED tail lights. Front fog lights are fitted to the 1.5T Executive variant onwards.

Wheels

The Proton X50 is offered with two wheel sizes: 17- and 18-inches. The 1.5T Standard and 1.5T Executive get 17-inch units, while the 1.5T Premium and 1.5 TGDI get 18-inch wheels.

Dashboard

It's safe to say that the Proton X50 has the most premium interior in its segment. The Proton X50 gets a good mix of materials that give it an upmarket appeal. The dashboard (at least on the Flagship variant) also gets a lovely red finishing on the upper dashboard.

Centre Console

Thanks to its shift-by-wire gear shifter (like the Honda HR-V Hybrid), the Proton X50 also gets a dual-layer centre console design. 

Underneath the shifter column is a neat storage spot for miscellaneous items, which is similar to its larger sibling - the Proton X70. 

Space

Compared to some of its rivals, the Proton X50's interior space isn't particularly remarkable. It is sufficient for a family of five to travel around without feeling too cramped.

Boot

Boot space of the Proton X50 comes in at 330 litres. Not particularly impressive, as rivals offer more boot space.

Engine

Two turbocharged engines are offered on the Proton X50, a 1.5-litre multi-point injection (MPI) petrol unit and a 1.5-litre direct-injection (TGDI) petrol unit. 

The former produces 150 PS and 226 Nm, while the latter does 177 PS and 255 Nm.

Transmission

The sole transmission option is a 7-speed dual-clutch (DCT) automatic. It is the same unit as the one found in the locally-assembled (CKD) Proton X70, but with different shift mapping and calibration.

Drive train

The Proton X50 is front-wheel drive-only.

Acceleration Time

When we sampled the Geely Binyue in China, it completed the century dash in 8.9 seconds. We expect the Proton X50 to achieve similar figures. 

Engine Performance

Despite having one cylinder less than its rivals, turbocharging helps to improve performance of the Proton X50. It accelerates with a strong urgency - stronger than any of its current rivals that are currently on sale.

Transmission Performance 

The Geely Binyue's DCT was far from pleasant, as it does not creep when left in D, which makes hill climbs rather tricky. 

But we expect that to be resolved with the Proton X50, as the same transmission is found in CKD Proton X70.

Conclusion

All in all, the Proton X50 is a very accomplished product from Proton. Not only does the the Proton X50 look good in metal, its generous equipment count, strong engine performance, and price point are enough to seal the deal for some. The competition will get stiffer over time, as Toyota and Hyundai also have X50-rivalling models coming soon.