Regardless of whether you are in China or in Malaysia, both the Honda HR-V and Proton X50 (also known as the Geely Binyue) are immensely well-received.

As impressive as their on-paper specifications may be, the burning question is: which one fares better in a crash test?

In an effort to determine which subcompact SUV safer, Chinese portal DaBiaoChe crash tested the China-market Honda HR-V and a Geely Binyue.

Both SUVs were pitted in a frontal offset crash test and here’s the data gathered by DaBiaoChe.

The airbags in both SUVs took 30 milliseconds to deploy, while the Binyue’s seat belts took just 9 milliseconds to tighten, as opposed to the HR-V’s 15 milliseconds. Like the airbags, the seat belts of the HR-V and Binyue are fitted with a small explosive charge, which instantly tightens the seat belts in an event of a crash.

More worryingly is the deformation of the Honda HR-V’s body structure. The publication noted how the HR-V’s structure deformed under impact, including the A-pillar, chassis, doors, and roof. The Binyue, on the other hand, held up reasonably well with no deformities.

Also Read: Review: 2020 Proton X50 - all the pros and flaws about Malaysia's most-hyped SUV!

Now, before you grab your pitchforks, do keep in mind that the Geely Binyue is a considerably newer car than the Honda HR-V. Geely has improved strides when it comes to vehicular safety and the Binyue is no exception. The HR-V, on the other hand, is a product from 2014 and it shows. This result will not be relevant for very long as the new-generation Honda HR-V is a much safer model.

Also Read: Review: Honda HR-V, still worth your attention over the Proton X70?

Manufacturers often adjust specifications to suit local regulations. For example, US-market cars use different airbags, as USA's NHTSA's regulations require airbags to work even without seatbelts. Europe places higher emphasis on pedestrian protection, so bonnet structure amd hinges could sometimes be different

It is also worth mentioning that the China-market cars used here may not be the same Malaysia-spec cars. We are not talking about features listed in brochures – these are generally the same for most markets. Body construction, material mix, and specs may differ. 

This is also why Euro NCAP or any other country's NCAP scores are not applicable to Malaysia, even though the model is the same.

Closer to home, both the Honda HR-V and Proton X50 were award with a 5-star crash test rating by ASEAN NCAP. The HR-V received its rating in 2015, while the X50 got it in 2020. That said, results cannot be compared directly as ASEAN NCAP's requirements have changed over the years.

Also Read: ASEAN NCAP to assess AEB systems starting Jan 2021, motorcyclist safety included