Should you buy the Proton X50 or wait for the Perodua D55L?

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. The yet-to-be-named Perodua D55L is indeed in the same segment as the 2020 Proton X50.

Now that order books for the 2020 Proton X50 are open, should you go right ahead and buy it or should you hold off a little longer for the Perodua D55L? Well, let’s consider their respective propositions.

Wait… you said same segment, are they the same in size?

Not quite. The Proton X50 measures in at 4,330 mm long, 1,800 mm wide, 1,609 mm tall, with a wheelbase stretching at 2,600 mm.

The Perodua D55L measures 3,995 mm long, 1,695 mm wide, 1,620 mm tall, with a wheelbase stretching at 2,525 mm.

In terms of size, the D55L can be viewed as a lower-B product, while the Proton X50 is an upper-B product, closer to a Honda HR-V.

Boot size however, is bigger on the D55L at 369 litres, compared to the Proton X50 at 330 litres.

Are they on par in terms of performance?

Both feature 3-cylinder turbocharged engines but the difference here is size. The D55L uses a 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine with 98 PS and 140 Nm of torque paired to a CVT automatic.

The range-topping Proton X50 uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine with 177 PS and 255 Nm of torque paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Nearly double the power and even more torque than the 2020 Honda City RS.

Which has a better interior?

Using the Toyota Raize/Daihatsu Rocky as a reference, the cabin is clearly built with a more budget proposition in mind as told by the hardy plastics found throughout the cabin.

Over in the Proton X50, the use of high-quality leather, attractive interior trims and high definition displays give the cabin a more upmarket impression. There are also variants with panoramic sunroof, dual-tone upholstery and 10-inch widescreen infotainment display.

However, the Proton X50 lacks Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity while the Raize/Rocky supports it.

How about ADAS?

Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) are available in both SUVs, including adaptive cruise control (ACC), autonomous emergency braking, and automatic high beam.

The Proton X50 has a more sophisticated ADAS with automatic parking assistant, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Keep Assist. 

But the most important question is, what are their prices?

Unfortunately, prices have yet to be announced for both cars. However, we’re speculating the Proton X50 to be priced within RM 80,000 to RM 100,000. The Flagship variant could breach the RM 100k mark.

As for the Perodua D55L, the most expensive Perodua Myvi and Perodua Aruz priced at RM 52,697, and RM 73,226 respectively. That’s more or less the range for the Perodua D55L.

When will they arrive?

Bookings are now open for the Proton X50, and we're expecting the launch to happen sometime in October.

The Perodua D55L will reportedly begin production in December 2020, and its debut will be in early 2021.

Alright back to the question, should I wait for the D55L?

If you’re a fan of latest and greatest technologies, prefer a more upmarket interior, and more torque bragging rights than the Honda City RS, then no, you should get the Proton X50.

However, if you prefer something more familiar, slightly more compact, lower fuel consumption, and the RM 80k to RM 100k is a little steep for you, then yes, you should wait for the Perodua D55L.