Proton X50 and X70 launched in Mozambique, third African country after Kenya and South Africa
CY Foong · May 31, 2023 10:45 AM
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Fun fact: The flag of Mozambique is the only one in the world that features an AK-47 on it. It’s one of the poorest countries in the world and yet, it is also the third African destination to launch the Proton X50 and Proton X70.
Despite being a former Portuguese colony, the country is a right-hand drive market just like the other 2 African nations that also offer the pair of Geely-based SUVs, Kenya and South Africa. Unlike the two other nations though, this is the first time the Malaysian Tiger is officially brought into Mozambique.
Distributed by Entreposto which also sold Toyota, Isuzu, and Volvo models in the country, prices for the X50 and X70 were not revealed though the distributor mentioned that it would be priced relatively “affordable”. The pair of Proton SUVs are likely to be fully-imported from Malaysia just like the South African-spec models.
Secondhand Japanese imports at a lot in Mozambique
Most cars on the road in Mozambique are used Japanese and Singaporean imports. In a country with one of the lowest GDP per capita, a new car whether it’s Japanese or Malaysian (by way of China) in origin is only attainable by the rich.
The X50 is available in Mozambique in 3 variants – Luxury, Executive, and Premium. Just like in Malaysia and South Africa, the top-of-the-line Premium variant is powered by a 1.5-litre TGDi 3-pot that makes 177 PS/255 Nm while the two lower variants are powered by a multi-point injected 1.5-litre 3-cylinder unit that produces 150 PS/226 Nm. A 7-speed DCT is paired to both engines that drive the front wheels.
Features on the Mozambican-spec X50 are similar to that in Malaysia with 6 airbags, leatherette seats, and automatic LED headlights as standard. A 10.25-inch head unit and automatic air-conditioning are offered on the Executive and Premium variants while the latter comes with the full suite of ADAS.
Moving on to its bigger brother, the X70 is available in Mozambique with two variants, Executive and Premium with the former available with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Both variants are powered by a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder TGDi engine also found in the X50 Premium that is paired to a 7-speed DCT.
The Mozambican-spec X70 comes with similar features offered to the respective variants in Malaysia with Nappa leather upholstery and a full suite of ADAS on the top-of-the-range X70 Premium.
Proton has seen some growth in the export market in 2022. With Mozambique the newest destination for the Malaysian Tiger, what other countries will see the debut or the return of Proton in 2023?
Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.
