I hope you’re not feeling too queasy for more coverage of the Proton X50 because well, here’s another one.

Unlike others that churn out plenty of bite-sized visual information on the hottest car to come out from the Malaysian Tiger in a day, we decided to put the spotlight on another highly anticipated Malaysian SUV, the Perodua D55L.

The battle of two Ps

Historically, Proton and Perodua were never meant to be rivals as both carmakers were catered to different demographics. Perodua focused on cheap, affordable city cars while Protons mostly took on bigger, larger capacity family (and sometimes sporty) cars.

There were a few models that indirectly took on each other like the Proton Tiara and Juara which challenged the Perodua Kancil and Kenari. We know which of these left a better impression on Malaysians.

Then in 2005, Perodua launched the Myvi which quickly turned the tides of the Malaysian automotive industry. Proton launched the Savvy around a month later and the first direct rivalry between the two local carmakers was born.

During the next 15 years, both brands took on one another with almost every new model launch. Now, each of Perodua’s model lineup has a direct Proton rival (except the Axia and Aruz) and the upcoming D55L will be quite a formidable challenge to the X50 when it comes out in 2021.

Advanced vs essential

Some of you might think that both the D55L and X50 aren’t considered close rivals but in actuality, they might be sharing the same category. Hans had given a pretty thorough explanation here but in summary, we think the D55L is a B-SUV like the X50.

While Proton has yet to announce the official price of the X50, we think it could range between RM 80,000 to slightly above RM 100,000. Looking at the specs available on the X50, it’s quite impressive if it can match our predicted pricing. It comes with level 2 semi-autonomous driving in the literal Flagship variant which also includes Auto Park Assist.

But if you decided on getting the cheaper variants like the Standard, Executive, or Premium, you would lose out on the ADAS suite. The Standard variant is the only one that comes with 4 airbags compared with 6 on the other variants.

Priced right, the X50 would make you think twice about waiting for the D55L. Based on the specs of the Japanese Daihatsu Rocky, it is possible that the D55L could be equipped with ADAS but nothing as advanced as the X50. Then again, the most expensive D55L could also have more safety features than the cheapest X50.

Speed vs sensibility

As for powertrains, we know the X50 comes with 2 engine options, a 1.5-litre turbocharged multi-port 3-cylinder (150 PS/226 Nm) and a 1.5-litre turbocharged direct-injected 3-cylinder (177 PS/255 Nm). Both are mated to a 7-speed DCT gearbox and the more powerful engine is only available on the Flagship.

In the D55L, it could come with either a 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder similar to the Rocky (98 PS/140 Nm) or the same 1.5-litre engine from the Myvi (104 PS/137 Nm). If it is the turbocharged 1.0-litre, then it could be using a CVT gearbox which would be a first for Perodua.

Wait first or book now?

That being said, the question is whether you should wait for the D55L or get the X50? On one hand, the X50 definitely has all the recipe needed for a fun-to-drive everyday crossover with a pretty advanced ADAS for that peace-of-mind assurance.

It might be a bit overhyped but hype sometimes is a good thing especially if it makes an impression.

However, if you don’t mind waiting for the Perodua to show up even if it takes until 2021, there’s really nothing wrong with that. Maybe you’re the type of person who prefers the simplicity of a car with no-frills dependability.

The D55L might be the sensible choice for you if you have the patience for waiting. Besides, even if you book the X50 now, chances are the first units would only arrive around the first quarter of 2021. The waiting list for the Proton B-SUV stands at 3 months.

If it all goes according to plan, Perodua would be launching the D55L around the first quarter of 2021 with production to begin in December 2020. Hopefully, we can duke these 2 out in a review in the future. As the saying goes, sometimes the best thing comes to those who wait.

In the meantime, check out Adrian's quick review of the X50 at Sepang and walkaround of the Perodua-based Daihatsu Rocky at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show.