We get it - you’re hungry for the Proton X50. It shows in the many dozen posts in our WhatsApp and Facebook groups as well as in our recently-created forum (which you should check out!)

There's been a lot of buzz, but do you know the buzzwords? Sit up and take notes - by the end of this post, you'll be quite the expert!

Let's start with the powertrain:

What’s MPI, T and TGDI?

T means turbocharged. Every X50 gets a three-cylinder turbocharged mill.

Standard, Executive and Premium get MPI engines, Flagship gets a TGDI.

MPI stands for Multi Point Injection. In this setup, fuel is injected into the intake port to be mixed with air before entering the combustion chamber. 

TGDi is Turbocharged Gasoline (petrol) Direct Injection. Fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber at high pressure. TGDI engines are more expensive to produce, but have minimised wastage and higher output. 

But that doesn’t mean it’s inherently perfect - more details here!

What’s Dual VVT?

VVT is Variable Valve Timing, and Dual means timing is adjusted on intake and exhaust. 

Without VVT, the intake and exhaust valves operates in the same way regardless of the engine's rpm or driving environment. This isn't very good, because you might want the engine to behave differently throughout the rev-range. 

For example, you might want more power at high rpms but prioritise fuel economy at low RPMs.

VVT enables these different behaviours by changing how the intake and exhaust valves work at different engine speeds.

Thus, it helps optimise the engine’s performance, whilst also improving fuel economy and emissions. 

What’s 7-speed wet-type DCT?

DCT = Dual-Clutch Transmission.

Wet-type means that the clutches are soaked in oil within the gearbox, which helps in keeping the gearbox cool - ideal for our local conditions.

DCTs shift faster than regular automatics (not offered on the X50) which leads to an engaging drive while still helping fuel efficiency and emitting less CO2.

However, DCTs are heavy and complex to build. Its character is closer to a clutchless manual transmission than a regular torque converter automatic, so drivers need to be aware of this.

What's a BMA platform?

B-segment Modular Architecture.

'Modular' means the same platform can be used for cars of different sizes thus saving cost and development time. This platform is constructed using 70% high-strength steel and 20% hot-formed steel. 

The Geely Binyue/X50 is the first car built on this platform, while the Geely Binrui is another car that shares the platform. 

Take five. Done? Let's head inside...

What’s GKUI?

Geely Key User Interface.

It’s Geely’s proprietary software to run the 8- or 10.25-inch infotainment system.

The X50 runs the latest GKUI 19 software (based on Android), supports ‘Hi Proton’ voice command to control things like the panoramic sunroof, power windows and music, among others.

However, that doesn't mean it supports Android Auto nor Apple CarPlay (for now) but MirrorLink remains. Navigation is provided by HereMaps and Over-the-Air (OTA, like your phone) updates will stay.

What’s ADAS, AEB, FCW, ACC, LKA, LDW, BLIS, TPMS?

ADAS = Active Driver Assistance Systems. Think of it as things that help you prevent an accident, and passive safety (like airbags and seatbelts) are things that happen after the fact.

Meanwhile, the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) remains. EPBs allow for more space on the centre console, which gives more cabin space and is generally more convenient to use.

In a nutshell...

There's that of the different terms you might come across about the Proton X50. Some terms are not X50-exclusive (like DCT, VVT and ADAS functions).

At the time of writing, prices for the X50 aren't revealed yet. Soon...