Since its introduction in October 2020, the Proton X50 has been an immensely popular model for Proton. Last year, Proton sold 40,681 units of the X50, cementing itself as Malaysia’s best-selling SUV.

Prices of a new Proton X50 start from RM 86,300. But if that is a bit too expensive for you, fret not, as Carsome has units priced from as low as RM 79k.

Also Read: Proton X50 and X70 launched in South Africa after a 10-year hiatus

Overview

The Proton X50, as some of you know, is based on the Geely Binyue. This B-segment SUV made its debut in Malaysia back in September 2020 across four variants: Standard, Executive, Premium, and Flagship.

The Standard, Executive, and Premium variants of the Proton X50 are powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre multi-point injection (MPI) 3-cylinder petrol engine that does 150 PS and 226 Nm.

As for the top-spec Flagship variant, it is powered by a direct-injection (TGDI) version of said 3-cylinder mill, with a total output of 177 PS and 255 Nm.

Also Read: Proton has produced its 10,000th 1.5 TGDI engine in just 7 months at Tanjung Malim

Regardless of engine type, all Proton X50 variants feature a 7-speed wet-type dual-clutch (DCT) automatic transmission, with drive going to the front wheels. Unlike its larger sibling, the Proton X70, the Proton X50 is strictly front-wheel drive-only.

Proton offers two infotainment versions on the Proton X50: a smaller 8.0-inch and a larger 10.25-inch unit. Both versions of the infotainment system do not support Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

Also Read: Why isn’t Proton accepting Apple CarPlay/Android Auto yet? The simple answer is user data

Which variant to get?

We would recommend skipping the Standard variant, as it only offers 4 airbags while the rest of the line-up offers 6 airbags.

If safety is your top priority, aim for the Flagship variant, as it includes a full ADAS suite, bundling adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, blind spot information system, and intelligent high beam control.

Common problems?

Since its launch in 2020, most owners have been pleased with their Proton X50.

Considering that the Proton X50 is still relatively new, problems are few and far between, though a quick search on one of the many X50 owners groups revealed some issues faced by owners, like odd knocking noises from the rear brakes, airbag warning, or battery failing prematurely, these issues can be rectified under warranty at any authorized Proton service centre.

Another common issue is water ingress in the front fog lights, which has been reported by several X50 owners. Thankfully, this can be rectified under warranty too, like the aforementioned issues.

Let's not forget that Proton's parts shortage is still an issue, and expect longer-than-usual wait times when ordering certain parts directly from Proton. Some X50 owners also waited months while their SUVs remained in the workshop for body repairs.

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

Conclusion

With prices of a used Proton X50 starting from the RM 80k mark, there’s very little competition at that price point offering X50-levels of equipment and features.

Granted, modern-day features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are missing on the X50 (there are workarounds, but this isn’t the point), but this is just a minor shortcoming in what’s a really excellent value-for-money SUV.

After all, with more than 40,000 Malaysians receiving the keys to their brand-new Proton X50 last year, Proton must’ve struck the right chord with this B-segment SUV.