RD Drives the Proton X50: Its Everything You Want in a Compact SUV

The X50 will have no trouble attracting admirers thanks to its athletic design that everyone can appreciate. Its modern-conventional design is embellished with flared arches and a strong shoulder line to give the compact SUV a sporty identity.

The design of the compact SUV is based on the Geely Binyue; no secret here. Yet, Proton’s designers have embellished the vehicle enough that sets the X50 apart from its Chinese cousin with the Infinite Weave design on the grille. The pattern is adapted in various forms for different applications. You’ll see the design integrated into the headlights, the interior’s centre air vents and the infotainment menu screen.

Inside, the X50 feels better than some of the more expensive competition and lightyears on what Proton used to offer. The interior design is modern and the ergonomics are top-notch. The tri-toned dashboard looks more interesting than if this was in one colour. The red top pairs well with the aluminium-looking panels in the centre and the footwells feature black cladding.

A 10.25-inch touchscreen monitor sits in the middle of the dashboard and is angled every slightly towards the driver. You interact with the GKUI via the touchscreen and a voice command option should you choose to talk to the car. Thankfully, the wizards at Geely and Proton have worked to make the machine understand the Malaysian-English accent.

Online navigation, online music streaming and weather forecasts are made possible because of the inclusion of a built-in WiFI that offers a 4G connection with an eSIM. The X50 comes with a multi-year subscription with a local telco company. The UX is designed for simplicity and is responsive as any modern mobile phone.

Proton also did not skimp on the safety features. Once again, what the X50 has rivals that of SUVs at a higher price, albeit only with the Flagship model. Intelligent cruise control and autonomous braking, welcoming features during long drives, are part of the safety highlights. There are also safety technologies in here that keep you in your lane and warn you if you are about to hit an object in front and in your blind spot. Included inside is a 360-degree camera that makes parking in tight spaces easier.

A three-cylinder turbocharged engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission put power to the front wheels. Despite the size, the 1.5-litre engine in the Flagship model supplies 117PS and 255 Nm of torque. An RM90 road tax is a good benefit to enjoy, and so is its 6.4l per 100km fuel economy. But if you decide to go on a budget, the more affordable X50’s engine generates 150PS and 226Nm with a 6.5l per 100km fuel economy, which is still very respectable. Proton has clocked the X50 to run from zero to 100kph in 7.9 seconds. Expect a silky power delivery that makes brisk acceleration across the rev range. More importantly, it makes city driving easier especially when coming out from corners quickly or passing slower vehicles.

The ride comfort is impressive. Proton succeeded in tuning the chassis to please the driver and passengers. The spring and dampers are set just right so, it is not jarring when you hit potholes or bouncy when you come away from speed bumps. Around corners, the X50 rolls enough just to let you know it is a compact SUV but never too much that it becomes unpleasant.

There’s good feedback from the steering wheel at driving at speed, so you’ll have a good feel of the road. The wheel also feels tight and heavy the faster you drive and becomes loose and easy at parking-lot speeds. No matter the driving speed, the steering wheel reacts quickly to inputs.