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At this point, we know there is a lot to know about the Proton X50, except for prices. But that hasn’t stopped more than 20,000 people from booking the automaker’s new B-segment SUV; That stat now includes our very own Hafriz Shah, as well as renowned two-time Sepang 1000km Endurance Race champion Farique Hairuman (aka Wak Tempe).
Farique, who was part of the team of driving instructors in the official X50 press campaign last week, said the X50 “handles like no other SUV” he has driven before. “It’s fun, nimble, easy to turn,” he said, adding that the emergency lane change and steering correction were also very smooth. He even told Hafriz, unofficially, that the X50 handles better than the F48 BMW X1.
Coming out of Turn 6, Farique noted that he could just step on the gas and let the X50 widen, but to his surprise, the typical SUV understeer was absent. Nor did it oversteer when breaking into Turn 12 with four adults on board. On the main straight, the top speed was just 170 km / h (with four adults) before braking at Turn 1.
According to personnel engineer Noor Hisham Ismail, the X50 has actually been made to ride smoother, because the Binyue is apparently “too stiff” to cope with our litany of potholes and potholes. Specifically, Proton reviewed the front stabilizer bar, spring rates, bushings, tire selection, shocks, and electronic power steering.
Ironically, Hisham said that the X50 with its softer suspension won’t be as pleasant to drive as the Binyue. But if it’s good enough for Farique (who, by the way, has had several seasons in international racing, like the Super Taikyu Endurance Series in Japan from 2008 to 2013), it’s probably good enough for most people.
One of the biggest talking points that came out of the media unit was the Flagship’s 1.5 TGDi drag race performance. With 177 hp and 255 Nm of torque, it consistently outperformed the Honda HR-V and the BMW X1 sDrive18i in the acceleration test. Just to remind you, the flagship will do the sprint of the century in 7.9 seconds, which is respectable fast for a car in its class.
GALLERY: Proton X50 Unit Preview, Sepang International Circuit
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