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Proton today launched the new X50, which is arguably one of the most anticipated cars of 2020. With four variants available and prices from RM 79,200 to RM 103,300, there is a lot of appeal here given the specs shown.
So how does the X50 stack up against the major B and C segment SUVs that are currently available or will go on sale in Malaysia, i.e. the Proton X70, Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, Mazda CX -3 and CX-30, Subaru XV, Kia Seltos and Hyundai Kona? Well, we have compiled the data and carefully arranged it in table form for your consideration.
Before we continue, there is a bit of cleaning in order. We only list the high-spec variant available for each model, which is what many car buyers would look at at first, as the high-end is usually the one with the best possible equipment. In the case of the X50, that would be the flagship, and the rest would be as seen in the table.
Price wise, the X50 Flagship is the least expensive of the bunch for now, barring the official prices for Kia Seltos and Hyundai Kona. Both Korean models have yet to launch here, although the last one will arrive later this week.
In terms of engine power, the 1.5-liter turbocharged direct-injection three-cylinder X50 Flagship generates 175 hp and 255 Nm of torque, which is less than the X70 which has a higher-capacity 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 181 hp and 300 Nm.
However, compared to other listed SUVs, the Proton B-segment model has a big advantage, although the Kona’s 1.6-liter turbo engine fought very closely with its 175 hp and 265 Nm. The X50, X70, and Kona have seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions (Proton models use a wet-type drive) and all others are six-speed automatic or CVT. Four-wheel drive is also a rarity, and nearly all the variants listed are front-wheel drive only.
In terms of dimensions, the X50 is 4,330mm long and has a 2,600mm wheelbase, putting it within reach of the Honda HR-V (4,334mm long, 2,610mm wheelbase), which has been considered the benchmark SUV B for the longest time.
The X50’s figures also bring it closer in size to the upcoming Seltos (4,315mm long, 2,610mm wheelbase), while the wheelbase matches that of the Kona, which is shorter in length at 4,165mm. Compared to the X70, Subaru XV, Toyota C-HR, Mazda CX-30, the X50 is undoubtedly smaller, but it still manages to outshine the Mazda CX-3 (4,275mm long, 2,570mm wheelbase).
In terms of equipment, both the X50 Flagship and the X70 Premium X stand out for having a 360-degree camera as standard, along with a panoramic sunroof. The former is not offered on any of the other SUVs listed, while the latter is just for the front with the CX-30.
The X50, X70, and CX-30 are the only ones with a digital LCD instrument cluster, and others have primarily analog dials and an attached multi-information display. Also, while automatic air conditioning is found in all variants, one or two zones, the rear vents are only found in the three models mentioned in this paragraph.
In terms of entertainment features, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility is not found on any Proton SUV or HR-V, but there is a screen mirroring feature available as an alternative. If you want AA or AC, only the C-HR, CX-30, Seltos, and Kona have them straight out of the box, while CX-3 owners can purchase an upgrade kit – the XV head unit is basic.
Of course, one of the X50 Flagship’s biggest selling points is its safety and driver assistance systems, and it certainly has a lot of them. Six airbags are standard on this tier, with autonomous emergency braking, active cruise control, active lane keep assist, blind spot assist, and automatic high beam control all present.
The X70, CX-30, and Kona come close, but they don’t perfectly reflect the X50’s active safety suite, which is pretty comprehensive. Other SUVs on the list only have a few systems as standard, or none, by comparison.
All in all, the X50 is an attractive value proposition for those in the market for a B-segment SUV. With a capable powertrain that can take on those higher up the food chain and a compelling kit list. There is a lot of appeal here, especially when it comes to safety and driver assistance systems. Thoughts
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