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PETALING JAYA, Oct. 2 – Even before the car was officially named, the Proton X50 was the talk of the nation.
Ever since Proton announced its new SUV on Malaysia Day, the vehicle, its features, and most of all, the price have been the talk of the town.
While Proton has been mum on the details of the long-awaited car thus far, with pricing yet to be confirmed, we found out what it was like to sit inside and drive the three-cylinder X50 during a media preview. yesterday at the Sepang International Circuit.
During the preview, Proton gave members of the media and special guests the opportunity to test the vehicle’s performance through multiple tests, including a full endurance race to test its speed, driving through a slalom, with first-hand experience for some. of its new autonomous features.
Underhood
Putting your newly launched car against favorites in the SUV segment like the Honda HR-V and BMW X1 is pretty brave.
In this case, however, it paid off for Proton, as the X50 held its own against its competitors at the iconic Sepang race track, comfortably leading through the 200-300 meter stretch with its engine co-developed by Geely and Volvo.
The car is capable of completing a century-long sprint (0-100 km / h) in just 7.9 seconds, with its great power, as the flagship variant that leads the range, the X50 TGDi, includes a turbocharged engine of 1.5 liters, 177 Hp and 255. Nm of torque thanks to the use of direct injection.
The Standard, Premium and Executive variants will be equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with 150 hp and 226 Nm port injection.
Both engines in the four variants of the Proton X50 are paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
Gear changes were smooth when accelerating down the track with very little noise, vibration or harshness (NVH), as Proton has made a quieter engine for better handling with improvements in more than 10 parts to specifically combat NVH.
With these improvements, there were almost no annoying vibrations or sounds coming from the engine when driving.
The car is also suitable for different types of drivers, as it can be set in three modes: Normal, Eco and Sport, while the readjusted steering system can also be set in four different modes: Comfort, Normal, Sport and a connection. between two modes. .
Autonomous security
Arguably one of the biggest points in favor of the Proton X50 would have to be the fact that it is the only car in its class with “Level Two Autonomous Driving”.
Tier two vehicles can help with functions like steering, acceleration, braking and maintaining speed, although drivers will still need to have both hands on the wheel to be ready to take control if necessary.
The X50 is packed with higher-end technology than the Proton X70 with all the safety features and advanced driver assistance systems (Adas) that its older brother has, and more.
With Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and Active Parking Assist (APA) functions, driving through long traffic jams and exiting tight parking spots will be a thing of the past with this car.
Imagine it, all you would have to do in a traffic jam is hold the steering wheel as the car is able to detect and match the speed of the car in front of you, and brake if necessary, while maintaining a safe distance.
In addition to that, the car also comes with other road safety features such as Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent High Beam Control, Blind Spot Information System, Forward Collision Warning, and even Emergency Braking. Self-contained with pedestrian detection to keep everyone on the safe path.
Premium feel
If the power and safety of the car are not enough to attract you, your appearance will.
It’s a really good-looking car that has a really modern and premium feel as it oozes aesthetic and aerodynamic style with its crisp, distinct lines, and draws closely on the design of the Geely Binyue and the fighter jet.
For example, the X50’s quad exhaust system was made to resemble the propellants on a fighter jet, and the wheels on the Flagship variant were also made to mirror an airplane’s turbine engine.
Even the triple light guide taillights, which were borrowed from the Geely Binyue, were made to look like a pair of wings from a fighter jet.
Inside, the car is equally beautiful and inspired by a jet, as elements such as the gear stick and air conditioning vents resemble parts of a fighter plane.
The interior called “Enveloping Cockpit” sports an impressive design in black and red, with a futuristic seven-inch LCD instrument panel and even a panoramic sunroof.
Other elements include automatic air conditioning, electronic parking brake, second row air vents with USB charging ports, and a digital instrument cluster display.
The Proton X50 comes in six color options, with the standard variant in Snow White, Armor Silver, and Ocean Blue, and the Executive variant adding Jet Gray and Citric Orange options, while the Passion Red color is exclusive to Premium and Flagship. variants.
Pricing and more details are expected to be announced over the next week.
