Proton just conducted its second media preview for what’s arguably Malaysia’s most anticipated model for this year, the 2020 Proton X50. This time around, media members sampled some of the best features available in this SUV – its performance, handling, and advanced safety.
Upon arrival at the Sepang International Circuit, we were briefed with some highlighted features about the Proton X50. For starters, there will be two engine options available from its four variants, all of which are based on a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission package (DCT).
The Standard, Premium, and Executive variants will be equipped with the 1.5T engine with port injection that churns out 150hp at 4,000rpm and 226Nm of torque from 1,500rpm. If you opt for the range-topping Flagship model, you’ll get 177hp and 255Nm thanks to the usage of direct injection and a slight difference in engine tuning.
We were able to test this out with a simple yet modest 0-100km/h drag race with two other worthy competitors, the Honda HRV and BMW X1. Upon putting the pedal to the metal, a slight delay was experienced (for safety reasons, of course) before the car launches itself to 100km/h in just 7.9 seconds. In that time and distance (around 400m), the X50 held the lead comfortably.
Moving on to handling, a slalom course was set up to see how agile this new Proton SUV really is. Manoeuvring from side to side swiftly at 50km/h wasn’t an issue at all for the X50 (quite comfortable actually) thanks to the additions of active safety features such as Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Drag Torque Control, and other technical wizardries.
So, handling is plush, comfortable, and surprisingly precise. What about safety features? Well, Proton is proud to announce that the 2020 Proton X50 is the first car in its category (segment & price range) to offer Level 2 Autonomous Driving. In other words, the car’s system will assist in some respects to ensure that the driving experience is safer for all road users, even pedestrians. There’s some Geely and Volvo tech for ya.
The X50 is able to achieve Level 2 with the addition of Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and Auto Park Assist (APA) plus other features like Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keep Assist, and more. In other words, the 2020 Proton X50 is one smart cookie. If you ask us what its catchphrase should be, we reckoned that “Intelligence that Arouses” should do the trick.
If there’s one thing that we can say about the X50, it’s excellent at assisting your drives. Taking out all the mundane tasks like working the pedals during traffic jams or getting in and out of tight parking spaces will be something you will never have to worry about with this new Proton SUV. It’s smart, sexy, and fun to drive. If Proton is able to price it right, this will definitely fly out of the showrooms.
Written by: Sep Irran
