This 1st drive experience video on the upcoming Proton X50 1.5TGDI SUV was uploaded over at the Motoring Malaysia YouTube Channel last week folks! If you haven't subscribed over there you would have missed viewing it as I have only now attached the video here on the blog. Sometimes, there are benefits to subscribe over there and also to go 'like' our Facebook or follow the Instagram page as I have added the link to the video there. This was the 2020/2021 PROTON X50 SUV 2nd Media Preview at Sepang Circuit. It was also our 1st Drive in the X50 1.5TGDI and therefore our first impressions on it.
We take in on a slalom circuit with a lane change as well as test the brakes (a bit). The new Proton SUV seems nimble and agile as well as having good brake pedal feel. Handling seems predictable too. The steering is light and the car actually turns well for a compact SUV. Proton has stated that there are ride and handling differences compared to the Geely Binyue which the X50 is based upon.
Proton has actually changed the damper and spring settings as well as putting in a softer anti-roll bar up front. It actually rides better than the Binyue which is super duper stiffly sprung as the China market likes super stiff riding cars. This actually allows some bump absorption and even on the smooth Sepang circuit you can tell that is rides decently well when driving it. Of course, ride wasn't tested here so I will keep the ride comfort verdict when I've tried it on Malaysian roads.
So in terms of basic slalom and turn in, the X50 feels predictable and safe. Even when driven fast around Sepang by a trained driver in the earlier video which is down below you can see that the Compact SUV handles well enough for a SUV.
And then there was also the Acceleration Tests vs BMW X1 and Honda HRV. This pits Proton's B segment SUV against two other B segment models - 1 is a premium model which sells close or just over the RM200K mark and the other is the HRV which is Malaysia's most popular B segment (5 seater) SUV. Another Part of the Second Media Preview Featuring Active Safety & Performance Features
It does feel that the throttle pedal response and modulation on full throttle launch isn't as good as expected when you mash the throttle to the metal. I think it works better when you slowly feed the power gradually. In fact, when asked, the project engineer also said that the modulation seems to suit the initial pedal travel for stop and go traffic (half throttle or lower) rather than full throttle. So yes, there is a mili-second delay if you press the throttle pedal to the floor.
In terms of power, the 1.5liter 3 cylinder engine has decent torque. 155Hp and 220Nm seems good enough for this SUV and the engine is also refined. It does not have any noticeable vibration which tells me that the engine mountings are working properly .... but it could be large and heavy duty in terms of design. It could mean that when the time comes to get it changed, it could cost a little bit more than something in a Proton Persona.
No complaints in terms of the gearchanges from the 7 Speed DCT gearbox. It shifts fast enough Sports mode under acceleration.
So it does sit in the middle when in terms of where it sits against the X1 and HRV. It feels better than the HRV but in terms of overall tactile feel and perceived luxury, the X1 is still a fair bit ahead. But the X50 does a lot if it comes in at around RM100K. At RM100K it is the better performance car than the Honda HRV but in terms of being the best car among the three, the X1 with its around RM100K additional price, is the best car here.
But a still a very good effort from Proton. You cannot deny that the car looks good, has enough performance and if it is priced at around RM100k or below, will change the sales landscape for cars under RM100k. Many other brands will be crying after its launch.
There will be one more video in this series where we get to experience the active safety features of the X50. So stay tuned for that coming on later.
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