Proton returns back with an almost all-new X50. Unlike the subtle but significant RC, this time there’s a whole host of improvements. How does it stack up against the arch rival HR-V and the newcomer Omoda 5? Here’s the on paper stats.
1. The most powerful engine among the 3
The X50 sports a new 1.5 4 cylinder turbocharged engine, which is same as the Honda HR-V and the Chery Omoda 5. However the X50 puts out 133kW or 178bhp, and a whopping 290Nm. That’s 10Nm more than the Mk5 Golf GTi, an E89 Z4 SDrive20i, and significantly more than the other two (240Nm from HR-V, 230Nm from Omoda 5).
2. Resulting in the fastest claimed acceleration in the class
While the other two cars deal with CVT gearboxes, the X50 puts the power down using a 7 speed DCT gearbox. 290Nm and a 7 speed DCT results in a 0-100kph time of 7.6 seconds, as claimed by Proton. The HR-V hits the same speed in 8.8 seconds as claimed by Honda.
3. Biggest display screen
The Chery does give a reasonable sized screen at 10.25 inches, which is pretty generous already. But Proton pulls all the stops with a MASSIVE 14.6 inch touchscreen. Thats bigger than an Ipad Pro Max (13 inch). Its frankly hilarious especially next to the HR-V’s comically small 8 inch touchscreen.
4. Most amount of options for ambient lighting
Chery Omoda offers 64 colour options for ambient lighting, the new X50 now offers 72 colour options for the interior ambient lighting. There are no ambient light options for the HR-V
5. 180 deg transparent undercarriage view (only one?)
Probably first for the segment, the X50 features Range Rover Velar style transparent undercarriage camera with a 180 deg field of view to complement its 360 degree surround camera for parking. Handy when you want to know where and what you have parked over.
Proton’s X50 was showing its age in the wake of the competition especially from China. Its back with a vengeance to reclaim its throne and market share. We still have lots of questions about the X50 but at least its off to a good start. Now we just need to see what price is Proton planning to bring all these goodies for.