TANJUNG MALIM: Here it is, the hyped and much-anticipated Proton compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) has finally been unveiled at an event in the company's Tanjung Malim plant.
Officially named as the Proton X50 - as many of us have expected - the SUV is a B-segment model that is set to further strengthen the brand's market share in the industry.
The unveiling was not an official launch just yet, but rather a preview to members of the media, as well as to officiate the production roll-off for the model.
No pricing has been announced, but the Proton X50 is now available for booking at showrooms nationwide for a booking fee of RM500.
If you are eager to see the car in flesh before the official launch, stay tuned for the City Preview which will drop by at selected locations around the country.
The Proton X50 is the second all-new product to result from the partnership between Proton and Geely.
As opposed to the X70 which was initially introduced as a CBU (fully imported) model, the X50 is locally-assembled at Proton's new RM1.2 billion plant.
The compact SUV is built on the group's BMA (B-segment Modular Architecture) that is shared with Geely and Volvo products.
From the exterior, the Proton X50 looks largely similar to the Geely Binyue or Coolray in other markets, but according to Proton, there are over 400 components unique to the car, including the conversion from left-hand drive to right-hand drive.
We are also informed that there is some Proton's input into the ride and handling of the X50 to make it more suited to our driving conditions, so that's great.
Aesthetic wise, unique features to the car include Infinite Weave on the front grille and some panels on the interior.
There is also a lower, neater roof spoiler for the X50 which is a different design from Geely Binyue.
The X50 also received a rear air-conditioning vents which is not available in other markets.
Four variants will be offered; 1.5T Standard, 1.5T Executive, 1.5T Premium and 1.5TGDi Flagship.
All variants will feature LED headlights with LED daytime-running lights (DRLs), LED tail lights, quad-exhausts.
Depending on the variants, the Proton X50 is equipped with 18-inch wheels, auto headlights, leather and powered seats, six airbags, tyre pressure monitoring system, 10-inch infotainment system, and 360-degree camera.
Unique to the Flagship are dual-tone exterior colour and panoramic sunroof.
In terms of powertrain, all variants are powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine that is co-developed by Geely and Volvo.
However, in the Standard, Executive and Premium variants, the 1.5T engine is a port-injected version that is available for the first time anywhere, it makes 150hp and 226Nm of torque.
The range-topping Flagship model is powered by the 1.5TGDi unit making 177hp and 255Nm of torque.
All variants get a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) similar to the X70, and power is sent to the front wheels, no all-wheel drive (AWD) here.
Technology-wise, the Proton X50 is definitely well equipped. It features the latest GKUI 19 infotainment system which is faster than the one in the X70, thanks to its new processor.
It has better interface too, and supports voice recognition.
Lastly, the X50 should get anti-lock braking system and the electronic stability control as standard, but the top spec is fitted with ADAS (Advanced Driving Assistance System).
This includes autonomous emergency braking, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control and even active high beam assist.
Proton says that the X50 is capable of Level 2 autonomous driving system, so in certain driving conditions, the car can technically drive itself.
Also available is front and rear parking sensors for the automatic parking function.
The Proton X50 will be offered with six exterior colours, namely Snow White, Jet Grey, Armour Silver, Ocean Blue, Citric Orange and Passion Red.