PROTON Holdings Bhd, which turned 40 this year, has been running on all cylinders thus far, having organised numerous events (at least more than in the past few years), launched three new models and ventured into new vehicle segments.
It also rounded up its sport utility vehicle (SUV) X series lineup with the X90.
More than just another new model, the X90 is particularly important to the company for what it symbolically represents — its venture into the new energy vehicle (NEV) market with its mild-hybrid engine and also the D-Segment SUV category.
With so much riding on the X90, it is good to know then that it has what it takes to shoulder the weight of the expectations.
BIG BROTHER
The X90 is Proton's third SUV in the X series after the X70 and X50. But unlike those two, the new model competes in the D-segment category.
The X90, primarily through its powertrain setup, aims to deliver improved fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and provide better performance to go along with a smooth driving experience.
It is available in the Standard, Executive, Premium and Flagship variants. All four run on the new mild-hybrid setup that is paired with a 48V Electric Motor Synergy (EMS) System with a 1.5L TGDi (direct-injection) engine and a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.
The EMS combines six key components, which are the 48V Belt-Starter Generator (BSG) motor, the DCDC converter, 48V Lithium-Ion Battery, Battery Management System, Recuperation Braking System and the Hybrid Module Control System.
This results in 190PS with 300Nm of torque, topping the standard 1.5L TGDo that is seen on the Flagship X50 and newer X70 models at 177PS and 255Nm.
All variants come with three safety features new to the Proton brand: Rear Collision Warning that alerts the driver to potential rear-end collisions, Rear Cross Traffic Alert that detects approaching vehicles while reversing using the rear radar sensor, and Traffic Sign Information that detects and displays road signs.
The Standard variant is equipped with Full LED headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, fabric seats, a 12.3-inch infotainment head unit, and a reverse camera. As the base model, it has only three colour options of Snow White, Armor Silver and Jet Grey.
The Executive variant has an additional tyre pressure monitoring system, power tailgate, leatherette seats, driver power seats, front ventilated seats and 360-degree camera with 3D Display, along with two more colour options of Cinnamon Brown and Red Ruby.
The Premium variant sees the biggest jump in features with the addition of the Advanced Driver Assistance System, 19-inch alloy wheels, Nappa leather seats, front passenger power seat, wireless charger, auto park assist, along with the extra Marine Blue colour option.
The top-end Flagship variant is the only one of the four to have a six-seater setup with captain seats in the second row. It also comes with panoramic sunroof and a front passenger power seat with "Boss" switch.
The Standard variant is priced from RM123,800, Executive from RM123,800, Premium from RM144,800 and Flagship from RM152,800. All prices are on-the-road before insurance in Peninsular Malaysia.
SMOOTH SAILING
Ask Proton and it'll tell you that it has always aimed to deliver an exhilarating drive experience at the most affordable pricing.
This is also reflected in its X series models. The X50 and X70 have their features and comforts but they stand out most for their performance and matched to a very attractive pricing.
Once we knew a new Proton model based on the Geely Haoyue, or the Okavango in selected international markets, was on the horizon, there were questions on the packages that the SUV would eventually come with.
The reality is that Proton has to work with a very tight price positioning to cater to the Malaysian market. Any form of luxury would surely add to the cost. Putting itself on an upmarket pedestal would also be adding to the pressure in an already uphill battle in the D-segment market.
Also bear in mind that the brand has always been expected to cater to the mass market.
More questions were raised after members of the media caught a first glimpse of the model at Proton's plant. The teaser, which mostly showed off the new grille and not much else, gave the X90 a more executive vibe and less of a sporty take compared to the X50 and X70.
Concerns mounted after the first physical preview of the SUV, especially on the pricing.
But everything started to come together and make sense between the first drive and the pricing announcement.
For starter, the X90's design grille and body is far from sporty and is a lot more family or executive oriented. The same goes for its executive-ish interior that is more passenger centric than driver focus.
Comfort, or at least as much of it that it could muster, is the order of the day. The cabin is spacious enough for everyone front and back to have a decent amount of legroom. The suspension (MacPherson Strut at the front and multi-link for the rear) is very impressive, with the rear passengers especially experiencing an almost bump-free ride under most road conditions.
It is especially so with the Flagship variant with the captain seats in the second row, which means greater everything, from comfort and personal space to the legroom.
Being in the X90 felt like being on board a commercial plane with the digital pings it makes resembling those that you hear on flights.
While not the sportiest of the bunch, the X90 doesn't falter when it comes to drive performance either. Steering sensitivity is just enough to not make the vehicle feel heavy and the mild-hybrid engine is just what the doctor ordered.
The mild-hybrid engine, in addition to having an amazing 700km range potential, gives enough push that it does not feel underpowered.
All that power and torque makes for a great acceleration until you hit the 150kph to 160kph mark when the engine starts to truly roar. The other time this happens is when you're climbing uphill with several passengers. Even then, the consensus is that is most evident in the third row.
The two areas of (minor) contention are in the form of a huge centre console for the driver row and the slightly shorter leg room. The former is a matter of preference while the latter generally impacts seating durations in the SUV.
VERDICT
The X90 isn't what you would commonly expect from a Proton model. It reaches out to a totally different segment and mostly succeeds in what it sets out to do, which is to be far away from the usual sporty disposition and into a more upmarket passenger-centred experience.
And for its price, as a seven-seater SUV, it has very few competition to be concerned with. If anything, the biggest challenge will come from Proton's own public-perceived branding and reliability.
Though not as agile, the model is very much mobile compared to the weight normally associated with vehicles of this size.
It has fantastic fuel economy and comfort that make for a great partner when driving in the city or urban areas. The soundproofing and lack of engine-noise strain greatly adds to the comfort level.
Where this SUV shines brightest is during long drives. The X90 is at its finest when you're cruising on open roads during cross-country trips.
Easy and effortless is the best way to describe this big D-segment machine. It's a perfect companion for those "balik kampung" trips, without any of the fuss.