Given an experience with the Proton X50, it isn't hard to see why the model is flying off the showroom floor.
There are many reasons to fall in love with a car, but with the Proton X50 those reasons come quickly and in abundance. We spent a couple of days with the flagship variant of Proton's newest SUV, and here we have the top ten things you didn’t know about the Proton X50 which you should!
1. Premium And ‘Atas’
When you hop into the Proton X50, you're greeted with a mish-mash of materials – but what instantly grabs your eyes is the soft-touch covering that stretches all the way from the instrument panel to the black roof lining. Even the brush aluminum finishing feels premium.
2. A Sport Mode That's Actually Sporty
For most cars, hitting the Sport mode button just makes your accelerator a little sharper and holds the revs a little longer. With the Proton X50, the Sport mode feels properly sporty with both harder launches and more aggressive acceleration. We also like that the cluster changes completely to indicate the mode.
3. Let The Light In
A sunroof is something that remains a bit of a strange choice for Malaysia, but pull back the covers on the massive panoramic sunroof in the X50 and you'll be a convert for life. We don't expect you to enjoy it in the mid-day heat, but opening it up as the sun sets or even cracking the glass panel open is an experience for all occupants.
4. More Than Just Blind Spot Warnings
We're used to having blind-spot warnings for cars, both the kind that flash and beep. Systems have been refined over the years, and some cars even have passenger side cameras activate for when you're making lane changes with your signals on. The Proton X50 does it for both sides of the car at lower speeds, helping you to stay aware of your blind spots. The Lane Departure Warning makes sure you stay on your lane, and you can choose to be alerted either via ‘beep’ or steering vibration; whilst Lane Keep Assist pulls back on the steering. Not forgetting the foglamps also auto turns on when turning to give you that much needed visibility.
5. Packed With Functionality
You want safety systems? You've got it, the full suite of ADAS features – from Lane Keep Assist to Autonomous Emergency Braking, to Adaptive Cruise Control and even Intelligent Cruise Control. The Proton X50 can even park itself – whether you're going into a parallel spot or a perpendicular spot. The 360-degree camera setup makes maneuvering in tight spots easier – you get the idea.
6. GPS Tracking and GEO Fencing
You can track and monitor your precious X50 via the PROTON Link App. You can also set the parameter of how far the car can travel. When the vehicle exits or enters the set range, it will send a notification to your mobile phone to remind you. Very handy for tracking the movement of your X50.
7. The Key To Your Heart
Well, maybe not quite. But the key fob of the Proton X50 is a pretty powerful device, with the ability to remotely start your car and also wind the windows down from a distance before you even get in. It's definitely an appreciated feature on a really hot day. You can also do all of this via the PROTON Link App on your smartphone.
8. A Banging Sound System
The six-speaker sound system on the X50 will put many other six or eight-speaker systems to shame. Open the panoramic sunroof and driver's side window, turn up the volume to Highway to Hell and you've got some convertible – esque driving going on. The sound emanating from the speakers was crisp and clear with enough bass and treble to be enjoyed even turned up loud.
9. DCT Gearbox
The jury is mostly still out with regard to DCT gearboxes but you would have to be Lewis Hamilton really to complain about the 7-speed DCT gearbox in the X50. Gear changes were smooth throughout the rev range both up or down. Well done Proton.
10. Everyday Convenience
From the start of your journey till the end.
As you leave home, use the keyfob or PROTON Link App to remote start your engine, get in, buckle up, put the car in D and you’re off in a cool car.
During the drive, focus on the road and use the voice command enabled Hi PROTON! for your navigation needs.
Once you’ve arrived, just turn off the ignition – the X50 will automatically engage the parking brake and also go into P when you lock your doors and in the off- chance you have a window open, it will auto-close.
Bonus: Making friends
Driving the X50 around instantly wins you, friends. This writer lost count of the number of times he got Hello honks, appreciative glances, or thumbs-up at the traffic lights. Maybe it's just a fresh face in a sea of traffic, or maybe people are really appreciating this punchy B-segment SUV.
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