Proton has finally re-opened its doors in South Africa and to celebrate the occasion the Malaysian manufacturer showed off its new X50 and X70 to the media for the first time.
Both SUVs are now on offer in four specifications, starting at R449,900 and R529,900, respectively.
While we had a short drive on the outskirts of Johannesburg in both the new Protons, we walked away being most impressed by the smaller X50.
This is mostly because the X50 is the newer model of the two first being launched in 2020, whereas the X70 made its initial debut in 2018, and the younger age has its benefits.
Larger than it looks
The X50 brings traditional crossover dimensions to the Proton range and what was most noticeable when first getting into it was how surprisingly spacious the cabin truly is.
The shell has you thinking the X50 is compact but with my seating position, which is right at the back of the railings, there was plenty of leg room at the rear as well as a decent boot to work with should you need to carry anything with you.
True to its image of “affordable luxury” the Proton did feel solid inside. Tapping on the plastics did not return a terribly hollow sound and in the top-end Premium specification we drove, it had smatterings of red leather on the door panels, dash, and centre console which were soft to the touch and admittedly, did make it appear more high end.
Noise and vibration levels are also outstanding for a vehicle in this price class, as are the firm and deep seats with great lumbar support.
A special mention is needed for the gear lever and door handles, too, as they were reassuring rather than flimsy while also being uniquely designed but not awkward, something that’s harder to get right than it sounds when it comes to these frequently-used bits and pieces.
Under the skin, each Proton in the local market is equipped with a Volvo-sourced drivetrain comprising a 1.5-litre, turbo-petrol engine mated with a seven-speed automatic cog changer.
The Premium is the only X50 in which this combination generates 130kW and 255Nm, as in the more affordable variants it puts out 110kW and 226Nm.
We only got a handful of minutes behind the wheel of the range-topper and it left a positive impression.
The steering is well weighted and direct, power is delivered hastily to the front wheels, and the dual-clutch gearbox offers quick shifts – changing up or down in 0.2 seconds with a 97% accuracy to be exact, according to the Proton spokesperson.
Proton’s parent company Geely also owns Lotus, and the spokesperson was eager to point out that there is knowledge being shared between these carmakers. How much of it we don’t know, but enough to make it possible to really push the X50 through corners. Just don’t expect it to handle like an Elise.
In contrast to the acceleration and handling, though, the Proton’s brakes were lackluster and you have to really go at them to bring it to a halt.
The X50’s sporty drive perfectly justifies the design, we think. The faux carbon front lip and rear diffuser, red brake calipers, quad exhausts, roof spoiler, and angular LED light clusters all work rather well together to give this crossover an athletic stance and a look that stands out from the crowd.
For its re-entry into South Africa, Proton has certainly brought two compelling vehicles in the form of the X50 and X70.
However, considering the segments they are entering, the prices they are going for, and the other Asian manufacturers they are competing against, the newcomer is likely going to have quite the fight on its hands to secure its slice of the market.
Proton X50
Proton X70
Keyword: First drive in the Proton X50 in South Africa