Proton announced it is re-entering South Africa in September of this year through a partnership with Combined Motor Holdings (CMH) Group, seven years after exiting the local market.
The manufacturer said it will launch the X50 and X70 SUVs first, followed by the Saga sedan.
The X70 is Proton’s most premium vehicle and the newest generation was released in February 2020. The X50, on the other hand, is an entirely new compact SUV that debuted in October 2020 and was built in partnership with Geely.
With South Africa added to its roster, Proton will export its products to 14 overseas markets at the end of 2022.
Proton said its vehicles are “near the top of their class in terms of specifications yet are sold at prices equivalent to or less than their direct rivals.”
We looked at the markets where they are already sold to get a better picture of what the X50 and X70 will offer in South Africa come September.
X50 specs
The Proton X50 in Malaysia is currently being sold in four trim levels at a starting price of RM79,200 (R289,000).
One powertrain is available throughout the range, in the form of a 1.5-litre, turbo-petrol unit connected to a seven-speed, dual-clutch, automatic transmission that drives the front wheels.
In the Standard, Executive, and Premium specifications this setup generates 110kW and 226Nm, whereas in the Flagship it offers up to 130kW and 255Nm.
Compact dimensions of 4,330mm x 1,800mm x 1,609mm then make the X50 slightly smaller than the recently-released Chery Tiggo 4 Pro.
Inside the Proton, owners in Malaysia are treated to a wide variety of standard features including a multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, keyless entry and start, a reverse camera, rear parking sensors, and an 8-inch infotainment display with navigation, online music streaming, online weather, and Wi-Fi.
Upgrading to pricier specifications further brings a 10.25-inch infotainment system, climate control, a fully-digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, leatherette seats, a powered driver seat, and advanced driver assistance features.
X70 specs
Similar to the X50, the larger Proton X70 in Malaysia is sold in four trim levels with one engine powering the range, and it starts at RM94,800 (R345,000).
The 1.8-litre, turbo-petrol motor at the front produces 135kW and 300Nm in every model and also mates to a seven-speed, dual-clutch, automatic transmission that drives the front wheels.
Standard amenities for the SUV include a leather multifunction steering wheel, an LCD driver’s display, dual-zone climate control, a multi-drive mode programme, keyless entry and start, rear parking sensors, 17-inch alloy wheels, and an 8-inch infotainment display with navigation, online music streaming, online weather, and Wi-Fi.
Further up in the range you’ll also find powered front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, an upgraded stereo with 9 speakers, a 360-degree camera, and advanced driver assistance features.
Standing at 4,519mm long, 1,831mm tall, and 1,694mm wide, the X70 measures close to the dimensions of mid-size SUVs such as the BMW X3.
However, it must be noted that these specifications are for the Malaysian market, and the South African-specific features and pricing must still be announced.
Proton X50
Proton X70
Keyword: Proton X50 and X70 coming in September – What to expect