Proton X50 is Being Launched Tomorrow – Which Variant to Buy?

The most anticipated car launch of the year is set to take place tomorrow, virtually of course, and the star is none other than the Proton X50, but which one should you buy?

Most of the details are already out there but in case you’re one of those who still can’t decide which variant to go for, here’s a breakdown of the standard specifications, variant-by-variant, in an effort to help you decide.

As reported before, the Proton X50 will be offered in four variants:

• Proton X50 1.5T Standard
• Proton X50 1.5T Executive
• Proton X50 1.5T Premium
• Proton X50 1.5 TGDi Flagship

Powering the four variants will be one of two engine options. Firstly, we have the range-topping 1.5 TGDi Flagship variant which will be powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder direct-injection petrol engine developed by Geely and Volvo, producing 177 PS and 255 Nm of torque.

The 1.5T Standard, 1.5T Executive, and 1.5T Premium variants, on the other hand, will come with a port-injected version of the turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, which makes 150 PS and 226 Nm of torque; 22 PS and 29 Nm less than the Flagship variant to be exact.

Regardless of the engine, all variants get the same seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission which sends all the power exclusively to the front wheels. It is also worth mentioning here that there will not be an all-wheel drive variant of the X50.

That being said, let us look at the list of standard equipment offered in every variant:

Proton X50 1.5T Standard (Base Specifications):

• 1.5L Turbo engine (150 PS and 226 Nm of torque)
• 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission
• 4 SRS Airbags
• Full LED Headlamps
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Fabric seats
• Rear air vents
• 8-inch infotainment head unit
• Reverse camera

Proton X50 1.5T Executive (Upgrades from standard):

• 6 SRS Airbags
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Automatic headlamps
• Front fog lamps
• Leatherette seats

Proton X50 1.5T Premium (Upgrades from Executive):

• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Driver Power Seat
• 10-inch Infotainment Head Unit
• 360-degree Camera

Proton X50 1.5 TGDi Flagship (Upgrades from Premium):

• 1.5L TGDi Engine (177 PS and 255 Nm of torque)
• Advanced Driver Assistance System
• Dual Tone Exterior
• Panoramic Sunroof

Looking at the specifications sheet, the best variant to go for is obviously the X50 1.5 TGDi Flagship since it gets all the goodies.

However, the variant which we feel is the best value for money is the X50 1.5T Premium, which gets the same features as the X50 1.5 TGDi Flagship, except for the slightly less powerful engine, ADAS, the dual-tone interior, as well as the panoramic roof.

Except for the Advanced Driving Assistance System, the dual-tone interior, panoramic sunroof, as well as the additional 20 PS are actually features that one can live without, in our opinion.

• Blind Spot Information System
• Intelligent High Beam Control
• Forward Collision Warning
• Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Keep Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Intelligent Cruise Control

However, if you feel that you don’t really need the driver assistance features above, the 1.5T Premium would be the best choice, if you don’t want to go for the Flagship variant.

That being said, the million-dollar question of how much the 2020 Proton X50 is will finally be answered! So, watch this space for more updates from our national carmaker at about 10.50 am tomorrow.