THIS is the question that some non-car enthusiasts in Malaysia are asking – a number of Proton sales-people are using the Volvo relationship with Geely (who owns Proton) to convince buyers to pay a booking fee for the Proton X50.
This vehicle’s history
Well, they are not lying and not completely disclosing the correct information. Yes, Geely Auto Group owns Volvo Cars and has a share in Proton Cars. When they launched the Proton X70 SUV in early 2019, the same statements were made and soon many realised that the X70 which is based on a Geely Bo Yue was a product that had Volvo design influences but not Volvo engineering input.
With the X50, which is a right-hand drive version of the Geely Bin Yue, Volvo did get involved in more than just its design. So, you can say, this is a Volvo partnered project that caters to buyers with a tighter budget.
The features
This X50 before launch was spotted testing in Malaysia for months in various locations under heavy camouflage, probably with a revised engine management system to cater to our fuel quality. It covered 1.9 million kilometres of testing on Malaysian roads to adapt to our hot and humid climate and JKR-maintained road conditions.
Built on Geely’s global B-Segment Modular Architecture (BMA), the X50 sets new benchmarks in configurations and technology for a global crossover. The BMA architecture is the latest global modular architecture independently developed by Geely with a high-degree of flexibility and scalability as well as the latest advancements in the fields of safety, connectivity, new energy, and autonomous driving.
The design
From the side, this crossover looks like a hot hatch, with sharpish angular lines. The front nose carries a wide mask with sleek headlamps and a pronounced bumper. The greenhouse slims down from the front door to the rear and the rear hatch is small with a high bumper sill. At the rear you get twin exhausts on each end for that sporty touch.
The cabin
Here is where it gets interesting. European influence starts with the two-tone dashboard with a 10.25-inch rectangular touch screen that is easier to use over the earlier version in the X70.
It handles all the necessary functions, including voice activation to open your sunroof, windows, radio station choice. The jet engine inspired air-con vents and the ‘flight deck’ joy-stick gear lever adds an inspiration of a cockpit.
Brushed metal finish surrounds the gear-shifter, along the length of the dashboard and on the door trim. It is an impressive combination of quality and finish for its asking price. The driver gets an electric seat and all seats are leather clad.
The drive
Ignite the 3-cylinder engine and there is an initial ‘trum’ and it quickly settles down quietly. It's quieter than a German 3-cylinder engine (good engine bay insulation) and revs cleanly.
Much like any of its rivals, it does a decent job of overtaking without fuss with the 177nhp working eagerly, kicks down a gear or two promptly when asked and is a fine partner for relaxed cruising. The 7-speed gearbox works well when requested.
The shifts are quick, clean and smooth, and the downshifts are eased by the gearbox and engine's computer matching revs to the road speed for the perfect throttle response. It deals with corners with little roll, grips keenly and covers most road surfaces with a firm but fair ride. Refinement is also good, though the engine can make itself heard if the driver presses hard on the throttle to get the gearbox to kick down for added pace. Wind and road noise are damped out very effectively.
At the end of the four-day test drive, we were impressed with this new Proton crossover. Yes, it shows how far forward Proton has gone in delivering a vehicle to the Malaysian middle class car buyer. – The Vibes, December 15, 2020
Proton X50 Highline Specifications
- Engine: 12V 3-Cylinder Turbo VVT
- Capacity: 1477cc
- Power: 177bhp @ 5500rpm
- Torque: 255Nm @ 1500-4000rpm
- Transmission: 7-speed wet dual-clutch
- 0-100km/h: 7.9secs
- Top speed: 215km/h
- Price: RM103,300 Highline (RM79,200 Standard)
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