Revisited: Proton X50 – 6 Reasons Why It’s Still A Worthy Buy Today

We recently revisited the Proton X50 in range-topping 1.5 TGDi Flagship form to see why it's still worth a serious look today...

Whilst testing out the new Proton X Watch by ACO Tech recently, it also allowed us the chance to revisit the Proton X50 compact crossover SUV, specifically in its range-topping 1.5 TGDi Flagship guise. 

Following a week-long testing stint that included daily work commutes plus a weekend roadtrip to Penang and back, the X50 held up surprisingly well. This also comes despite the fact that we were handed a two-year old tester that had already logged in over 26,000 KM.

This somewhat gave is an insight of sorts as to how real-world units in the hands of owners are faring. Despite a few minor niggles, the overall outlook is positive to say the least. Should you be keen on one, then here are six reason why it’s worth a serious look…

Sharp and current looks keep the X50 looking fresh despite being in the market for three years now.

1. It Still Looks Pretty Good

A lot can happen in three years, which is exactly how long ago Proton launched the X50 range. Despite the rapid evolution of styling trends by re-energised segment rivals in said time frame, it’s surprising to note just how fresh and current the X50 looks against which.

Surely many of you will agree with us when we say touches like the full aerokit, all-LED main lighting, snazzy 18-inch wheels, as well as the faux rear diffuser, all add up to the X50's kerbside appeal...

You could say the X50’s styling, especially in range-topping form as tested, hasn’t aged too badly. We reckon many of you will agree it still looks decently sharp and current, especially when you soak up key touches like its two-tone paint scheme, snazzy 18-inch wheels, and the all-LED main lighting it boasts.

Overall, it’s easy to see how Proton’s sole compact crossover offering can still easily woo many prospects sizing it up in showrooms floors across the nation since it debuted. Moreover, it’s sweetened by the next fact…

Yes, this crossover SUV drives as good as it looks too! Allow us to digress below...

2. It Still Drives As Good As It Looks Too

Thankfully, said good looks are matched with equally good drive dynamics, and this stems from chassis package the X50 is endowed with. In the case of the 1.5 TGDi Flagship variant, it also benefits with the peppiest powertrain in its range.

Under the hood, you’ll find this range-topper’s 1.5-litre 3-cyl turbo petrol heart is bolstered with a direct injection module. This, in turn, enables peppier 177 HP and 255 NM outputs instead of 147 HP and 226 NM as what the lower three guises have.

In 1.5 TGDi Flagship guise, the X50's 1.5-litre 3-cyl turbo is beefed up with direct injection, bringing pep up to 177 HP and 255 NM. Managing which to the front wheels is a respectably slick 7-speed DCT automatic box.

Driving the front wheels via a respectably slick 7-speed DCT automatic box, it grants the X50 enough pep to keep it on par with the bulk of its segment rivals. Crucially, said pep is also matched with a rather balanced ride and handling that’s borne out of a well-sorted chassis.

The ride in general felt comfortably soft and supple, but the springs and dampers settings were also dialled in with just enough firmness to keep it decently agile too. Overall, the X50 felt planted for the most parts, whilst its accurate yet very light power steering module adds to its daily driveability too.

Apart from the daily commute, we even managed to squeeze in a quick weekend roadtrip up to
Penang and back.

 Our only gripe with the affair was the mediocre fuel economy we garnered, but this was somewhat expected given the X50's powertrain doesn't benefit from any sort of electrification.

Also, the presence of multiple drive and steering modes to suit any and all occasion sees the X50 arguably stand just a little more versatile than pricier rivals. Our only gripe is the mediocre 6.4 litres/100 KM average fuel economy claim – a predictable downside given it lacks any sort of electrification.

Nevertheless, it’s safe to say that as far as drive dynamics go, the X50 isn’t a bad all-rounder to say the least. The bonus here is the respectably plush cabin this variant of the X50 has, which also boasts respectably high levels of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) suppression. 

3. Flagship Variant Packs Plenty Of Posh, Convenient Tech

Next, it’s really is worth noting that the X50’s cabin is richly kitted with convenient tech too. In the case of this X50 1.5 TGDi Flagship range-topper, the basics are covered well thanks to things like keyless entry and ignition, powered tailgate, powered driver seat adjustment, and automatic air-cond with rear vents.

Arguably, what impresses most here is the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, especially when updated to run the new Atlas Operating System. Developed by ACO Tech, said OS refines this tech further with quicker and smoother operation, prettier display schemes, and uprated navigation function.

On board, this range-topper's cabin is lined with leather upholstery, attractively-designed trims, and a bevy of tech all around. It even boasts a sizeable glass sunroof!

The 10.25-inch touchscreen has been refined thanks to the new Atlas OS developed by ACO Tech. It now operates quicker, smoother, has prettier graphics, and an uprated navigation function.

Unfortunately, whilst said updated software is a step in the right direction, we wished another bigger step was also taken: inclusion of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Yes, though a staple amongst amongst many of the X50’s rivals, the continued absence for which here is simply beyond us.

It’s unclear when either will be added, so unless you’re willing to risk voiding your warranty with an aftermarket replacement, this is the best the X50 can offer now. Truth be told, with the revised software mentioned, and the fact it is app-enabled, it’s a pretty decent unit, more so given the next fact…

ICYMI, there's now a smartwatch to match the X50 too!

4. There’s Now A Proton X Watch To Match!

Yes, the Proton X Watch we tested out with this X50 recently proved to be quite the addition to its overall package, especially through the added convenience it boasts.

The Proton X Watch by ACO Tech worked rather well in our hands. We loved how it seamlessly integrates into the lifestyle of most typical X50 owners.

Though not a complete replacement for the traditional keyfob, and much of the its car-related features are also available through the X50’s dedicated owner’s app, the fact that it can seamlessly integrate into the daily lives of most typical X50 owners with its added functionality as a fitness tracker, is a big plus.

You can read our in-depth take of this novel new tech by clicking these blue words. From which, we’ll also let you gauge if said device is indeed worthwhile for you to fork out the extra RM1,499 it commands separately from the X50’s price.

On the active driver assist (ADAS) front, the X50 1.5 TGDi Flagship boasts Level 2 semi-autonomous driving abilities, which is impressive at this price point.

5. It’s Still A Very Safe Car

Just like its pricier competitors, the X50 comes fully loaded with an arsenal of passive and active safety tech, with much of the latter primed as standard kit in the higher-end guises of the X50 – like the one tested – to grants it Level 2 semi-autonomy. Perhaps this explains how the X50 garnered the coveted full five-star ANCAP crash-test rating too.

In the case of this 1.5 TGDi Flagship, the list includes forward collision warning (FCW), autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control (ACC) with stop-go function, lane-departure warning (LDW) and -keeping assist (LKA), blind-spot information and waring (BLIS), not forgetting autonomous side parking and intelligent high-beam control.

Amongst the key ADAS features present include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop-Go function (left), and a Blind-spot Info Monitor (right).

Also present in this range-topping X50 is autonomous side-parking powered by 360-degree parking cameras and sensors (left). On Top of that, there's even a tyre pressure monitor (TPMS) primed on board (right).

These, by the way, come on top of the Flagship variant’s already impressive array of standard safety kit that includes six airbags lining the cabin, ABS with traction and stability control suites, both hill-hold assist (HHA) and hill-descent control (HDC) functions, as well as a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Couple all that with the ISOFIX childseat anchors present too, and it’s easy to see how the X50 easily tempts many 30-something urbanites. The biggest plus on this front is the fact that all these features come at a rather ‘accessible’ price point. Speaking of which…

Fact: Proton sold over 40,000 units of the X50 in 2022, making it the brand's second best-seller after the Saga.

6. It’s Still A Solid Value-For-Money All-Rounder

At RM113,300 sans insurance, the X50 in 1.5 TGDi Flagship as featured isn’t exactly a ‘cheap’ car.  However, it’s undeniably a much more affordable offering compared against the crop of its segment rivals present, which now includes other Chinese makes apart from the usual Japanese and Koreans.

For what it delivers, it’s safe to say the X50 1.5 TGDi’s price is perhaps justified, especially given how its total package is executed.  The fact that a 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty and a 5-year data package accompanies which ought to sweeten things further.

Still not convinced? Well, the fact that Proton shifted over 40,000 units of the X50 throughout 2022 is a very telling feat indeed. You can check out more images of the Proton X50 1.5 TGDi Flagship variant in the extensive gallery prepared below…

SPECIFICATIONS

PROTON X50 1.5 TGDi FLAGSHIP

ENGINE	1.5-litre 3-cyl turbo petrol with direct-injection
TRANSMISSION	7-speed DCT automatic, front-wheel-drive (FWD)
POWER	177 PS (175 HP) @ 5,500 RPM
TORQUE	255 NM @ 1,500 – 4,000 RPM
0-100 KM/H	7.9 seconds
V-MAX	195 KM/H
ECONOMY	6.4 litres/100 KM (claimed, average)
WEIGHT
PRICE	RM113,300 (excluding insurance)