Written by Proton South Africa
Proton South Africa recently concluded the Proton X90 Fuel Challenge, a rigorous campaign designed to validate the real-world fuel efficiency of the Proton X90 Hybrid. The challenge covered a demanding route from Midrand, Johannesburg to Durban, and continued to the coastal town of St. Lucia, all on a single tank of petrol.
Proton X90: A Benchmark in Fuel Efficiency
Two Proton X90 vehicles participated in this comprehensive evaluation, each employing distinct strategies. Car 1, a Proton X90 Premium, was loaded with an occupant weight of 232 kg and filled to the first click with 51.2 liters of 95-octane petrol. Car 2, a Proton X90 Flagship, carried an occupant weight of 130 kg and was filled to its maximum capacity of 57.8 liters.
The journey began in Midrand, Johannesburg, and proceeded to Durban, where drivers encountered varying traffic conditions and made several stops for driver changes and rest. The trip continued onward to the scenic coastal town of St. Lucia. Both vehicles navigated major highways and toll roads, simulating real-world driving conditions to test the Proton X90 Hybrid’s fuel efficiency.
Watch the impressive results, and how the Proton X90 stood in this journey
Important Note: The results of this test were subject to driving conditions and the drivers’ attitude towards completing the endurance challenge.
Impressive Performance Metrics
The results were outstanding. Car 1 covered 1002.5 km with an average fuel consumption of 6.2 liters per 100 km, while Car 2 achieved 1042.2 km with an average consumption of 5.9 liters per 100 km. These impressive figures underscore the Proton X90 Hybrid’s capability to deliver exceptional fuel economy over long distances. Car 1 had an additional range of 70 km indicated by the reserve light, and Car 2 showed an extra 54 km.
Detailed Journey Data:
| Parameter | Car 1: Proton X90 Premium | Car 2: Proton X90 Flagship |
|---|---|---|
| Occupant Weight (kg) | 232 | 130 |
| Fuel Input (liters) | 51.2 | 57.8 |
| Total Distance Covered (km) | 1002.5 | 1042.2 |
| Average Fuel Consumption (l/100km) | 6.2 | 5.9 |
| Reserve Light Mileage (km) | 70 | 54 |
| Number of Stops | 4 toll road stops, several scenic stops | 4 toll road stops, several scenic stops |
| Duration of Journey | Approximately 13 hours | Approximately 13 hours |
| Fueling Technique | Filled to first click | Filled to maximum capacity |
Expert Endorsements
Mr. Chiang Teng Boon, Senior Regional Manager for Proton Malaysia, International Sales Division, and participant in the challenge, highlighted the significance of these findings: “This campaign rigorously tested the Proton X90 Hybrid under real-world conditions, and the results have exceeded our expectations. Being part of this trip and experiencing the Proton X90 Hybrid’s outstanding fuel efficiency on South African soil has been incredible. These results significantly impact our understanding of the Proton X90’s fuel economy, proving it to be an excellent choice for consumers prioritizing fuel efficiency.”
The challenge was conducted in collaboration with Top Gear South Africa, with publisher Avon Middleton coordinating the challenge, whilst the publications journalists Ntsako Mthethwa and Jordan Schmidt were put behind the wheels of both cars. “The Proton X90 Hybrid surpassed even our own expectations, proving its exceptional efficiency and reliability throughout this extensive journey. The challenge underscored the vehicle’s capability to cover long distances with impressive fuel economy,” Middleton remarked.
Commercial Viability
The Proton X90 Hybrid’s success in the Fuel Challenge underscores its commercial viability as a competitive hybrid vehicle. With its proven fuel efficiency, the Proton X90 Hybrid offers a compelling proposition for environmentally-conscious consumers and fleet operators looking to reduce fuel costs.
The Proton X90 Fuel Challenge successfully demonstrated the exceptional fuel efficiency and performance of the Proton X90 Hybrid. Proton South Africa is proud to share these findings, reaffirming Proton’s dedication to providing innovative and efficient automotive solutions. The Proton X90 Hybrid stands out as a strong example in the hybrid vehicle market, offering unparalleled efficiency and reliability.
