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Proton achieves impressive milestone after re-entering South Africa

February 21, 2023 By Rokkit

Written By: TopAuto (31/01/2023) Proton achieves impressive milestone after re-entering South Africa

The local arm of Proton recently took delivery of the 1,000th customer vehicle shipped to South Africa from Malaysia just over two months after the manufacturer officially re-entered the market following a 10-year hiatus.

This makes South Africa the second-largest export destination in terms of volume out of the 14 countries the Asian automaker sells vehicles in, despite being the newest addition.

Proton re-enters South Africa

In April 2022, Proton signed with CMH Group to be its domestic distributor and shortly thereafter opened the doors of 20 dealerships while simultaneously launching the X50 and X70 SUVs.

Since then, the company has seen “a steady increase in sales across South Africa” and it aims to double its purchase volumes in 2023, a goal that will be aided by the launch of another SUV and two new sedans.

“With the new vehicles that will be entering the South African market in 2023, we can positively say that we will have a car for everyone,” said Marius Smal, managing director of Proton South Africa.

“Meeting the market halfway, in regards to product and pricing, is never an easy task, but 2023 brings opportunity for more customers.”

Proton re-enters South Africa - X50 and X70

What’s on offer

At present, Proton has two products in South Africa in the form of the sporty X50 starting at R449,900, and the family-oriented X70 which retails from R529,900.

The smaller of the two SUVs is offered in four grades – Standard, Luxury, Executive, and Premium – each one driven by a 1.5-litre, turbo-petrol motor mated to a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission that turns the front wheels.

This setup pumps out 110kW and 226Nm in the three more affordable variations, whereas in the range-topping Premium model it puts out 130kW and 255Nm.

Every X50 brings a generous array of standard features, too, including LED headlamps with daytime running lights, an 8-inch infotainment system offering Bluetooth, cruise control, keyless entry and start, a reverse camera, rear parking sensors, ABS with brake assist, hill-hold assist, and hill descent control.

The larger X70 is equipped with the same powertrain as the X50, generating 130kW and 255Nm in every specification, though unlike its smaller sibling, it can also be had with an all-wheel-drive system in the Executive trim level.

The X70 then comes in Standard, Executive, and Premium X offerings, providing buyers with automatic headlamps, LED fog lamps, an 8-inch media display with Bluetooth, a digital driver’s display, a leather multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, ABS with brake assist, auto brake hold, hill-descent assist, rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, and 17-inch wheels.

Proton South Africa Dealerships Recently Opened Countrywide

November 23, 2022 By Rokkit

PROTON South Africa has 20 dealership branches positioned in areas such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, KwaZulu-Natal, East London, Polokwane, Bloemfontein, Gqeberha, and Qonce ready to show potential customers the PROTON X50 and PROTON X70 vehicles, take you on a test drive and explain the High 5’s that PROTON South Africa boasts.

The PROTON High ‘5s’ mean that on purchase of a PROTON X50 or PROTON X70, customers will receive a 5-year unlimited warranty which is transferable, a move that backs up the quality promise of the product, reinforcing used-car value on the trade-in. Buyers will receive a 5-year roadside assistance and 5-year 80 000km service plan, 5-Star Luxury, and 5-Star Safety Rating.

By February 2023, PROTON South Africa will welcome another 5 dealerships.

The new PROTON X50 and PROTON X70 benefit from shared group engineering expertise, which is the result of such a collaboration, between GEELY and Volvo. With such collaboration and support, it ensures that the runway for vehicles being released in the near future is exciting.

The PROTON X50 and PROTON X70 offer a host of intelligent and connected features that make driving more convenient and safer. In these all-new vehicles, customers coming to test drive and purchase will find that it meets the need for performance, enjoyment and convenience, from the many advanced features such as the “Hi PROTON” voice command to the unique design.

Once you step inside a PROTON vehicle, you will see what the hype is about. You will feel the power and you will feel the need to have your own PROTON. It is a beautiful car, inside and out. Both vehicles feature elements that are stylish, sporty, sophisticated, and advanced.

Based on current market demand, the new PROTON X50 and PROTON X70 are quality SUV vehicles set within an affordable pricing bracket. The PROTON X50 starts from R449 900, and PROTON X70, starts from R529 900.

Visit https://proton.cars/find-a-dealer/ to find a PROTON dealership near you! Come in and see us, test drive your new PROTON, and ‘Discover Affordable Luxury’.

Step Up and Into Your PROTON X50

October 17, 2022 By Rokkit

By: Proton South Africa

Car review: Proton X50 test drive.

“It was my goal to feel the successful, career driven, and motivated mid-30-year-old woman that I am and get myself into a vehicle that embodied that. I needed a vehicle that would cater to the needs of my own, my 3 kids and my husband. Enter the Proton X50 – one-half of Proton’s new flagship SUVs.

As a career woman, always on the road, I was looking for a vehicle that made me feel safe, offered me features that I could enjoy, that allowed me great fuel efficiency. I saw that PROTON SOUTH AFRICA had just launched the new PROTON X50 and I fell in love instantly.

On my Proton X50 test drive, I experienced everything promised. Beautiful dual-toned leather seats, a steering wheel that fitted perfectly in my hands, and a sunroof really set the tone for what my driving experience would be like.

I immediately noticed the power in the drive. It was smooth but it definitely had a kick to it. I went from Normal mode, Eco mode, and to Sport mode to really get a good feel of them all. The difference between all the modes is really remarkable but, in all modes, the drive remained excellent.

I moved the steering wheel from normal to sports, and that was comfortable in both drives. I enjoy how easy and convenient every change of mode is in the PROTON X50.

As we all know, the roads are not the smoothest with potholes, bumps and bends, but what I have found and what I have heard many people say who have driven the flagship SUVs, PROTON X50 or PROTON X70, is that the suspension is absolutely incredible handling the road with such remarkable control. Both cars have Electronic Stability Control (ESC) which stabilizes the car in bad weather and on bad roads, which means that you are not oversteering.

I realized how good a driver I am (without tooting my own horn) when near the end of my test drive, I heard a beeping sound. I asked what that was about and it was the lane departure warning as I had gone into an empty lane without indicating. For fun, I did it again. Not only does the PROTON X50 have lane departure assist but it also has ‘Lane Keep Assist’ kind of, subtly, pulls you back into what you are in.

The best was saved for last. I got to experience Auto Park Assist. I remember being a child and saying to my brother, “imagine a car that could park itself”. Well, now I am driving one! With a touch of a button, my PROTON parked itself! What an exciting feature!

How could I forget, since getting my very own Proton car – the PROTON X50, my boys love the “Hi Proton” feature? A voice-activated system does a lot for you, like opening the sunroof, opening the windows, turning on the music, and other fun features.

I love my PROTON X50, I love the space, the features and the performance.” Get in touch with Proton for your next Proton X50 test drive.

PROTON X50 AND PROTON X70 ARE IN SOUTH AFRICA

October 14, 2022 By Rokkit

By: Proton South Africa

The PROTON X50 and PROTON X70 have officially launched and these quality SUVs are now available in PROTON dealerships across South Africa.

PROTON is distributed by Combined Motor Holdings (CMH), the JSE-listed specialist motor retailer. With 40 years of success in motor retail, CMH is well-equipped to provide a stable platform from which to launch this brand. CMH will be supported in the market by dedicated PROTON Dealerships, countrywide.

Since the launch of PROTON SOUTH AFRICA into the playing field and the launch of the PROTON X50 and PROTON X70, it has been a welcome start. The PROTON X50 and PROTON X70 take the market on with class-leading designs and a powertrain co-developed between Geely and Volvo.

Proton X50 and Proton X70 in South Africa — Proton X50 and X70 Launch review in South Africa

Proton X50 and proton X70 are in South Africa - Proton cars for sale — The PROTON X50 and PROTON X70 have officially launched in SA and are available for sale in South African Dealerships

The new PROTON models are right-hand drive versions of GEELY vehicles sold in left-hand markets around the world. The new dependable SUVs benefit from shared group engineering expertise including technology solutions also found in VOLVO models. With GEELY providing resources and support for PROTON, we can ensure that the runway for vehicles being released in the near future is exciting.

We are thrilled to announce that on purchase of a PROTON X50 or PROTON X70, customers will receive a 5-year unlimited warranty which is transferable, a move that backs up the quality promise of the product, reinforcing used-car value on trade in which we know is also a buying point that makes a massive difference. On purchase, buyers will receive 5-year roadside assistance as well as a service and maintenance plan.

The 2022 Proton X50 and Proton X70 offer a host of intelligent and connected features that make driving more convenient and safer. For enjoyment and convenience, the multiple speakers with power amplifier and subwoofer enhance the music experience while the six USB ports provide ample charging solutions. Additionally, saying “Hi PROTON” allows the driver to operate the windows, sunroof and air conditioning.

Beyond this, the PROTON X50 and Proton X70 offer enhanced features for the driver and passengers’ comfort, as well as a sophisticated look. Some of these features (depending on the variant and class) include key-activated engine starting to foot sensor boot systems, chrome finishing on the front and rear bumpers, alloy wheels, power tailgate with foot sensor and Nappa leather seats with black headlining. The PROTON X70 comes with PROTON Intelligent Air Purification System (P-IAPS) – a combination of an N95 cabin filter (incorporated into the air-conditioning) and air purifier system; combined they work twice as efficiently to improve the air quality inside the cabin.

Based on current market demand, the new PROTON X50 and PROTON X70 are quality SUV vehicles set within an affordable pricing bracket. The Proton X50, starting from R449 900, and Proton X70, starting from R529 900, will be available for purchase from September 2022.

Jebb Mcintosh - CMH Group CEO at the Proton X50 and proton X70 launch in South Africa — PROTON is distributed by Combined Motor Holdings (CMH), the JSE-listed specialist motor retailer.

Consumers across the country will be pleasantly surprised by these fuel-efficient vehicles. PROTON has created these products that fulfil the desire for an SUV that is not only outstanding in performance, features and aesthetic appeal but is also affordable to own and run. The fuel consumption of the PROTON X50 is 6.5L/100km and the fuel consumption of the PROTON X70 is 7.8L/100km.

Now that is ‘Affordable Luxury.’

Proton South Africa Opens Its Doors with 2 Flagship SUVs and 20 New Dealerships

September 21, 2022 By Rokkit

By: TopAuto (15/09/2022) Proton South Africa opens its doors with 2 SUVs on offer and 20 dealerships incoming

The X50 and X70 flagship SUVs from the Malaysian carmaker Proton have finally gone on sale in South Africa after the automaker announced its re-entry into the local market in May.

The introduction will be complemented by establishing 20 dealerships within the country’s borders by the end of 2022 along popular routes.

The X50 as the smaller model of the two is available from a starting price of R449,900 while the flagship X70 can be had from R529,900.

Combined Motor Holdings (CMH) is Proton’s official distributor in South Africa and the company said it already stocks a full range of replacement parts for the two flagship SUVs.

X50 Specs

The new Proton X50 is available in four trim levels starting with the Standard, then the Luxury, Executive, and Premium.

Features fitted to every model include LED headlamps with daytime running lights, a multi-drive-mode programme, cruise control, keyless entry and start, manual air-conditioning with rear-row vents, four speakers, a reverse camera, rear parking sensors, ABS with brake assist, hill-hold assist, and hill descent control.

This is alongside an 8-inch infotainment system offering Bluetooth, voice control, and “smartphone connectivity” – though it must be noted that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not supported by Proton’s vehicles.

The X50 Luxury model further brings automatic headlight operation, front fog lamps, front parking sensors, and a leatherette steering wheel and seats.

On the Executive, buyers can additionally expect roof rails, a digital driver’s display, automatic aircon, a larger 10.25-inch infotainment unit with more voice control functions, two extra speakers, a 360-degree camera, and a tyre-pressure monitoring system.

The range-topping X50 Premium then gets all of the above along with an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a panoramic sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, and a variety of driver aids such as autonomous emergency braking, forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot information, and intelligent high-beam control.

The Standard and Luxury also wear 17-inch wheels, while the Executive and Premium stand on 18-inch alloys.

As for power, the Proton crossover makes do with a 1.5-litre, turbo-petrol motor and seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission delivering drive to the front wheels.

In the Standard, Luxury, and Executive this combination generates 110kW and 226Nm, whereas the Premium puts out a higher 130kW and 255Nm.

The South African pricing and model line-up for the new Proton X50 are as follows:

Proton X50 1.5T Standard – R449,900
Proton X50 1.5T Luxury – 499,900
Proton X50 1.5T Executive – R535,900
Proton X50 1.5T Premium – R579,900

This price includes a 5-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and a 5-year/80,000km service plan.

X70 SUV Specs

Unlike the X50, the big X70 is only available in Standard, Executive, and Premium X grades.

The entry-level model is equipped with automatic headlamps, LED fog lamps, a leather steering wheel, fabric seats, cruise control, a digital driver’s display, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, ABS with brake assist, auto brake hold, hill descent assist, rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, and 17-inch wheels.

Across the entire X70 range an 8-inch media display is also installed with between six and nine speakers, depending on the chosen specification.

The Executive steps it up with rain-sensing wipers, LED headlights, a powered tailgate, leatherette seats, a powered driver seat, ventilated front seats, two more speakers, front parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, and rims measuring 18 inches.

Notably, the X70 Executive is the only Proton you can currently buy in South Africa in all-wheel drive.

For the Premium X, additional bells and whistles comprise a foot sensor for opening the tailgate, Nappa Leather seats, an electric front passenger seat, autonomous emergency braking, forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot information, intelligent headlight operation, tyre-pressure monitoring, a door opening warning system, and 19-inch alloys.

The larger X70 also employs the same 1.5-litre drivetrain as its smaller brother, with the whole range putting out 130kW and 255Nm.

The South African pricing and model line-up for the new Proton X70 are as follows:

Proton X70 1.5T Standard – R529,900
Proton X70 1.5T Executive – R579,900
Proton X70 1.5T Executive AWD – R629,900
Proton X70 1.5T Premium X – R639,900

Each purchase comes with a 5-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and a 5-year/80,000km service plan.

The eagerly awaited flagship SUVs are now on sale in 20 dealerships across South Africa

Proton Motors is Back in South Africa : X50 and X70 First Drive Review

September 21, 2022 By Rokkit

By: Auto Trader (14/09/2022) Proton Motors is back in South Africa : X50 and X70 First Drive Review

The famous Malaysian automotive manufacturer returns to South Africa, bringing with them two contenders for the B- and C-segments – the X50 and X70 flagship SUVs. Here are our impressions.

Proton Motors is a Malaysian Automotive manufacturer that has been around since the 1980s. The brand first came to South Africa in 2005, introducing itself with the Gen2 sedan, proudly wearing the “Handling by Lotus” badge on its boot. After some success with the Gen2, Proton brought in some more vehicles until deciding to leave the South African market in 2013.

Since that time, the Chinese Automotive firm and group Geely became a big shareholder in Proton Motors. Keep in mind, Geely acquired Volvo and Lotus over time and naturally you’ll see inklings of tech and refinement filter into Proton vehicles. As a result, we have the X50 and X70 SUVs which we had the opportunity to sample on launch.

Styling

With a return to the South African market, you would have to have vehicles that stand out from the crowd. Proton Motors has a massive Malaysian manufacturing plant which encompasses an in-house design studio where designers can roam free but within the bounds of what the engineers can make into reality. In this instance for both the X50 and X70, there are many small design details you’ll pick up and elements that make the vehicles uniquely Proton. Unique in the sense that the styling inspiration was taken from a Malaysian Tiger in different stances or states, if you will.

Let’s start with the X50

The X50 looks like a tiger ready to pounce with its sharper, more angular lines going from the front to the sides of the vehicle. The front fascia of the vehicle imitates a tiger bearing its teeth, closing its eyes slightly for a more mighty if not sporty look. Out of the X50 and X70, the X50 aims for a more youthful driver who wants sportier styling but at the same time is not over the top. In the rear, you’ll find quad exhaust tips housed in a rear diffuser, adding to the sporty motif with a large wing. The X50 is also the smaller of the two vehicles, placing itself in the B segment.

Now onto the X70

In contrast to the pouncing tiger X50, the X70 goes for more of a Tiger in a resting state. Of the two vehicles, the X70 is the more mature-looking model that it’s aimed at an older driver or rather a driver that favours luxury over sporty styling. It’s subtle but elegant with more smatterings of chrome trim on the exterior. The X70 is also the larger of the two SUVs which sits in the C segment.

Interior and Technology

Going into the two vehicles, this is where you’ll see more of the Malaysian craftsmanship being shown off. There are plenty of soft-touch surfaces in and around the interior of both vehicles being broken apart with silver trim pieces. There’s a nice design flow around the cabin with lovely touches of pattern textured switchgear and even small details being paid attention to. Seating is comfortable for both front and rear passengers and they’ll fare well with longer journeys with a myriad of adjustment settings for the front seats (not electrically adjustable on the Standard variants). You can even get supple Nappa leather in top-of-the-range X70. The X50 feels more compact and everything is closer to you, sticking to that sporty theme that the vehicle has presented itself as. Whereas with the X70, everything is more spaced out but still easy to access nonetheless, showing off the notion that it’s a bigger vehicle and more spacious inside.

In terms of technology, the X50 and X70 provide essential luxury features such as remote vehicle start on the key fob (X50), an air purification system (X70), ventilated seats (X70), power tailgate with foot sensor (X70) responsive infotainment systems with a good number USB charging ports in the cabin and lastly, Proton voice commands to operate certain interior technology and components. Unfortunately, the voice commands do need some refinement in the sense of initialisation and being able to hear South African accents better; at least that was our experience in an X70 we sampled. That being said, it was pleasant to see the 9-speaker audio system in the X70 Premium being a Kenwood system. That’s an established audio brand you don’t see too often in an OEM application.

Luggage capacity is as follows:

X50: 330 litres X70: 512 litres

The luggage capacity in the X50 is adequate but could be better when compared to its rivals. With the X70, the luggage capacity is on par with its rivals such as the Mazda CX-5.

Drive and handling

Powering both the X50 and X70 is a 1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine coupled to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The engine is a result of a co-development between Geely and Volvo. In the X50, you get the engine in two flavours, a 110 kW / 226 Nm multipoint fuel injected version and a 130 kW / 255 Nm direct injection version which was present for sampling. The X70 uses the higher output direct injection 130 kW engine across its range. The drivetrain is smooth, quiet, and pokey with a good implementation of a dual-clutch transmission. The gearbox changes seamlessly and on this drive the ratios were matched nicely.

With regard to handling, Proton Motors focused on lightness and agility. The vehicles are spritely and felt planted on the road in spite of the windy conditions on the day. On both the X50 and X70, you can adjust the feel of the steering between Normal, Comfort, and Sport, the same goes for the drive mode selection. The ride quality for both vehicles is premium feeling and NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness) is good, even on bumpy roads. The vehicle is put together very well with no rattles.

Claimed combined fuel consumption on the X50 is 6.5l / 100 km and on the X70 7.8l / 100 km. Not terrible.

These vehicles are quite suitable for daily usage as well as long road trips. The driving experience on open roads left us with a good impression of good driving dynamics.

Safety

Proton Motors hasn’t skimped on the safety of the X50 and X70. To summarise, both vehicles have a 5-Star ASEAN NCAP rating.

Regarding both the X50 and X70

On the standard models, you’ll get :

4 airbags (X50 front and side)
6 airbags (X70 front, side and curtain)
Brake assist
Hill hold and Hill descent control
Auto brake hold
Electronic Stability Control
ABS and EBD
Rear parking sensors with reverse cameras

On the premium model, in addition to the Standard variant’s features:

6 airbags (X50 and X70 Front, side and curtain)
Autonomous emergency braking
Forward collision warning
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go
Intelligent cruise control
Lane Keep Assist with departure warning
Auto Park Assist
Blind Spot Information System
Intelligent High Beam Control
Front and read parking sensors with 360-degree camera

Verdict

With the return of Proton Motors to South Africa, it seems like the brand is ready to rumble with the ever-competitive B- and C-SUV segments thanks to a good strategy. The products on offer show promise, with the key takeaway being ‘affordable luxury’. This is quite pertinent considering that Proton Motors aims to compete with the likes of BMW, Mazda, and Volkswagen in the aforementioned segments, and the pricing speaks of this too.

It’s going to be tough considering what’s on offer with the competition but if this first impression drive has said anything, it’s that Proton Motors is ready to be a global player and wants to show off its bespoke identity. The Proton Motors X50 and X70 are worth a shot and a test drive to be under your radar.

Which would we pick between the X50 and X70? The X50 stands out as the bolder of the two.

Pricing

Proton Motors X50

X50 1.5T Standard from R449 900

X50 1.5T Luxury from R499 900

X50 1.5T Executive from R535 900

1.5 TGDi Premium from R579 900

Proton Motors X70

X70 Standard 2WD from R529 900

X70 Executive 2WD from R579 900

X70 Executive AWD from R629 900

X70 Premium X 2WD from R639 900

*All Proton Models come with a 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty which is transferable to subsequent owners, a 5-Year 80 000 km service plan and 5-Year emergency roadside assistance.

Credit: https://www.autotrader.co.za/cars/news-and-advice/buying-a-car/proton-motors-is-back-in-south-africa-x50-and-x70-first-drive-review/10871

Proton X50 vs Haval Jolion vs Chery Tiggo 7 Pro: Which one has the lowest running costs?

August 29, 2022 By Rokkit

By: Bisiness Live (22/09/2022) Proton X50 vs Haval Jolion vs Chery Tiggo 7 Pro: Which one has the lowest running costs?

Proton has returned to the local market, bringing in two new SUVs, the X50 and X70, but how does the X50 compare with two key rivals from up-and-coming brands Haval and Chery?

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Image 1 of 44

	Proton X50 1.5T Standard	Haval Jolion 1.5T Super Luxury	Chery Tiggo 7 Pro 1.5T Executive
Engine size	3-cyl, 1.5-litre petrol	4-cyl, 1.5-litre turbo petrol	4-cyl, 1.5-litre turbo petrol
Power/Torque	110 kW/226 Nm	105 kW/210 Nm	108 kW/210 Nm
Gearbox	7-speed dual-clutch automatic	7-speed dual-clutch automatic	7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Seats	5	5	5
Airbags	4	6	6
Kerb weight	1 325kg	1 370kg	1 421kg
Boot capacity	330-litres	337-litres	475-litres
Fuel capacity	54-litres	60-litres	51-litres
Claimed consumption	6.4 L/100 km	7.5 L/100 km	6.8 L/100 km
Service plan	5-yr/100 000km	5-yr /60 000km	5-yr/60 000km
Price	R449 900	R437 900	R453 900

By: The Citizen (15/08/2022) Proton X50 and X70 features list revealed

Both models are now available for test drives before the commencing of sales next month.

Ahead of sales commencing in September, Proton has divulged full specification details of the X50 and X70 following the confirmation of pricing earlier this month.

X50

Based on parent company Geely’s BMA platform, the X50, which debuted in Malaysia two years ago as a rebadged version of the Geely Binyue that went on sale in China two years before, serves as Proton’s entry level model until the reported arrival later this year of the recently updated Saga sedan.

Measuring 4 330mm in overall length with its wheelbase stretching 2 600 mm, the X50 has a width of 1 800 mm, height of 1 609 mm and claimed boot capacity of 330-litres with all five seats up.

ALSO READ: This is how much: Proton X50 and X70 officially priced

As is known by now, motivation comes from the same 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine used in the Volvo XC40, but in two states of tune; 110kW/226Nm and 130kW/255Nm in models wearing the T-GDI badge.

The sole transmission is a seven-speed dual-clutch with drive going to the front wheels only. Still unknown are performance and fuel consumption figures, though standard on all derivatives is a drive mode selector with three settings; Eco, Normal and Sport.

Comprising four models and trim levels, items on the entry-level X50 Standard consists of 17-inch alloy wheels, black fabric seats, projector-type LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, manual air-conditioning with rear vents, plus:

four-speaker sound system;
cruise control;
eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system;
remote engine start;
all around electric windows;
push-button start;
reverse camera;
rear parking sensors;
ABS with EBD, BAS and ESC;
Hill Descent Control;
Hill Hold Assist;
Traction Control;

Next up, the Luxury receives auto on/off LED headlights, LED fog lamps and a leather wrapped steering wheel, as well as black leatherette seats, six airbags and front parking sensors.

Building on the Luxury is the Executive, which swaps the 17-inch wheels for 18-inch alloys and the eight-inch display for a 10.25-inch setup.

As well as a digital instrument cluster, roof rails and an electric driver’s seat, the Executive sports automatic air-conditioning, a six-speaker sound system, tyre pressure monitor and a surround-view camera system.

Completing the Proton X50 range is the Premium, which apart from being the sole model powered by the T-GDI engine, comes furnished with:

rain sense wipers;
black-and-red leatherette interior;
auto-dimming rear-view mirror;
Auto High Beam Assist;
Autonomous Emergency Braking;
Adaptive Cruise Control;
Park Assist;
Lane Keep Assist;
Blind Spot Monitoring;
Forward Collision Warning;
Lane Departure Warning;

In total, six colours are available; Snow White, Jet Grey, Armour Silver, Citric Orange, Ocean Blue and Passion Red. Details surround the respective warranty and/or service plan will be announced next month.

X70

Another example of Geely ownership is the X70, which rides on the Chinese brand’s NL platform and debuted four years ago in Malaysia as one of the first Proton badged Geely models, in this case, the Boyue that bowed in China in 2016.

Facelifted in Malaysia this year, which saw the 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine making way for the T-GDI used in the X50, the Proton X70 measures 4 519 mm in overall length with its wheelbase stretching 2 670 mm, height 1 694 mm and width 1 831 mm.

Aside from the mentioned powerunit, the X70 also only has a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, but the option of all-wheel-drive on the mid-range Executive with the rest being front-wheel-drive only.

As on the X50, all X70’s feature a drive mode selector with three settings; Eco, Normal and Sport

Comprising four models and three trim levels, items on the base Standard comprises 17-inch alloy wheels, auto on/off headlights, LED fog lights, a black fabric interior, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, plus the following:

cruise control
push-button start
dual-zone climate control with rear vents
all around electric windows
six-speaker sound system
reverse camera
rear parking sensors
six airbags
ABS with EBD and BAS
Electronic Stability Control
Hill Descent Control
Traction Control
Hill Hold Assist

Up next, the Executive receives LED headlights and daytime running diodes, as well as rain sense wipers, an electric tailgate, black faux leather seats and:

electric driver’s seat
eight-speaker sound system
front parking sensors
surround-view camera

At the top of the range is the now renamed Premium X, which gets brown Nappa leather seats, a nine-speaker sound system, electric tailgate as well as:

ventilated front seats with electric lumbar support for the driver
19-inch alloy wheels
tyre pressure monitor
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Lane Keep Assist
Adaptive Cruise Control
Forward Collision Warning
Lane Departure Warning
Auto High Beam Assist