The Proton X50 has been around for nearly four years and now gets the smallest of updates.
When Proton launched the X50 originally in October 2020, the Malaysian automotive scene changed ovvernight. Here was a compact SUV with premium styling, good perceived quality and solid fundamentals being priced cheaper than anything else the non-national carmakers could offer. However, nearly 4 years later and the X50 is no longer the talk of the town, slowly losing its grip on the market segment to new players like Chery and the Honda WR-V and HR-V.
To bring the X50 back into the spotlight, Proton has given it a model year update for 2024. This is NOT a facelift, nor is it a new powertrain choice. For context, the Geely Binyue, which is the donor model has already been facelifted and given a new hybrid engine option.
Visually there are no changes to the 2024 Proton X50. It’s the same design as before don to the rims. The only thing to note is that the orange exterior colour option has been dropped. The options are:
- Snow White
- Armour Silver
- Jet Grey
- Ocean Blue
- Passion Red
So, what is new? Well, the infotainment unit has been upgraded to a new 10.3″ touch display. Not only is it larger, but it’s more capable too thanks to a new quad core processor. The new headunit also comes with a clearer 360-degree parking monitor system with a sort of Lane Watch function, access to the PROTON Link app for remote engine start, as well as access to music streaming services like Spotify and Joox. Unfortunately in 2024 Proton remains the only passenger car brand in Malaysia that doesn’t offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Besides that Proton also claims that they’ve made 20 NVH improvements by using thicker insulating materials around the vehicle.
Proton also claims that these changes to the vehicle are worth around RM6,000 but they’re keeping prices where they are.
The model line-up still consists of the Standard (RM86,300), Executive (RM93,300), Premium (RM101,800) and Flagship (RM113,300). Only the Flagship model gets the 1.5L turbocharged direct injection engine while the rest get the 1.5L turbocharged port injection engine, which is also a carry-forward from before. What’s a little tweaked is the package for each trim level. There are no more analogue dials and the infotainment gets upgraded all around.
