2020 Proton X50 1.5T Executive Review

As competition in Malaysia's B-segment SUV market intensifies, the demand for "balanced practicality" among family users has gradually become mainstream — they want a youthful design, without sacrificing space and features, and all at a reasonable price. Since its launch in 2020, the Proton X50 has managed to establish a strong foothold with its great value for money, and the 1.5T Executive version, serving as a mid-range model, plays a core role in driving sales: Can it find the perfect balance between design, space, and performance? This time, we conducted a real-world test drive to verify whether it truly meets the daily needs of most family users.

From a distance, the overall style of the X50 1.5T Executive leans towards sporty and youthful, without the "rounded feel" seen in some competitor models in the same segment. The front face features a large blacked-out grille paired with the Proton brand emblem, creating high recognition; the LED headlights on both sides are connected to the grille, visually widening the front. The automatic headlight function is particularly practical during Malaysia's rainy seasons or in tunnels. The side profile boasts smooth lines, with a waistline extending from the hood to the rear, making the side look less monotonous. The 17-inch wheels are perfectly proportioned to the body, not appearing undersized. The key focus of the rear design lies in the lights — the full-width LED taillights are striking when lit, while the rear fog light and reverse radar sensors are neatly arranged, giving the rear a compact and robust appearance.

Opening the car door, the first impression of the interior is "tidy": The dashboard adopts a symmetrical design, with soft-touch plastic covering most of the frequently touched areas, which feels more refined than some of the models in the same price range. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is centrally mounted on the dashboard and shows good operational smoothness. While it doesn't have particularly complex features, it meets basic needs such as Bluetooth connectivity and music playback. The instrument cluster uses an Electroluminescent Analogue design that is clear to read, with information such as RPM, speed, and fuel gauge displayed prominently. In terms of features, keyless entry/start, electrically adjustable front seats, and automatic air conditioning are all standard. Additionally, there are rear AC vents, which are quite practical for family users.

Space is one of the primary concerns for family users. The X50 boasts a 2600mm wheelbase, which is considered above average for a B-segment SUV. In the front row, with the seat adjusted for a 175cm-tall driver, there is a fist's worth of headroom remaining. The rear legroom extends to about two fists, with headroom at one fist — enough to comfortably seat three adults without feeling too cramped. The trunk has a capacity of 330 liters, sufficient for everyday items like strollers or shopping bags. Additionally, the rear seats support a 60:40 split folding, which allows expansion for even larger storage space, making it more convenient for transporting bulkier items. There are also numerous storage compartments inside the car: a front central armrest box, door storage bins, and a phone storage tray, all of which meet day-to-day usage needs. The 220V/230V power socket is an added touch for emergency charging of laptops or small appliances.

In terms of performance, the X50 1.5T Executive comes equipped with a 1.5T three-cylinder turbocharged engine delivering a maximum output of 150PS and a peak torque available between 1500-4000rpm, paired with a 7-speed DCT gearbox. The power response during start-up is quick, and you can feel the turbo kicking in with a light press of the accelerator, making it nimble for following other cars in urban traffic. During acceleration, the transmission switches gears quickly, and when overtaking, a hard press on the accelerator delivers smooth power output without obvious jolts. The car offers three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. In Eco mode, the throttle response is a bit slower, making it suitable for daily commutes, whereas Sport mode makes the power delivery more immediate, ideal for highway driving.

In terms of handling performance, the front MacPherson independent suspension is tuned for comfort. When going over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension filters out most of the jolts, ensuring that rear passengers won't feel too bumpy. The steering wheel has moderate weight and precise direction, making U-turns or parking in narrow urban roads very easy. At high speeds, the vehicle body remains stable, even when encountering crosswinds there’s no obvious swaying feeling. As for fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 6.5L/100km. During our actual test drive, it was about 7.2L/100km in urban conditions and approximately 5.8L/100km on the highway, which is decent for a vehicle weighing 1,345kg.

The details in driving comfort are well-executed: cabin noise control is relatively good, and wind and tire noise remain within an acceptable range at high speeds, not affecting conversations inside the cabin. The seats provide good support and wrapping, so long drives won’t feel tiring. The electronic parking brake and auto hold feature are very convenient at traffic lights, eliminating the need to keep pressing the brake.

Overall, the X50 1.5T Executive has clear core advantages: its young and sporty design, practical features (particularly rear air conditioning, electric seats, etc.), family-friendly space, responsive power, and reasonable fuel consumption. Compared to competitors in the same segment like the Honda HR-V or Toyota Corolla Cross, it’s priced lower (RM 93,300) while offering richer features, making it a standout in terms of value for money.

This car is most suitable for families who value "balance"—those who want a youthful appearance while also needing sufficient space and features for daily commuting and family outings, all without wanting to spend too much. It does not have any particularly obvious weaknesses, and it performs at an above-average level across all aspects in its segment.

In summary, the Proton X50 1.5T Executive is a B-segment SUV that you won't go wrong with even if you purchase it without much thought. With practical features, sufficient space, and a budget-friendly price, it precisely meets the needs of most family users and is one of the top choices in this price range.