2023 Proton X50 1.5T Executive Review

The competition in the B-segment SUV market in Malaysia has always been intense. Consumers want vehicles that are well-sized for urban cruising while having high demands for features and practicality. As a flagship model of the brand, the 2023 Proton X50 1.5T Executive has undergone minor updates for this facelift, mainly focusing on slight adjustments to its features and power calibration. The purpose of our test drive is to verify whether it still maintains its value-for-money position for daily use.

Starting with the exterior, the car measures 4330×1800×1609mm with a wheelbase of 2600mm, displaying typical compact SUV proportions. The front adopts the family design language with a large grille complemented by black trim. LED headlights and daytime running lights are standard, offering good recognition when lit. The side profile is simple, with 17-inch tires well-proportioned to the body size. Black protective strips along the door enhance practicality. At the rear, the smoked LED taillights, along with a silver skid plate below the rear bumper, add a touch of ruggedness. The overall style aligns with the youthful preferences of the target audience.

Inside the car, the interior adopts a predominantly dark tone with a clear layout for the center console. An 8-inch touchscreen is centrally positioned, offering smooth operation and supporting basic multimedia functions. The instrument panel features an Electroluminescent Analogue display, presenting essential information like RPM and speed in a clear and straightforward manner. As for materials, the upper part of the center console is made of hard plastic, but the door armrests and seats are wrapped in leather, providing a pleasant tactile feel. In terms of features, the front driver's seat supports electric adjustment, and the rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split, expanding the rear trunk capacity from 330L to accommodate larger items, meeting cargo needs. Notably, the front air conditioning is equipped with an N95 cabin filter, and there are separate air vents for the rear seats, complemented by a 220V/230V power outlet for added practicality.

For performance, the 1.5T turbocharged engine delivers a maximum power of 150PS, with peak torque output available between 1500-4000rpm, paired with a DCT transmission. During daily driving, the car responds crisply when starting, and the low-to-mid-speed acceleration is sufficient for city roads. When overtaking, a deeper throttle push prompts the transmission to downshift promptly, and power delivery remains smooth. The suspension system consists of MacPherson struts in the front and a torsion beam in the rear, tuned for comfort. It absorbs most bumps and vibrations over speed bumps or uneven roads, keeping body movement within reasonable limits. On highways, the steering wheel provides good precision, ensuring stability when changing lanes. However, there’s mild body roll during sharp turns, which is typical for family-oriented SUVs. The official combined fuel consumption stands at 6.5L/100km, while on test drives, city conditions yielded approximately 7.2L/100km, and highway conditions returned around 5.8L/100km, meeting expectations.

In terms of ride comfort, noise insulation is average, as tire and wind noise become noticeable at high speeds, though they do not affect normal conversations. The seats provide moderate cushioning, making long journeys comfortable without causing fatigue. The braking system performs reliably, with a linear pedal feel and braking distances meeting segment standards. The cruise control system is a basic variant without adaptive functionality but is sufficient for maintaining a steady speed on highways. The combination of front and rear sensors with a reversing camera makes parking easy and is user-friendly for beginners.

In summary, the core advantage of the 2023 Proton X50 1.5T Executive lies in its well-balanced features. Configurations such as 6 airbags, electric seats, and an N95 air-conditioning filter are highly competitive among vehicles in the same price range. Compared to competitors like the Honda HR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross, it offers a lower price and more features, delivering excellent value for money. Its overall performance makes it suitable for family users who prioritize practicality and budget, whether for daily commuting or short weekend trips. If you are looking for a compact SUV with sufficient features and a friendly price, the X50 Executive is still a worthy choice to consider.