2023 Proton X50 1.5T Premium Review

Nowadays, Malaysia's B-Segment SUV market is fiercely competitive. Consumers demand economic efficiency for daily commuting while also valuing space and features for family outings. As a popular contender in this segment, the 2023 Proton X50 Premium version further upgrades its features, offering a high value-for-money and intelligent experience at a price just over 100,000 RM. This time, we got a test drive vehicle, and the core purpose is to verify whether it meets the core needs of family users in terms of static quality, dynamic performance, and practical usability.

From the exterior, the 2023 X50 1.5T Premium continues the family-style design with an overall youthful and sporty look. The front adopts a large blackened grille, paired with sharp LED headlamps on both sides. The daytime running lights feature a signature "blade" design, offering high recognition when lit. The side profile presents smooth lines, with a waistline extending from the front fenders to the rear, enhancing its three-dimensional feel. The 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels provide a dynamic appearance, and the 215/55 R18 tires balance grip and comfort. At the rear, the through-type tail lights echo the front design, while a silver skid plate has been added to the lower part of the rear bumper, enhancing the rugged feel of the SUV. The lighting system comes standard with LED light sources across all trims, and the inclusion of automatic headlights and front fog lamps improves visibility in rainy or foggy weather.

When sitting inside, the interior features a black main color scheme with silver accents, creating a simple and clear layout. The upper part of the dashboard is covered in soft-touch materials that feel delicate and align with the quality expectations of this price range. A 10.25-inch central touchscreen display is positioned in the center, offering clear resolution and smooth operation. It supports Bluetooth, CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity, making daily use convenient. The fully digital instrument cluster provides abundant information, with switchable themes that can display essential data such as fuel consumption and tire pressure in real-time. In terms of features, the front seats offer electric adjustments with sufficient range for the driver to easily find a comfortable position. The rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 split to expand the trunk space from 330L, accommodating the transportation of larger items. The front row is equipped with a single-zone automatic air conditioning system along with an N95 filter, while the rear row has independent air vents for passenger comfort. Additionally, the 220V/230V power outlet ensures the convenience of using electronic devices outdoors.

In terms of space, the vehicle dimensions measure 4330mm in length, 1800mm in width, and 1609mm in height, with a 2600mm wheelbase, making it average in its class. The front row provides ample space, with a 175cm tall passenger having a fist-width of headroom remaining and plenty of legroom. At the rear, the same passenger has about four fingers of headroom and two fists of legroom, meeting the requirements for daily family trips. The central floor has a slight hump, providing basic comfort for a third passenger. For storage, the door pockets can hold two bottles of mineral water, the central armrest box is moderately sized, and the front cup holders are equipped with positioning devices, showing attention to detail.

The powertrain is equipped with a 1.5T three-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 150PS and a peak torque range of 1500-4000rpm, paired with a 7-speed DCT gearbox. During actual driving, the power response is active during initial acceleration, with sufficient low-end torque, making city commutes smooth. During acceleration, the gearbox shifts logically, offering easy overtaking capabilities at speeds below 60km/h. At highway speeds over 100km/h, there is enough power reserve for overtaking needs. The driving modes include Economy, Normal, and Sport modes. In Sport mode, throttle sensitivity increases, and gear shifts are delayed, making it suitable for scenarios requiring rapid acceleration.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel has moderate steering effort, precise pointing, and minimal play. The driving experience is light during daily use and stable at high speeds. The chassis features a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension, tuned for comfort. When passing speed bumps or bumpy roads, the suspension effectively absorbs vibrations, and body movements are not prominent. During cornering, body roll is controlled within a reasonable range, without noticeable looseness, delivering an overall balanced performance. As for fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 6.5L/100km. During actual tests, the urban stop-and-go fuel consumption is about 7.8L/100km, while highway consumption is around 5.9L/100km, which is in line with the expectations for this class of vehicles.

In terms of comfort, noise control is well-handled. The cabin remains quiet at speeds below 60km/h, and at a high speed of 120km/h, wind noise and tire noise slightly increase but do not affect normal conversations. The seat cushions are soft with moderate wrap-around support, making long sittings less tiring. The angle of the rear seats is well-designed, and the backrest provides proper support. The 360-degree panoramic camera has high clarity, allowing new drivers to clearly see surrounding obstacles during parking. The front and rear sensors are responsive, minimizing the risk of scraping against low-level obstructions.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2023 Proton X50 1.5T Premium lie in its rich configuration. It comes standard with six airbags, a full LCD instrument panel, electrically adjustable seats, a 360-degree camera, and other features. Compared to vehicles like the Honda HR-V or Toyota Corolla Cross in the same class, it offers more competitive features at a lower price. The space performance is balanced, the power meets daily driving needs, and the fuel economy is impressive.

This vehicle is suitable for families focused on value for money, as well as young consumers who need to balance commuting with family travel. If your budget is around 100,000 yuan and you are looking for an SUV that is well-equipped, spacious, and has balanced performance, the X50 Premium is a worthy choice.

All in all, the 2023 Proton X50 1.5T Premium is a well-rounded family SUV that attracts consumers with its high specifications and practical space. In the same class, it stands out with its cost-effectiveness and meets the daily needs of most families.