2025 Proton X50 Sport Edition Review

The B-segment SUV market has been quite active recently, and Proton is also joining the fray by launching the X50 Sport Edition in early 2025, priced at RM 98,300. It is aimed at families focused on features and value for money. The main purpose of this test drive is to see whether this upgraded version of the X50 can hold its ground in terms of its static experience and dynamic performance within its class.

First, let’s look at the exterior. The X50 Sport Edition retains the sporty silhouette of the current version, but there are quite a few detailed adjustments. The front grille is now finished with a smoked treatment, paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides, making it more recognizable. The side profile sports sleek lines, and the 18-inch alloy wheels also feature a smoked design that contrasts with the body color, enhancing the sporty feel. At the rear, the LED taillights offer clear lighting effects, and the diffuser shape below the rear bumper has been optimized, making it look more aggressive than the standard version. The lighting system includes LED across the range, and the addition of automatic headlights and daytime running lights enhances everyday convenience.

Entering the interior, the overall layout is not much different from the standard version, but the materials have been upgraded. The dashboard and door panels are wrapped with soft-touch materials, offering a nice tactile experience. The 10.3-inch center touchscreen is large enough, its operation is smooth and meets expectations, and it supports Bluetooth, CarPlay, and Android Auto. The instrument cluster is fully digital, displaying abundant information, including real-time fuel consumption, speed, and driving modes. In terms of features, the front seats support electric adjustment, the rear seats have independent air conditioning vents and USB ports, and there is ample storage space for daily use — the front center armrest box and door storage compartments can store quite a few small items, and the trunk capacity is sufficient for family outings.

Regarding space performance, the X50 Sport Edition has a wheelbase of 2600mm, and the legroom in both the front and rear rows is relatively spacious for passengers around 175cm tall. The rear seats can comfortably accommodate three people without feeling too cramped. The seats offer good support, and long rides are not tiring. Notably, the rear seats can be folded down in a split configuration, providing a larger storage space when needed, which is convenient for occasionally carrying larger items.

In terms of powertrain, this car is equipped with a 1.5T three-cylinder turbocharged engine, offering a maximum power of 150PS and a maximum torque of 226N·m, paired with a 7-speed DCT gearbox. The power response during startup is quite aggressive; you can feel a significant push-back effect with a light press on the accelerator. The mid-to-high-speed acceleration is also smooth enough, making overtaking effortless. There are three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. When switched to Sport mode, the transmission's shifting logic becomes more aggressive, maintaining higher RPMs and delivering power more directly.

The handling performance is average; the steering wheel is precise with minimal dead zone, making daily driving very easy to get used to. The suspension system uses front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam design, handling small bumps on city roads quite well. The bumpiness over speed bumps isn’t too noticeable, though larger potholes can cause some residual jolts to be felt in the rear row. When cornering, the body roll is well-controlled, and stability is decent. In terms of fuel consumption, the average consumption under mixed driving conditions is about 7.5L per 100 kilometers, which is above average for a 1.5T SUV.

The noise control is quite decent. When driving below 80km/h, wind and tire noise are not obvious, and the interior maintains a relatively quiet environment. When the speed exceeds 100km/h, wind noise gradually increases but remains acceptable. The seat comfort is great, with soft padding and sufficient lumbar support, ensuring you don't feel back pain during long drives.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2025 Proton X50 Sport Edition lie in its features and cost-effectiveness. Compared to competitors like the Honda HR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross, it offers more comprehensive features—360-degree panoramic cameras, a fully digital instrument cluster, and electrically adjustable front seats are all standard, while its price is significantly lower than its competitors. This car is suitable for family users who value balanced performance, meeting needs for both daily commutes and weekend getaways. If you're looking for a B-segment SUV with rich features and an affordable price, the X50 Sport Edition is worth considering.