Proton is likely to enter the Indian market with X50

KUALA LUMPUR: Proton recently started the local assembly of the Saga sedan and the X70 SUV in Pakistan. Along with that, the national automaker is also spreading its wings in other markets like Egypt, Kenya, and Brunei. Now, a few images of the Proton X50 spotted in India are circulating over the internet that hint at the next export destination of the Malaysian car brand. 

The SUV was captured by the Indian automotive enthusiast Rahul_Autospy. With the uncamouflaged blurry images, we can clearly identify that it is the range-topping variant of the X50 thanks to the exclusive touches like a black roof and 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. We suppose that it might be in the country for some technical evaluation or preliminary trial runs.

Locally priced at RM 103,300 (approximately equal to Rs 18,40,471), the X50 Flagship is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline mill that delivers a maximum power output of 177 PS and a peak torque of 255 Nm. The power is sent to the ground through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.  

With these figures, the Proton SUV will rival the likes of the MG Hector, Kia Seltos, and Hyundai Creta in the world’s second-most populous country.

However, this is not the first time, we are hearing about the Proton entry into the Indian market, as it was earlier reported before the pandemic. 

Also, some way back in 2008, the Malaysian automaker explored the possibility of Indian exports before Geely acquired it, but as we can see things did not materialize. Well, this time it seems to go through as it has a back of a well-funded Chinese OEM.

We expect Proton will reveal some official information on its export strategy for India in the coming months, so stay tuned.

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