It has been over a week since Proton revealed its new compact crossover, the 2020 X50. It was one of the most-awaited cars of the year with a lot being said and speculated about it.

Proton has clicked all the right tabs with the introduction of X50, and now prospective buyers are just waiting for its launch. Making the waiting period easier, Proton has opened the X50's booking, wherein the buyers are required to pay a small sum of RM 500. Besides, the automaker has come up with an online slogan contest, wherein participants have to vote for the best slogan out of the given options. For more information, check out Proton's official website.

Also Read: Proton X50 update: Production commences, bookings open, & slogan contest

The X50 will be a locally-assembled car, thus heavily benefiting Malaysia's automotive vendor community. Proton has rolled off its new B-segment SUV production line at the Tanjung Malim plant. On occasion, Dato' Sri Faisal Albar, Proton Chairman, said, "As a company that manufactures locally, PROTON's growth means more money is injected into Malaysia's automotive vendor ecosystem leading to more jobs and wealth creation. This is vital at a time when COVID-19 has significantly hit Malaysia's economy."

The automaker has not yet revealed the Proton X50 price tag, however, there are a few price lists making rounds these days, but they all have been classified FAKE by the automaker. Seeing its long list of premium features, we are pretty sure about a figure close to RM 80,000.

Proton has surely done a great job with the X50, and the same is evident from the advanced features on offer. Here, we'll be discussing the Proton X50 specifications, ranging from safety, comfort, performance, and design.

Also Read: Proton X50: Variants explained

If you are planning to buy the X50, it is a perfect read. Let's get started -

1.Redefined styling - Exterior & interior

It is a well-known fact that the X50 is based on the Geely Binyue. However, it gets as many as 485 unique parts, particularly at the front, reflecting its new branding and corporate face. The overall exterior profile highlights a powerful yet modern stance, complemented by its reasonably impressive dimensions - 4,330 mm X 1,800 mm X 1,609 mm (L X W X H).

What caught our attention at the front is the brand's signature infinite wave grille inspired by Malaysian wood carving and batik. The hunting bow-shaped grille is highlighted in red and is flanked by LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights that offer enhanced illumination and visibility. On the side, it gets the standard 17-inch alloy wheels, giving the X50 an enhanced road presence. The Proton X50 range-topping variant, on the other hand, gets 18-inch alloy wheels.

The X50's cabin is equally plush and premium. The entire cabin is overland with red, silver, and grey accents and high graded material, depending on the variant selected. Overall, the X50 is a spacious car that's well put together.

2. Connectivity and beyond

It is the segment that has impressed us the most about the X50. The car benefits from some of the automaker's best features. Included in the list is the X70's voice command system that gets activated by saying 'Hi Proton.' It allows the driver and passengers to control the air-con system, navigation, and even operate the touchscreen system. The Proton X50 also comes with fighter-jet inspired air vents, USB ports, 12V socket, rear AC vents, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and a reverse camera.

3. Enhanced performance

All the Proton X50 variants expect the range-topping Flagship model is powered by a turbo 1.5-litre multi-port injection four-cylinder engine that produces 150 PS of power and a peak torque of 226 Nm. The Flagship variant gets a Geely-Volvo co-developed 1.5-litre direct-injection three-pot turbocharged petrol mill that makes 177 PS and 255 Nm. A 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission is standard in all X50 variants, and it sends power to the front wheels.

Proton claims the X50 to cover the 0 to 100 kmph distance in 7.9 seconds. Also, it is undergoing EVV certification and will deliver a mileage of 15.6 kmph.

4. Strong safety shield

After design, performance, and features, it's time to discuss the X50 safety kit. Like all the other areas, adequate attention has been paid to this aspect as well. The car comes packed with the following standard safety features - 4-airbags, an anti-lock braking system with EBD and BA, hill start assist, stability control, hill descent control, and rear ISOFIX child seat anchors.

The X50 Flagship trim, as expected, gets a few extra bits, the biggest being the Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance.

The all-new Proton X50 is expected to launch soon, and it will give fierce competition to the likes of Ford EcoSport, Honda HR-V, and Toyota C-HR. It is available in several color options, including white, red, blue, silver, grey, and orange.

Also Read: Proton X50 vs. Honda HR-V: What Proton offers at the competitive price?