Proton X50’s first official look released

KUALA LUMPUR: Earlier this morning, the national automaker Proton posted a video on its Instagram account to celebrate the country's 63rd Merdeka (Independence) Day. The video showcased the brand's fleet of cars led by its best-selling Proton X70. And guess what, the video also features quick shots and glances of the highly anticipated Proton X50. 

However, it was a blink and miss kind of thing, but after months of speculations and spy shots, we finally have an official teaser of the upcoming compact SUV. It was decked up in blue paint and looks much identical to the model it is based on, i.e., Geely Binyue. The similarities can be spotted in the video teaser, including LED headlamps, alloy wheels, and quad exhaust tips.

The SUV's front grille features a distinctive red lip and the "Thundercats" round logo, first introduced on the CKD X70 last year. The SUV also flaunts red brake calipers on the sides. 

In China, Geely Binyue comes in two distinct faces, and after analyzing the Proton X50 video shots closely, we can say that the Malaysian market will be getting the more aggressively-styled "Sport version" of the compact SUV.

As of now, no official specifications about the model have been released. But as per the Binyue available in China and the Philippines, the X50 is expected to come with a 1.5-litre, direct injection turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine producing 177 hp and 255 Nm of peak torque. The SUV would be able to run 0 to 100 kmph in 7.9 seconds. 

As for the transmission, it is likely to house the same seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox as its elder sibling X70. The said engine and transmission are co-developed by Geely and Volvo. 

Also read: Proton X50: Features we hope to see its specs sheet

A few days back, a teaser of Proton X50 was also uploaded on a Proton dealer's Facebook account in Kuching, which provided a good look at the infinite weave front grille. However, the video was deleted later on.

Proton X50 will be the company's first bite into the B-Segment SUV pie, a segment that has been booming in the country. And, as frequently we are getting the spy shots and teasers of the SUV, we can speculate that the launch of Proton X50 is around the corner.

Also read: Buy or Hold: Wait for Proton X50 or buy Ford EcoSport?