Proton now has a used car website, providing car-buyers a convenient way to shop for used Proton vehicles. The Proton Certified Pre-Owned (PCPO) website provides a listing of current stocks available at 36 dealers nationwide.
PCPO is a further extension of Proton’s used car business which began with the establishment of established a Used Car Management (UCM) division in 2019. Its task was to grow a network of dealers to sell used cars alongside new ones.
Dealers must meet qualifying criteria
From an initial pilot project comprising just 8 Proton outlets, there are now 36 in the PCPO programme. All of them have met several qualifying criteria, both financial and physical, and agree to perform the necessary steps to prepare their trade-in stock for sale. For instance, each car undergoes a comprehensive 201-point inspection and is given a new battery, fresh engine oil and an oil filter.
Other requirements for PCPO vehicles include being less than 7 years old with less than 130,000 kms covered at the time of trade-in. They must also not have any flood or major accident damage that may affect their structural integrity.
“Proton’s PCPO is the next step for the company to build a holistic ecosystem. As we continue to offer new and improved products, we also want to attract those interested in purchasing a used car and offer a quick and easy way for customers to trade-in their current vehicles. All our PCPO cars get an extended one-year warranty for the engine and transmission as well as a free service, redeemable up to 6 months after the date of registration,” said Roslan Abdullah, CEO of Proton Edar.
Cars of other brands too
Proton will also sell cars from other brands that have been traded-in via its PCPO website. In this instance, the vehicles do not receive an extended warranty from the company but will still be thoroughly inspected and repaired if necessary prior to being put up for sale.
“Aside from helping to drive new car sales, the aim of Proton’s UCM division is to help stabilise and gradually build the residual value of Proton vehicles. By offering high quality used cars, we hope to see a general lifting of prices for all our models, making it easier for customers to obtain competitive financing rates and raising trade-in values when they want to buy a new car,” added Encik Roslan.
The auto industry’s move towards engines that are smaller in displacement began about 10 years ago as a practical and cost-effective way to reduce fuel consumption as well as emissions. Unlike the older small engines, the modern powerplants did reduce performance or driving pleasure. On the contrary, with modern technology, they could generate as much or even more power and torque than even larger engines.
There are other advantages from this downsizing of engines too. They are more compact, especially if a 3-cylinder configuration is adopted which, in turn, means lower weight that again helps with fuel economy. Not so obvious to most is also the lower engine weight at the front improves the front-rear weight balance of the vehicle so the handling is better.
Joint development with Volvo
Geely took note of the trend over 10 years ago and as part of its forward-looking strategies, it began a joint development project with Volvo to develop a new powertrain family. The project, which would utilise part of the R&D investment of 20.73 billion yuan (RM 13 billion) during the decade, was carried out at Volvo’s R&D centre and the China Euro Vehicle Technology (CEVT) in Gothenburg, Sweden, as well as the Geely Automotive Research Institute in Hangzhou, China.
A ‘Nobel Prize’ winner
One of the engines that was co-developed was the 1.5-litre TGDi engine (1.5TD). The advanced engineering of this new engine as well as the 7DCT transmission won the Geely Holding Group the first prize in the China Automotive Industry Awards for Science and Technology on October 28, 2020.
The highest honour from China’s Society of Automotive Engineers in this year’s China Automotive Industry Awards for Science and Technology.
This highest honour from China’s Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE-China) is the most prestigious and influential technological award for the China automotive industry, considered as the industry’s ‘Nobel Prize’.
The award joins the ‘China Heart’ awards won by Geely for powertrain development earlier. These are the awards given to the Top Ten engines in China each year and are regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of the auto industry.
Small and compact – but powerful
The 1.5TD engine ticks all the boxes that a modern powertrain must have: powerful performance, lightweight structure, high reliability, good fuel economy and high fuel efficiency. Adopting advanced and innovative technologies, this small, efficient engine can develop up to 177 ps of power with up to 255 Nm of torque.
These are numbers which would be seen for engines with larger displacements but the 1.5TD engine achieves them with just 1477 cc. Helping to boost the output are a low-inertia turbocharger, direct fuel injection and continuous variable timing for both the intake and exhaust valves (Dual VVT).
Engines with three cylinders can be less smooth than the 4-cylinder units. To address consumer concerns about this issue, the engineers worked hard at reducing the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels to that of 4-cylinder engines. No less than 120 NVH optimisation exercises were done as well as the dedicated design of 12 key parts such as counterweighted crankshafts, a vibration damping balancer shaft and dual mass flywheel with centrifugal pendulum absorber damper. Additionally, a low noise timing belt, high stiffness oil pan, asymmetric oil pump impeller, and engine compartment and vibration dampener also effectively eliminated perceivable engine vibrations for the occupants.
The 7DCT with a new standard
The 1.5TD is typically paired with Geely’s world-class 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (7DCT). Developed based on Volvo’s high standards, this transmission sets a new standard for transmissions in the industry.
Weighing less than a conventional 6-speed automatic transmission, the 7DCT offers fast and accurate shift response along with high efficiency. It has a maximum efficiency of 97.2% and 0.2 second shift response time. For the driver, the 7DCT provides more enjoyable driving with the advantages of manual and automatic transmissions as there is the option of selecting gears manually too.
An international powertrain
Accepted and recognised at an international level, the 1.5TD engine powers more than 600,000 vehicles worldwide and the 7DCT transmission is estimated to be used in over one million vehicles by the end of 2020.
The 1.5TD + 7DCT powertrain is also found in the latest Proton X50 1.5 TGDi Flagship, endowing it with powerful and responsive driving performance, coupled with fuel efficiency and proven reliability.
Visit any Proton showroom to experience the performance of the 1.5TD + 7DCT. To locate a showroom near you, visit www.proton.com.
With the government providing the incentive of exempting sales tax (10% for locally-assembled models, 5% for CBU models), it seems that there is strong interest in buying new cars despite the gloomy situation we are experiencing.
Companies selling new as well as used cars are reporting strong sales and for Proton, the volume in October was reported to be 11,392 units (including exports), which it estimates to be a 21.3% share of the market’s Total Industry Volume (TIV).
The volume was a 20% increase over the same month in 2019 although it was 4.6% lower than September’s. However, according to Proton, three of its models were leaders in their respective market segment – in the B-segment with the Persona (2,360 units); SUV segment with the X70 (2,216 units); and the Exora which retains its customary position as the best-selling C-segment MPV.
The Exora remains the most popular model in its segment despite being around for many years now.
Strong H2 performance overall
“The recovery of Malaysia’s automotive market is continuing to gather pace judging by the number of new model launches and total sales in October. We estimate the Total Industry Volume to be the second highest in 2020 with over 57,000 units sold, proof that the car industry is rebounding strongly,” said Roslan Abdullah, CEO of Proton Edar, adding that the numbers could have been better for Proton.
“Looking at the numbers, we noticed a significant drop in East Malaysia sales while the Central region was static compared to September. Part of this was due to the implementation of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) to limit the movement of people, thus affecting retailers. But there was also a sense of customers holding back before the launch of our newest model, the Proton X50. Regardless, PROTON is confident of ending the year well and using the results as a base to aim even higher in 2021,” he explained.
The X50 has made a strong impact on the market which has responded with over 27,400 bookings to date.
Bookings for Proton X50
The long-awaited X50 SUV was officially launched towards the end of October and over 27,400 bookings have already been received nationwide. The first 447 units have already been delivered to customers and further deliveries are ongoing.
We are pushing to ensure fulfilment over the last three months of 2020, while continuing to emphasise product quality,” Encik Roslan assured.
A number of companies, even global ones, have changed their corporate logo over the past year and Edaran Otomobil Nasional, a subsidiary of DRB-HICOM Berhad, joins them this month.
The new logo is the third one for the company, better known as ‘EON’, since it was established in 1984. The first change after that was in 1990. The new logo is a total departure from EON’s previous logo. It sports a stylised red ‘E’ that sits within a blue diamond, showing a forward-movement motion.
‘Coming of age’
The company’s acronym ‘EON’ also appears on a more modern font. The company says this signifies the brand’s coming of age after more than 30 years in the automotive distribution business in Malaysia.
The red ‘E’ is said to depict the boldness of the brand that retails a number of automotive brands in Malaysia. The blue diamond is a show of strength for the 36-year-old brand, as well as the typical traits that are associated with the colour blue: loyalty and wisdom.
EON was originally set up the handle distribution and marketing activities in the domestic market when the Proton Saga was launched.
EON was originally established to handle domestic distribution and marketing of Proton cars. When the role was taken over by Proton Edar, which was a subsidiary of Proton, EON became a super dealer chain as it had the most Proton outlets in the country.
With the change in its role, EON took on other brands to represent, namely Audi, Volkswagen and Mitsubishi. The other brands are sold by subsidiaries of EON. Additionally, the company also operates the Avis car rental and leasing network in Malaysia.
Euromobil, an EON subsidiary, handles Audi.
9 Proton outlets
Along with the new logo, EON has announced the commencement of their Proton retailing business. EON now owns nine Proton dealerships, including four 4S (sales, service, spares and spray-painting) centres and three 3S outlets. Four branches are in the central region, while there are two each are in Johor and Penang. The outlets were formerly owned by Proton Edar.
Much has already been revealed about the new Proton X50 in the weeks leading up to today, the carmaker having released information in stages. From virtually every aspect, this new SUV positioned below the X70 is destined to be a success like its big brother. In fact, being younger in the ‘evolutionary ladder’, it benefits from newer technology and more features that make it even better value for money.
As expected, the price levels are going to draw many people away from other offerings in the market. Even the extensively equipped Flagship variant, one of four variants available in the X50 range, is priced at RM103,300 (excluding insurance and sales tax). And at the other end, the Standard variant goes for RM79,200.
Assembled in Malaysia from start
For this model, Proton has gone right into local manufacture from the first unit, unlike the X70 which was initially produced at a Geely factory in China. It is actually more efficient because the X50 is the world’s only righthand drive version of the Geely Binyue/Coolray model from which it has been adapted. To do it in China in a limited volume before transferring it to Malaysia would have incurred high costs without the economies of scale.
The X50, like the X70, is made at the Tg. Malim factory in Perak. Though about 20 years old, the factory underwent renovation and upgrading after Geely came into the picture to add more modern manufacturing processes that can make cars with higher productivity and more importantly, quality. It has plenty of capacity (in fact, the planning in 1999 suggested up to 500,000 units a year capacity) and in time, the original factory in Shah Alam will cease production and all Proton production will be at Tg. Malim.
The X50 has been adapted in the same way as the X70 but with the benefit of more experience and understanding of the market needs, testing and development have been more focused. Contrary to what the man on the street may imagine, the X50 is not just a ‘badge-engineered’ version of the Geely model. While the basic structure and platform are similar – and every manufacturer shares such core elements – many other parts are unique to the X50.
A project on its own
This is even more so as it is the only righthand drive version in the world. So what may have been designed for the lefthand drive variants may not necessarily suit the X50 application, eg dashboard, power window switches, centre console and even the seats. And for every item, engineering must test and validate all aspects so it is like developing a new model, except that the expensive and time-consuming parts are already done. Still, the prototypes had to be tested thoroughly in local conditions and some 1.9 million kilometres were put in to adapt the SUV to the climate and road conditions found here.
It is the sharing of the core elements – typically the most expensive areas of any new model – that has made possible the pricing. In earlier years, Proton’s stubborn insistence on being independent meant that it didn’t have the economies of scale to bring production costs down. That approach proved to be a drain on the company’s resources, making it difficult to develop new models and remain competitive. It’s not the way the big global players do it but now, being in the Geely group, there is the opportunity to share design and engineering resources.
Apart from being good for business, customers also benefit. Lower production costs mean that more features and technology can be put in, better materials can be used, ultimately making the product more attractive and better value for money.
Engine developed by Volvo and Geely
The powertrain, for instance, is a very expensive area of development but Proton can share a very advanced unit that was originally developed by Geely and Volvo. It’s a 1.5-litre unit with 3 cylinders, turbocharged, and offered with two outputs. The one with direct injection produces 177 ps/255 Nm and is only available with the Flagship variant. The other three variants have multi-point injection and the output is lower at 150 ps/226 Nm. For both engines, peak torque is available from 1,500 rpm which means strong acceleration from take-off as test-drive sessions at the end of September showed.
Proton’s testing indicates that the fuel consumption is virtually identical – 6.4 litres per 100 kms (15.6 kms/litre) for the more powerful engine versus 6.5 litres (15.4 kms/litre), but the actual consumption an owner gets will depend on many different factors, of course. The economical running means that the fuel tank does not have to be big so it has a volume of 45 litres, saving weight. Both engines also come with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
Generous equipment levels
Equipment levels can be considered generous – even with the lowest-priced variant – although all the high tech is available mainly in the X50 Flagship. Typically, the advertisements highlight the ‘wow’ features and to get them means paying more money but hey, nothing comes for free (although Malaysian consumers often have their expectation).
Apart from the more powerful engine with direct injection, the X50 Flagship gets the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) which will help the driver to avoid collisions and even activate the brakes if the driver is ‘dreaming’ and the car is about to ram into the vehicle ahead. The ADAS system, which works with a camera and radar, also has Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep, Blind Spot Monitor and Intelligent High Beam Control.
The SUV will also maneuver itself into a parking bay at the touch of a button, with the driver only having to manage the power. That should be really welcome by anyone who finds it challenging parking!
5-star safety
However, Proton has also made sure that the basic levels of active and passive safety are high, and these days, ‘basic’ is a lot more advanced than when the company was selling models like the Wira and Satria. Systems like ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Traction Control, Stability Control and even Hill Descent Control are standard across the range, along with a Reverse Camera. Except for the X50 Standard which has 4 airbags, the other variants have 6 airbags.
The high safety standards, which of course include a strong body structure, have earned the X50 ASEAN NCAP’s full score of 5 stars in Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection and Safety Assist.
Feature-wise too, the more you pay, the more you get – which is the way it should be. However, as mentioned earlier, the differences are not as wide as before between the cheapest and most expensive variants. You get a panoramic sunroof, an auto-dimming mirror and sensors for the windscreen wipers only with the X50 Flagship, but with the rest of the variants, there are still many great features.
These include LED headlights and rear lights, pushbutton starting/stopping for the engine, remote engine starting, rear air vents, USB ports and even a N95 air filtration system to clean the cabin air.
‘Hi Proton’ improved
The infotainment system has been a highlight of the X70 and the same goes for the X50. It uses a newer generation of the Geely Key User Interface, or GKUI 19. This has more processing power and includes a graphic processing unit so responsiveness is quicker. Voice commands are a key feature, and to interact with the system requires just saying ‘Hi Proton’. The two top variants have additional commands available but generally, many actions can be requested in all the variants.
Besides connectivity to smartphones, the system is also connected full-time to the internet so it’s possible to get other information like weather reports and music streaming. In fact, if the driver is alone, the GKUI may prove to be a ‘chatty’ companion!
Colour choices/upholstery
There are up to six colour choices for the X50 range, with Passion Red being exclusively for the X50 Flagship which also has a dual-tone exterior finish and roof rails. The X50 Standard has only three colour choices. Inside, black is the standard colour theme for all variants. The X50 Standard has fabric upholstery while the X50 Executive has leatherette. The Premium and Flagship variants get additional red stitching on the leatherette.
No more ‘wait and hear’
An important indicator of how public perception of Proton, especially in quality and reliability, has changed in recent years is the number of orders received even before the model was officially launched today. Before, there was some hesitance and people seemed to prefer to ‘wait and hear’ how a new model performed once it was on the roads, and then deciding if they wanted it.
These days, a new Proton generates much excitement and even before the full specifications are released, Proton said that over 20,000 Malaysians had placed bookings. It reflects the trust that the brand has regained where people will put their money down in advance because they know that it will be a reliable SUV, and from the atmosphere at dealerships, the experience can be expected to be very good.
Check out the new Proton X50 at all Proton dealerships and for the early customers, the carmaker is offering special launch packages such as free labour servicing, data packages and low interest rates for H-P loans.
Following an earlier report of one employee at the Proton complex being found to have tested positive for COVID-19 on October 14, the carmaker has now found that there are another 49 others who are also infected at the Shah Alam, Selangor, facility. All the affected personnel are from the Engineering Division at the facility.
Beside notifying the authorities, Proton has requested all non-essential personnel who work within the facility to work from home as a precautionary measure. The company has been adhering to official protocols and SOPs and will continue its efforts with more stringent actions to ensure prevention of further spread.
Proton head office and Centre of Service Excellence/Showroom in Shah Alam, Selangor
Hourly disinfection procedure at COSE
Contact tracing is ongoing and a COVID-19 team is monitoring the situation very closely. In a statement issued this evening, Proton reassures all its customers that it will continue to strictly follow all guidelines and procedures as it has been doing from the start of the pandemic. The Centre of Service Excellence (COSE) and showroom are disinfected hourly and all customer-facing personnel follow a rigorous procedure.
“Proton is working with the authorities who have guided the company through the process and are satisfied with the actions taken thus far. The safety of all Proton staff, customers and Malaysians is of the utmost importance to the company and will be its main priority,” the statement said.
Proton reports that one of its employees was tested positive for COVID-19 on October 14, 2020. The employee, who is from the Research & Development Department in Shah Alam, was immediately put under the care of a government facility.
The company, which has been strictly adhering to the protocols issued by the authorities, immediately put into place its mitigation plans to ensure prevention of further spread. Contact tracing was initiated begun and all employees from the respective departments have been asked to stay away from the office and self-quarantine. This is being followed by deep cleansing and a disinfection of the premises and any suspected areas.
Proton states that the employee concerned was not in any way regularly interacting with customers and therefore there is a lower concern about direct exposure to the public.
The company reassures all its customers that it will continue to strictly follow all guidelines and procedures laid out by the authorities as it has been doing from the start of the pandemic. It will continue to monitor the situation closely before deciding on any further course of action, if necessary.
The safety of all Proton staff, customers and Malaysians is of the utmost importance to the company and will be its main priority, it said in a statement issued this afternoon.
The new Proton X50 is not launched yet but bookings are accepted from those who are eager to be among the first owners in the country. According to the carmaker, some 20,000 bookings have already been received, an indication of the strong interest in this latest SUV.
As with anything that is ‘hot’, there will often be parties who try to profit from it and Proton has learnt that there are individuals or companies that are taking bookings – and deposit money – but they are not authorised representatives of Proton.
The company has issued a warning that the public should make bookings only through authorised Proton dealers and outlets. There are no other ‘sales agents’ for Proton products outside of the official network.
“We would like to strongly urge all potential customers to be wary of individuals or organisations claiming otherwise and if in doubt, to contact us. At Proton, our first priority is the customer and we will always strive to ensure that they are well looked after,” the company said in a statement.
To locate an authorised Proton dealership, visit www.proton.com/en/dealer-locator or call the Customer Care hotline at 1-800-88- 8398.
Proton just conducted its second media preview for what’s arguably Malaysia’s most anticipated model for this year, the 2020 Proton X50. This time around, media members sampled some of the best features available in this SUV – its performance, handling, and advanced safety. (more…)
Three years after the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely) took on a 49.9% equity in Proton, the carmaker is about to launch a second brand new model – the X50. Like the X70, it is also a SUV, catering to the most active segment globally.
It is also a model adapted from one which Geely developed and launched in August 2018 – the Binyue (Coolray outside China) – like the X70, which is why Proton can get completely new models into the market in such a short time. Normally, a new model would take a few years to develop but adapting from an existing model means the main time-consuming (and expensive) engineering work has been done already.
However, just as in the case of the X70 (known as the Boyue in China), a Proton version was not merely doing cosmetic changes and putting a different brand badge on. Until Proton launched the X70, there was no righthand drive version of the model anywhere in the world. And that meant additional engineering work which was more than just moving the steering wheel to the right side. Entirely new parts for righthand drive had to be made too, eg a different dashboard, power window switch panel, centre console, etc.
New X50 is adapted from the Geely Binyue/Coolray.
With the urgency to revive Proton and turn it around, the X70 was initially built in China and sent to Malaysia while the factory in Tg. Malim, which started operations almost 20 years ago, was renovated and improved. With that completed, X70 production was shifted to Malaysia and for the X50, Proton can start off right away making the model locally. And, like the X70 too, it will be the first (and for now, only) righthand drive version of the Binyue.
According to Proton DESIGN Head, Azlan Othman, there’s jet fighter influence in the design of the air vents! The last time we heard that was when another designer told us that he was influenced by the Stealth Fighter when he styled the Savvy.
It is only to be expected that lessons learnt from developing the X70 have made the process of developing the X50 faster. For instance, Azlan Othman and his team at Proton DESIGN had to also get used to a new working culture while rushing work on the X70. With the X50, it would be safe to say they were ‘in the groove’ and also had a chance to ‘customize’ the model a bit more.
4 variants, 2 engine outputs
We don’t have the prices yet, but we do know that there will be 4 variants – Standard, Executive, Premium and, appropriately, Flagship. All of them will be powered by a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine with turbocharging. However, the engine in the X50 1.5 TGDi Flagship will have a higher output of 177 ps/255 Nm as it has direct injection. The engine in the other three variants will have port injection and produce 150 ps/226 Nm.
All-wheel drive (AWD) may be nice to have but the cost-vs-benefit doesn’t work well in Malaysia and in any case, most customers don’t really care. So all X50 variants have front-wheel drive only, with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. For those who feel AWD gives better grip and stability in the wet, that argument is less relevant with the advanced electronic stability control and traction control systems available today.
More powerful GKUI 19
And talking of electronic systems, the X50 will have a newer generation of the Geely Key User Interface, or GKUI 19. Like computers and smartphones, the processing power of the system becomes greater over time as processors evolve. It also has a graphics processing unit (GPU) which helps in reducing demands on the main processor.
Latest generation GKUI 19 uses a more powerful quad-core processor for faster performance.
What this means to the user is more responsiveness – perhaps when ‘Hi Proton’ is said, the computer will spend less time ‘thinking’ before responding. Moving to a new generation gave the system designers a chance to revise and refine the interface, simplifying the menu structure while also offering a cleaner layout. The virtual buttons on the 10.25-inch touchscreen (8 inches for the Standard and Premium variants) are large, as they should be to make selection easier. The larger screen also has a resolution of 1920×720 px.
The navigation system in the X70 has sometimes been deficient and to partially address this, Proton has switched to a different digital mapping service. Whether it proves to be better remains to be seen when we get to test the new car. It would be good if there’s Apple CarPlay or Android Auto so smartphone apps like Waze or Google Maps can be transferred into the screen but the X50, like the X70, does not have them yet. It is, however, possible to interface using a mirroring function called QDLink.
An eSIM is provided for all variants, providing the necessary connectivity to the digital world. With the Premium and Flagship variants, it is also possible to start the engine as well as the air-conditioner without being inside the car. This is done using the Proton Link app which also allows setting the desired cooling temperature.
Idling the engine wastes petrol since the car is not going anywhere. But it is necessary if you want the luxury of having a cool cabin when you get in because the air-conditioner compressor needs to be powered. So the maximum time the engine is allowed to run is 10 minutes, after which it shuts down and so does the air-conditioner. If you do get in when the engine is running, you can also move off immediately so hopefully, the locking system is secure enough otherwise someone passing by can just get in and drive off!
Safety & ADAS
ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, Hill-start Assist, Hill Descent Control and Reverse Camera are standard active safety systems across the range. All variants also have a minimum of 4 airbags – front and sides – as well as ISOFIX points at the rear for compatible childseats. The Premium and Flagship variants have additional window curtain airbags and the camera system gives a 360-degree top-down view, as well as a tyre pressure monitoring system.
The X50 Flagship has an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) like the top version of the X70. However, the one in the new model is more advanced and can even operate with Level 2 autonomy. At this level, which is one of 5 levels, the brakes will activate automatically (if the driver does not act) if an accident is predicted as a vehicle or pedestrian are detected in front with the camera and radar.
The cruise control is also adaptive, adjusting the speed to maintain a safe gap and can even drop to standstill and resume moving in accordance with the vehicle ahead. Other ADAS features are keeping the car within a lane, automatically switching from high beam to low beam and a blind spot monitor.
Self-parking is one of the ADAS features in the X50.
The X50 Flagship can also carry park itself, which should be welcome by those who find difficulty doing so. It’s an amazing system which uses the sensors around the body to position the car and all the driver has to do is work the accelerator pedal. Once this feature become standard in all vehicles, there won’t be a need for parking skill when taking a driving test!
Feature differences of each variant
The list of main differentiating features in each variant are shown below and you get 6 body colours to choose from.
Panoramic sunroof is standard only with the X50 Flagship. ‘HiProton’ assistant can open it if you make the request to ‘see the sky’.
In the coming weeks leading to the official launch within a month’s time, we’ll be given more information on other aspects of the X50. As it will be launched within the period when the 10% sales tax is exempted, its price will differ from those registered after December 31, 2020 when the exemption incentive ends. So if you want to save money, order one quickly and it will cost you only RM500 to make a booking which will be accepted from tomorrow (September 16).
Vote for the X50 slogan
While the name has been revealed (not that it was a big secret, except that Proton never really confirmed it), the company is still undecided about the slogan to use for the new model. So, just as with the X70 when the public was invited to vote (for the model name), Proton is again inviting the public to vote for the slogan this time.
There are four slogans: Intelligence that Amazes, Intelligence that Leads, Intelligence that Exceeds, and Intelligence that Lives. We don’t see the page for voting tonight and maybe it will be open when bookings start tomorrow so visit www.proton.com to stay updated if you want to vote.
