Proton may be an automotive name vaguely familiar to many South Africans but the Malaysian automaker is back and promises to stay, but how good are their two new SUVs? We got behind the wheel of both for a brief stint to see if they can contend their segments. 

This isn’t their first rodeo in South Africa. But this time, Proton come with a point to prove and the financial might of the Geely Group behind them to ensure they succeed. As much as this was a demonstration of the X50 and X70 SUVs, the launch day in the hills of the Magaliesburg moreover signified the regenesis of the Malaysian brand on South African soil. The reverberating theme: “We are here to stay.” 

This has been the case in the past with Asian automakers who have previously entered our market with little market research and even less impetus to thrive. Fast forward a decade of no new vehicle introductions, and a familiar logo is now being affixed to bold and luxurious-looking SUVs to whet the appetite of the South African market. 

This is the recipe to success that has proven to work for Chery, who has gone from strength to strength with the help of their ever-increasing SUV range. In a similar fashion, Proton has rejoined the local automotive spectrum with the introduction of two premium high-riding models. 

Confidence in Proton?

Some consumers may have been snubbed by the withdrawal of Proton in 2012, where they suspended product implementation and put an end to 7 years of sales, with four model introductions and a total of 5 295 units sold during this time. The Malaysian automaking giant, founded in 1983 promises this epoch to be different. 

That is because the new chapter of Proton is now underway. As of 2017, the Malaysian brand went into a joint venture with the Geely group which owns a 49,9% stake in it. This is the same Zhejiang Geely Holding Group which owns Lotus, Volvo and Polestar to name a few. 

The product offerings

Most logically, Proton has introduced two premium SUVs to their local lineup to help shift the previous perception prospective buyers may have of the brand. At the helm is the Proton X70, which is touted as the brand’s flagship SUV and is a Malaysia COTY winner from 2019. The model originally debuted one year before and has sold 1,2 million units since. Its age is apparent when stacked up to its younger adversary but the overall look and feel still provide an attractive offering to buyers. 

The X50 which came to life in 2020 is the smaller of the two and will likely be the volume product in the current offering from Proton. Being three years newer, the X50 is also more tech-heavy than its larger counterpart with more modern finishes inside and out. 

The entire lineup and the derivatives within are powered by a solitary 1,5-litre turbo-triple motor which seems optimistic, particularly on the larger X70. On the aforementioned model and the Premium X50, power is rated at 130 kW with torque at 255 N.m. All other derivatives of the X50 employ the same engine but detuned to 110 kW and 226 N.m. The motor is coupled to a comfortable 7-speed DCT that has been carried over from other vehicles in the Geely Group.

We only tested the most potent level of specification and the engine was admittedly found wanting in the 1 675 kg X70 when picking up speed. On the X50, it was far more pliant and moved the mass around with far more ease. 

Our jaunt only lasted a few minutes but along the way, the top-specification models were put briefly through rutted country roads and highways. The apparent theme in both models was their active and passive safety features which include lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and parking assist. 

As with many affordable premium SUVs competing in our market, the interior is well finished and generously equipped with drivers displays and infotainment screens.

Pricing 

X50 1.5T Standard – R449 900

X50 1.5T Luxury – R499 900

X50 1.5T Executive – R535 900

X50 1.5TDGI Premium – R579 900

 

X70 1.5 TDGI Standard – R529 900

X70 1.5TDGI Executive – R579 900

X70 1.5TDGI Executive AWD – R629 900

X70 1.5TDGI Premium – R639 900

All Protons will be sold with a 5 year unlimited warranty and a 5 year/80 000km service plan and the brand has paired with CMH Group SA to undertake the servicing and sales of the models. 

Over the next year and a half, Proton earmarks another 3 vehicles for our markets which include an SUV and sedan. 

Verdict

With such a short stint in the cockpit, initial impressions were good but there may be an apprehension for antiquated buyers to trust a three-cylinder to lug around the sizable mass of the X70. The value for money in terms of tech is the X50 and based on the pricing, Proton may have what it takes to bring the fight to the Chinese SUV giants reigning supreme in South Africa.