Proton Relaunches with New X50 and X70 Locally

Last seen waving goodbye in 2012, Malaysian automaker Proton had a brief and mixed foray into this market – and now it returns as part of the massive Chinese Geely Group that also owns Volvo and Lotus.

Launching with two models and eight derivatives, Proton will fly under the banner of Combined Motor Holdings (CMH) and will be distributed through some 26 dealers nationally.

The Proton X50 and Proton X70 are both SUV options, rebadged from their Geely counterparts as part of a group strategy that will see Proton in right-hand drive markets while Geely concentrates on left-hand drive ones.

The X50, which comes in Standard, Luxury, Executive and Premium options, is powered by an inline 3-cylinder 12-valve 1,5-litre turbo-petrol engine putting out 110 kW at 5 500 r/min and 226 Nm of torque from 1 500 r/min and driving through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Premium version boosts this slightly at 130 kW and 255 Nm.

The Volvo connection is immediately apparent as the engine bears similarities to the XC40 T3 engine – the same unit also appears in the larger X70 variant in the higher output format - and this version also offers the option of all-wheel drive.

The X50 is pitted against cars such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos of Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, while the bigger variant is in the same sandbox as Toyota’s RAV4, the Volkswagen Tiguan and Haval H6.

“The purchase of a 49,9% stake in Proton in 2017 by the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, a Fortune 500 company which owns Volvo and Lotus, has transformed Proton through its additional finance, technical expertise and products. 

“When the Proton brand became available, we jumped at the opportunity for several reasons, but mostly, we saw a gap in the market for a quality SUV within an affordable price bracket. Many luxury brands are launching SUVs which are simply unaffordable to the average South African,” says Jebb McIntosh, CEO of CMH.

“With Geely providing resources and support for Proton, we can ensure the runway for vehicles being released soon is exciting. We are thrilled to announce that on purchase of a Proton X50 or Proton X70, customers will receive a 5-year unlimited warranty which is transferable, a move that backs up the quality promise of the product,” adds Trevor Morey, Head of Sales and Marketing of Proton South Africa. 

“This reinforces used-car value on trade which we know is also a buying point that makes a massive difference. Along with this, we are also offering 5-year roadside assistance as well as a service and maintenance plan.” 

“The fuel consumption of the Proton X50 is 6,5 l/100 km and the fuel consumption of the Proton X70 is 7,8 l/100km,” says Marius Smal, Managing Director of Proton SA. 

“Beyond this, the Proton X50 and X70 offer enhanced features for the driver and passengers’ comfort, as well as a sophisticated look. Some of these features (depending on the variant and class) include chrome finishing on the front and rear bumpers, alloy wheels, a power tailgate with foot sensor and Nappa leather seats with black headlining. 

“The Proton X70 comes with Proton Intelligent Air Purification System (P-IAPS) – a combination of N95 cabin filter (incorporated into the air-conditioning) and air purifier system; combined they work twice as efficiently to improve the air quality inside the cabin.

“The Proton X50 and Proton X70 exhibit exceptional technology and incredible connections. The voice-activation active and passive safety features as well as parking systems, really do leave you more than impressed. 

From key-activated engine starting to foot sensor boot systems, both prototypes boast world-class technologies. The expectation is for Proton to rock showrooms and surprise customers on a test drive.

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