The Proton X50 has finally been launched, and like all of you, I am excited about this new drive.
I’ve not tested the Proton X70, which is the older sibling of the car, but reviews have been rave.
Not one person that I spoke to had anything bad to say about the car, so I guess Proton is heading in the right direction.
Just in case you didn’t know, my first ride was a Proton, but I sold it off years back after it started ‘drinking petrol like nobody’s business’.
This therefore brings me to the Proton X50 problems.
PROTON X50 PROBLEMS
You see, when I suggested I wanted to purchase of the X50 to a Proton car dealer a few weeks back, he advised me against doing so.
This was his ‘friendly’ advice, and I do consider this dealer a friend.
He said that the X70 is currently having quite a number of spare part problems, and unless that’s not resolved, he would go against buying any of Proton’s China designed cars.
He didn’t say I shouldn’t buy one, but merely said I should wait for a bit.
His suggestions does have some truth because my search on Facebook saw some comments that corroborated his statement.
Aside from that, I personally can’t help wonder about the fuel consumption of the car as it ages.
I don’t buy cars to resell, so if its economical to maintain, I’d like to keep my cars for as long as I can.
Proton, under Geely, has yet to prove how economical their cars are in a long run as compared to Perodua cars which have been rather economical despite their age.
In fact, a second hand Axia is still highly priced in the second hand market these days, going for about RM30K against a brand new one which cost about RM40K. Proton cars depreciate quickly, so that’s something to consider as well.
Last but not least, I really dislike the new Proton logo. It just looks like Thundercats’ logo in my eyes.
AND THE PROTON X50 IS NOT CHEAP
But seriously. Proton had come up with a rather complete, and affordable mini SUV in the Proton X50.
I like the shape of the car, and all its safety features are really worth talking about.
However, with the car priced from RM79,200 (in West Malaysia), I can say it’s really out of my budget.
In Sarawak, the car cost a RM81,200. That’s even more hefty for someone like me.
If you need a guide on what’s in the car, check out Proton’s official page.
LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEW PROTON IRIZ
Since this car is way out of my budget, I am still hoping that Geely will do some modifications on the Proton Iriz and come up with something super.
The Iriz is perhaps slightly more expensive than than the Axia Advance, but I am willing to give Proton a chance thanks to the refinements it offers under Geely.
However, for now, the X50 is just a car I can see and test drive because my bank account won’t allow me to own one.
What do you think of the Proton X50?
