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2025 Proton X50 facelift review – is the big redesign and new engine enough to see off new rivals?

2025 Proton X50 facelift review – is the big redesign and new engine enough to see off new rivals?

The facelifted Proton X50 was launched in July and has wasted no time finding buyers. Sales have already surpassed 10,000 units and the car shows no signs of stopping, but is this strong performance justified by the substance underneath? That’s what we’re finding out in this video review.

Proton calls this an “all-new” car, and while that’s not strictly speaking true, the changes are substantiative nevertheless. New head- and taillights, a big, toothy lower grille, a massive rear spoiler (on this Flagship model at least) and some significant sheetmetal changes freshen up the exterior, while the interior has been completely redesigned, bringing it closer in look and feel to its Chinese competitors.

There are also larger screens, including an 8.88-inch instrument display and a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, the latter now coming with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But the biggest news is the 181 PS/290 Nm 1.5 litre BHE15-EFZ turbo four-cylinder engine, which is not only more powerful but is also claimed to be more efficient than the old three-cylinder. An unchanged seven-speed DCT is also fited.

All this and more is yours for less money than before, priced from RM85,800 to RM109,300. But with new rivals seemingly being launched every week, are the changes enough for the new X50 to hold its own against some stiff competition? Our very own Jonathan James Tan has driven it, and you can watch his review below.

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • m40 minded on Dec 10, 2025 at 11:00 am

    The car 290Nm torque were overpower should tuned towards more to fuel saving setting at city driving.
    I considered buying the cheapest variant without adas version but turned off by the fabric seat and right wiper gear shift lever position.

    Thumb up 4 Thumb down 11
  • Peppa on Dec 10, 2025 at 11:03 am

    This and the new Saga are very good buy and set the bar high for other competitors to catch up. S70 however is decent but not doing great enough to seduce the typical vios and city buyers

    Thumb up 13 Thumb down 0
  • Shawn on Dec 10, 2025 at 11:29 am

    The interior is beautiful, just not as shine as the 6.9s Proton EMas7. Both are the King and Queen

    Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
  • J7 owner on Dec 10, 2025 at 1:23 pm

    still slow…

    Thumb up 2 Thumb down 3
  • m40mind ues bain on Dec 10, 2025 at 2:17 pm

    if fuel saving ur priority just stick to bezza ok

    Thumb up 9 Thumb down 5
  • I think the car is a better car overall compared to the previous x50, especially now that it has a ‘4-cylinder’ engine that will quiet down all the 3-cylinder haters haha.

    but man, i’m not sure what’s up with the backside design, it makes the car looks abit taller and disproportionate. i like the older x50 rear design more. but overall, good value compared to the competition

    Thumb up 11 Thumb down 0
 

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