Six months after its local launch, the facelifted Proton X50 has touched down at its first export market of Brunei. Our Bornean neighbour receives the refreshed B-segment SUV in the same three variants, priced at B$27,499 (RM86,700) for the 1.5TD Executive, B$31,500 (RM99,300) for the 1.5TD Premium and B$34,500 (RM108,800) for the 1.5TD Flagship, with a B$1,500 (RM4,700) discount for the first 100 customers.
Just like in Malaysia, all models are powered by a new BHE15-EFZ 1.5 litre Intelligent Green Technology (i-GT) turbo four-cylinder engine that replaces the GEP3 three-cylinder. It sends 181 PS and 290 Nm to the front wheels through a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission and delivers a claimed 4.7% reduction in fuel consumption.
Beyond the engine change, the X50 has also received a significant redesign, with sharper reflector LED headlights, a sizeable lower grille, full-width taillights and a revised tailgate. New 17- and 18-inch wheel designs and a large “Batmobile” rear spoiler on the Flagship complete the look.
Inside, a new dashboard and door cards bring with them reduced switchgear, a repositioned steering column-mounted gear selector, ambient lighting and a new pair of screens – an 8.88-inch digital instrument display and a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, the latter with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The suite of Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features, previously exclusive to the Flagship variant, has also been extended to the Premium.
“Brunei is the first overseas market to introduce the all-new Proton X50, and this reflects the confidence Proton has in Brunei as an export market as well as the trust in our long-standing partnership with [distributor] Pad Motors,” said Proton International Corporation (PICSB) vice president Wan Wei. “It also highlights the important role Brunei continues to play in Proton’s international journey.”
The national carmaker is banking on the new X50 to help prop up sales in the oil-rich country, as the model currently contributes 38% to its total sales. The company is targeting to sell 1,000 units this year, further buoyed by the eventual introduction of the new Saga.
GALLERY: Proton X50 1.5TD Flagship facelift in Malaysia
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How cars selling in foreign country cheaper than own country? Excessive profit or local buyer subsidizing foreign sales?
malaysians look with envy at brunei buyers enjoying cheap proton car price because this was thanks to which Bolkiah and which Hassalnal gomen ?
proton milking the gullible malaysia customers. you dont see toyota selling its cars more expensive in japan than overseas.
I dont think Malaysia charge excise duty for export sales. Excise duty is the tax that makes all car super expensive in Malaysia.
I think it’s because of import duty. I believe Brunei duty for motor vehicle is only 15%, that’s why it is cheaper
Never understand the logic of local is more expensive than foreign.
I seriously wonder if the previous buyers felt cheated by Proton for getting the 3 cylinder engines which is well mentioned to have issues and Geely have stop using em in China long before it even came as X50/X70 in Malaysia…
customer should ask poton to change 3 cylinder engine to 4 cylinder new engine withrecall campaign, if they dun, just risk up to court case with many evidences can be caught online