Proton has a new hot crossover. The Malaysian brand has just unveiled the X50 Sport Edition, a new version of the Proton X50 that was first shown at KLIMS 2024. This over-the-top crossover costs RM98,300 on-the-road and has a 1,000 unit limited edition run.

The caveat is that the price includes a January (only!) rebate of RM7,000, meaning the X50 Sport Edition would cost RM105,300 without it.

What makes this SUV so sporty? Over a base color of Quartz Black, the new X50 boasts a red-accented body package with a front splitter, side skirts, and a rear bumper. In fact, these upgrades and the 18-inch black alloy wheels make this Sport Edition resemble KITT from the popular TV series Knight Rider.

Sport edition carpet mats, a wireless phone charger, a boot tray, and stainless steel door scuff plates are among the unique features found inside. Otherwise, the Sport Edition is based on the current Premium model, so expect the same list of equipment.

X50 gets gutsy 1.5-litre turbo

So sports fans, kindly do not go expecting any performance tweaks because the X50 Sport Edition is powered by the stock 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine from the Premium model that produces 150 horsepower and 255 Nm. By contrast, the Flagship variant’s more powerful direct-injection version generates 177 horsepower and 255 Nm and is mated to the same seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox as that found in the Sport Edition.

Six airbags are included in the Proton X50 Sport Edition safety package but strangely it lacks the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) capabilities that are exclusive to the Flagship model. 

As is customary, every Proton X50 purchase includes a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, a service package with six free maintenance sessions, and a 1GB/month data subscription for the first five years of ownership.

CARLIST THOUGHTS

For the price, this tweaked X50 could be one of the steals of the year. Boasting an accented black and red color scheme that looks like a cross between the Knight Rider’s original Pontiac Firebird Trans Am and the GMC Vandura van from the original 1980s The A-Team series, we sure that this body livery will appeal to buyers. And the fact that it gets 1.5-litre turbo grunt for the price is nothing to sneeze at either.