It’s surprising, we know, but it’s already been more than three years since the Proton X50 first made its debut here in Malaysia. While demand for the compact SUV is still strong with more than 100,000 units sold thus far, three years is still a long time in today’s automotive world, so we probably aren’t too far away from a facelift update for the ever-popular Proton X50.
As luck would have it, it seems that a test mule of said facelift update has already been spotted doing its rounds on what appears to be the Karak Highway. And thanks to an image published onto the Proton X50 Community Malaysia (PX50CM) Facebook group, we are now getting a look at what will probably become the 2024 Proton X50, a lot earlier than when the national carmaker is prepared to show it to us.
As you’d expect, the test mule here is spotted wearing some heavy camouflage to keep it somewhat incognito from prying eyes. But even then, it’s clear that there’s some heavy rejigging on the rear fascia, particularly the large protrusions on the bumper, and a new lower location for the number plate holder.
These all suggest that the upcoming 2024 Proton X50 facelift will be based on the 2022 Geely Binyue Cool (or Coolray in other parts of the world), instead of the more civilian-looking standard Binyue that the X50 was originally based on.
Just by looking at what’s been camouflaged on the test mule, we can also expect to see some changes to the rear spoiler, alloy wheels, and side skirts. But more importantly, the large swath of camo vinyl wrap around the front also suggests that the upcoming X50 facelift’s front-end will also be significantly changed, potentially in the same extravagant style as the aforementioned Binyue Cool.
Obviously, all the details on the upcoming 2024 Proton X50 will remain a (probably not very well-guarded) secret until closer to its launch, but we don’t expect the powertrain underneath the bonnet to change on the update. While the Binyue Cool has retired the 1.5-litre turbo three-cylinder engine in favour of an inline-four mill, we expect the Proton to continue soldiering on with its 1.5-litre turbo three-pot, given that the company has invested heavily in its new engine production facility.
With the test mule now carrying out local road tests here in Malaysia, the official launch of the upcoming Proton X50 facelift is probably not too far away into the future – so keep your eyes peeled on AutoBuzz.my as we bring you the latest updates!
READ MORE: Almost 3 years old, the Proton X50 still leads its segment – Can it match younger rivals?
