Proton South Africa has officially announced their return to South Africa after a ten-year hiatus, with the release of pricing and official photographs of the advanced technology Proton X50 and X70. Available for test drives from mid-August in dealerships across the country, and available to purchase from September 2022, the Proton X50 and Proton X70 are ready for you to say “HI PROTON”.
“We are excited to introduce these fuel-efficient vehicles to consumers across the country. With this significant milestone achieved by Proton this year, it is now possible for consumers to step up and step into, what we are calling, ‘Affordable Luxury’,” says Marius Smal, Managing Director for Proton SA.
Proton is owned by Geely, the world’s 8th biggest car manufacturer that also owns several well-known brands, including Volvo. “This has allowed us to cross-pollinate several advanced technologies, developed in Europe, into the X50 and X70,” continues Smal. “These new model ranges offer advanced features and performance that are on par with many other luxury brands and, the Proton X50 and Proton X70 near the top of their class in terms of specifications yet they are sold at prices that are within reach,” he adds.
The 2022 Proton X50 and X70 offer various intelligent and connected features across the model ranges that make driving more convenient and safer. For enjoyment and convenience, the multiple speakers with power amplifier and subwoofer enhance the music experience, while six USB ports provide ample charging solutions. Additionally, saying “HI PROTON” allows the driver to operate the windows, sunroof, air conditioning, and many other features.
All Proton models are equipped with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged direct injection engine jointly developed by Geely Auto and Volvo Cars. This highly efficient engine meets the CN/Euro 6 emission standards while delivering 130 kW and 255 Nm in the X50 Premium and all X70 models, and 110 kW and 226 Nm in the X50 Standard, Luxury, and Executive. It is used throughout Geely Auto’s product line and in LYNK & CO and Volvo’s CMA-based models.
Starting from R449,900 for the Proton X50, and from R529,900 for the Proton X70, the brand’s return to South African shores will undoubtedly set the cat among the pigeons in the compact luxury SUV segment, where established cars such as the Kia Sportage (Proton X50) and Volvo XC60 (Proton X70) will be two of the brand’s key competitors.
A full driving report on the X50 and X70 will be published in the October 2022 edition of Driven.
Click here to register your interest in the Proton X50 or Proton X70. Once a dealership near you is open, you will be invited to a personalised test drive of your favourite new Proton.
Proton Pricing
X50
Standard: R449,900
Luxury: R499,900
Executive: R535,900
Premium: R579,900
X70
Standard 2WD: R529,900
Executive 2WD: R579,900
Executive AWD: R629,900
Premium 2WD: R639,900
