Car Buyer's Guide

Proton X50: SX11 RC vs SX11 FL

Proton X50 SX11 RC

Proton X50 SX11 RC

Proton X50 SX11 FL

Proton X50 SX11 FL

Verdict

The Proton X50 SX11 FL is the more complete choice for a Malaysian buyer who can stretch RM3,500 beyond the RC’s RM86,300 price. Its 1.5 litre four-cylinder makes 178 hp and 290 Nm, against 148 hp and 226 Nm from the RC’s 1.477 litre triple, and the FL records a 7.6-second 0-100 km/h time. Six airbags, blind-spot monitoring, automatic climate control and a 14.6-inch screen add tangible daily gains. The RC remains the sensible lower-cost route, especially if its 26 kg lighter kerb weight and four cup holders matter more than extra equipment.

SX11 RC

Pick the Proton X50 SX11 RC if RM3,500 saved, a 1,325 kg kerb weight and four cup holders matter more than the newer car’s power and safety kit.

SX11 FL

Pick the Proton X50 SX11 FL if you want 178 hp, 290 Nm, six airbags, blind-spot monitoring and modern cabin convenience for RM3,500 more.

Key differences

  • Price: Proton X50 SX11 RC RM86,300; Proton X50 SX11 FL RM89,800.
  • Engine output: RC 1,477 cc inline-three, 148 hp and 226 Nm; FL 1,499 cc inline-four, 178 hp and 290 Nm.
  • Performance: RC 0-100 km/h time is not stated; FL completes it in 7.6 seconds.
  • Size and weight: RC is 4,330 mm long, 1,800 mm wide and 1,325 kg; FL is 4,380 mm long, 1,795 mm wide and 1,351 kg.
  • Safety: RC has four airbags and no blind-spot information system; FL has six airbags and blind-spot monitoring.
  • Cabin equipment: RC has manual air-con, a 10.3-inch screen and four speakers; FL has automatic climate control, a 14.

SX11 RC

  • RM3,500 cheaper at RM86,300.
  • 26 kg lighter: 1,325 kg versus 1,351 kg.
  • Four cup holders and a listed immobiliser.
  • 148 hp and 226 Nm trail the FL’s 178 hp and 290 Nm.
  • Four airbags instead of six, with no blind-spot monitoring.
  • Manual air-con, no auto headlamps or auto wipers.

SX11 FL

  • 178 hp and 290 Nm from its 1.5 litre four-cylinder.
  • Six airbags, blind-spot monitoring and all-seat seatbelt reminders.
  • 14.6-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and six speakers.
  • Costs RM3,500 more at RM89,800.
  • 26 kg heavier and 5 mm narrower than the RC.
  • Two front cup holders only, versus the RC’s two front and two rear holders.
Price & overview
PriceRM86,300✓RM89,800
Body typeSUVSUV
SegmentB-SegmentB-Segment
AssemblyCKDCKD
Ownership
Road tax / yearRM120RM120
Powertrain
Engine Tech12-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Variable Valve Timing12-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing
Capacity1,477 cc1,499 cc
Horsepower148 hp at 5,500 rpm178 hp at 5,500 rpm✓
Torque226 Nm at 1,500 rpm290 Nm at 2,000 rpm✓
Cylinder ArrangementInline 3Inline 4
FuelPetrolPetrol
Bore × Stroke82 mm × 93.2 mm—
Compression Ratio10—
Drivetrain
TransmissionDual-clutch Automatic (Wet)Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet)
Transmission Name7DCT7DCT
Gears77
Transmission ManufacturerGeelyGeely
DrivelineFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Performance & Efficiency
0-100 km/h—7.6 seconds
Dimensions
Length4,330 mm4,380 mm
Width1,800 mm1,795 mm
Height1,609 mm1,609 mm
Wheelbase2,600 mm2,600 mm
Weight1,325 kg1,351 kg
Fuel Tank45 litres45 litres
Doors55
Seats55
Boot Space330 litres330 litres
Front Tyre215/60R17215/60R17
Rear Tyre215/60R17215/60R17
Spare TyreSpace SaverSpace Saver
Factory TyresGoodyear Assurance TripleMax 2GitiComfort F50
Chassis
AssemblyMalaysia (CKD)Malaysia (CKD)
Front SuspensionMacPherson StrutsMacPherson Strut
Rear SuspensionTorsion BeamTorsion Beam
Front Wheels17" Alloy17" Alloys
Rear Wheels17" Alloy17" Alloys
SteeringRack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)
Safety
Airbags4 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side)6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain)
ABS/EBD✓✓
Stability Control✓✓
Alarm✓✓
Immobilizer✓—
Airbag Disable Function✓—
Child Safety LockManual for Rear DoorsManual for Rear Doors
Seat Belts5 Three-point5 Three-point
Blind Spot Info System—✓
ISOFIXAvailable on Two Outer Rear Passenger SeatsAvailable on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats
Lane-keeping AssistNoNo
Seatbelt ReminderFront Seats OnlyFor All Seats
Lighting
HeadlampsLED ProjectorLED Reflector
TaillampsLED CombinationFull LED
LED Daytime Running Lights✓✓
Rear Foglamps✓✓
Wing Mirror Turn Indicators✓✓
Cabin
Front SeatsManual AdjustableManual Adjustable
Rear Seats60:40 Split-folding60:40 Split-folding
Front Air-conManual Air-Con, with N95 cabin filterSingle-zone Automatic Climate Control System
Rear Air-conRear AC VentsRear Vents
Power Sockets1 Front, 1 Front USB, 2 Rear USBs1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear
Interior LightingMap LightsMap Lights
Cup Holders2 Front, 2 Rear2 Front
Audio10.3" Touchscreen with Voice Control, 4 Speakers14.6" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 6-speaker Sound System
Convenience
Power WindowsFour Windows, Driver Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-PinchFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch
Engine StartKeyless Entry (Push Button Start)Keyless Push Button
LocksKeyless OperationKeyless Operation
Auto Headlamps—✓
Auto Wipers—✓
Cruise ControlPassive Cruise ControlPassive Cruise Control
Tiptronic✓—
Steering Audio Control✓✓
Steering Tilt✓✓
Steering Telescopic✓✓
Boot OperationManual OperationRemote Control Activation
Parking Sensor Front—2 Sensors
Parking Sensor Rear4 Sensors4 Sensors
Reverse CameraYesYes
Folding Wing Mirrors—✓
Bluetooth✓✓
Navigation—✓
Hill Start Assist✓✓
Instrument ClusterFull LCD MonitorFull LCD Monitor
Parking BrakeElectronicElectronic
Warranty
Warranty Mileage Manufacturer—Unlimited
Warranty Manufacturer—5 years
Warranty Notes—6 Times Free Labour Servicing

Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.

SX11 RC vs SX11 FL FAQ

Is the Proton X50 SX11 RC or Proton X50 SX11 FL better?

The Proton X50 SX11 FL is better equipped and substantially stronger, with 178 hp, 290 Nm, six airbags and blind-spot monitoring. Choose the RC only if the RM3,500 saving matters more than those gains.

What is the price difference?

The Proton X50 SX11 FL costs RM89,800, which is RM3,500 more than the Proton X50 SX11 RC at RM86,300.

Which X50 has the better safety equipment?

The Proton X50 SX11 FL has the stronger safety list: six airbags, blind-spot monitoring and seatbelt reminders for all seats. The RC has four airbags and front-seat seatbelt reminders only.

More comparisons

Buying one of these? Sell your old car, get paid in 24 hours

Related PaulTan.org Content: 2025 | Electric: Electric | News: News | Motorsports | Malaysia: Malaysia | Reviews: Reviews