Those with a keen memory will recall the likes of the Proton Satria, Arena and Gen2 and the recent reintroduction of the brand may have you a little concerned. While the aftersales support for those early models was sorely lacking, much has changed in the interim. Proton is now owned by Geely, the same company that owns a controlling share in Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, and even Benelli bikes.
Related: Everything you need to know about the Proton X50
Proton's new range of vehicles comprises a sub-compact sedan and two crossover SUVs, poised to take on the ever-expanding SUV market. Attractively priced, they offer a high level of specification combined with attractive styling and tested powertrains. Prices range from as little as R199 900* for the Proton Saga 1.3 Standard Manual and peak at R639 900 for the range-topping X70 1.5T Premium X SUV.
You may be considering a vehicle from the Proton range because you're watching what you spend. In which case, you'll be concerned with the running costs and wondering which model in the Proton lineup has the best fuel consumption. Below, you'll find the various models and what Proton claims you can expect from them as far as fuel consumptions go.
Proton fuel consumption
Proton Saga
The Proton Saga is a sub-compact sedan that is powered by a naturally-aspirated (non-turbo) 1.3-litre petrol engine that produces 70 kW and 120 Nm. Proton claims that you can achieve a combined cycle fuel consumption of 7.0 l/100km. Fitted with a 40-litre fuel tank, this is said to yield a range of 571 km on a single tank.
Proton X50
The Proton X50 is the first in the range of crossover SUVs. This compact crossover SUV is available in four trim levels, all powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, but with two different outputs available. Standard, Luxury, and Executive feature a 110 kW and 226 Nm version of the 1.5-litre turbocharged engine while the Premium is fitted with a 1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder that produces 130 kW and 255 Nm torque. Surprisingly enough, Proton quotes combined cycle fuel consumption figures of 6.5 l/100km for both variants of this engine.
Fitted with a 45-litre fuel tank, this is claimed to be good for a range of 692 km from a full tank of fuel.
Proton X70
The largest in the current Proton lineup, the X70 is their flagship model and consists of four trim levels. All four are powered by the same 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine. This unit produces 130 kW and 255 Nm torque, sending power to either the front or all-four wheels, depending on the trim level. Despite this variance in drivetrains, they all are claimed to return a combined cycle fuel consumption of 7.8 l/100km. Fitted with a sizeable 60-litre fuel tank, you can expect an estimated 769 km from a full tank.
*Pricing correct at the time of publishing and subject to change without notice.
