2023 Proton X90

Proton X90

Proton’s X90 steps right into the crossfire of South Africa’s seven-seater SUV contest, where buyers already trust names like Haval Jolion, Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, and the Kia Sorento. You’re looking at a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol mild-hybrid married to a dual-clutch ‘box—no diesel, no regular petrol, just this one setup. With only four used listings, priced between R336,500 and R399,500, it’s clear most X90s available are higher-spec, essentially new, and priced to scrap with rivals that have a head start in brand loyalty. That’s a tough ask. Still, if you pack smart, the X90 brings family-hauling credentials without leaning on Sorento money, and that’s the point. Two trims dominate: Executive MHEV (R336,500–R382,500) and Premium MHEV (R399,500), all 2023-on, showing barely 9,400 km on average. These aren’t bargain-basement cars with 60,000 km clocked on Gauteng potholes—they’re showroom-fresh for less, which will tempt anyone struggling to find new-stock value. On paper at least, the mild-hybrid system should trim your fuel bills on Jo’burg’s stop-start commutes, even if the long-term reliability question mark hovers over Proton’s local dealer footprint. South Africans want peace of mind as much as spec sheets, so the real challenge is whether Proton’s aftersales support can keep up with the brand’s ambition.