Has the latest Proton X90 become unsafe for families by losing 4-stars in the latest ASEAN NCAP rating? Has this X90 been crash tested by ASEAN NCAP? Are Malaysian SUV buyers going to turn their backs on this X90 with this latest finding? Will SUV buyers pay more for a rival brand that has 4 more stars more from ASEAN NCAP?
The above questions we ask because we have seen in the past years, vehicles with low 1-star rating still being bought by families in Malaysia as looks, size and price are more important that a ASEAN NCAP rating.
Just a few days ago this X90 was launched in Malaysia with very attractive lower prices to challenge the many new great priced rivals from Chinese auto manufacturers, now comes this latest news to shake its bookings.
So, the New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) has officially revoked the 5-star safety rating of the Proton X90 following the launch of its 2026 facelift. Due to the removal of essential Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in the updated model, the vehicle’s rating has been downgraded to 1-Star.
Did you know thaht in 2023, the Proton X90 originally earned a 5-Star rating under the ASEAN NCAP 2021–2025 protocol with an overall score of 83.79 points. This comprised strong performances in Adult Occupant Protection (37.75 points), Child Occupant Protection (17.79 points), Safety Assist (15.71 points), and Motorcyclist Safety (12.50 points).
De-specification of Safety Features
Upon reviewing the official specifications for the newly launched 2026 Proton X90, ASEAN NCAP found that a majority of the ADAS technologies present during the 2023 assessment have been removed. These include:
>>Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
>>Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
>>Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
>>Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
>>Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
>>Blind Spot Technology (BST) – Previously a standard feature, now entirely removed.
Impact on Rating
Under the ASEAN NCAP 2021–2025 Protocol, a vehicle’s star rating is restricted if it performs poorly in any single category, ensuring “all-round protection.”
The removal of these technologies has caused the Safety Assist (SA) score to drop to a 4-Star level, while the Motorcyclist Safety (MS) category—which relies heavily on Blind Spot Detection—has plummeted to a 1-Star rating. Consequently, the Proton X90’s overall rating is capped at 1-Star.
Nevertheless, ASEAN NCAP confirms that the 5-Star safety rating applies strictly to X90 variants manufactured between 2023 and 2025. These specific models were verified to include the ADAS technologies mandated by our 2021–2025 assessment protocol. MIROS and ASEAN NCAP urge consumers to exercise due diligence and verify the safety specifications of their specific variant to ensure it meets these 5-Star standards.
Official Statements
Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Siti Zaharah binti Ishak, Director General of MIROS:
“We deeply regret Proton’s decision to remove life-saving ADAS technologies from the new facelift model. To protect consumers and maintain the integrity of safety standards, we have no choice but to revoke the 2023 5-Star rating. This serves as a reminder to all manufacturers: safety is not a trade-off. Do not sacrifice proven safety technology for ‘face-value’ luxuries like infotainment systems or leather upholstery.”
Ts. Yahaya Ahmad, Technical Leader of ASEAN NCAP:
“Blind Spot Detection (BSD) is a critical weighted factor in our Motorcyclist Safety category. Its removal, alongside other advanced safety assists, has stripped the X90 of the points that previously earned it a top-tier rating. Safety must be a priority accessible to all, not a luxury. ASEAN NCAP will continue to monitor all rated manufacturers; we will not hesitate to revoke the ratings of any brand that compromises vehicle safety post-assessment.”
