ASEAN NCAP revokes new Proton X90’s 5-star rating

MANILA: The New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) gave the refreshed Proton X90 the lowest safety rating for its 2026 iteration.

In a statement, the assessors gave the model (which is a rebadged Geely Okavango) the one-star rating after receiving five stars in 2023 after its advanced driver assistance system has been removed. 

Based on the group’s latest review of the newly-launched version, it found that the following technologies have been removed:

• Autonomous Emergency Braking
• Forward Collision Warning
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Keep Assist
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Blind Spot Technology (previously a standard feature, now entirely removed)

Three years ago, the Proton X90 received a five-star rating under the ASEAN NCAP 2021–2025 protocol when it scored 83.79 points. The breakdown of the score is as follows:

• Adult Occupant Protection: 37.75 points
• Child Occupant Protection: 17.79 points
• Safety Assist: 15.71 points
• Motorcyclist Safety: 12.50 points 

ASEAN NCAP noted that removing the aforementioned features caused the Safety Assist score to drop to a Four-Star level, while the Motorcyclist Safety category (which relies heavily on Blind Spot Detection) fell to a one-star rating. Consequently, the Proton X90’s overall rating is capped at one-Star.

We hoped that the removed features would still be present should Geely Motor Philippines  decide to update the Okavango in the country. 

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However, ASEAN NCAP noted that the Five-Star safety rating applies strictly to X90 variants produced in 2023–2025 as these versions have the ADAS technologies mandated by its 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 five-star standards.

“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,” MIROS Director General Dr. Siti Zaharah binti Ishak said.

For his part, ASEAN NCAP Technical Leader Yahaya Ahmad expressed the group’s commitment in providing proper safety ratings.

“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.”

To note, the last model that carried that Proton badge in the Philippines was the Wira. This nameplate—which became available during the 1990s—was based on the Mitsubishi Lancer.

Also read:

Geely Okavango Elite vs. the competition

Geely Motor PH officially rolls out Okavango Elite

Cushy 7-seater skirmish: GAC M6 Pro vs. Geely Okavango

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