Initial specifications of Proton X70 confirmed, 4 variants



Besides detailing the Proton X70’s GKUI infotainment system, Proton has also released initial specification details of their first ever SUV. There will be four variants on sale starting with the Standard 2WD, Executive 2WD, Executive 4WD and the range-topping Premium 2WD.

As standard, all variants of the X70 will be powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder T-GDi petrol engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode (no paddle shifters). The powerplant is good for 183 hp and 285 Nm of twist, the latter peaks from 1,700 to 4,400 rpm.

Drive is channelled to the front wheels while four-wheel-drive (4WD) is optionally available on the Executive variant. We had the opportunity to sample the X70’s Chinese twin, the left-hand drive Geely Boyue on track and were really impressed by its performance.

The 1.7 tonne SUV (2WD variant) is capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds and fuel consumption is claimed to be 7.8 L/100 km. The X70 also comes equipped with a Drive Mode selector that cycles the car’s powertrain characteristics between Eco, Normal and Sport. The LCD instrument cluster also changes hue – Green, Blue or Red – depending on the Drive Mode selected.

The Executive 4WD variant is equipped by a Borg Warner 4WD system that sends 100 per cent of the power to the front axles on normal driving situations. When the road conditions become unfavourable, the drivetrain will instantaneously alter to a 70:30 (front to rear) torque split for maximum traction.

On the exterior front, the entry-level Standard 2WD comes equipped with halogen projector headlamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, fabric seats, 8.0-inch GKUI touchscreen infotainment system with Voice Command, fabric seats and a rear-view camera. There are also six USB charging ports – two on the centre console, one in the centre armrest, one on the rear-view mirror (clever power source for your dash camera) and two for the rear passengers.

Stepping up to the Executive variant you’ll be upgraded to LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, 18-inch five twin-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 225/60 profile Hankook DynaPro HP2 tyres, Black leather upholstery, powered driver seat and a 360-degree surround view camera. The Executive 4WD variant gains an additional Tyre Pressure Monitoring System that displays the tyre temperature and tyre pressure units.

Lastly, the most expensive X70, the Premium 2WD, gets all the bells and whistles such as Brown Nappa leather seats (no other colour option), powered front seats, panoramic sunroof as well as the full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS).

The ADAS bundles Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) (under 30 km/h), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (operable between 30 to 150 km/h), Lane Departure Warning (LDW – emphasis on the warning), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC) as well as front and rear parking sensors. Proton has emphasised that while the X70 comes with AEB and ACC, the SUV does not support semi-autonomous driving. I repeat, it does not have semi-autonomous driving capabilities.

However, it is not to say that the rest of the SUV variants are underequipped, the usual safety kit such as six airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill Hold Assist and Hill Descent Control is standard on all variants.

Lastly, the Proton X70, depending on the variant, is available in five different exterior shades – Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, Cinnamon Brown and Flame Red. Now that you understand the features and product positioning of the SUV a little bit better, how much do you think Proton should price them at?


IMAGE GALLERY