After numerous closed doors previews for loyal customers and media, Proton has finally revealed their first-ever SUV in full at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show, marking the first-ever public debut of the Proton X70.
Wearing the brand’s first-ever alphanumerical model designation, the X70 is the first car to come into reality after Proton’s new partnership with China automaker, Geely. Three out of four variants are on display here at the Proton booth – Executive 2WD, Executive AWD and Premium 2WD.
All variants spot the same 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder T-GDI petrol engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode (no option for paddle shifters). With 183 hp and 285 Nm of twist available, 2WD variants of the X70 can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds with a rated fuel consumption of 7.8L /100 km.
The X70 also features a Drive Mode selector that allows the driver to alter the transmission and steering characteristics into three drive modes – Eco, Normal and Sport. The LCD instrument cluster also changes the display hue to Green, Blue and Red.
In the Executive and Premium models, the car comes equipped with LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED fog lamps, LED combination taillamps, roof rails, keyless entry/start and a manual operated tailgate. On the Executive variants, it rides on 18-inch five twin-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 225/60 profile tyres. One little surprise Proton had in store for KLIMS 2018 is the upgraded 19-inch alloys on the Premium variant, shod in 225/55 profile Continental UC6 SUV rubbers.
Inside, the models displayed all share the similar cabin design and layout – LCD instrument cluster, black leather upholstery, multifunctional steering wheel, 360-degree surround view camera, dual-zone automatic climate control with Clean Air ioniser, 8.0-inch GKUI touchscreen infotainment system with Voice Command, six USB charging ports, rear air vents.
The Premium 2WD variant gets even more bells and whistle such as Brown Nappa leather seats, panoramic sunroof, nine-speaker Kenwood surround sound system as well as a powered function for the front passenger seats.
Safety-wise, all variants of the X70 comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill Hold Assist, Hill Descent Control and ISOFIX mounting points.
The Premium 2WD gets the full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that adds 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. This earns the X70 the full 5-Star ASEAN ANCAP Crash Safety Rating.
Depending on the variant, the X70 is available in five different exterior shades – Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, Cinnamon Brown and Flame Red
Proton did not reveal their pricing strategy for the highly anticipated SUV at KLIMS 2018, saving the grand reveal for a later date. However, the company has assured that the Proton X70 will be officially launched before we enter a new calendar year.
The X70 is available for bookings at all Proton showrooms nationwide as well as online. Come on over to KLIMS 2018 to touch and feel Proton’s turnaround product and decide whether you want to be one of the early birds to put your money down for one.
IMAGE GALLERY
Proton X70 Premium 2WD at KLIMS 2018
Proton X70 Executive 4WD at KLIMS 2018
Proton X70 Executive 2WD at KLIMS 2018
