While Proton did not disclose the pricing strategy of the Proton X70 at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS), the national did confirm that their first SUV is set for an official launch on 12 December 2018.
On display at the Proton Booth at KLIMS 18 are the Executive 2WD, Executive AWD and Premium 2WD variants. The only variant that is missing from the motor show is the entry-level Standard 2WD. All units of the X70 will be fully imported from China until Proton begins local assembly operations sometime in late 2019.
Although patrons will not be able to touch and feel the X70 Standard 2WD, the only items that can distinguish the base model are the halogen reflector headlamps, smaller 17-inch alloys, fabric seats and reverse camera.
Items such as keyless entry/start, leather-wrapped multifunctional steering wheel, full LCD instrument cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control with Clean Air ioniser, electronic parking brake, 8.0-inch GKUI touchscreen infotainment system with “Hi Proton” Voice Command, six USB charging ports and rear air vents are standard across the range.
The Executive variants add LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, 18-inch alloys wrapped in 225/60 profile tyres, Black leather upholstery, powered drivers’ seat and a 360-degree surround view camera while the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System with tyre temperature and tyre pressure units display is only available on the Executive 4WD and above.
Stepping up to the most expensive X70 Premium 2WD, the cabin gets furnished with Brown Nappa leather seats, powered front seats, panoramic sunroof and a nine-speaker Kenwood premium surround sound system.
All variants of the X70 is powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder T-GDI engine pushing out 183 hp and 285 Nm of torque. Drive is channelled to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission while 4WD is optionally available on the Executive variant only.
Proton claims that the 2WD variants can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds and has a claimed fuel consumption figures of 7.8L/100 km. The X70 also features a Drive Mode selector that changes the engine and transmission characteristics between Eco, Normal and Sport. It also changes the LCD instrument cluster hue between Green, Blue or Red as you cycle through the different Drive Modes.
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. While 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), 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.
The Proton X70 is available in five exterior shades – Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, Cinnamon Brown and Flame Red with the availability depending on variant selected. Proton has been collecting bookings for their first SUV and even set up an online booking system to cater to the overwhelming demand. Now, we wait for the arrival of 12 December 2018 for its official price.
IMAGE GALLERY
Proton X70 Premium 2WD at KLIMS 2018
Proton X70 Executive 4WD at KLIMS 2018
Proton X70 Executive 2WD at KLIMS 2018
