The wait is finally over, Proton’s first ever SUV, the Proton X70 is now officially launched in Malaysia complete with full specifications and price tag. The ceremony held at KLCC was graced by Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammad.
As announced before, there will be four variants of the X70 available – Standard 2WD, Executive 2WD, Executive AWD and Premium 2WD. Without beating around the bush, the X70 Standard 2WD is priced at RM99,800, Executive 2WD at RM109,800, Executive AWD at RM115,800 and Premium 2WD at RM123,800. Prices quoted are on-the-road without insurance, inclusive of Sales & Services Tax.
Besides that, Proton has announced that the price list will be uniformed across the whole of Malaysia, no more price difference between the Peninsular, Sabah and Sarawak. A truly Malaysian car.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | Proton X70 Standard 2WD | Proton X70 Executive 2WD | Proton X70 Executive AWD | Proton X70 Premium 2WD |
| Engine | 1,799cc; turbocharged 4-cylinder | |||
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | |||
| Max Power | 184 hp @ 5,500 rpm | |||
| Max Torque | 285 Nm @ 1,700 – 4,400 rpm | |||
| Price (OTR without insurance) | RM99,800 | RM109,800 | RM115,800 | RM123,800 |
EXTERIOR
The X70 shares the same overall exterior design with its Chinese twin, the Geely Boyue. However, Proton’s in-house design team has incorporated a number of design elements to the SUV inspired by Malaysian culture. The front grille, for example, follows the form of an ethereal bow which is accentuated by the interlocking pattern found in traditional Malaysian woodcarvings. Zooming into the headlamp housing and you’ll find the proud Proton designation etched inside them as well as a Proton badge running across the tailgate.
Starting from the Standard 2WD, you’ll find halogen projector headlamps, LED fog lamps, LED combination tail lamps, powered folding side mirrors as well as 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/65 profile tyres.
Stepping up to the Executive 2WD variant and above you’ll get significantly more kit in the form of LED projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, puddle lamps with Proton logo, automatic rain sensing wipers and 18-inch five twin-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 225/60 profile tyres. Separating the top-spec Premium 2WD are the upsized 19-inch alloy wrapped in 225/55 profile Continental UC6 SUV rubbers.
INTERIOR
Suffice to say that Proton and its partner Geely Auto has had the right-hand drive conversion properly, properly done. Besides changing the steering wheel to the right side, the switch gears on the centre console were also mirrored i.e. the electronic parking brake is placed on the right side, closer to the driver, just like how it is in the Boyue. There is also a proper footrest for your left leg in the driver’s footwell, unlike a certain German marque that still fails to offer it in their right-hand drive models.
The equipment list is extensive and impressive, to say the least. In the cheapest X70 Standard 2WD variant you’ll find fabric seats, a leather wrapped multi-functional steering wheel, 7.0-inch LCD instrument cluster display, 8.0-inch touchscreen GKUI infotainment system with “Hi Proton” voice command, six-speakers, reverse camera, keyless entry and start, auto dimming rear view mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control with Clean Air purifier, rear air vents, tonneau cover and six USB charging ports.
The Executive variants add leather seats, six-way powered driver’s seat, 360-degree surround view camera, front footwell lamp and ups the speaker count to eight. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, the top of the range Premium 2WD variant comes with Nappa leather upholstery, powered front seats with “Boss switch” which allows the driver and rear passengers to adjust the front passenger seat, panoramic sunroof, additional functions for the Voice Command feature and Kenwood nine-speaker set up.
Honestly, the only two things the Premium 2WD is, for lack of a better word, lacking are paddle shifters and a powered tailgate.
PERFORMANCE
Under the hood of the X70 is a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TGDi petrol engine pushing out 184 hp and 285 Nm of twist paired to a six-speed automatic transmission to drive the front wheels. Only the Executive variant has the option for a Borg Warner all-wheel-drive system that sends 100 per cent of the front wheels by default and will instantaneously switch to a 70:30 (front to rear) torque split for added traction.
Century sprint on the 2WD variants is said to be done in 10.5 seconds and fuel consumption is rated at 7.8 L/100 km. The X70 also received the EEV (Energy Efficient Vehicle) certification from the Government. All variants of the X70 also comes equipped with a Drive Mode selector that alters the powertrain characteristics between Eco, Normal and Sport. The LCD instrument cluster also changes hue between Green, Blue and Red as you cycle through the different drive modes.
SAFETY
ASEAN NCAP recently announced that all variants of the X70 come with the full 5-Stars crash safety rating hence you know that Proton did not skimp on safety features. As standard, all variants of the X70 comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill Hold Assist and Hill Descent Control.
Executive variants of the X70 gains additional dual front parking sensors while the Executive AWD further adds a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System with tyre temperature and pressure readouts. Only in the Premium 2WD you’ll find the full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that 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), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC) as well as four front parking sensors.
While the Premium 2WD is advertised with ADAS, the SUV does not come with semi-autonomous driving capabilities like the Pilot Assist function you have on Volvo cars.
WHAT ELSE?
The Proton X70 is available in five exterior shades – Snow White, Amour Silver, Jet Grey, Cinnamon Brown and Flame Red however only the Premium 2WD can be optioned with all the colour option. To commemorate the launch of Proton’s first SUV, Proton Cars is offering the X70 with an Xtra Package that bundles 5-Years Unlimited Mileage warranty, 5-Year complimentary 1GB monthly data connectivity powered by Celcom, 5 times Free Labour Service and a low finance rate of 2.34 per cent per annum.
IMAGE GALLERY
Proton X70 Premium 2WD Preview at KLIMS
