Proton has just launched the much-awaited locally-assembled 2020 Proton X70. Other than localising production in the new RM1.2 billion plant extension, Proton has also given the locally-assembled X70 a new dual-clutch transmission, some added kit, along with improved refinement.
In the 2020 model line-up, the Proton X70 will be available in four variants – Standard 2WD (RM94,800), Executive 2WD (RM106,800), Premium 2WD (RM119,800) and Premium X 2WD (RM122,800). The previously-available Executive 4WD variant, has been dropped in the new model line-up due to market preferences.
POWERTRAIN
The locally-assembled Proton X70 is powered by Geely’s third-generation 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, churning out 181 hp and 300 Nm of torque, 15 Nm more than its predecessor.
However, the star of the show in the 2020 Proton X70 is the new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), replacing the existing six-speed torque converter automatic.
With the new drivetrain combination, the locally-assembled Proton X70 has shaved off one second in its century sprint time, taking just 9.5 seconds to reach 100 km/h from standstill.
Proton engineers said that the new gearbox is tuned for smoothness and efficiency, with a quoted fuel consumption figure of 7.6 l/100km – a 13% improvement from the imported unit.
EXTERIOR
On the outside, no significant changes has been done on the styling of the Proton X70. The only modifications done to the exterior are the front emblem, as well as the bossed logo on the wheel hub.
The entry-level Standard 2WD variant comes with halogen headlights, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Moving up to the Executive 2WD trim lands you LED headlights with LED daytime-running lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, as well as a powered tailgate.
Premium and Premium X 2WD variants gain 19-inch wheels, along with a foot sensor for the powered tailgate.
INTERIOR
The cabin of the 2020 Proton X70 also remains largely the same, aside from the new emblem on the steering wheel, along with a new shift-by-wire gear lever, to go along with the new seven-speed DCT gearbox.
At the back, the rear seats can now be reclined into two positions, 27 and 32 degrees. Panoramic sunroof is now reserved to the new Premium X variant.
The Standard 2WD variant gets fabric seats, while the seats in the Executive 2WD variant are finished in black leatherette. If you’re feeling a little fancy, moving up to the Premium and Premium X variants nets you brown Nappa leather upholstery.
The Executive 2WD and above variants also get new ventilated front seats, which is accessible through the infotainment display.
In terms of infotainment, all variants will come with an eight-inch connected infotainment display with built-in navigation and voice command.
The infotainment system is paired to six speakers on the Standard 2WD variant, eight on the Executive, and nine speakers with power amplifier and subwoofer on the Premium and Premium X 2WD variants.
SAFETY
The Premium and Premium X variants come equipped with Proton’s Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), unchanged from the imported model.
The ADAS suite includes Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC).
Also included in the Premium variants is the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), along with four front parking sensors (Executive variant gets two, while the Standard variant does not come equipped with the front parking sensors.
The 2020 Proton X70 will be available in six exterior shades, with a new Space Grey exterior colour, exclusive to the Premium variants, joining the existing arsenal of Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, Ruby Red, and Cinnamon Brown.
As standard, all 2020 Proton X70 will come with five-year unlimited mileage warranty with five times free labour on scheduled services, five-year 1GB data package for the infotainment system, as well as low interest rates from 2.32% pa.
Proton is also offering some early bird goodies for the first 3,000 customers, including a five-year additional 4GB data package worth RM1,740, as well as an accessories package (dash cam, floor mats, magnetic sunshade, door visors, boot tray and trunk organiser) worth RM2,000.
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