KLIMS 2018: Proton X70 at the display, launch on 12 December

KUALA LUMPUR: The Proton Malaysia website already has the SUV X70 listed, and now, the automaker has unveiled the much-awaited SUV at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018. How close does that bring us to the official launch? Proton has announced that the SUV will be launched on 12 December 2018.

The all-new Proton X70 will be offered in 4 different trims. The Standard 2WD, Executive 2WD, Executive AWD, and Premium 2WD models make up the different variants. Also, the thing to be noted is that the Proton X70 uses the Chinese SUV, Geely Boyue as its foundation. Out of the four trims, Proton has showcased 3 at the mega auto at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur.

About the mechanics, the SUV houses a 1.8-litre turbocharged direct-injected 4-cylinder petrol-fed motor. 184 PS of max power at 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 285 Nm from 1,700 rpm to 4,400 rpm are the official figures. The transmission on the X70 is a 6-speed automatic unit. Varying with the variants is an option of 2WD or AWD.

17-inch alloy wheels, fabric seats, and halogen headlights are found on the base Standard 2WD model. Standard across the range is the Geely Smart Ecosystem (GKUI) Android-based infotainment system with navigation, music streaming, and voice control equipped with artificial intelligence. Further, the Executive 2WD gets LED DRLs, 18-inch alloys, LED headlamps, faux leather upholstery, 360-degree camera system, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. Features like 7-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, push-button start, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and hill descent control are also present on the high-end models.

The top variant, the Premium 2WD gets a power-adjustable passenger seat, Nappa leather, panoramic sunroof, and a Kenwood sound system. It rides on 19-inch two-tone alloys clothed in Continental UltraContact UC6 tyres. The Proton X70 is equipped with safety features like 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, stability control, Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, auto high beam, and blind spot monitoring, depending on the variant.