Proton X70 - Hits and Misses

Its about time, any day now Proton can launch its first SUV in the market. The car was revealed earlier this year in September and has created a buzz that doesn’t seem to end any time soon. The company initiated bookings for the X70 from 17th September 2018, and as per records has received 10000 entries. In the said figure, 2000 bookings were contributed via an online mode that was accompanied by an amazing token amount of RM 99 and exciting gift. Proton has been hosting promotional events around the car for a while now and from what we know it has been quite successful. Everywhere the automaker went, it received positive feedback for its new car. One big moment of joy for the company was when the Sultan of Johar took a spin in the Proton X70 and learned a few things about it as well. Well, we personally love the X70 (ample reasons supporting our liking) and have already told you why it’s a 10/10 SUV. However, like everything in existence, it too misses out on a few aspects. More of which will be revealed once the car is out and is driven around. Though we hope no major fallouts are witnessed.

Proton X70 is undoubtedly a car that carries the potential to revolutionize not only Proton’s but entire Malaysian auto market sales scenario. Though the company has not yet revealed its price, we are expecting it to cost around RM 90,000. With this, its potential rival list includes Ford EcoSport, Mitsubishi ASX, and Toyota Rush. Moving on, now there are a few things that we absolutely adore about the X70. However, things would have been better if a few elements were not the way they are. So, let’s now discuss in detail about Proton X70 hits and misses -

Proton X70 Hits -

 

Appealing design

The Proton X70 benefits from a new-age design language that’s never seen before on a Proton car. We think that chunks of its style elements come from Geely Boyue. From the outside, the car looks like a strong beast with superb built quality. Also, all the exterior elements, be it the lighting setup, paint job, grille, exhaust unit, or the 18-inch alloy wheels are up to the mark. We couldn’t have asked for more. All in all, from the design point of view, the X70 portrays class.

Impressive safety features

We have covered an entire story on Proton X70 safety features that you can check out for a detailed overview of the matter. In short, we can say that Proton made sure that both the driver and passengers are safe, when inside of X70. As we already know that safety is not a major concern of ASIAN buyers as we look for mileage and features first. However, times are changing and so is buyers mentality. And Proton has done a good job in this section with six airbags coming as a standard feature.

Feature lineup

Oh God! Yes, these were the words when we first experienced the premium-ness of the Proton X70. The automaker has given it everything that we surely expected from a German automaker but not Proton. Seems like, with the X70, Proton is aiming high (for the global market maybe). The SUV comes with an efficient voice recognition system that is capable of understanding thousand plus commands. Also, owners will now control their car via a specially designed mobile app. Not only the X70 comes with automatic climate control, but one can manage the temperate as per individual needs, now that’s what we call ‘Advance’. Taking care of the passengers to a whole new extent the X70 comes with a standard air purifier system.

Noteworthy driving experience

Now from what we know, the Proton X70 is tuned by MIRA, a world-class automotive engineering and development consultancy company situated in the UK. Therefore, it’s easy to guess that it is destined to provide the best driving dynamics. Then be it comfort, safety, or NVH nothing is compromised. In addition, its ‘Intelligent’ all-wheel-drive system is developed by Borg Warner, another mega name in the industry. Thus, with best on its side, the Proton X70 is already half-way through the race.

Proton X70 Misses -

 

Only one engine offering

The Proton X70 would be available in only one engine option in Malaysia, which we see as a bit of a lagging point. For an SUV of its stature, customers expect to be giving with choices, as it’s not necessary that everybody is comfortable with given option. What’s currently on offer is a 1.8-litre petrol mill that produces 184 PS of power and 285 Nm of torque. We hope that in future, Proton introduces more options on this front.

No manual gearbox

The X70 is available in four variants all of which couple the engine with a 6-speed automatic unit. Now, automatic gearbox is in trend and buyers are favouring it as an option for its convenience. However, some drivers still like to be the master of their own power and go for the manual stick. And when it’s an SUV, the fun on tough terrains would best come paired with a manual unit.

Color discrimination

Well, as mentioned earlier, the X70 is accompanied with four variants - Standard 2WD, Executive 2WD, Executive AWD, and Premium 2WD. Now when it comes to exterior color and interior upholstery choices, each one gets its own set of choices with a few options restricted for a particular trim. Which we think is unjust.

Here’s a brief of what’s on offer -

• Standard 2WD (in black fabric) - Snow White & Armour Silver
• Executive 2WD (in black leatherette) - Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, & Cinnamon Brown
• Executive AWD (in black leatherette) - Snow White & Armour Silver
• Premium 2WD (in brown Nappa leather) - Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, Cinnamon Brown & Flame Red

And it’s a wrap. Stay tuned for latest local and global auto updates.