Proton X70: Is it worth the price?

Based on the Chinese Geely Emgrand X7 Sport, the Proton X70 is a compact crossover SUV - which basically is one of the most sought-after and fastest-selling segments in the automotive industry. In Malaysia, the sheer success of the X70 means that Proton was not only able to sell well over 11,000 units, but also maintain its number two spot in terms of its overall market share. Introduced for the first time in December 2018, the all-new X70 goes up against the likes of the popular Honda CR-V and the rugged Subaru XV. However, things aren’t going to be easy for the Proton X70 - the only SUV offering from the Malaysian marque at the moment.

There are four different variants of the X70 to choose from, and while they all share the same engine and transmission, most are only available in two-wheel-drive (2WD). However, the RM 115,800 can be had in all-wheel-drive (AWD) avatar as well. As for the rest, X70 price commences from RM 99,800 for the entry-level X70 (Standard 2WD), with range-topping off at RM 123,800 for the fully-kitted variant (Premium 2WD).

So, is the Proton X70 really worth its mettle? Well, let’s find out…

Exterior appearances

There’s no reason to doubt the Proton X70’s ability to turn heads as you drive along - it’s a fairly handsome and well-proportioned crossover. The X70 has been designed as a strict five-seater, and measures in at 4,519 mm in length, 1,831 mm in width, and 1,694 mm in height. Behind the rear bench of the X70, is a rather roomy 512-litre boot, while the distance between the front and rear axles measures 2,670 mm. Proton’s SUV is large enough and stands wide enough to make it seem larger than what it is - even though it’s slightly smaller in dimensions than the Honda CR-V.

 

Since it’s basically a badge job, it seems like Geely has already done all the heavy lifting when it comes to the styling of the X70. Starting up front, the Proton X70 features a muscular bonnet with subtle creases, triple-slatted grille with chrome surrounds, stylish headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights (DRLs), chiselled bumper with neatly incorporated LED fog lamps and a faux skid plate. Along the sides, the X70’s sculpted body, bold character lines and crisp contours on the sheet metal look sophisticated but aren’t overdone. Then there are the 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, extended wheel arches with flared fenders, black plastic cladding, and a ‘floating roof’, too.

The rear end of the Proton X70 maintains the rest of the car’s upmarket appearance, with its distinctive wrap-around LED tail lamps, chic back window design, sculpted tailgate, and a sporty bumper which also gets dual exhaust outlets and an air diffuser/skid plate arrangement. Overall, the Proton X70’s exterior styling sure does portray a sense of occasion.

The inner story

The interior of the Proton X70 looks remarkably upscale and posh. There has been a good use of good quality materials on several surfaces, with enough soft-touch plastics to bring in a ‘feel good; factor. There are also a nice variety of different textures and colours used on the dashboard, doors, centre console, and the inclusion of large, metallic grab handles on the centre pedestal along with the metallic inlays look and feel good, too. Meanwhile, the soft Nappa leather seats not only feel comfortable and supportive, but they also look pretty good.

As for features, depending on the variant, the X70 gets automatic LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry & go, electronic parking brake, power-adjustable front seats with 2-way driver’s lumbar support, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, drive mode and steering mode selection, a 9-speaker sound system, and an 8-inch touch-infotainment system with smartphone connectivity and built-in navigation.

Powertrain and performance

All variants of the Proton X70 are powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that generates 181hp and 285Nm of peak torque. This is then routed to either the front runners (in 2WD variants) or to all four corners in case of the all-wheel-drive variant, while transmission chores are taken care of by a standard 6-speed torque-converter gearbox. And in spite of its size and heft, the X70 can cover 12 kilometres on a single litre of petrol - which isn’t too bad. Also not too bad is this crossover SUV’s everyday performance. While it may not blitz past other cars on the road, with a top whack of 180 kmph and a zero to 100 kmph sprint time of 10.5 seconds -- this Proton can hold its own in typical urban driving conditions.

Safety

The Proton X70 scored a perfect five stars at the ASEAN NCAP crash safety trials. Therefore, it comes equipped with some niceties such as six airbags, all-round parking sensors with surround-view cameras, Hill-Descent Control (HDC), Auto Brake Hold (ABH), Hill Hold Assist (HHA), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC) amongst others.

Verdict

The Proton X70 not only looks good, but also boasts a decent interior, great equipment levels, and wears a competitive price tag.