Proton X70 price and competitors

The Proton X70 is on display at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018. Yes, now you can not only see but experience Proton’s upcoming SUV up close. Standing in all its glory, the X70 surely looks promising both for the brand and buyers. Proton started dropping hints about its new car, an SUV, starting earlier this year. However, it was only in September that the cover was dropped entirely. Also, Proton began the booking for the X70 a while back, and as per records in September alone nearly 5000 buyers signed up for the car.

 

 

Post that Proton engaged in full-fledged marking for the X70, including attractive online booking offers, multiple preview events around the country, and more. Proton official website has also been updated and displays a fully functional, information-packed, X70 dedicated page. However, amidst all this, one piece of information remains closely guarded. And that’s the Proton X70 price. So much has been said and speculated around the subject that we decide to give it a short but with a twist.

So, as we all know the Proton X70 is a premium SUV from a mass-market Malaysian auto brand. Therefore, it would not be cheap or like-ultra expensive touching the 160K+ mark. It would be somewhere in the 90K to150K bracket. Remember, that the X70 will be available in four variants - Standard 2WD, Executive 2WD, Executive AWD, and Premium 2WD. So, the price range will be a diversified one.

After estimating its near RM 90K starting price tag (taking features, functions, etc. into consideration), we have shortlisted three competitors/alternatives for the X70. Let’s check them all out -

Toyota Rush 2018

When thinking about Proton X70s competitors, one name that struck us first was that of the Rush. With Toyota’s strong market standing and Rush’s straightforward yet powerful stance, it seems like a fair alternative suggestion. For if the base or one trim higher, i.e., Executive 2WD cost somewhere close to 90 to 95k then Toyota Rush is a car one should consider adding to the ‘car check-out’ list. The Malaysian-spec Rush is available in two variants - S and G both powered by the same 1.5-litre mill coupled to an automatic transmission. The X70 too gets an automatic gearbox in all its variants. However, what is to be noted here is that the Proton SUV gets a bigger mill with strong performance fingers. That’s X70’s 1.8-litre mill with 186 PS against Rush’s 107 PS 1.5-litre motor.

2018 Rush Prices

• Rush 1.5S - RM 98,000
• Rush 1.5G - RM 93,000

Ford EcoSport

Next up line of competitors is a Ford contender, the EcoSport. For a while now, the EcoSport has maintained the status of an iconic figure in the segment. It has attracted hundreds of buyers by its modern styling, spacious cabin, and crisp performance. However, with the X70 launching in a few days, it might give the EcoSport a run for its money. Speaking of which, we have covered a full-fledged comparison of the two cars, check it out here.

Though the EcoSport is loved for its youthful design, the X70 too is a piece of art and looks all premium and plush. Unlike the X70 that is offered in four variants, the EcoSport gets Trend and Titanium trims. Both powered by a 1.8-litre petrol mill churning 110 PS. Like the X70, the EcoSport too gets a 6-Speed automatic transmission. It is to be noted that out of the two cars, it is only the X70 that offer an all-wheel-drive setup with its Executive AWD trim. Now we feel, that the Ford EcoSport would be a great alternative to X70s Standard 2WD and Executive 2WD trims (based on the prices).

Ford EcoSprt Price 

• EcoSport Trend - RM 92,988
• EcoSport Titanium - RM 98,120

Mazda CX-5

Now, what if the Proton X70 costs a few ringgit more than what we are assuming, say close to 130K+. And if that doesn’t happen, then there always are the range-topping trims (Executive AWD and Premium 2WD) with a surety of a slightly hefty price tag. So, either which way, Mazda CX-5 is a bulls-eys alternative pick for the soon to launch X70. The CX-5 kills onlookers with its sharp, mesmerising looks and is no less than a dream both on the inside and out. Available in five trims and three engines in total, the CX-5 displays better performance figures. Also, unlike the two cars mentioned above, this one like the X70 is available in both 2WD and AWD options. It seems like the CX-5 is shaping to be a perfect alternative. Don’t you think so?

Mazda CX-5 Price

• 2.2D 2WD GLS RM155,939
• 2.2D AWD GLS RM165,939
• 2.0G 2WD GL RM127,653
• 2.0G 2WD GLS RM140,861
• 2.5G 2WD GLS RM152,573

That's all for now on the X70. The car would be launched on the 12th December, also the day when the official price list will be released. Stay tuned with Zigwheels for latest updates.