The Proton X70 Premium is a compact crossover SUV that stands out in the Malaysian automotive market and is part of the Proton X-series, a line of SUVs that Protons has developed in recent years to compete in the rapidly growing SUV segment. The X70 is based on the Geely Boyue, which is a Chinese SUV, as Proton entered into a partnership with Geely in 2017, leveraging Geely’s global expertise and platform sharing.
The X70 Premium is the higher-end trim of the X70 range, offering more luxurious features and a more premium experience compared to the base models. It is designed to offer comfort, style, and advanced technology at a competitive price point, making it an attractive choice for those looking for an affordable yet premium compact SUV in Malaysia and some neighboring markets.
1. Exterior Design
Sleek and Modern Styling:
- The Proton X70 Premium features a stylish and modern exterior design, with smooth, flowing lines that give it a contemporary SUV appearance. The design incorporates sharp edges, a bold front grille, and a clean, aerodynamic profile.
- The front fascia is dominated by the large Proton badge in the center of the grille, with angular LED headlights flanking the grille. The sleek design is further complemented by daytime running lights (DRLs) that add a modern touch.
- The X70 Premium rides on 18-inch alloy wheels (larger than the standard models), adding to its premium look and road presence.
- The SUV’s chrome accents, roof rails, and power-operated tailgate further highlight its upscale appeal.
- The overall stance is well-proportioned and refined, with a slightly aggressive front and a more upright rear end typical of modern SUVs.
Dimensions:
- Length: Approximately 4,519 mm.
- Width: Around 1,831 mm.
- Height: About 1,694 mm.
- Wheelbase: Approximately 2,670 mm.
These dimensions give the X70 Premium a solid presence on the road without being too large to handle in urban environments.
2. Interior and Comfort
Premium and Spacious Cabin:
- The interior of the Proton X70 Premium is designed to provide luxury and comfort. The cabin features a combination of soft-touch materials, premium leather upholstery, and metallic accents that elevate the overall feel.
- The dashboard is modern and clean, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system as the central focal point. Higher-end trims, such as the X70 Premium, feature real leather seats and soft-touch surfaces that enhance the feeling of premium luxury.
- The front seats are spacious and offer power adjustment (for the driver’s seat) and height adjustment, providing a comfortable driving position for a wide range of body types. The seats are also heated in higher trims, making the cabin even more comfortable.
- The rear seats offer plenty of legroom and headroom, making it suitable for adults or long-distance travel. The cabin is designed for five passengers, and the rear seats are typically reclining, which adds an extra level of comfort for passengers.
Cabin Features:
- The cabin includes a digital instrument cluster that can display a variety of useful information. The center console is equipped with multiple USB ports, and the infotainment system is user-friendly, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring easy integration with smartphones.
- Ambient lighting (available on premium variants) creates a soothing atmosphere in the cabin, adding a touch of elegance during nighttime driving.
Cargo Space:
- The X70 Premium has a spacious boot, offering around 515 liters of cargo capacity with the rear seats up. This makes it a practical choice for families and people who need extra storage for luggage, groceries, or equipment.
- The split-folding rear seats make it easy to extend cargo capacity for larger items when needed.
3. Engine and Performance
Turbocharged Power:
- The Proton X70 Premium is powered by a 1.8L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces around 181 horsepower and 285 Nm of torque, which is more than enough for everyday driving and long-distance trips.
- The engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission that offers smooth gear shifts and good performance.
- The turbocharged engine delivers a responsive and energetic drive with a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. Whether on the highway or city streets, the engine provides sufficient acceleration without feeling sluggish.
Fuel Efficiency:
- The fuel efficiency of the Proton X70 Premium is competitive in its class, with an average fuel consumption of around 7-8 L/100 km (12-14 km/L), depending on driving conditions.
- This makes it a relatively fuel-efficient choice for a mid-sized SUV with a turbocharged engine.
Drivetrain:
- The Proton X70 Premium comes with front-wheel drive (FWD), which is sufficient for most driving needs. It does not offer all-wheel drive (AWD), but the FWD configuration provides a good balance of fuel efficiency and handling.
- Driving modes (Eco, Normal, and Sport) are available to adjust the SUV’s driving dynamics, from economy-oriented driving to more performance-oriented responses.
4. Technology and Infotainment
- Infotainment System:
- The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is equipped with a range of features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB ports. It provides access to media, navigation, and vehicle settings.
- The system is responsive and easy to use, with clear graphics and intuitive controls.
- Higher trims like the X70 Premium may also feature a 10.1-inch touchscreen in some markets, making it even more impressive in terms of display size and clarity.
- Advanced Audio:
- The Proton X70 Premium comes equipped with a premium sound system (typically a Bose or standard 6-speaker system, depending on the region) that delivers clear and immersive sound, making it perfect for music lovers or podcast enthusiasts.
- Driver Assistance Features:
- The X70 Premium is equipped with several advanced safety features, including lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and autonomous emergency braking.
- It also features Adaptive Cruise Control, which maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, especially useful on long highways or in traffic.
- The 360-degree camera and parking sensors make maneuvering in tight spaces easier, while automatic parking assistance (available in some markets) can help with parallel or perpendicular parking.
5. Safety
- Comprehensive Safety Package:
- The Proton X70 Premium is equipped with a range of active and passive safety features, including 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TCS), and Hill Start Assist.
- The vehicle also comes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist (BA) to improve braking performance in emergency situations.
- It has received a 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating, proving its high standard in terms of safety.
6. Pricing and Availability
- Price Range:
- The Proton X70 Premium is positioned as a premium yet affordable SUV, with pricing that starts around MYR 120,000 – 130,000 (approximately $28,000 – $30,000 USD) in Malaysia. Pricing may vary slightly depending on the specific region, trim, and optional features.
- Availability:
- The Proton X70 Premium is primarily available in Malaysia, but it may also be sold in Indonesia, Brunei, and some other Southeast Asian markets. Proton’s expanding international presence means the X70 is becoming more available in regional markets.
7. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Premium features at an affordable price point.
- Spacious and comfortable cabin with high-quality materials.
- Turbocharged engine provides a good balance of power and fuel efficiency.
- Advanced safety features and driver-assistance technologies.
- Good infotainment system with modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating.
Cons:
- No all-wheel drive (AWD) option, which may be a drawback for those seeking more rugged performance.
- The ride quality may be firmer than some competitors in the segment.
- Availability outside of Southeast Asia can be limited.
Conclusion
The Proton X70 Premium offers an excellent mix of luxury, technology, and value for money. It’s a solid choice for those
PROTON X70 EXECUTIVE Specification: