2021 Proton X70

Proton X70 2021 Review

You must be living under a rock if you haven’t heard of the Proton X70. It was the first car launched under the brand’s partnership with Geely, and it paved the way for entirely new model, as well as heavily revised styling and functionality for facelifts of their existing models. The X70 is also incredibly appropriate for the times, as we live in a world where the market share of sedans is challenged and cannibalized by the SUV.

Transitioning from fully-imported to locally-assembled, the Proton X70 had mild adjustments made to both the variants on offer, and the options and features provided.  At its core, however, it represents the most advanced car to ever be launched by Proton, and a huge value for money proposition for those looking at a mid-sized mass market SUV.

There are now four variants of the Proton X70 to choose from with a wide range of prices and options. Prior to local assembly, the X70 was available with an Executive AWD option, but that has since been removed due to low take-up, and an additional Premium X 2WD variant now sits at the top of the range.

Proton X70 2021 Specifications

While the Proton X70 may not be the first turbocharged model from Proton (that would go to models using the 1.6-litre CFE engine like the Suprima, Preve, or Exora), it certainly is the most advanced and the first to be offered with direct injection. The turbocharged 1.8-litre petrol direct injection mill at the heart of the X70 sings to the tune of 182 hp and 285 Nm of torque – more than enough performance to be the best in its class and for the average owner.

While the initial fully-imported variant of the Proton X70 came with a conventional six-speed automatic transmission, the locally-assembled variant has a seven-speed wet-clutch dual clutch type automatic transmission. This is also a first for Proton, and the same transmission has made its way to the X70’s smaller sister, the Proton X50.

At launch, the X70 didn’t feel as though it fit traditional sizing requirements – being a little larger than the competition, though not offering three rows of seats. The wheelbase is a staunch 2,670 mm, with an overall length of 4,519 mm and width of 1,831 mm. It isn’t particularly light either, with curb weights starting at around 1,600 kilograms. Like we mentioned earlier, the X70 doesn’t fall into any rough sizing class – though that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a competitive product.  

Proton X70 2021 Exterior

When Malaysians got their first glimpse of the Proton X70, they were introduced to something completely different. Here was a car that was so radically outside the box for a Proton product – and while the X70 shares a lot of its bodywork with the Geely Boyue, its unique front grille and bumper package give it that touch of Malaysian heat that we love.

In terms of lighting elements, the entry-level variant of the X70 is bare bones – you get halogen headlights, and no daytime running lamps. Every variant from there on gets LED projector headlamps, LED daytime running lights, and                automatic headlamps (also common to the entry level).

Proton X70 2021 Interior

Malaysians weren’t entirely sure what to expect with the Proton X70 – especially after decades of hits and misses with Proton’s fit and finish, as well as quality control. The X70, however, managed to live up to the hype surrounding it by offering a more unique take on interior design. This isn’t your traditional Japanese interior, nor is it your over-the-top all-edges Korean interior. The X70 delivers in its own way, with a relatively low slung dashboard for better visibility and all information displayed front and centre for the driver.

Even more interesting at the choices of interior colours. The Standard 2WD variant gets a plain black fabric interior, while the Executive 2WD ups the refinement with black leatherette in its place. Both the Premium 2WD and the Premium X 2WD get a cool brown Nappa leather finishing for the interior that isn’t something we see often at this price point. Spring for the top-of-the-range variant and you get a gorgeous panoramic sunroof as well.

Proton X70 2021 Safety Features

If you were to talk to the engineers in Proton’s ride and handling department, they would probably tell you that the safest feature of the Proton X70 is its excellent chassis setup and dynamics. They’re not wrong – though in this context we’re looking at the active and passive systems that buyers look for in a new vehicle purchase.

With the X70, six airbags are standard across the range, as is ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Hill Hold Assist, and even Hill Descent Control. The big ticket items like Autonomous Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning are reserved for the Premium variants, along with Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Information System, and Intelligent High Beam Control.

Proton X70 2021 Strengths and Weaknesses

Being the first model launched under largely new management, the Proton X70 was and still is a litmus test – both for the company, and for the consumers. The company has to continue to produce the X70 at a high standard in order to shed the image Proton has accrued over time, while consumers have to be able to look beyond the perceived “badging exercise” and see that the X70 is a product for Malaysians.

In that sense, the strength of the X70 lies in the fact that you know Proton will be working their hardest and this will continue through the lifespan of the vehicle – especially being a momentous and significant model in Proton’s history. You may not have a premium in terms of storage and interior space, but you still get a great value-for-money proposition in the form of a mid-sized SUV.

And there-in lie the drawbacks – the X70 just isn’t as spacious as the class leader. That being said, nothing else on the market even comes close – so it’s not something you should be as concerned with. The Proton X70 satisfies the needs of a growing family, with performance and handling to boot – the latter being something you should focus on if you’re one for spirited driving.

Proton X70 2021 Price

The most expensive Proton X70 you could buy will cost you RM 122,800 – and that’s for the Premium X 2WD variant. If you can live without the sunroof, the Premium 2WD goes for RM 119,800, while the Executive 2WD goes for RM 106,800, and the entry level Standard 2WD slips just under the six digit mark at RM 94,800. All models come with an unlimited mileage, five-year warranty, and a five-year data package, on top of free labour for the first five services.

Proton X70 2021 Features

As a model with a lot to prove, the Proton X70 also comes loaded with features and options. One of the most underrated – also classified as a safety feature – is the Adaptive Cruise Control that makes commutes a breeze provided the system is not obstructed by less-than-ideal conditions. On the more common end of things are items like Automatic Dual-Zone Air-Conditioning, an air purifier system, keyless entry and start, as well as steering wheel controls.

Proton X70 2021 Fuel Consumption

The manufacturer quoted fuel consumption for the Proton X70 is a healthy 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres, or 13.1 kilometres per litre – especially with the newer seven-speed dual clutch transmission. Naturally with turbocharged engines, your mileage may severely vary depending on your driving style and your daily commute – though if you can restrain yourself, you will get pretty decent fuel efficiency out of it.