Proton has finally fully revealed its first ever SUV– the X70 SUV to the public at 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS).
This is also the first model after the Chinese auto giant Geely took control of the Malaysian national car maker. Geely is set to bring forth one new (Proton) model each year, starting with the X70 which is based on Geely Boyue SUV. In addition licenses for two other models, the VF11 (Jiaji) MPV and SX11 (Binyue) crossover have also been granted to Proton.
Related: Geely Releases Initial Details and Images of the VF11 JiaJi MPV
The Proton X70 will be offered in 4 trims– a Standard 2WD, Executive 2WD, Executive AWD and Premium 2WD variants. The top three variants where present at KLIMS 2018. All are powered by a 1.8 liter turbocharged direct-injected 4-cylinder petrol engine, producing 181 hp at 5,500 rpm and 285 Nm of torque from 1,700 to 4,400 rpm.
Executive 2WD
The engine is paired to a 6-speed automatic gearbox with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on the variant. The 2WD version gets from zero to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds and has a claimed fuel consumption figure of 7.8 liters per 100 km (12.8 km/ liter).
Related: Geely SX11 BinYue Launched in China
The Standard 2WD is the base model and gets halogen headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels and fabric seats. The Geely Smart Ecosystem (GKUI) Android-based infotainment system with navigation, music streaming and voice control with artificial intelligence is fitted across the range.
Executive AWD
Moving on, the Executive 2WD variant gets LED headlights with DRLs, 18-inch alloy wheels, faux leather upholstery, power-adjustable driver’s seat and a 360-degree camera system. Other items visible on the show units are keyless entry, push-button start, dual-zone climate control, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, hill descent control and a seven-inch digital instrument cluster.
Related: Can Geely-Based Proton Cars Make it to Pakistan?
The top-spec Premium, comes equipped with real Nappa leather, power-adjustable passenger seat (with shoulder buttons) and a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch dual-tone alloy wheels as well as a Kenwood sound system.
Premium 2WD
In terms of safety, all models get 6 airbags, ABS with EBD and BA, ESC and rear ISOFIX child seat anchors, with the Executive AWD getting a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) as well. The Premium is the only variant to get an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), consisting of autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning (LDW), adaptive cruise control (ACC), blind spot monitoring (BSM) and auto high beam.
Related: Proton X70 gets 5 stars in ASEAN NCAP Crash Test
The Proton X70 has also been awarded the full 5 star rating by ASEAN NCAP in their recent crash tests. Proton has announced to have received over 10,000 bookings for the X70 SUV already. Official launch event will reportedly take place on the 12th of December 2018.
Al-Haj group of Pakistan has signed an agreement with Proton as the exclusive authorized distributor and assemblers of Proton vehicles in Pakistan. Ideally it may open up doors to Proton branded Geely vehicles in Pakistan somewhere down the line. Stay tuned to CarSpiritPK for more updates.
Images and info: Paultan
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
