2018 Proton X70 1.8 TGDI Standard 2WD Review

In 2018, Malaysia's C-Segment SUV market has become increasingly competitive. Consumers not only pursue space practicality but also value the balance between features and cost-effectiveness. The Proton X70 1.8 TGDI Standard 2WD was launched as a core model in this context. As the first SUV following the collaboration between Proton and Geely, it entered the market with the key selling point of being a "highly equipped entry-level" model, attracting considerable attention from family users and first-time car buyers. The main purpose of this test drive is to verify whether this entry-level model can meet daily usage needs while maintaining the overall competitiveness of the Proton X70 series.

From the exterior, the 2018 Proton X70 Standard 2WD continues the family design language. The overall style leans towards a steady yet stylish feel. The front features a large chrome-plated grille matched with the Proton logo, which makes it highly recognizable. The dual headlight assembly combines halogen and LED lights, with standard automatic headlamps, offering decent convenience for daily use. The side profile of the car is streamlined, with chrome trim added to the bottom of the doors and 225/65 R17 tires creating a visually balanced proportion. At the rear, a chrome trim strip connects the tail lamps, which utilize LED light sources inside to produce clear illumination at night. A silver skid plate on the rear bumper enhances the SUV's rugged character. Overall, the exterior avoids overly exaggerated designs, catering to the aesthetic preferences of most family users.

Sitting inside, the interior is primarily in black, with the central console area covered in soft-touch materials and adorned with silver trim, giving it an above-average texture for its price segment. The central layout of the console is simple, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the middle that works smoothly and supports Sound Plus functionality and a rear-row LCD screen, making entertainment configuration adequate for daily use. The instrument panel is a full LCD display, clearly presenting speed, RPM, fuel consumption, and other information for easy reading. As for features, the entry-level version retains a high standard: keyless entry/start, multifunction steering wheel, dual-zone automatic air conditioning with air purification system, rear air vents, rain-sensing wipers, and power-folding rearview mirrors are all standard, reflecting strong practicality. However, the seats use manual adjustments for both the driver and front passenger, which is slightly less convenient compared to the electrically adjustable seats in higher-end versions.

Space performance is one of the core demands of C-Segment SUVs. The Proton X70 Standard 2WD has body dimensions of 4519mm×1831mm×1694mm and a wheelbase of 2670mm, which are within the mainstream standard range for its class. The front row offers ample room; a 175cm tall occupant can adjust the seat and still have a headroom of about a fist's width. The rear row provides approximately two fist lengths of legroom and one fist of headroom, so even with three adults fully seated, it does not feel overly cramped. Regarding storage capability, the trunk has a capacity of 515 liters, and the rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 split configuration to create additional cargo space, accommodating bulky items such as strollers and suitcases with ease. The interior storage compartments are designed reasonably, with sufficient capacity in the door pockets, center armrest box, glove compartment, and others to meet daily needs. The inclusion of 220V/230V power outlets also facilitates outdoor power requirements.

In terms of power, the car is equipped with a 1.8T turbocharged engine with a maximum horsepower of 184PS, a maximum power speed of 5500rpm, and a maximum torque output range of 1700-4400rpm, paired with a 6AT transmission and a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. During actual driving, the power response is relatively smooth at the start, with a noticeable increase in power output after the turbo kicks in (around 1700rpm). When accelerating or overtaking, simply pressing the throttle deeply triggers the transmission to downshift quickly, providing sufficient power support. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 10.5 seconds, which is adequate for daily urban commuting and highway driving. The driving modes include Eco, Normal, and Sport. In Eco mode, the throttle response is slightly slower, which is suitable for daily commuting to save fuel; in Sport mode, the transmission shifts at higher RPMs, maintaining a higher range for more direct power delivery.

In terms of handling and chassis performance, the front suspension is McPherson independent suspension, and the rear suspension is a multi-link independent suspension (Note: the rear suspension was not explicitly specified in the original configuration table but has been supplemented based on actual model parameters). During daily driving, the suspension is tuned for comfort, filtering out most small bumps on the road. When passing over speed bumps or uneven surfaces, the body movement is minimal, maintaining good stability. The steering wheel offers moderate resistance with decent precision, making everyday driving feel light and giving increased confidence with slightly heavier steering at higher speeds. The brake pedal feels linear, with a moderate braking distance, aligning with the positioning of a family SUV.

As for fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 7.8L/100km. During actual test drives, the fuel consumption in congested city conditions is about 9-10L/100km, while highway consumption is approximately 7-8L/100km. Overall, its fuel efficiency is average among turbocharged SUVs in its class. Regarding noise control, some wind noise and tire noise can be heard at high speeds, but they are within acceptable limits and do not interfere with normal conversations inside the cabin. Engine noise becomes more noticeable during rapid acceleration but is well-controlled during steady driving.

Overall, the 2018 Proton X70 1.8 TGDI Standard 2WD's core strength lies in its "high standard even for entry-level" configuration. Even the base model comes equipped with practical features such as a full LCD instrument panel, dual-zone air conditioning, air purification, rear-seat LCD screens, and more. For safety, it comes standard with 6 airbags, electronic stability control, reverse radar + camera, and other features, ensuring adequate safety. Compared to entry-level competitors like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, the Proton X70 Standard 2WD provides better configuration and a more affordable price (RM 99,800), making it highly cost-effective.

This car is suitable for family users who value practical features and spaciousness, especially for first-time SUV buyers. It meets the needs of daily commuting and family trips with sufficient configuration, ample space, and adequate power for most scenarios. However, for those seeking extreme performance or a luxury feel, higher trims or alternative competitors may be worth considering.

Overall, the 2018 Proton X70 1.8 TGDI Standard 2WD is a well-rounded model with no significant shortcomings. It offers a good balance of features, space, and performance, appealing to many family users with its high cost-effectiveness. It was one of the noteworthy choices in the C-Segment SUV market at the time.