2020 Proton X70 1.8 Premium 2WD Review

In recent years, the local C-Segment SUV market has become increasingly competitive, with consumers valuing both practicality in space and higher demands for intelligent configurations and engine reliability. As a popular model under Proton, the 2020 X70 1.8 Premium 2WD is renowned for its high cost-performance ratio and comprehensive safety features. Through a real-world test drive, we focus on evaluating its daily driving performance and configuration practicality to see if it meets the core needs of family users.

In terms of appearance, the 2020 X70 1.8 Premium 2WD retains the family-style design, with an overall style that is solid yet refined. The large-sized vertical grille with chrome accents on the front is highly recognizable. The sharp-shaped LED headlights on both sides are integrated with the grille, visually widening the front end. The side profile features smooth lines extending from the hood to the rear, enhancing the muscular look. The 18-inch multi-spoke wheels paired with 225/60 R18 tires ensure both off-road capability and SUV positioning. At the rear, the through-type taillights display a striking effect when lit at night, while the dual exhaust layout on both sides adds a touch of sportiness. Details such as the front fog lights and rain-sensing wipers further enhance daily convenience.

Sitting inside, the interior texture exceeds expectations for this price range. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials with silver trims, offering a simple and neat layout. The 8-inch touchscreen at the center console provides smooth operation and supports the Sound Plus feature. The 9-speaker sound system offers decent audio quality. The instrument panel is fully digital, displaying information such as speed, fuel consumption, and navigation with high clarity. In terms of features, the front seats are electrically adjustable, allowing both the driver and front passenger to find a comfortable sitting posture. Rear air conditioning vents and a 220V power outlet cater to the needs of rear passengers. In terms of space, the vehicle dimensions are 4519mm in length, 1831mm in width, and 1694mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2670mm. The headroom and legroom at the front are ample, and a passenger of 175cm sitting in the rear still has about two fists of legroom. The trunk has a capacity of 515L, sufficient for several suitcases on daily trips. The rear seats support a 60:40 split and can be folded down to expand the storage space further.

For performance, the car is equipped with a 1.8T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 184PS and peak torque output between 1750-4000rpm, paired with a DCT transmission. In actual driving, the power response is quite responsive at startup, and a slight press of the accelerator provides a noticeable push. Mid-range acceleration performance is equally impressive. When overtaking, pressing the accelerator harder prompts quick downshifts, creating a smooth power transition. The official 0-100km/h acceleration is 10.5 seconds, which is adequate for both urban commutes and highway driving. There are three driving modes to choose from: Economy, Standard, and Sport. When switched to Sport mode, throttle sensitivity is further enhanced, making it suitable for users who enjoy driving performance. In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 7.8L/100km. During our test drive, the urban consumption was around 9L, and highway conditions brought it down to about 7L, placing it roughly in the upper-middle range among vehicles in the same category.

In terms of handling and chassis, the front MacPherson independent suspension is tuned for comfort, effectively filtering out minor bumps on the road. When passing over speed bumps, there is no significant sense of harshness. The steering wheel feels light and precise, making daily driving effortless. However, during high-speed driving, the steering wheel becomes more stable, ensuring driving stability. The braking system performs reliably, with moderate braking distances, giving the driver enough confidence. In terms of noise control, wind and tire noise becomes slightly more noticeable at high speeds but remains within an acceptable range and does not affect normal conversations between passengers inside the car.

Safety features are a major highlight of this car, coming standard with 6 airbags, ABS anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, as well as lane change assist, lane departure warning, and active braking systems. The 360-degree panoramic camera and automatic parking assist function are very friendly for novice drivers. These features are not commonly seen in similar models, showing that Proton has indeed put in considerable effort in terms of safety.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2020 Proton X70 1.8 Premium 2WD lie in its rich configurations and balanced performance. Compared to similar models like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, it is more affordable while offering a more comprehensive set of features, especially in terms of safety, which is nearly maxed out. Its space and power can also meet the daily needs of family users, and the interior quality exceeds expectations. It is suitable for families who value cost performance, prioritize safety features, and need a practical SUV for space. Whether for daily commuting or weekend family outings, it can handle both. If you are looking for a well-rounded C-Segment SUV, this car is worth considering.