2020 Proton X70 1.8 Premium X 2WD Review

The C-segment SUV market has always been the first choice for family users in Malaysia. The 2020 Proton X70 1.8 Premium X 2WD, as one of the popular models in this segment, has attracted much attention with Proton's local recognition and configuration advantages. The core selling points of this car lie in its rich intelligent safety features and high cost-performance ratio. The purpose of our test drive this time is to verify whether its static quality and dynamic performance match its positioning, and how practical it is for daily use.

From the exterior, the overall style of the X70 1.8 Premium X 2WD leans towards stability without lacking in details. The front adopts a large shield-shaped grille, paired with chrome trim and the Proton logo, providing a high level of recognition. The body lines are smooth, with a waistline extending from the front to the rear, combined with 19-inch multi-spoke wheels, achieving a well-balanced overall proportion. At the rear, the LED taillights adopt a through-type design, offering a clear visual effect when lit up, and the chrome trim on the rear bumper enhances its refinement. In terms of lighting, the car comes standard with LED headlights, daytime running lights, and front fog lights. The automatic headlight function can switch automatically when entering tunnels or during dusk, providing strong practicality.

Sitting inside, the overall interior layout is simple and organized, with predominantly soft-touch materials. The center console and door panels are wrapped in leather, providing a good tactile feel. The 8-inch central control screen supports touch operation, has a smooth interface response, and is paired with the Sound Plus audio system with nine speakers, offering audio performance that meets the standards of this segment. The instrument cluster adopts a full LCD design, capable of displaying speed, RPM, fuel consumption, and other information, and allows switching between different theme modes. In terms of configuration, the front and rear seats both support electric adjustment, with the front seats offering moderate lumbar support and wrapping, making long seating durations less fatiguing. The rear seats support a 60:40 split fold, and after folding, the trunk volume can be expanded, making it convenient for placing baby strollers or suitcases. The dual-zone automatic air conditioning has adjustment knobs with a clear damping feel. The rear row is also equipped with independent air conditioning vents and power outlets, catering to the needs of rear passengers.

In terms of space performance, the dimensions of the vehicle are 4519mm×1831mm×1694mm, with a wheelbase of 2670mm. The front row offers ample seating space; a passenger with a height of 175cm will still have about one fist of headroom after adjusting the seat. The rear row also provides generous legroom, with the knees about two fists away from the front seatback and about one fist of headroom—sufficient for five passengers without feeling cramped. In terms of storage space, the door panel storage slots can hold two bottles of mineral water, the depth of the central armrest box is sufficient to store a wallet or phone, and the front cup holders have limiters for securing cups of different sizes. The trunk offers a standard volume of 515L, adequate for daily shopping or short trips. Folding down the rear seats can accommodate longer items.

In terms of power, the vehicle is equipped with a 1.8T turbocharged engine, producing a maximum power of 184PS and a maximum torque range of 1750-4000rpm, paired with a DCT transmission. In actual driving, the power response is prompt during the start, with a noticeable push-back feeling when lightly pressing the accelerator. During low-to-mid-speed overtaking, pressing the accelerator deeply results in quick gear shifts and smooth power delivery from the transmission. Switching to sport mode enhances throttle sensitivity, keeps the RPM at a higher range, and makes the acceleration more aggressive. However, at low speeds during crawling, the transmission might occasionally experience slight hesitation, though it doesn't affect daily usage.

In terms of handling and chassis performance, the steering wheel is precise, with minimal dead zones and moderate resistance when turning, making it easy for women to drive without feeling tired. The suspension system adopts a front McPherson independent suspension, which is tuned for comfort. It effectively filters out most vibrations when passing through speed bumps or bumpy roads, and the body shake is minimal. While driving through curves, the suspension provides sufficient support, and the body roll is not pronounced, maintaining good stability. However, during fast cornering, the characteristics of a high-center-of-gravity SUV may result in slight body roll, but it remains within a controllable range.

In terms of fuel consumption, we conducted a test under mixed road conditions: 60% urban roads and 40% highways. The final measured fuel consumption was approximately 10.8L/100km, which is very close to the official figure of 10.6L/100km. Considering the traffic congestion in Malaysia, this fuel consumption performance meets expectations. Regarding braking performance, the brake pedal travel is moderate, with a gentle braking force in the initial phase, which becomes significantly stronger when pressed firmly. During emergency braking, the vehicle’s stability is well-maintained, with no signs of deviation.

In terms of driving comfort, the noise control in the car is well-done. Wind noise and tire noise at high speeds are within acceptable limits and do not affect the normal conversation of passengers in the vehicle. The seat cushioning is moderately soft, and the backrest angle is designed reasonably, reducing the likelihood of back pain during long trips. However, the significant bulge on the rear middle seat affects legroom for the middle passenger, making extended trips slightly less comfortable for them.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2020 Proton X70 1.8 Premium X 2WD are its rich safety features and high cost-performance ratio. Compared to similar models such as the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, its price is lower, yet it comes equipped with features such as a 360-degree panoramic camera, auto parking, lane change assist, and six airbags, making it more comprehensively equipped. Overall, this car achieves a good balance between space, performance, comfort, and features, making it suitable for users who prioritize family practicality and safety features, especially those who need to frequently travel with family members. If you are looking for a cost-effective, well-equipped C-segment SUV, this model is worth considering.