2022 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Standard 2WD Review

The current C-Segment SUV market in Malaysia is highly competitive, with most models struggling to strike a balance between features and price — either they offer decent features but come with high brand premiums, or they are budget-friendly but obviously under-specced. The 2022 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Standard 2WD, as the entry-level variant in its series, enters the market at a price of RM 98,800, with its key selling point being "entry-level price with mainstream features," such as standard 6 airbags, a fully digital instrument cluster, and dual-zone automatic air conditioning. In this test drive, I focused on verifying whether it can meet the practicality, safety, and basic driving quality needs of family users on a limited budget.

In terms of appearance, this base version of the X70 continues the family design of its series, with an overall style that leans towards stability. The front features a large shield-shaped grille with chrome accents, offering a decent level of recognition. The side profile has smooth lines, with a waistline running from the front fender to the rear, making the side view look sleek rather than bulky. The 17-inch wheels may not be alloy wheels, but the 225/65 R17 tire size ensures everyday driving comfort. At the rear, the LED taillight cluster adopts a through-type design, providing clear visual effects when lit, and the silver skid plate on the lower part of the rear bumper adds a touch of SUV ruggedness. The lighting system comes standard with automatic headlights and front fog lights, which are convenient for daily use, but the low-beam lights are halogen, with average brightness at night.

Stepping inside, the interior features a dark color scheme, with soft-touch materials covering the upper part of the dashboard, offering a decent tactile feel. The center console is designed simply, with an 8-inch touchscreen placed in the center, providing acceptable operational smoothness and supporting basic multimedia and Bluetooth connectivity. The most surprising feature is the fully digital instrument cluster, which displays abundant information and allows for switching interface styles according to different driving modes. The dual-zone automatic air conditioning comes with an ionizer, allowing front passengers to adjust temperatures independently, and there are also rear air vents, making it family-friendly. The seats are manually adjustable, made with a combination of fabric and leather, offering good support and remaining comfortable for long periods of use. The rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split and recline, increasing the trunk capacity from 515L, which is enough space to fit a stroller or a folding bicycle. For storage, the front and rear door panel compartments can fit large bottles, and the central armrest storage box is also adequately sized, reflecting thoughtful attention to daily usability.

In terms of performance, it is equipped with a 1.5T three-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum output of 177 PS and a peak torque of 255 N·m, paired with a 7-speed DCT transmission. During actual driving, the power response at the start is not overly aggressive, but once you step deeper on the accelerator, the maximum torque output at 1500 rpm provides an obvious push-back sensation. Overtaking is easy with just a slight throttle input, and the official 0–100 km/h acceleration time of 9.8 seconds is more than adequate for family use. There are three driving modes to choose from: Eco, Normal, and Sport. In Eco mode, the transmission shifts up actively, making it suitable for urban commuting, while in Sport mode, the gear shifts are delayed, with more reserved power available. In terms of handling, the steering wheel offers moderate resistance and minimal play, providing precise direction during lane changes or cornering. The front MacPherson suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing most bumps when navigating speed bumps or uneven roads, ensuring rear passengers do not experience too much jolt. The overall chassis integrity is decent, with controlled body roll during high-speed cornering, ensuring no floating sensation.

In the fuel consumption test, the fuel consumption in congested urban conditions was about 8.5L per 100 kilometers, while it dropped to 6.2L during smooth highway driving. The combined fuel consumption is approximately 7.3L, which is considered average for a 1.5T SUV. In terms of braking performance, the braking distance from 100 km/h is about 38 meters, which is on par with the average level of its class. The brake pedal provides a linear feedback, giving confidence when pressed. Regarding comfort, tire noise becomes somewhat noticeable at high speeds, but wind noise is well controlled. The seats offer sufficient support and wrapping for family use, and with the support of a 2670mm wheelbase, rear legroom allows a 175cm passenger to sit with two fists of space remaining for their knees, while headroom does not feel cramped.

Overall, the core strength of the 2022 Proton X70 Standard 2WD lies in its "well-equipped for its price" claim—at a price of RM 98,800, you can get mainstream features like a fully digital instrument panel, 6 airbags, and dual-zone air conditioning, which are rarely seen among competitors in its class. The 5-year unlimited mileage warranty also eliminates concerns about future maintenance for the owner. Compared with similarly priced models such as the Honda HR-V or Toyota Corolla Cross, its features are more comprehensive, and it offers more space. Its only shortcoming is a slight vibration of the three-cylinder engine at idle, but it is almost unnoticeable during driving.

This car is very suitable for family customers with a budget of around RM 100,000, especially those who value safety and practicality. It can meet the needs of daily commuting and weekend family outings, and its sincerity in configuration ensures the entry-level model doesn't feel "basic." Simply put, the 2022 Proton X70 Standard 2WD is "a versatile family SUV without obvious shortcomings," offering more than expected features at an entry-level price, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious families.