2022 Proton X70 1.8 TGDi Premium 2WD Review

Nowadays, the competition in the C-segment SUV market in Malaysia is becoming increasingly intense. When choosing a car for family use, users not only value space practicality but also place higher demands on intelligent features and driving quality. As the flagship SUV's top-of-the-line version, the 2022 Proton X70 1.8 TGDi Premium 2WD not only continues the high value-for-money advantage of its predecessors but also makes targeted upgrades in terms of safety configurations and comfort features. During this test drive, we will focus on its daily driving performance, space utilization, and the actual experience of intelligent configurations to see whether it meets the multi-scenario needs of family users.

From the exterior, this X70 maintains the family-style design language, striking a balance between ruggedness and agility. The large-sized blacked-out front grille combined with a transverse chrome strip enhances its visual width and makes it highly recognizable. The sharp design of the LED headlights on both sides, connected to the grille, adds to the overall cohesiveness. The side profile of the vehicle features a dual-waistline design extending from the front fender to the tail, paired with 19-inch multi-spoke wheels, showcasing a dynamic flair. At the rear, the floating roof and the horizontal tail lamps stand out. The LED light source inside the tail lamps provides clear visibility at night, while the silver skid plate under the rear bumper adds a robust touch to the SUV's character.

Sitting inside, the overall layout of the interior is simple yet rich in layers. The center console is wrapped in soft-touch materials, paired with piano black panels and silver trim, giving it a texture that is above average for its class. The 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster displays clear information and supports multiple display modes, including speed, fuel consumption, navigation, and more. The 8-inch central touchscreen is conveniently located at the top of the dashboard, offers smooth operation, and supports CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. In terms of amenities, the front seats are electrically adjustable and come with a ventilation function. The passenger side is also equipped with a shoulder adjustment switch, making daily use very convenient. The rear seats support a 60:40 split fold down and have adjustable backrest angles. When folded down, they create a flat space with the trunk, which has a standard capacity of 515 liters, making it more than adequate for family trips. The dual-zone automatic air conditioning system includes an ionizer, and there are independent air vents for the rear seats. Adding to the conveniences are a 220V power outlet and thoughtful attention to detail.

In terms of power, this X70 comes equipped with a 1.8T turbocharged engine that delivers a maximum power output of 184 PS and a peak torque of 300 N·m, paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. In daily driving, the power response during acceleration is relatively brisk, and there is no obvious jerkiness at low speeds. When switching to Sport mode, the gas pedal becomes more responsive, the acceleration provides a stronger push-back sensation, and overtaking feels confident. The official 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 9.5 seconds, which is considered average among 1.8T models in its class. As for fuel consumption, after driving equal distances in urban traffic conditions and on highways, the combined fuel economy was about 8.5L/100km, which is commendable for an SUV weighing around 1.6 tons.

Regarding handling, the X70 uses a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension, with a chassis tuning that leans towards comfort. When going over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension filters out most of the fine vibrations, ensuring that passengers inside the car don't feel significant bumps. While cornering, the body exhibits good roll control, and the steering is precise with no obvious slack, instilling confidence in the driver. The braking system performs reliably, with a moderate pedal travel. During emergency braking, the vehicle maintains its posture well without noticeable nose-dive effects.

The safety configuration is a major highlight of this X70. It is equipped with 6 airbags, ABS anti-lock braking system, vehicle stability control, lane change assist, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and other functions as standard across all models. The 360-degree panoramic imaging has very high clarity, allowing clear visibility of the vehicle's surroundings during parking, making it very friendly for new drivers. During daily driving, the lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking system respond promptly, effectively avoiding potential dangers.

Overall, the 2022 Proton X70 1.8 TGDi Premium 2WD performs well in terms of space, configuration, power, and safety. Compared with competitors in the same class such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, it has a lower price but is more richly equipped, making it highly cost-effective. This car is suitable for consumers who value family practicality and have requirements for intelligent configurations and safety features. Whether for daily commuting or weekend family outings, it can meet the needs well. If you are looking for a well-balanced, cost-effective C-segment SUV, this X70 is worth considering.