2023 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Executive 2WD Review

The competition in Malaysia's C-Segment SUV market has always revolved around "balanced features" and "practicality for family use." The 2023 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Executive 2WD, as a popular contender in this segment, not only retains its high cost-performance tag with this facelift but also sees upgrades in smart features and comfort. The core goal of this test drive is to assess its actual performance in daily commuting, family outings, and other scenarios, and to see whether these upgrades truly enhance the user experience.

In terms of exterior design, the overall style of the 2023 X70 Executive leans towards sophistication. The large front grille adorned with chrome accents ensures high recognition. The lines of the car stretch from the hood to the rear, maintaining the rugged feel of an SUV. LED headlights and daytime running lights come as standard, delivering a clear visual effect when illuminated. The automatic headlight feature can switch automatically in tunnels or during dusk, which adds to its practicality. The design of the rear is relatively straightforward, with a combination of LED taillights and rear fog lights that align with mainstream aesthetics, creating an overall timeless look without excessive embellishments.

Inside the car, the interior quality shows a significant improvement compared to the older model. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, eliminating the cheap plastic feel when touched. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while not particularly large, operates smoothly and offers practical features like basic multimedia and Bluetooth connectivity. The instrument cluster is a full LCD display, providing clear information such as speed and fuel consumption, making it convenient for the driver to read while driving. In terms of features, the highlight of this version is the power-adjustable front seats with ventilation functions, which are especially useful in Malaysia's hot weather. There is also an additional adjustment switch next to the front passenger seat, allowing rear passengers to adjust the position of the front seat, which is a thoughtful detail. The rear seats support 60:40 folding and recline, allowing for adjustments to a more comfortable angle during long trips.

In terms of space, the vehicle's dimensions are 4519mm in length, 1831mm in width, and 1694mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2670mm, which is adequate for family use. A 175cm-tall passenger sitting in the front has more than a fist's distance of space for both headroom and legroom, while the same passenger in the rear will enjoy around two fists' distance of legroom with no headroom issues. As for storage capacity, the trunk offers 515 liters of space, which is sufficient for two 28-inch suitcases. Folding down the rear seats expands the space further, making it convenient for transporting larger items. There are also plenty of small storage compartments inside the car, such as the central armrest box and door storage slots for daily items. The rear also comes equipped with air-conditioning vents and a 220V power outlet, making it convenient to charge a phone or use small appliances.

In terms of performance, the 1.5T turbocharged engine delivers its maximum power output at 5500 rpm and is paired with a DCT transmission, achieving an official 0-100km/h acceleration in 9.8 seconds. During actual driving, acceleration is quite brisk, with low-end torque sufficient for city commuting; starting at traffic lights or overtaking is effortless. Switching to sports mode makes the throttle response more sensitive and the acceleration more pronounced, but for everyday driving, the normal mode is adequate and more fuel-efficient. As for handling, the steering wheel is precise with minimal play, and body roll is well-controlled when cornering, without any noticeable wobbling. The chassis features a front MacPherson and rear multi-link independent suspension setup, which adeptly handles bumpy roads commonly found in Malaysia. It filters out most minor vibrations, and while passing over speed bumps it doesn’t feel excessively stiff, providing a good balance of comfort and stability.

In the fuel consumption test, we drove through a mix of city and highway conditions, roughly half and half. The final fuel consumption was about 7.5L per 100 kilometers. For a 1.6-ton SUV, this performance is considered average and meets the expectations of a family car. In terms of braking, both the front and rear are equipped with disc brakes. The brake pedal has a moderate level of firmness, and the car remains stable during emergency braking without veering to the side. Noise control is well-done, with minimal wind and tire noise at high speeds, allowing normal conversation inside the cabin without needing to raise your voice.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2023 Proton X70 Executive 2WD lie in its rich features and strong practicality. Compared to peers like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, it is more affordable (RM 110,800), but its safety features are not compromised—6 airbags, lane change assist, active braking, and forward collision warning are all standard, making the value for money very prominent. Additionally, details like ventilated front seats and rear power outlets are better thought out than many models in the same price range.

This car is most suitable for family users who value balanced performance, especially for those who frequently travel with their families. It offers ample space, features that meet daily needs, and fuel consumption within an acceptable range. Coupled with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, it is relatively worry-free in terms of maintenance. However, if you are a young person pursuing luxury, you might find the interior not modern enough. For most family use cases, however, its performance is more than satisfactory.

To sum up, the 2023 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Executive 2WD is a family SUV with "no significant shortcomings." Its high cost-performance ratio and practical features are its biggest selling points. If you're looking for a reliable family car for daily commutes, it is definitely worth considering.