2023 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Premium 2WD Review

In recent years, the competition in Malaysia's C-Segment SUV market has become increasingly fierce. Family users' demands for space, configuration, and cost-effectiveness continue to rise. As the star model of the local brand, the 2023 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Premium 2WD version comes with upgraded features and well-developed power tuning, once again entering the spotlight. The core selling points of this car are its rare comprehensive safety configurations at the same price point, spacious interior, and Proton brand's optimization for local road conditions. The main purpose of this test drive is to verify its actual performance in daily commuting, family outings, and other scenarios to see if it meets market expectations.

From the exterior, the 2023 X70 Premium continues the family design language, presenting a stable and sophisticated style that matches the aesthetic preferences of family users. The large-sized front grille, paired with chrome accents, has a high recognition factor; LED headlights and daytime running lights come standard, with a clear visual effect when illuminated. The automatic headlight function can switch automatically in tunnels or on rainy days, offering strong practicality. The side of the vehicle has smooth lines, and the 19-inch rims paired with 225/55 R19 tires enhance the dynamic presence of the side profile. At the rear, the LED tail lights adopt a through-type design echoing the front face. The layout of the rear fog lamps and parking sensors is also neat and tidy. The overall exterior avoids overly flashy designs but demonstrates meticulous attention to detail, in line with its family-oriented positioning.

Inside the vehicle, the interior theme is predominantly dark. The materials include a combination of soft plastic and leather-textured panels, offering a tactile feel. The dashboard layout is simple, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen at the center with decent operational smoothness. Although it does not come with a well-known brand of speakers, the configuration of nine speakers is sufficient for daily audio needs. The instrument panel is fully digital, clearly displaying speed, fuel consumption, and safety system statuses, making it convenient for the driver to monitor. The front seats support electric adjustment and ventilation functions, which are particularly practical in Malaysia's hot climate. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-fold feature with a recline function, allowing users to adjust to a comfortable angle, reducing fatigue during long trips. In terms of space, the 2670mm wheelbase performs moderately well. When a 175cm passenger adjusts the front seat, there is still about two fists of legroom in the rear, and the headroom is also ample. The trunk space is 515L, and after folding the rear seats, it can expand to accommodate more items, such as baby strollers or suitcases, making it very practical.

Regarding performance, the 1.5L turbocharged engine delivers its maximum power at 5500rpm, paired with a DCT transmission. Officially, it accelerates from 0-100km/h in 9.8 seconds. During actual driving, the power response at the start is quite responsive, and the gearbox shifts smoothly at low speeds without noticeable jerking. When switching to Sport mode, the throttle sensitivity increases, and pressing the accelerator deeply during overtaking provides a satisfying push-back feel, meeting the needs of daily commuting as well as occasional highway overtaking. The chassis features MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link independent suspension at the rear, with a tuning bias toward comfort. When dealing with the common bumpy roads in Malaysia, it effectively filters out most minor jolts, providing a pleasant ride for rear passengers. During cornering, body roll is controlled within a reasonable range without significant swaying, showcasing adequate stability.

In terms of fuel consumption, the tested fuel consumption under mixed road conditions is approximately 7.5L/100km, which is considered average for an SUV weighing around 1.6 tons. The safety features are the highlight of this vehicle, with 6 airbags, lane change assist, lane departure warning, and active braking all as standard features. The ACC adaptive cruise control helps reduce the driver's burden during highway driving, and the combination of front and rear parking sensors also makes parking easier. In terms of driving comfort, the vehicle has good control over tire and wind noise, keeping the cabin relatively quiet even at high speeds. The seats provide decent support, so there is no noticeable back pain during long drives.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2023 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Premium 2WD lie in its comprehensive safety features, practical space design, and seat ventilation functions optimized for the local climate. Compared to similar models like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, it offers a pricing edge and more abundant features, making it highly cost-effective. This vehicle is suitable for families emphasizing safety and needing a spacious interior, especially for consumers with daily commuting and weekend family outing needs. Overall, it has no obvious shortcomings, making it a balanced and practical family SUV that can well meet the car needs of Malaysian families.