Proton X70 2021 Review

In the past two years, the competition in the Malaysian C-Segment SUV market has become increasingly intense. Consumers' demand for a balance of space, features, and power has been continuously rising. Many brands have launched major models in this segment. As one of the early entrants in this market, the 2021 SE version of the Proton X70 has further enhanced its features and details while maintaining its original advantages. Through an in-depth test drive, let's see if it can still remain competitive among its peers.

From the exterior, the overall style of the 2021 X70 SE leans towards a stable yet sporty design. The front adopts a large-sized blacked-out air intake grille, paired with Proton's signature shield-shaped logo, offering high recognition. The body lines are smooth, and the waistline stretching from the front fender to the rear enhances the muscular feel. The 19-inch multi-spoke rims add to the visual tension. At the rear, the LED taillights feature a through-type design, providing a striking effect when lit at night. The silver skid plate below the rear bumper adds a rugged SUV vibe. The lighting system features standard LED headlights and daytime running lights across all models, with the automatic headlights automatically switching in tunnels or cloudy conditions, offering decent practicality.

Stepping inside, the interior uses black as the main color tone, complemented by silver trim accents, with an overall texture that matches its price range. The center console layout is simple, with an 8-inch touchscreen at the center. The operating smoothness is decent, and it supports the Sound Plus function and a 9-speaker system, which provides sufficient audio performance for daily needs. The instrument cluster adopts a fully digital design, displaying information such as speed, fuel consumption, and navigation, with a clear and easy-to-read interface. The seat configuration is one of the highlights of the SE version. The front driver and passenger seats both support electric adjustment with moderate wrapping, making long periods of sitting comfortable. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding configuration. When folded, the trunk capacity can expand from 515 liters to a larger space, allowing for the transport of large items without any issues. In terms of space, the 2670mm wheelbase ensures ample legroom for the rear seats, with a 175cm passenger having two fists' worth of space from their knees to the front seat. Headroom is also quite sufficient. For storage, there are cup holders and compartments in both the front and rear. The central armrest box offers large storage space, and the inclusion of a 220V power outlet is convenient for outdoor electricity needs.

In terms of performance, the 2021 X70 SE is equipped with a 1.8T turbocharged engine that delivers a maximum of 184 horsepower and a peak torque output range of 1750-4000rpm, paired with a DCT transmission. During daily driving, the initial power response is fairly responsive, offering satisfactory acceleration with light throttle input. When overtaking at medium to high speeds, the gearbox shifts down promptly with smooth power delivery. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 10.5 seconds, which is more than sufficient for city commutes and highway cruising. The driving modes include Normal, Eco, and Sport. In Sport mode, the throttle sensitivity is further enhanced, making it suitable for scenarios requiring rapid acceleration. The suspension comprises a front MacPherson independent setup, tuned towards comfort. When passing over speed bumps or bumpy roads, the suspension effectively absorbs most vibrations, without significant stiffness. When cornering, the body roll is well-controlled within reasonable limits, and the steering wheel has moderate weight and precise steering, delivering an overall comfortable driving experience.

In terms of fuel consumption performance, we tested it under road conditions with 50% urban and 50% highway, achieving an average fuel consumption of about 8.2L/100km, slightly higher than the official figure of 7.8L/100km. However, considering the use of air conditioning and variations in road conditions during actual driving, this result is still acceptable. The braking system adopts front and rear ventilated discs, with a linear brake response. The vehicle remains stable during emergency braking without noticeable deviation. Regarding noise control, cabin noise is minimal at speeds below 80km/h, with wind and tire noise not being significant. At speeds exceeding 100km/h, wind noise slightly increases but does not affect normal conversations.

Safety features are a major advantage of the 2021 X70 SE. The entire series comes standard with 6 airbags, electronic stability control, a 360-degree panoramic camera, and an automatic parking function. The combination of front and rear parking sensors also reduces the difficulty of parking. Additionally, keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers, and dual-zone automatic climate control further enhance everyday convenience.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2021 Proton X70 SE lie in its balanced configuration and spaciousness. Compared to some models in the same class, it is more competitive in safety features and seat functionality. The 5-year unlimited mileage warranty also provides consumers with greater peace of mind. This vehicle is suitable for users who focus on family use, whether for daily commuting or weekend outings. Meanwhile, its steady exterior design and rich technological features can also appeal to some young consumers who value practicality. If you are looking for a well-equipped, spacious, and cost-effective C-Segment SUV, the 2021 X70 SE is worth adding to your consideration list.