Proton X70 2022 Review

In today's increasingly competitive C-segment SUV market, consumers not only demand ample space to meet family needs but also hope that configurations keep up with mainstream smart trends, all within a reasonable price range. As one of the popular models in this segment, the 2022 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Premium 2WD version has long been a focal point for many family users due to its advanced safety features and comfort functions. In this test drive, we focused on experiencing the practicality of its configurations, whether its dynamic performance matches its 'Premium' positioning, and its overall performance in daily use.

The exterior of the 2022 X70 1.5 Premium maintains the family-style design, with a general style that leans towards stability but includes distinctive details. The front features a large vertical waterfall grille complemented by chrome trims, with muscular lines on the hood adding a sense of strength. LED headlights come as standard, with sharp designs that connect seamlessly to the grille, providing high recognition when the daytime running lights are illuminated. The side profile is sleek, with a waistline extending from the front fender to the rear, making the body appear elongated. The 19-inch wheels paired with 225/55 R19 tires look more imposing compared to the 17 or 18-inch wheels on mid- and lower-tier trims. At the rear, the LED taillights feature a through-type design with the Proton badge embedded in the center, while a silver skid plate on the bottom of the rear bumper adds a touch of ruggedness. Overall, the exterior design follows mainstream aesthetics without being overly aggressive, making it suitable for family-oriented users.

Upon entering the cabin, the interior quality and configurations are highlights of this Premium trim. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials and decorated with silver trims, showcasing solid craftsmanship. An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is positioned at the center of the dashboard, with a clean interface and smooth operation. Physical buttons are retained below the screen for easier operation while driving. The fully digital instrument cluster offers clear displays and allows switching between different modes, showing real-time information such as fuel consumption and navigation. Notable practical features include ventilated front seats, which are especially useful in tropical climates; both the driver and front passenger seats have power adjustment, with the passenger seat offering a shoulder switch for rear seat occupants to adjust its position. The dual-zone automatic air conditioning comes with an air purifier, while rear passengers have access to independent air vents, ensuring comfort for the entire family. Additionally, features such as keyless entry, power-folding mirrors, and rain-sensing wipers are all present, offering great convenience for daily use.

In terms of space performance, the X70’s dimensions are 4519mm×1831mm×1694mm with a wheelbase of 2670mm, making it slightly above average among vehicles in the same class. When the front seats are adjusted to a comfortable position, a 175cm-tall passenger would still have about one and a half fistfuls of headroom. The rear space is even more generous; a passenger of the same height seated in the back has around two fistfuls of legroom and one fistful of headroom. The rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 ratio and the backrest angle is adjustable, allowing for a more comfortable posture during long trips. In terms of storage space, the front door panels have relatively large storage compartments, with an open storage slot located beneath the center console and a decently sized center armrest box capable of storing small items. The trunk has a standard capacity of 515 liters, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats, sufficient for handling family travel luggage needs.

Dynamic driving performance: The X70 is equipped with a 1.5T three-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 177PS and a maximum torque output as low as 1500rpm. It is paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. The power response is relatively active at startup, and you can feel the thrust from the turbo engagement with a light press of the accelerator. The official 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 9.8 seconds, which is sufficient for daily city overtaking or cruising on highways. The gear-shifting logic of the transmission is relatively clear; gear changes are smooth during normal driving, with only slight jitters during low-speed crawling. There are three driving modes to choose from: Eco, Normal, and Sport. When switched to Sport mode, the accelerator response becomes more sensitive, the shifting timing is delayed, and power output becomes more direct.

The chassis adopts a front MacPherson independent suspension, which leans more towards comfort in its tuning. When going over speed bumps or bumpy roads, the suspension effectively filters out most shock without feeling harsh. However, when passing through continuous bumps quickly, the body exhibits slight residual oscillations. The steering handfeel is relatively light, making daily parking or low-speed driving easy, while at high speeds, the steering wheel becomes slightly more steady. The steering precision is fairly standard, with no noticeable play. Regarding braking, the brake pedal requires moderate force, and the braking effect is linear, giving the driver confidence during daily use.

Fuel consumption performance is a concern for family users. This test drive covered congested urban roads and highways, resulting in an average fuel consumption of around 7.8L/100km. On highways, it can drop to 6.5L/100km, which is reasonable for an SUV weighing around 1.6 tons. As for noise control, tire and wind noise are not noticeable during city driving, and at highway cruising speeds of 110km/h, wind noise increases slightly but remains acceptable and does not interfere with normal conversation inside the vehicle.

Safety features are a significant advantage of this Premium version. Compared with mid- and low-level models, it adds blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, active braking, and forward collision warning systems. Together with the standard six airbags, a 360-degree panoramic camera, and front and rear parking sensors, the level of safety protection is very high. These active safety features provide substantial assistance during daily driving; for instance, the lane departure warning system issues alerts when the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane, and the active braking system can assist in emergency situations to reduce the risk of collision.

Overall, the 2022 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Premium 2WD's core strength lies in its balanced performance: spacious interior space meets family needs, rich comfort features enhance everyday usability, and advanced safety features ensure family travel security. Compared to competitors at the same price point, its features, especially safety features, are more advantageous, and its price of 123,800 MYR is reasonable.

This car is most suitable for family users who value practicality and safety. Whether for daily commutes or weekend family outings, it can handle it all. For those pursuing higher power, the 1.8T version can be considered, but the power and fuel efficiency of the 1.5T version are already sufficient for most families. Overall, the 2022 X70 1.5 Premium is a family SUV with balanced performance and good value for money, making it worthy of serious consideration by family users.