Proton X70 2023 Review

The 2023 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Standard 2WD, as a high-value-for-money entry-level C-segment SUV, offers a price within 100,000 MYR, 6 airbags + active safety features, spacious interior, and practical performance to meet family needs.

RM 98,800-128,800

Proton X70 2023

Segment

C-Segment

Body Type

SUV

Capacity(L)

1.5,1.8

Transmission

DCT

Driven Wheels

Front Wheel Drive,All Wheel Drive

Engine Power(PS)

View Proton X70 > View Full Specs >

Review

User Review

Specs

The C-segment SUV market has always been a popular choice among Malaysian family users. Everyone wants enough space to travel with their families, while also hoping for configurations and safety features to meet their needs without exceeding the budget. As the entry-level version of the series, the 2023 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Standard 2WD comes with features like 6 airbags and active safety systems for under RM100,000. This has made many consumers curious whether it can strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and practicality. In this test drive, we aim to see if this entry-level X70 is truly "entry-level but not basic" and whether it can meet the daily needs of most families.

At first glance, the 2023 X70 Standard continues the rugged style of the series. The front features the familiar straight waterfall grille with Proton’s round logo embedded in the middle, surrounded by chrome trim, making it highly recognizable. The headlight combination on both sides includes halogen and LED light sources, with automatic headlights as standard equipment, which is convenient for everyday use. The side profile lines are smooth, with a waistline extending from the fender to the rear that prevents the sides from looking monotonous. Paired with 225/65 R17 tires, the overall proportions are harmonious. The design of the rear is relatively simple, with horizontally arranged taillights connected by a chrome trim in the middle. The rear fog light is embedded below the bumper, while the silver skid plate at the bottom adds a touch of SUV ruggedness.

Opening the door and sitting inside, the interior uses black as the main color, and the layout of the center console is clear and straightforward. The upper part of the dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, which feel good, while the lower part uses hard plastic, but the craftsmanship is decent with no obvious gaps. The steering wheel has a three-spoke design with physical buttons on both sides for conveniently controlling multimedia and the driving computer. The fully digital instrument cluster is moderately sized and provides rich information, including speed, RPM, fuel level, and status of safety assistance systems, all displayed clearly. The 8-inch central touchscreen is located in the middle of the dashboard, supports touch operation, has a simple interface, and responds quickly. Although it doesn't have branded speakers, the 9-speaker sound quality is good enough for daily music listening.

Space performance is one of the advantages of the X70 Standard. The dimensions of the vehicle are 4519mm in length, 1831mm in width, and 1694mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2670mm, which is considered standard in the C-segment SUV category. The front seats support electric adjustment and are equipped with a ventilation function, which can keep you cool even in Malaysia’s hot weather. The driver’s seat also has lumbar support, making long drives less tiring. The rear space is very spacious; a passenger who is 175cm tall has over two fist widths of legroom and one fist of headroom, so they won’t feel cramped. The rear seats support a 60:40 split fold and recline function. When folded down, the trunk space can be expanded, making it suitable for daily items like baby strollers and suitcases. In terms of storage space, the storage compartments in the door panels can hold two water bottles, the central armrest box also has considerable capacity, and the front also has two USB ports and a 220V power outlet for conveniently charging electronic devices.

Start the vehicle, the 1.5T turbocharged engine operates quietly, and the cabin remains relatively silent at idle. The maximum power of this engine is delivered at 5500rpm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 9.8 seconds. During actual driving, the vehicle accelerates briskly from a standstill, and the low-end torque is sufficient for city roads. When you press the accelerator deeply, the turbo kicks in, significantly boosting power. Overtaking is easy as the transmission promptly downshifts, providing a very responsive driving experience. There are three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. In Eco mode, the throttle response is a bit slower, suitable for daily commutes, while Sport mode is more aggressive, ideal for those seeking driving pleasure.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel has a moderate weight and is quite precise without noticeable slack. The combination of front MacPherson independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension leans towards comfort tuning. When going over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension effectively filters out vibrations, ensuring passengers inside do not feel overly jolted. During cornering, the body lean is well controlled without noticeable swaying, providing ample confidence. The brake pedal has a linear feel, the braking distance is moderate, and it is easy to control during daily driving.

Regarding fuel consumption, we drove equal distances on both urban roads and highways with the air conditioning on throughout the trip. The final average fuel consumption was about 7.5L/100km, which is quite good for a 1.5T SUV and meets the fuel efficiency needs of family users. Noise control is also well-managed, with minimal wind and tire noise during high-speed driving. Engine noise is effectively isolated outside the cabin, allowing for clear conversations and enjoyable music listening inside.

In summary, the 2023 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Standard 2WD has standout advantages: priced under RM100,000, it offers a wealth of safety features, including 6 airbags, active braking, forward collision warning, and lane change assist. The spacious interior, with ventilated front seats and reclining rear seats, enhances comfort. The 1.5T engine delivers sufficient power for daily use while maintaining good fuel economy. Compared to competitors in the same class, it offers great value for money, with configurations that even surpass some mid-range models from rivals.

This car is an excellent choice for family users who value practicality and cost-effectiveness. Whether it's for daily commuting or weekend family outings, it meets all needs. If you are looking for a spacious, well-equipped, and affordable SUV for your family, the X70 Standard is definitely worth considering. Overall, the 2023 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Standard 2WD is an "entry-level with high specs" model, delivering more features and space than expected at a budget-friendly price, making it a very competitive choice in the C-segment SUV market.

Pros

Rich and practical safety configuration, multiple accident avoidance with active braking and forward collision warning, 6 airbags + lane-keeping assist enhance sense of safety

Excellent performance, 1.5T engine + AWD system ensures stable and smooth driving during highway overtaking, uphill routes, and on slippery roads

Interior configurations meet needs, front ventilated seats suit the high temperatures in Malaysia, rear adjustable seats enhance seating comfort

Cons

The lack of rear seatbelt reminder, only the front row has prompts, insufficient safety warnings for rear passengers

The interior has a somewhat plastic feeling, with a low proportion of soft materials in areas like the passenger-side dashboard, and the texture needs improvement

The car paint is relatively thin and prone to damage; scratches from branches or tree sap can easily expose the base coat, requiring additional daily protection

Overall Rating

4.4

Excellent

From 7 Reviews

Section Rating

Performance

4.4 / 5

Interior Design

4.4 / 5

Safety

4.4 / 5

Exterior Design

4.3 / 5

Showing 7 reviews

5 Excellent

GT_R35

Owner of 2023 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Executive AWD

As the owner of a 2023 Proton X70 Executive AWD for almost half a year in Malaysia, the feature I want to praise the most is its **safety features** — a solid 5 stars! Considering Malaysia’s highways are numerous while country roads are narrow, it's really frightening when a motorcycle or small animal suddenly darts out. The X70's automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning have saved me twice: once on the North-South Highway when following too closely, the system immediately issued an alert and applied the brakes; another time on the mountain roads in Ipoh, when a wrong-way cyclist suddenly appeared, the automatic braking intervened instantly, bringing an incredible sense of safety. Additionally, it has 6 airbags and lane change assist, so even my wife, who is a new driver, feels very confident driving it. **Performance gets 4 stars**: sufficient for daily use but not exactly "powerful." The 1.5T engine provides smooth performance in Kuala Lumpur's traffic jams, and the DCT gearbox shifts without significant jerking. When heading to Genting, you need to step on the accelerator more on uphill climbs, and revs have to hit above 3,000 rpm before you feel noticeable pushback. However, the AWD is very stable on rainy mountain roads and doesn't skid. The official 0-100km/h is 9.8 seconds, which is completely fine for everyday use, although overtaking trucks on the highway requires some pre-planned acceleration. Still, at this price, what more could you ask for? **Interior deserves 5 stars**! My friends who’ve sat in the car all ask if it’s an "upgraded" configuration — ventilated front seats are a godsend in Malaysia’s 35℃ heat, keeping you cool even after a 30-minute drive. The rear seats can recline and fold down; last time I took my parents to Cameron Highlands, they reclined in the back and slept comfortably the entire way without feeling tired. The fully digital instrument panel and 8-inch central control screen are user-friendly too; even my father, who has presbyopia, can read everything clearly. The most surprising feature is the 220V power outlet — when we went camping, we plugged it in to brew coffee directly, which is much more convenient than carrying a power bank! Overall, with the configurations it offers at just over RM100,000, you won't find another car like this in Malaysia. Perfect for family use!

4 Excellent

H2_998

Owner of 2023 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Executive 2WD

As the owner of the 2023 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Executive 2WD, after driving in Malaysia for half a year, let me first talk about safety. I gave it 4 stars because the overall performance is indeed good, but there is still room for improvement in the details. Features like Autonomous Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning are particularly useful on high-traffic roads such as Jalan Tun Razak in Kuala Lumpur. Once, the car in front suddenly braked, and the system immediately alerted and assisted me with braking, avoiding a collision. The 6 airbags and Electronic Stability Control also give me more confidence when driving on the North-South Highway in rainy conditions. However, the seatbelt reminder is only available for the front seats, so if family members in the back don’t buckle up, there’s no reminder, which is something I hope can be improved. Talking about the exterior, I also gave 4 stars mainly because the design aligns well with Malaysian aesthetics. The "infinite extension" grille at the front looks especially refined under sunlight, and the LED headlights stand out even in the narrow streets of George Town, Penang. The smooth body lines and the 225/60 R18 wheels are well-proportioned with the body, often making people turn their heads for a second look when parked in the KLCC parking lot. However, the paint seems a bit thin; last time, a branch scratched the car on a rural road in Ipoh, and the base paint was exposed, so extra care is needed to protect it. Overall, in terms of safety and appearance, it's one of the best in its price range, making daily use very reassuring.

5 Excellent

HR_V

Owner of 2023 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Executive AWD

As the owner of the 2023 Proton X70 Executive AWD, having driven it for almost half a year on Malaysian roads, the things I most want to discuss are its looks and performance. I'd rate the appearance 4 out of 5. The overall design is quite imposing; the LED headlights and the body lines attract a decent amount of attention when driving around KL city. However, to be honest, I find the rear design a bit too conventional. The tail lights, in particular, feel less impressive compared to other vehicles in the same segment—it might be because Proton's family design is a bit too conservative? That said, for daily use like meeting clients or going out with family, it still looks very decent, so no complaints here. Performance deserves a 5! On Malaysian highways (like the North-South Expressway), overtaking is often necessary, and the 1.5T turbo engages promptly, delivering power on demand when you step on the accelerator. The 9.8-second acceleration makes overtaking those slow-moving lorries on the highway particularly satisfying. The most pleasant surprise is the AWD system—last time I went to Genting Highlands with my wife and kids, the steep and winding roads were handled with incredible stability, with no sign of skidding. Recently, during a heavy rainstorm in Kuala Lumpur, there were plenty of waterlogged sections in the city, but the four-wheel-drive system offered noticeably better grip compared to two-wheel-drive vehicles, giving me more confidence while driving. The gearbox shifts very smoothly, with no noticeable jerkiness during traffic jams—this is especially important in KL's morning rush hour. All in all, the performance has exceeded expectations. While the appearance may not be the most stunning, it’s absolutely adequate. For a family SUV on Malaysian roads, I'm quite satisfied with the performance and design in these two aspects.

4 Excellent

CRV_4WD

Owner of 2023 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Executive AWD

As the owner of a 2023 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Executive AWD, I've been driving it in Malaysia for half a year, and overall, I'm quite satisfied! Let's talk about safety first, I give it 4 stars. After all, in a place like Kuala Lumpur with heavy traffic and motorcycles weaving around, features like Autonomous Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning have saved me twice – once when the car in front suddenly braked, and once when a motorcycle suddenly dashed out from an alley. The system reacts very quickly. However, while the rear side airbags are available, the seatbelt reminder only applies to the front seats. If it extended to the rear seats, it would be more thoughtful, so I deducted some points for this. Performance must get 5 stars! The 1.5T engine provides sufficient power for highways and mountain roads in Malaysia, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration of 9.8 seconds. Overtaking is very responsive when stepping on the gas. Especially on mountain roads like Genting or Cameron Highlands, the AWD system ensures stable handling, no skidding, and great confidence in cornering. The DCT gearbox shifts smoothly, and there's almost no jerkiness during traffic jams. Interior gets 4 stars. The ventilated seats are extremely practical in Malaysia's hot weather, keeping you from feeling stuffy even after sitting for a long time. The dashboard design is simple and elegant, and the fully digital instrument panel and 8-inch infotainment screen are easy to operate. However, the plastic feel of the interior is still a little noticeable, especially on the passenger side panel. If they could use more soft-touch materials, it would be even better. Overall, at this price point, getting such configurations in Malaysia is truly a great value!

4 Excellent

CT5V

Owner of 2023 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Premium 2WD

As the owner of the 2023 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Premium 2WD, after driving it for more than half a year in Malaysia, I really want to share my experience! First of all, the exterior design deserves a full score! The “infinitely extending” LED daytime running lights on the front of the car are particularly eye-catching in Kuala Lumpur’s rush hour traffic, and every time I park by the roadside on Jalan Bukit Bintang, people always turn to look. The body lines are also very smooth, and the 19-inch large rims paired with 225/55 tires shine brightly when driving on Penang's coastal roads under the sunlight. My friends even say it looks like an imported car worth hundreds of thousands! In terms of safety, I would give it 4 points, as it performs quite steadily. Last month, while driving on a highway in Selangor, the car in front suddenly braked hard, and my X70 immediately activated the Autonomous Emergency Braking, helping me avoid a collision. It really gave me a scare! There's also the ACC Adaptive Cruise Control, which makes long-distance drives to Ipoh easier by automatically adjusting speed according to the car in front, so I don’t even need to keep pressing the accelerator the whole way. However, although there are side airbags for the rear, I feel that if there were an additional knee airbag, it would be even better, so I deducted 1 point. For the interior, I also give it 4 points. The ventilated front seats are super practical! In Malaysia's constant 30-plus degree weather, turning on the ventilation means no more sweaty backs and seats when you get in. The 8-inch touchscreen on the dashboard responds quickly, and CarPlay runs smoothly too — no lagging at all when navigating to Genting Highlands. However, although the rear has air conditioning, the airflow feels a bit weak. Last time I drove my parents to Cameron Highlands, they mentioned feeling a bit warm in the back. If the airflow could be stronger, it would be great. Overall, this car is really suitable for use in Malaysia. It has an eye-catching exterior, reliable safety features, a comfortable interior, and offers exceptional value for money!