Proton, the first Malaysian car brand, has finally launched its most-awaited vehicle in Nepal–the X70 SUV. The X70 is Malaysia’s best-selling SUV. In 2019, the SUV had successfully bagged the ‘Car of the Year’ award in Malaysia. The Proton X70 is the brand’s second offering, which will join the Proton Saga in the company’s product lineup in the Nepali market. The launch was conducted virtually on June 30 via the official Facebook page of Jagdamba Motors, the official distributor for Proton cars in Nepal.

The Proton X70 has been announced at an introductory price of NPR 86,99,000 and a total of four variants in the Nepali market: Standard 2WD, Executive 2WD, Executive AWD, and Premium 2WD. The company has further announced exciting cash discounts, in-house financing facilities from Jagadamba Investment and Credit Limited, on-the-spot exchange offers, and a five-year/1,50,000km warranty.

By the looks of it, the Proton X70, the SUV seems to have a premium and sleek style. And a few of the design cues used on the X70 have a Malaysian touch to them. For instance, the front fascia–featuring a unique grille, which the firm refers to as an “infinite weave”–is said to be inspired by batik and Malaysian wood carvings; the design is also used on the inside for the speaker covers. The chrome surrounds added on the grille are inspired by a hunting bow, one of Malaysia’s traditional weapons. The headlamp design is inspired by the eyes of a tiger, to enhance the muscular look of the SUV, and yet, maintains a simple, clean, and mature look. The massive Proton badge features centrally on the grille, steering wheel, and wheel cap. The X70’s base variant sits on 17-inch alloy wheels, while the Premium variant comes with a 19-inch alloy wheel. All variants get a floating roof design, along with roof rails, which reinforce the vehicles’ rugged persona. The rear features an upright look with high-positioned tail lamps, the ‘Proton’ lettering garnished across the tailgate, and dual hexagonal exhaust outlets on the bumper.

The interior of the Proton X70 features an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system, leather finish on the seats and steering wheel (genuine Nappa leather finish limited to the top variant), push-start button, premium one-piece central console, 7-inch LCD meter combination, three driving modes (normal, eco, and sport), rear air vents, central door-locking mechanism with auto-lock, an anti-trap feature, and power windows.

Comfort and convenience are handled by features such as steering tilt and telescopic adjustment, auto dual-zone air-conditioning, steering switches for audio, a hands-free phone feature, cruise control, a tonneau cover, and front/back armrests. The SUV is also equipped with tech essentials such as online music streaming, online navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone connectivity, and 4G Wi-Fi. The X70, which has secured a full 5-star crash-test rating from ASEAN-NCAP, comes with safety features such as the following: SRS airbags (front, side, and curtain), rear-seat ISOFIX and top tether anchorage, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD), brake assist (BA), auto brake-hold, electronic stability control (ESC), hill-hold assist (HHA), hill-descent control (HDC), emergency stop signal (ESS), and immobiliser with anti-theft alarm.

The Proton X70 has been presented as an intelligent machine by the company; and, proving that point are many of its features. The base variant–the Standard 2WD–is equipped with features such as basic voice command, offline GKUI, air purifier, six speakers, dual-zone climate-control, auto headlamps, rear camera, and rear-seat recline. The Executive 2WD will get additional features: a 360-degree camera, a power-adjustable driver seat, rain-sensing wipers, eight speakers, auto-dimming rearview mirror, cornering light, LED headlamps, LED DRLs, power tailgate, front-seat ventilation, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The additional features for the Executive AWD are limited to a tyre pressure monitor and an all-wheel-drive system. Lastly, the Premium 2WD variant comes with nine speakers, 19-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking, blind-spot assist, front-crash warning, lane-departure warning, six USB ports, adaptive high beam, and power tailgate with foot sensors.

The Proton X70 is powered by a 1.5 TGDi turbocharged gasoline directly injected engine that generates a maximum power of 130 kW at 5500 rpm and a maximum torque of 255 Nm at 1500-4000 rpm. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The five-seater has a fuel tank capacity of 60 litres, and it can achieve a top speed of 180 kmph. The X70’s dimensions measure 4519 x 1831 x 1694 mm (length x width x height); the wheelbase stands at 2670 mm; the ground clearance is 200 mm.

Specifications

Engine: 1.5 turbocharged gasoline direct injection
No. of cylinders: 3
Cylinder arrangement: In-line
Piston displacement: 1477
Fuel type: Petrol
Fuel tank capacity: 60 litres
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch transmission
Length: 4519 mm
Width: 1831 mm
Height: 1694 mm
Wheelbase: 2670 mm
Ground clearance: 200 mm
Seating capacity: 5
Kerb weight: 1625 mm
Suspension type–front: MacPherson strut
Suspension type–rear: Multi-link with stabiliser
Brake type–front: Ventilated disc
Brake type-rear: Solid disc
Min turning radius (m): 5.5
Max power: 130 kW at 5500 rpm
Max torque: 255 Nm at 1500-4000 rpm
Fuel consumption: 15 litres
Max speed: 180 kmph
Colour: Jet Grey, Armour Silver, Space Grey, Snow White, Quartz-Black

Proton X70’s price in Nepal

The price of the Proton X70 in Nepal is set at NPR 86,99,000 for the Standard 2WD, NPR 91,99,000 for the Executive 2WD, NPR 96,99,000 for the Executive AWD, and NPR 1,04,99,000 for the Premium 2WD.

(Also published on the Hamrobazar Blog).