Proton V70

Proton V70 Overview

It has been more than a decade since Proton’s first homegrown Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), the Proton Exora, made its appearance in Malaysia. And with a lukewarm reception to the short-lived Proton Ertiga, Proton desperately needs a car to fill the growing vacuum in the local MPV market.

In comes the Geely Jiaji, Geely’s first MPV which made its debut back in March 2019, and presumably the likeliest of candidate to become Proton's next MPV bearing the Proton V70 badge. Unlike the Proton Exora, the Porton V70 is intended to be a more premium product set to go up rivals in the likes of the Nissan Serena, Toyota Innova, or even the Honda Odyssey.

Based on Geely’s CV platform, the Geely Jiaji (Proton V70) offers up to Level 2 autonomous driving and three different powertrain options (two petrol powered and one mild hybrid) for the Chinese market. It remains to be seen which will make it to this side of our shore, but if Proton-Geely’s past success with the Proton X70 and X50 is anything to go by, the next Malaysian MPV will certainly be well received.

Proton V70 Design

Seeing that Geely also owns Volvo, it comes as no surprise to see some of the Swedish’s firm design elements being implemented on Geely’s model lineup, including on the upcoming Proton V70. The Volvo-esque exterior features Geely’s take on the ‘Expanding Cosmos’ grille up front, which will no doubt receive Proton’s own interpretation come launching.

Sleek LED headlamps design with integrated LED daytime running lights blends towards the wide horizontal grille, accentuating the visual width of the car, not that it needs it since the car is physically wider than even the full-sized Toyota Alphard MPV. Tastefully implemented chromed elements around the car adds a touch of sophistication to the exterior design.

Unlike some disproportionately tall MPVs like the Nissan Serena, the Proton V70’s lower roofline and steeply raked windscreen result in a well-balanced proportion and a sleek silhouette. But unlike the Nissan, it makes do without the more convenient sliding door design. Distinctive kink on the shoulder line around the blacked-out D-pillar is the brand’s signature design cue seen also on the Proton X70 and X50.

Proton V70 Dimension

The Proton V70 will be bigger than the Proton Exora but marginally smaller than the Nissan Serena. That said, its impressive 1,909 mm width is wider than most in the segment, even than that of the Toyota Alphard. While the 2,805 mm wheelbase is longer than the Exora and Innova, it is 55 mm shorter than the Nissan Serena and 95 mm shorter than the Honda Odyssey.

Proton V70 Interior

On the inside, you can expect the same level of finesse seen also on the Proton X50. The controls are ergonomically laid out on the symmetrical T-shaped dashboard. A free-standing 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display takes centre stage while the driver gets a second 7-inch fully digital instrument display.

Proton X50 owners will certainly find themselves at home in the Proton V70. The elevated centre console structure houses driver-essential controls and the same shift-by-wire gear lever. Key touch points of the Proton V70 are finished in high-quality metals, plastic, and leather, accented by satin chrome elements and gloss-black inlays, giving the cabin an upmarket appeal, not to mention the satin chrome Bowers & Wilkins-style dashboard-mounted twitter design, seen in many top-of-the-range Volvos.

It also lives up to its task as a people carrier by offering ample of occupant space at the rear, offering two spacious captain seats on the second row and a third row 3-seater bench. Generously sized rear quarter window is definitely good news for the claustrophobic and offers not only a great view out but also great all-round visibility for the driver during maneuvering. Head room and knee room is adequate, but the low seating position means that occupants will be sitting in a crouched position which can prove to be uncomfortable on longer journeys.

Proton V70 Features

If the Proton V70 is spec anything like the Geely Jiaji made for the Chinese market, Malaysian are in for a treat. But if past examples are anything to go by, not all features will make it to Proton. Standard kit we can expect include the qi wireless charging, ventilated front seats, 360 degrees monitor, Eco and Sport Drive mode, panoramic moon roof and Park Assist.

The 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen display is gateway to the controls of most systems in the car. The GKUI infotainment system also includes features such voice command which can be used to control the windows and sunroof, natural voice recognition and 4G connectivity with online music streaming services.

Like the top-of-the-range Proton X50, we can also expect Geely’s full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance System (G-Pilot) to be fitted to the range-topping Proton V70, which include features like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Crash Detection and Avoidance among others. 

Proton V70 Driving Performance

Engine

The more powerful 1.8-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine on the other hands churns out 184 PS and 300 Nm of torque., seven-speed DCT The mild hybrid powertrain comprises of the same 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine augmented by an electric motor, which offer a combined output of 190 PS and 300 Nm of torque.

Transmission

The base variant is paired to a 6-speed manual while the rest are paired to a 7-speed DCT.

Proton V70 Ride Comfort

Proton V70 Fuel Consumption

Proton V70 Conclusion

Though MPVs have always been well received by Malaysian, its popularity is in a decline no thanks to the rising popularity in the SUV market. The Proton V70 may just be what Proton needs to turn things around. With its handsome exterior and an up-market interior, the Proton V70 will drives itself off the show room in Malaysia if priced and spec correctly.