2020 Proton X70 CKD launched - Up in features, down in price, from RM 94k

The wait is over. The 2020 Proton X70, now rolling off the Tanjung Malim plant, is officially launched and prices start from RM 94,800 to RM 122,800.

There are 4 variants for the locally assembled 2020 Proton X70 CKD: Standard, Executive, Premium and Premium X.

• Standard - RM 94,800 (-RM 5,000)
• Executive - RM 106,800 (-RM 3,000)
• Premium - RM 119,800 (replaces AWD Executive, previously priced at RM 115,800)
• Premium X - RM 122,800 (-RM 1,000)

What's new?

For starters, there is a new colour named Space Grey, which is only available on Premium variants.

All variants are powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that is mated to a 7-speed wet type dual-clutch transmission (DCT), replacing the 6-speed automatic transmission. Drive is sent to the front wheels for all variants as AWD has been dropped.

The reason for dropping the AWD variant is simple, less than 4% of the China-made CBU units sold were AWD. It only makes economic sense to drop it.

Power is maintained at 184 PS while torque is bumped up by 15 Nm to 300 Nm from 1,750 rpm to 4,000 rpm. The higher torque comes courtesy of the revised 1.8-litre engine, known internally as Generation 3 (CBU cars are Generation 2).

Is the DCT reliable?

The DCT is co-developed with Volvo and meets their durability requirements. It has been extensively tested in various conditions, from below freezing temperatures to scorching heat over 9,000,000 km.

On top of that, Proton engineers have tested it over 2,000,000 km on our shores and calibrated it according to our climate, driving styles, and road conditions. Granted, there is a stigma surrounding DCTs but it appears that Geely and Proton have done their homework.

And the plus side of the DCT is reduced fuel consumption and improved acceleration. 0-100 km/h now takes 9.5 seconds, a whole second quicker than before.

Alright, how about the new features?

The rear seats now feature a two-step reclining function from 27 degrees to 32 degrees to provide greater comfort and allows baby or child seats to be mounted more easily.

Next is the powered tailgate and front ventilated seats, available in Executive variants and up. Premium variants gain additional foot sensor for hands-free operation via kicking motion underneath the rear bumper.

Exclusive for the Premium X variant is panoramic sunroof, which is omitted in the Premium variant, otherwise both are identical in terms of features.

Does it have Proton Ride and Handling?

Suspension is tweaked by Proton, featuring stiffer springs and dampers to reduce body roll without trading off comfort. Having tested it ourselves, we can attest to that. Body roll is noticeably reduced at no detectable loss in pliancy.

Final touches to the locally assembled Proton X70 are the new Proton logos found on the front grille, steering wheel, wheel caps, and on the window lamination.

As before, the car comes with a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty, 5-year free data package of 1 GB per month, 5x free labour for scheduled maintenance and financing from 2.32% (previously 2.34%).

First 3,000 customers get additional 4 GB per month, and the following free accessories:

• Dash cam
• Floor mats
• Magnetic sunshades
• Door visors
• Boot tray and organiser

As mentioned earlier, we've tested it prior to the launch and you can read about it here. So what do you think of the 2020 Proton X70 CKD? Let us know in the comments section.